“The Boy Scouts of America reminds us that ‘Cub Scouting is more than something to do. It’s all about the boy you are and the person you will become.’ To all of the Cub Scouts of Pack 12, I hope that you will discover many new adventures and learn much during this Year of the Dragon,” stated Congresswoman Mazie Hirono in her Feb. 5 letter. “Mahalo to the loved ones of these Cub Scouts for encouraging them to join the Cub Scouts and seeking to instill the values of compassion, courage, honesty and citizenship in our keiki.”
BY CAROLYN LUCAS-ZENK
WEST HAWAII TODAY
clucas-zenk@westhawaiitoday.com
Merit badges and pins handed out Sunday at Kona Hongwanji Mission represented so much more than simply achievements for 10-year-old Jake Basque of Cub Scouts Pack 12.
They represent leadership, dedication and responsibility — “things that will help you later in college, at your job, in your community and throughout life,” he said.
The rewards also showcased what the 36 members of Cub Scouts Pack 12 and Boy Scout Troop 59 are able to do, such as wildlife conservation, BB gun shooting, reading and writing.
This special service was part of Scout Sunday, a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. It’s held annually on the Sunday that falls before or on the anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America’s Feb. 8, 1910, founding.
This tradition, added in the mid-1940s, also strives to “make people in houses of worship aware of Scouting,” according to the Boy Scouts of America.
Basque wanted to become a Scout because he thought it would be “cool” to learn wilderness survival skills and spend more time outdoors. His father was also an Eagle Scout — the highest rank that can be earned by Boy Scouts.
Through his participation with the club, Basque has explored various areas, some of which have led to hobbies, and learned “valuable” skills. However, the best part, he said, is performing service to others. Basque talked excitedly about the times his pack volunteered at Kona Community Hospital, cleaned up local beaches and collected food for the needy.
In his welcoming address Sunday, Cub Master Glenn Hirowatari, of Pack 12, mentioned how NASA and Scouting have a long history, with more than two-thirds of all current and former astronauts being identified as having been Scouts or active in Scouting. One was Kona-born Ellison Onizuka, the first Japanese-American astronaut.
“Leadership, teamwork, life skills and positive role models are part of Scouting,” he said. “It’s important Scouting continues so our boys can reach for the stars.”
In his keynote speech, Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Ynigues Sr. of the Hawaii Army National Guard, Kealakekua Armory, listed numerous similarities between the Army and Boy Scouts of America. This includes serving God and country; helping people in need; demonstrating patriotism; exhibiting courage, loyalty and trustworthiness; building camaraderie; trying to do one’s best in every situation faced; acquiring new skills in “an active, fun and challenging way;” and having teachers, mentors and coaches who “nurture dreams in a positive learning environment.”
Ynigues, who has served the Army for more than 30 years, was never a Scout, but his brother was one. He encouraged the members of Cub Scouts Pack 12 and Boy Scout Troop 59 to dream, stay focused on their goals and to work hard at whatever they choose to do.
During the hour-long service, there were offerings of lights, flowers and incense. Attendees sang “God Bless America” and chanted Amida Buddha’s Golden Chain of Love.
Also, each Scout received a special certificate of recognition from Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Congratulatory messages from members of the U.S. Congress were read. Appreciation for Scouting, as well as its members, leaders and supporters, was shared.
“The Boy Scouts of America reminds us that ‘Cub Scouting is more than something to do. It’s all about the boy you are and the person you will become.’ To all of the Cub Scouts of Pack 12, I hope that you will discover many new adventures and learn much during this Year of the Dragon,” stated Congresswoman Mazie Hirono in her Feb. 5 letter. “Mahalo to the loved ones of these Cub Scouts for encouraging them to join the Cub Scouts and seeking to instill the values of compassion, courage, honesty and citizenship in our keiki.”