Marshall – Marshall Cub Scouts recently enjoyed pizza and cupcakes while celebrating Scouting and handing out awards during the Blue and Gold Banquet Feb. 25.
“It allows the community to get an inside look at Scouting, from ceremony to awards to just a fun time all around,” said Brandon Edwards, Cub Scout Pack 521 Cubmaster. The Blue and Gold Banquet “is also a celebration of Cub Scouting!”
Kids from Pack 521 had to miss last year’s celebration due to COVID-19. Decked out in uniform shirts, the Cub Scouts received new handkerchiefs and slides as a fun gift to complete their uniforms.
“I enjoyed being with my friends, eating pizza and playing with the balloons,” said Connor Coffey, a 6-year-old Cub Scout.
Edwards offered the use of his business’ outdoor area at Mad Co Pizza in downtown Marshall for the Blue and Gold Banquet – named for the blue and gold Cub Scout colors representing truth and cheerfulness. He volunteered to become the Cubmaster at the end of 2019 so Boys’ Troop 521 Scoutmaster Donovan Scully could focus on the troop.
The Mt. Mitchell District committee, one of three districts making up WNC’s Daniel Boone Council, found his leadership and Army veteran service commendable, especially while running two businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. He received the Rookie Cubmaster of the Year Award during the online District Banquet Feb. 20 and Unit 521 Committee Chair Philip Briggs presented him with the award.
“It was great to be recognized as Rookie Cubmaster of the Year, but without the example and leadership from all of you guys, I think I would have been lost,” said Edwards. “Thanks so much for showing by example what it takes to be a fun and effective pack leader. I also couldn’t have done it without Kelly Davis helping me as Assistant Cubmaster so much along the way.”
The Mt. Mitchell District committee also recognized Veronica Coffey with the Spark Plug Award for her financial savvy as a treasurer for the Boys’ Troop 521, Girls’ Troop 4521 and Cub Scout Pack 521.
“I was very shocked and appreciative of the award,” said Coffey. “I am thankful that God has put me with the pack and troops.”
The kids and adults have a full year of camping, shooting sports, fundraisers, hiking, fishing and swimming to enjoy while the kids earn their Cub Scout belt loops and pins.
“I have to say that behind a good leader is a great team, and really the awards go to all our leaders as each leader goes up and beyond for our Scouts,” said Coffey. “We have amazing kids that make you want to go up and above for them, and they make it worth it all.”