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By Alan Edwards
On the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 3, more than 1,400 people, representing nearly 35 Packs, attended the 2009 North Trail to Adventure, an annual overnight outdoor program for Cub Scouts, parents, and siblings. It was held at Cub World located at Circle Ten Council’s CampWisdom in south Dallas.
Participants included 20 Cub Scouts, siblings and parents of Cub Scout Pack 70. It is chartered by University Park Dads’ Club and meets at the University ParkElementary School.
Theme: ‘Cubs & Heroes’
The theme was “Cubs & Heroes” with an emphasis on those who have served in the U.S. military as well as Eagle Scouts and adult Scout leaders. “It was inspired by Cub Scout Packs being among many community organizations that have gone to D/FW International Airport to welcome home American military personnel on their return from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Kip Lankenau, camp director. He is a North Trail District Committee member and Cubmaster of Pack 759, Jerry Junkins Elementary School in Carrollton.
Mid-morning Saturday, members of 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division of Grand Prairie and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 22 of Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at Carswell raised a 30-foot by 20-foot American flag. Almost silent Cub Scouts, saluting with two fingers pressed together firmly above their right eyes, spontaneously reacted with respectful but clearly audible ooh’s and wow’s as the flag was unfurled and hoisted to the top of the camp’s flag pole.
Activity Areas Renamed for Battles
Cub World activity areas were renamed for battles of the American Revolutionary War, World War II, and the Korean War. Among areas given temporary names were:
· Sir Dee’s Castle which became Fort Crown Point. Located on the western shore of Lake Champlain, this is where Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys surprised the British on May 12, 1776 and captured the fort one day after they had taken Fort Ticonderoga.
· Pirates’ Cove which became Flamborough Head. In the waters off this peninsula on Britain’s east coast, John Paul Jones made the now famous statement, "I have not yet begun to fight" in the midst of the battle of Sept. 23, 1779. He went on to capture the British frigate Serapis as his own flagship, the Bon Homme Richard, sank beneath his feet.
· Cave Mountain which became Corregidor Island. Located at the entrance to the Philippines’ ManilaBay, this island, with its military bases, caves and tunnels, was captured by the Japanese in May 1942. The liberation of the Philippines began on Oct. 20, 1944 when Gen. Douglas MacArthur waded ashore with Philippine President Sergio Osmena.
· Space Center which became MiG Alley. It was the name given by U.S. Air Force pilots to northwestern North Korea, where the YaluRiver runs into the Yellow Sea. Here, American F-86 Sabre jet fighters engaged the enemy’s Russian-built MiG jets.
Lunch featured boxes of simulated C-rations, with Vienna Sausages, a fruit drink, canned fruit, and a package of sweet and salty trail snack mix.
Fun Because of Rain and Mud
Pack 70 Wolf Carlos Contreras IV had the most fun at Flamborough Point, usually known as Pirates’ Cove. “First, they had sand balls,” he acknowledged. “Then, after the rain, the ground got all wet so we had a mud fight. It was awesome.” Den Leader Sindy Smith agreed. “You can’t be a Scout if you don’t get all muddy and dirty.”
Pack 70 Cubmaster Robert McTaggart said the event provided opportunities to meet member of other North Trail District Packs and participate in fun activities. “Our boys learned new skills and earned some belt loops in the process,” he said. “Archery and shooting BB guns were particular favorites,” he continued. “Boy Scouts who served as instructors did a great job at explaining proper handling and safety procedures.”
North Trail District, Circle Ten Council
North Trail District is comprised of Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venture and Varsity units in Carrollton, LakeHighlands, ParkCities, Preston Hollow, North Dallas and Richardson. It is one of nearly 20 districts in the Circle Ten Council, which goes from Corsicana to south-central Oklahoma.
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Contributor
Alan Edwards is among those who report on the activities of North Trail District’s Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venture and Varsity units.
