Cub Scouts Troop 7045 in Mantua hosted its arrow of light ceremony on Feb. 24, with Mayor Robert Zimmerman and Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto presenting proclamations to the group for its highest achievement.
“It is an honor and privilege to be invited to an event such as this,” said Zimmerman, recognizing the Scouts’ arrow of light badge. “It is one of the highlights of being an elected official. (As an elected official), you have to do a lot of things that might not be popular with everyone. Going to events like this helps you keep going.
“It’s important to be a part of this, since these kids are the future of both Mantua and this country,” he added. “Pete (Scirrotto) has been actively involved in these Scout events and I used to tag along with them.
“It’s gratifying for me, and I think the kids definitely appreciate it.”
The ceremony was Zimmerman’s first as mayor, and he was joined by township committee members who each signed off on the proclamations at the end of the ceremony.
The arrow of light badge is the result of long, hard work and dedication from the Cub Scouts. Its recipients are John Geserick, Mason Gallagher, Olivia Jakubowicz, Sophia Jacubowicz, Michael Magilton, Matthew Henderson and EmmaRose McGuire-Valora.
In order to qualify for the award, a Scout must be active in their Webelos (We’ll be Loyal Scouts) den for at least six months after completing the fourth grade or six months after turning 10. They also must complete four required adventures: Building a Better World, Duty to God in Action, Outdoor Adventure and Scouting Adventure.
The Scouts must also complete at least one elective adventure of their family’s or den’s choosing from the following: Aquanaut, Art Explosion, Aware and Care, Build It, Castaway, Earth Rocks!, Engineer, Game Design, Into the Wild, Into the Woods, Sports, Protect Yourself Rules, Modular Design and Yo-Yo.
The last two steps for the Scouts are completing the exercises in the How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide pamphlet with a trusted adult and watching the Protect Yourself Rules video for fifth grade.
Zimmerman praised the kids for the dedication.
“These activities help promote work ethic, character and other important attributes to help them prepare for their adult lives,” he noted. “To see those smiles and proud faces on the kids makes it all worth it.”
