Cub Scouts (from right to left) Kyle Dawson, Karsten Fisch, Cai Robinson and Rhett Jurkowski.

Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski

Boy Scout Pack 856 gathered on February 8 for an evening of celebration and entertainment. February marked the 102nd birthday for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and all packs around the country held a Blue and Gold Banquet
honoring the longevity of the scouting tradition.

Pack 856 formed in The City of Castle Pines in 2010. Led by Cub Master Bill Hogg, the pack has been busy with den meetings, the Pinewood Derby, and a winter camping trip for the Webelos, led by den leader Pat Tierney.

Katie Van Houten, Christina Duncan and Lori Soechtig organized the banquet. It was catered by Angie’s Restaurant, giving the boys a tasty meal of spaghetti and meatballs. After a video presentation showing various scenes of the boys’ activities, the audience was inspired to applaud scouts who earned their new rank and patches.

One scout, Josh Bullock, was featured because of his quick rise to the Webelos rank. He joined the pack only five months ago. He worked hard, focused and completed the skills required to become a Webelo quickly. Asked why, Josh replied, “My friend was in it [scouts], and I wanted to do it.”

Not only satisfied with becoming a Webelo, he also earned the Arrow of Light, already on the path to join a Boy Scout troop. When asked if it was hard work, Josh said, “It wasn’t hard work, it was fun work,” with a smile.

Members of the Denver Area Council for the BSA requested donations for the 2012 Investment in Character Campaign. It funds leadership and teamwork activities and adventures for scouts from Cubs to Eagles. After their short presentation the highlight of the evening was Eddie B’s Magic Show. The boys and other members of the audience laughed and participated throughout the performance which ended with a real rabbit magically appearing on stage to the delight of everyone.

The Webelos led an enthusiastic Happy Birthday Song followed by cake to end the Blue and Gold Banquet celebrating 102 years of scouting in the USA.

Members of the Denver Area Council for the BSA requested donations for the 2012 Investment in Character Campaign. It funds leadership and teamwork activities and adventures for scouts from Cubs to Eagles. After their short presentation, the highlight of the evening was Eddie B’s Magic Show. The boys and other members of the audience laughed and participated throughout the performance which ended with a real rabbit magically appearing on stage to the delight of everyone.

The Webelos led an enthusiastic Happy Birthday Song followed by cake to end the Blue and Gold Banquet celebrating 102 years of scouting in the USA.

Lft. Cub Master Hogg with Josh Bullock, who became a Webelo and earned the Arrow of Light. Rt. Scouts from Pack 856 enjoy the magic show at the Blue and Gold Banquet.