Cub Scouts from Webelos II were asked by Cubmaster Bill Marks to present the colors for one last time before they move on to Boy Scouts.

The theme for this year's Pack 209 Blue and Gold Banquet held Feb. 23 was California or Bust. Tables were decorated with log cabins made by the Bears and evergreen branches. Cardboard wagon wheels hung from the ceiling. Blue and Gold balloons were donated by The Greeting Room.Rob Mauro presented the Friends of Scouting request for donations. He said it costs $270 per scout and if possible he would like parents to cover half that cost.Marks said he needed a scout to volunteer to help him sing a song. No one wanted to until they found the volunteer only had to name an animal for Marks to sing about. Then there were enthusiastic multiple volunteers.After the invocation Marks came out with his backpack and gun and planned to go hunting a cheese mousse. He, and the scouts with motions, traveled a long way over and around obstacles until they found the mousse. Then they returned past the same obstacles."It's my first year as Cubmaster and I'm proud of how the pack has grown," said Marks. "Come sit near me. I want to tell you a story."His story was the tale of the tribe of Webelos and their great Chieftain Akela.To the sound of a ceremonial drum he told of a boy who listened to the call of the Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. The tribe gathered around the council fire. Suddenly the drum gave a great "boom" and was silent. Akela entered the ring and told of his father, called the Arrow of Light. It was the arrow that pointed upward to Eagle.He told of how he entered the forest and learned the ways of the Wolf and Bear.Akela said, "Our tribe can only be strong when the boys of the tribe are strong. … If we teach our boys truth and knowledge, to aim high like the eagle, to be fair, our great tribe will continue to be strong."Tiger Scouts and their parents were asked to come forward: Jonah Ahner, Luke Drake, Emilio Gonzalez, Austin Heckman, Noah Marks, Karsten Rolappe, Emerson Rotella and Jackson Steen.Assistant Scoutmaster Scott Long said their Akela, their guide, can be their parents, den leader or cubmaster. He placed the mark of the Tiger on their cheeks to symbolize adventure, discovery and sharing with the pack.The badge, as in all levels, is placed on the left shirt-pocket flap upside down. When the scout does a good deed he may turn it rightside up and present it to his mother.Wolves Garrett Bollinger, Ian Everett, Owen Lundy, Hugo Marin, Justin Nansteel and Nathan Zhu received the mark of the Wolf symbolizing strength and valor before they received their badges.Bear Scouts came forward to receive their Bear mark symbolizing nature and a growing knowledge of the world. They are Donovan Beers, Jaden Bruno, Ignacio Gonzalez, Nathan Manginelli, William Marks, Jack Rolappe, Benajmin Slaw, Tristan Stano and Wyatt Werner.Dylan Bartholomew, William Drake, Jarrett Silvius, Ryan Varner, Aaron Whitney and Alexander Whitney were members of the Webelos I den who received the mark of the Webelos tribe for their future in Boy Scouting and striving toward Eagle.The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. The scout must have earned fitness, readyman, citizen activity and five more. He must know the Scout oath and Scout Law and visited a Boy Scout Troop and taken part in an outdoor activity with it.Webelos II members are Austin Ahner, Carson Allen, Michael Burnett, Logan Kresge, Joshua Long, John Lundy, Joshua Mooney and Logan Pfaff.There are seven rays in the Arrow of Light. A candle is lit for each: wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope and love."You will find that living with these seven virtues can lead you to a happy life," said Marks.Each boy crosses the bridge to Boy Scouting where he is met by Boy Scouts whom he joins around a "campfire" on the stage. Rick Anderson, scoutmaster of Troop 209 brought his scouts to the ceremony.Superachiever awards went to those who earned 20 pins.A Cubmaster recognition award went to a boy at each age level: Noah Marks, Tiger; Owen Lundy, Wolf; Wyatt Werner, Bear; and Jarrett Silvius and Aaron Whitney, Webelos I.The Pack received a Gold rating from Minsi Trails Council for a Journey of Excellence.Four leaders are leaving: Steph Anderson, Burnett Colby, Scott Long and Mick Ahner, Anderson and Long were welcomed into Boy Scout Troop 209.