In February, scouts and their families gathered for the annual Blue and Gold banquet to celebrate the 1910 founding of the Boy Scouts of America. As part of the festivities, scouts were awarded rank advancements and recognized for their accomplishments in their scouting journeys.

Five scouts earned the distinction of Arrow of Light, signifying that they have met all requirements of Cub Scouting and are eligible to cross into Jonesboro’s Troop 523. This is a very prestigious honor for these boys.

Additionally, Cubmaster Brian Hurt, who has tirelessly served our community’s Cub Scout program for many years, passed his torch to new Cubmaster Jarryn Dickenson. Hurt will continue his leadership in the Jonesboro Troop 523 as Scoutmaster.

In March, the scouts visited their friends at Forest Haven nursing home to help celebrate National Plant a Flower Day. They assisted residents in transplanting tulips to small pots for display in their rooms. Afterwards, scouts visited those who are bed-bound and delivered flowers to brighten their rooms as well.

To officially wrap things up for the year, Pack 523 held its annual Pinewood Derby. This year, the race had a black light theme, and the youth showed off their best cars with a glowing twist. Emmett Thomas walked away with first place, followed by MJ Harrell and Hudson Hurt in second and third places, respectively. Jamey Matthews won the Safest Driver award, and Josiah Dickenson claimed Best in Show. It was an exciting night for all involved.

Jonesboro’s scouting program is beginning a new adventure with an expanded troop of Boy Scouts and a new Cubmaster, but the best is yet to come. You are invited to be a part of the journey!

If you have a youth who is interested in joining Cub Scouts, now is the perfect time! Contact Cubmaster Jarryn Dickenson at jdickenson.scouting@gmail.com, or visit www.beascout.org.