(Cassie Dickenson) – Jonesboro Pack 523 closed out its regular scouting year with a Rank Night celebration, where family and friends supported scouts as they were recognized for achieving milestones in their Scouting America journeys. All scouts completed lessons, community service projects, and den activities in order to advance to the next rank, and each received a patch and belt loop to add to his or her uniform.

Of special note was the advancement of three youth from Cub Scout Pack 523 to Troop 523. These scouts have completed all of the requirements of the Arrow of Light rank, a prestigious accomplishment in the Cub Scout world, signifying that they exhibit readiness to continue their scouting journey at the next level. Anzlea McGee, Aramis “Arrow” Gomez, and Mercedes “Sadie” Gamache each received a patch, plaque and handcrafted arrow during a special ceremony to commemorate their achievement and signify their transition into the Troop. Anzlea and Sadie will be remembered in Jonesboro’s scouting history as the first females in Jackson Parish to earn the Arrow of Light distinction.

This has been a wonderful year of scouting, full of a variety of activities, from pack meetings to derby races to community service. As always, Scouting America is dedicated to growing youth into caring and active members of society who are responsible and trustworthy. Whether it is camping or serving in the nursing home, our scouts are continuously learning valuable life lessons and are being shaped into honorable members of our Jackson Parish community. If you have a young person who is interested in becoming a scout, now is the time to consider joining in on the fun! Contact Cubmaster Brian Hurt at (318) 734-3571, or visit http://www.beascout.org for more information.