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Local Scout Troop 186 is preparing for the Blue & Gold Crossover event, which is planned for Saturday at Frazier Park.
But what exactly does it mean to "crossover"? Some of the Cub Scouts, one Boy Scout and troop leaders visited The Ulysses News recently to explain what it's all about.
"You go from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts," explained Cub Scout Eli Hampton, 11, who said he has been involved in the Cub Scouts since he was in the second grade. He will be going in to sixth grade for the 2025-2026 school year. "You have to be at least 11 to be in Boy Scouts," he added.
The crossover ceremony, where Cub Scouts transition to Boy Scouts, is referred to as the "Blue & Gold" celebration not only because it is a celebration of Scouting, but also because those are the colors associated with Cub Scouts. According to scouting.bsa.org, those two colors represent "key values within Scouting, such as truth, spirituality, loyalty, and happiness."
The celebration takes place at the end of the year and part of the night includes Scouts being presented with awards they have earned throughout the year.
"Fourth and fifth grade students will receive pins they earned," explained Jessica Reese-Cole, Events Coordinator for the troop. "The younger kids will receive their belt loops for their pins to go on."
Scouting is not new. It began as a program for boys ages 11 to 18. Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant-general in the British Army, in 1907. Three years later, in 1910, the organization was introduced to America. Although it has been in Ulysses before that time, in 2022, it had been awhile since there was presence here.
"Craig Hampton asked on Facebook one day if anyone wanted to do a club," explained Jessica. "So in the beginning it was Craig, me, Graeyson, my nephew Beau, and Eli and Lucas Hampton."
The club, with only four Scouts in 2022, has since grown to 20 active members now.
"It's a lot of work - it's been a blur," Jessica said. "But, it's a great opportunity for the kids to learn leadership skills. We (the leaders) get to have the opportunity to be introduced to families we wouldn't always come across."
Pam Hampton, Charter Representative, says Scouting is a great opportunity for all of those involved.
"It offers something for everybody - it's really diverse," Pam said.
First grade Den Leader Claire Kepley, agrees.
"We virtual school our kids," Claire said. "So Scouting is a great opportunity for socialization for them; however, everybody could find something in Scouting to be a part of."
The Scouts are pretty much in agreement about what they enjoy from being involved.
Eli says he enjoys learning how to use a bow and arrow and going camping.
Jacob Siebert, 12, says he enjoys exploring and all the activities.
Beau Reese-Cole, 11, enjoys camping, and his cousin Graeyson Reese-Cole, 11, agrees.
"It's the best thing about Scouting," Graeyson said.
Erik Kepley, 11, is also a fan of the camping and says Scott Lake is his favorite place to go because of it's "landscape".
William Ground, 15, is a Boy Scout.'
"I enjoy everything we do for the community," William said. "And I like the camping, hiking, exploring and swimming."
Scouts are involved in a number of community activities. Some of the things they help with include: picking up trash during the fair, serving food at various activities, setting up for the Home Products Dinner and with parking cars, flags at many events and more.
Scouting recruitment day is one time a year and a council level representative come to talk to kids about the organization.
Eagle is the highest level a Scout can attain and Scout Master Eric Barb is an Eagle Scout. Cameron Schonlau is Arrow of Light and Austin Meier is a committee chairperson. Each one of the leaders involved has a role to play, according to Pam.
Saturday's celebration kicks off in the Frazier South camping area with food served at 5:30, awards at 6:30 followed with the Crossover ceremony. The community is invited.
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