On a night filled with pomp and circumstance, the St. John’s fifth grade Webelo Scouts participated in a Crossing Over ceremony at Pack 55’s annual Blue & Gold Banquet on February 8.

Surrounded by family, friends and fellow Pack 55 Scouts, the members of Eagle Patrol – Diego Avila, John Michael Birdwell, Judah Powell, Jon-Carlos Jones, Nick Heatly and Matthew Schopmeyer – crossed the ceremonial bridge between Cub and Boy Scouts. On the far side of the bridge, the members of Boy Scout Troop 730 welcomed the newly minted Boy Scouts into their ranks. 

Troop 730 is a St. Mark’s School-based scouting troop with more than 70 members. The troop is a very active unit, participating in a variety of scouting events that include monthly camping trips, the annual Jamboree – Scouting’s largest event, a Caribbean sailing adventure, a winter survival/ski expedition and an upcoming 50-mile trail hike. These and other high-adventure activities were essential in Eagle Patrol’s decision to land at Troop 730. Another factor was the group’s camaraderie, which mirrored the St. John’s boys’ own cohesive nature as members of Eagle Patrol made the mutual decision to all join the same troop – an unusual, but not unheard of, occurrence in scouting.

Webelo Scouts are still part of a Cub Scout pack, but are unique in that they are organized more like a Boy Scout unit and dress in the Boy Scout uniform. A two-year period as Webelos allows the boys to receive advance training and transition into the elder organization. Eagle Patrol was led by St. John’s parents Jerry Birdwell and Jo Jones.

The members of Eagle Patrol were also recognized with several honors and awards before crossing over, including the coveted Arrow of Light awards – the highest honor a Cub Scout can receive.

Submitted by Jerry Birdwell