Cub Scout Pack 360 Honors Young Leaders and Scouting Spirit at Annual Blue & Gold Banquet
By Paul Dorsey
Cub Scout Pack 360 gathered at Franklin Elementary School in Summit for its annual Blue & Gold Banquet,
a longstanding tradition that celebrates growth, leadership, and community within the Scouting program.
At the heart of the evening was the presentation of the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting’s highest rank, awarded this year to Ian Sklar, Zoe Rogers, and Zac Rogers. The honor reflects years of dedication, skill-building, and personal development, and is the only Cub Scout rank that may be worn on a uniform as recipients advance into Scouts BSA — a symbolic bridge to the next stage of their Scouting journey.
For the new honorees, the recognition marked the culmination of formative experiences shared with fellow Scouts. Ian Sklar recalled one standout moment: “My favorite Cub Scout memory was when I fired the cannon at Battleship NJ.” Zoe and Zac Rogers pointed to outdoor adventures, including hiking and snow tubing during winter trips to Frost Valley in the Catskills, as defining highlights of their time in the Pack.
The evening also served as a tribute to leadership. Matt Rogers was recognized for his service as Cubmaster and praised for his commitment to fostering an environment where Scouts could thrive. His contributions helped shape a program that balances tradition with creativity and exploration.
The Pack also recognized the vital contributions of its volunteers with this year’s Adult Volunteer Awards:
Rookie of the Year: Vicash Dindwall — a new parent who immediately made an impact
Behind-the-Scenes Hero: Andrew Davis — for leadership as treasurer and committee chairman
Event MVP: Linda Sklar, Pat Griffith, and Lee McOmber — for their support of major events including Pinewood Derby, camping trips, and fundraising
Spirit of Scouting Award: Rich Sofie (“Ranger Rich, Trail Guide”) — for exemplifying the values of Scouting and supporting every Scout’s journey on the trail.
Adding a fun and creative twist, the banquet featured an “Outlaw Pinewood Derby,” where Scouts brought back their cars with no rules. Designs ranged from a car topped with a duct-taped rock to one powered by a repurposed CrunchLabs motor. Max Griffith took top honors with the fastest car of the night.
Looking ahead, Pack 360 is preparing for another year of adventure, learning, and community engagement. Program highlights include:
- September: New family welcome events and Watchung Reservation campout
- October: Fall hiking adventure
- November: Pinewood Derby
- December: Overnight camp at Fairview Lake YMCA
- January: Battleship New Jersey overnight
- February: Winter camping at Frost Valley
- March: Rain Gutter Regatta
- April: Earth Day community cleanup
- Spring: Blue and Gold Banquet
- May: Spring Camporee
- June: Year-end hike
- August: Watchung Summer Day Camp
Summit is home to two Cub Scout Packs: Pack 360, based at Franklin Elementary School, and Pack 301, serving Brayton, Jefferson, Lincoln-Hubbard, and Washington schools.
As the Pack continues to grow, leaders are calling on parents, caregivers, and scouting alumni to get involved. Volunteers help organize events, lead activities, and support the program in ways that make a meaningful difference in the experience offered to Scouts.
In an era increasingly shaped by screens, Pack 360 continues to provide opportunities for young people to build character, confidence, and lasting memories through shared, real-world experiences.
For more information about Franklin Cub Scouts Pack 360, please contact Pack360Summit@gmail.com.
Pack 360 continues to welcome new members. Families with children entering grades 1 through 5 can learn more and pre-register at: https://forms.gle/za8DvobPk2aTaGuX6