65 years in the community: Cub Scout Pack 74 holds first pack meeting of the year

Ormond Beach Cub Scout Pack 74 marked the occasion with a flag retirement ceremony.

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Ormond Beach Cub Scout Pack 74 has been around for a long time — 65 years, to be exact, a milestone marked by the pack's first annual meeting and flag retirement ceremony, held at Oasis Church on Friday, Oct. 1. 

As one of the oldest packs in the state, Pack 74 Cubmaster Sarah Mancuso said what makes this year especially meaningful is the fact that the pack was able to remain active through the pandemic. It wasn't easy; COVID-19 meant the pack's recruitment was down, and for its existing scouts, many virtual meetings to stay connected.

“It was really, really hard, but we were able to make it through, and we’ve been able to make it through all of the difficult times," Mancuso said. "We’re just excited to get back to some semblance of normal in scouting as much as possible, and so tonight is really about that restart.”

Present at the ceremony was Ormond Beach Police Capt. D.W. Smith, a former Pack 74 cub scout himself. He looked over the small crowd as the sun set, and reminisced about his own experiences. 

“When I smell this campfire and see all of your merit badges and pins and everything that you got on your uniforms, I know you did a really good job and a lot of hard work to earn them," Smith said. "It makes me really proud of y’all, and I’m honored to be here.”

Cub Scout Pack 74, which is sponsored by Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, has held a flag retirement ceremony for the past few years, and Mancuso said that it teaches them about respecting the flag and good citizenship. To be properly retired, a flag's starts and stripes must be separated before being burned. Present at the ceremony were the Embry-Riddle ROTC Colorguard and Ormond Strong.

The pack also does a variety of service projects for the community, including taking care of Riviera Park. Recently, the scouts walked in the city of Ormond Beach's 9/11 Remembrance Walk alongside first responders. 

“We’re always looking for ways to give back," Mancuso said. "We’re always looking for ways to have the kids learn about service. That’s really a cornerstone of what scouts is all about.”

To learn more about Cub Scout Pack 74, visit www.facebook.com/CubScoutPack74 or email [email protected]

 

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