A time machine stood at the door of the banquet hall at Palmerton Rod and Gun Club. It was there to move Towamensing Troop 209 Webelos II Cub Scouts to Boy Scouting. Table centerpieces had a small version of the time machine, clock faces hung from the ceiling and there were favors as the various dens were in charge of a different aspect of decorating.

The theme was chosen by the advancing Scouts for the Blue and Gold banquet Feb. 22.Cubmaster Bill Marks asked how many of the Cubs went to camp and what they learned. The answers were as varied as learning archery and how to put up a tent. Marks described it as "an experience like no other. They learn how to rely on what they know. They make their leaders do silly stuff."Marks said, "Look in the night sky and see the big star which is the North Star. It will lead you to excitement and adventure. Will you (the parents) accept being Akela to your scouts?" They replied with a resounding "yes."He placed the mark of the Tiger on the scout's cheeks and gave the Tiger badge to a parent, who placed it upside down on the left uniform pocket. When the scout did a good deed it could be turned right-side up and presented to his parent. This was the manner the badge was presented at all levels.Tiger Scouts are Lucas Green, Zane Himmelwright, Brandon Manginelli, James Marks, Corey Serfass, Christopher Stano, Payton Waibel, Nathan Werner and Marc White.The Wolf Scouts received the mark of the wolf and badges were presented.Wolf Scouts are Jonah Ahner, Luke Drake, Stephen Jones, Noah Marks, Damian Miller, Emerson Rotella, Jackson Stein and Ethan Thompson.The Bears learn more about nature and have a growing knowledge. Bears with their parents accept the Bear badges. They are Garrett Bollinger, Ian Everett, Jason Jacoby, Owen Lundy, Hugo Marin and Justin Nansteel.The tribe of Webelos I had to earn 20 badges as they moved along the trail to Boy Scouting. Marks said the Citizenship Badge was the most recent one they earned. The boys were Donovan Beers, Hunter Green, Nathan Manginelli, William Marks III, Benjamin Slaw, Tristan Stano and Wyatt Werner.Webelos II Scouts were ready to earn their Arrow of Light. They completed a fitness and readyman project plus five more. They had to know the Boy Scout slogan, motto, law and oath and to have taken part in a Boy Scout activity.Marks said the arrow points to a good life and the rising sun. Seven candles are lit for wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope and love the seven rays of the sun.The Arrow of Light lights a scout's way through life. The plaque had a picture of the rays and an arrow, with a place to display the arrow each received."I challenge you to live by the ideals you learned in Cub Scouting. What is the motto? Seven rays, the seven days of the week, you should always do your best. The arrow points forward to the Eagle Scout award," said Marks.The scouts all knew the motto as "Do your best."They crossed the bridge into Boy Scouting and were met by members of Boy Scout Troop 209.A super-achiever award went to Billy Drake IV. Each scout was given flowers to present to his parents for their help.On Scout Sunday boys helped with the service at Jerusalem UCC. They received badges for that service and for participation in the Pinewood DerbyRotella said council gave a Patriot Award to a leader who has done an exceptional job. Jamie Drake was the recipient. All leaders received a picture with a list of all the things they do and the final one is be exhausted.A Quality Unit Award Journey of Excellence is scored by council on the work done by volunteers. Pack 209 received this award.A cabin campout at Akelaland was announced for April 11-12.