On April 18th, 2024, a special ceremony marked a significant milestone for one young man in Paris, KY. Owen West, a dedicated Cub Scout from Pack 63, officially crossed over to Scouting America Troop 63.
Achieving the Arrow of Light Rank, the highest honor in Cub Scouts, is no small feat. It requires years of commitment, learning, and demonstrating Scout spirit. Owen’s dedication to earning this rank speaks volumes about his character and perseverance. The Crossing Over ceremony, a time-honored tradition, symbolized Owen’s transition from the Cub Scout program to the exciting world of Boy Scouts.
This is a new chapter for Owen, one filled with opportunities for adventure, growth, and leadership. Troop 63 is thrilled to welcome him into their ranks. As he embarks on this journey, we know Owen will continue to embody the values of Scouting, making a positive impact on his troop and community.
Congratulations, Owen, on this remarkable achievement. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in Scouting America Troop 63!
Troop 63’s Winter Adventure: IMAX, Camp Friedlander, and Tubing with a Special Guest
Scouting is all about adventure, and Troop 63 certainly embraced that spirit during their action-packed weekend getaway on February 3rd and 4th of this year. The troop embarked on an exciting journey that included an IMAX movie experience, an overnight stay at Camp Friedlander, and a thrilling day of tubing at Perfect North Slopes. Adding to the excitement, Arrow of Light Cub Scout Owen West from Pack 63 joined the troop for this adventure, eager to learn more about the troop and experience firsthand the fun and camaraderie of Boy Scouts.
The adventure kicked off on Friday with an immersive IMAX movie experience. The larger-than-life screen and captivating sound transported the Scouts and their guest, Owen, to another world, leaving them awestruck and inspired. It was a perfect start to the weekend, sparking excitement for the adventures to come. Owen shared in the enthusiasm, further solidifying his interest in joining Troop 63.
As the sun began to set, the troop made their way to the iconic Camp Friedlander for an overnight stay. Under the cover of the night sky, the Scouts and Owen enjoyed the rustic charm of the campgrounds and the camaraderie of shared meals and stories around the campfire. The crisp winter air and starlit sky created the perfect backdrop for bonding and forging lasting memories. Owen had the opportunity to interact with the Scouts, ask questions, and get a feel for the troop’s dynamics.
The next morning, with their spirits high, the group headed to Perfect North Slopes for an afternoon of exhilarating tubing. Laughter echoed across the slopes as they zipped down the snowy hills, embracing the thrill of winter fun. The perfect blend of adrenaline and camaraderie made it an unforgettable experience for all, and Owen felt a sense of belonging as he joined in the fun.
This weekend getaway was a testament to the spirit of Scouting, showcasing the importance of adventure, learning, and friendship. For Owen, it was a glimpse into his future as a Boy Scout, and for Troop 63, it was a chance to welcome a potential new member into their fold. Troop 63’s winter escapade will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of their Scouting journey, and for Owen, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
The Boy Scouts of America program in Paris experienced a significant transition at the close of 2023. On December 31st, Troop 67, long sponsored by the Church of the Annunciation, was officially retired. In its place, a new troop, Troop 63, was established under the leadership of Scoutmaster Jason McDonald. St. Peters Episcopal Church has graciously stepped forward to become the new troop’s chartering organization, with Frank McMullen serving as the Committee Chair and Mikki Johnson taking on the role of Chartered Organization Representative.
While the retirement of Troop 67 marks the end of an era, it also paves the way for a fresh start and new opportunities for local Scouts. Troop 63 will carry on the proud tradition of Scouting, providing young people with valuable experiences that build character, leadership, and a sense of community.
Under the guidance of its dedicated leadership team, Troop 63 is poised for success. Scoutmaster McDonald, along with Chartered Organization Rep. Johnson, bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles. Their commitment to the Scouting program and their passion for helping young people reach their full potential will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the Scouts of Troop 63. With Frank McMullen’s leadership as Committee Chair and Mikki Johnson’s role ensuring strong communication and support from the chartering organization, Troop 63 has a solid foundation for growth.
St. Peters Episcopal Church’s willingness to charter Troop 63 is a testament to the church’s commitment to serving the community and fostering the development of its young people. The church’s facilities and resources will provide a welcoming and supportive environment for the troop’s activities and programs.
The transition from Troop 67 to Troop 63 represents a natural evolution in the Scouting program in Paris. While change can be bittersweet, it is also an opportunity for growth and renewal. Troop 63 will build upon the legacy of Troop 67, honoring its past while forging a new path forward.
