“May the scouts be with you” was the theme of Cub Scout Pack 372 of Franklin Square’s annual crossover ceremony at St. Catherine of Sienna, as Cub Scouts transitioned to Boy Scouts in a Star Wars-themed celebration, marking a major milestone in their Scouting journeys.
Cubmaster Peter Kehoe led the ceremony, which also featured Nassau County Legislator John Giuffré and Assemblyman Ed Ra, who attended to show their support for the Scouts during what leaders described as a transformational time in their development.
“Franklin Square loves Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts because of all the values that you teach all the time,” Giuffré said.
The ceremony also included the Blue and Gold celebration, one of the most important traditions in Cub Scouting. The annual event marks the birthday of Scouting and recognizes the growth and achievements of Scouts and leaders over the past year.
Kehoe and Erika Timperman, two leaders in Cub Scout Pack 372, were recognized for their unwavering commitment to the Scouts. Giuffré presented both of them with citations for extraordinary service.
Timperman said her favorite part of being involved in Scouting is being part of a family, even though members belong to different dens. She added that she really appreciates the community aspect of the program, with families coming from all over, not just Franklin Square.
Throughout the ceremony, the Scouts embraced the Star Wars theme. Many held up lightsabers, signaling the light and strength as a Scout. In the Star Wars universe, lightsabers symbolize a personal journey. During the crossover portion of the ceremony, Scouts formed a tunnel with their raised lightsabers for those advancing to walk through, symbolizing their transition.
As it was time for the Cub Scouts to transition, Kehoe lit candles to signify the brightest light of Cub Scouting, honoring those who had completed their training and were ascending to their next adventure.
“May this light guide them as they continue their journey,” he said.
Each Scout who crossed over received a handmade wooden plaque representing the milestone. The plaque serves as a permanent reminder of their accomplishments in Cub Scouting as they advance in their Boy Scout journey.
Accompanied by a parent who supported them throughout their Scouting experience, each recipient walked across a wooden bridge to join the Boy Scout troop on the other side. The bridge symbolized the passage from one chapter to the next.
William McCombs, one of the Cub Scouts who made the transition, said he is looking forward to new opportunities.
He said he really enjoys camping and appreciates the independence that comes with Scouting.
Scoutmaster Bob Murawski said that growing independence is a key goal of the program, particularly as Scouts make the transition.
“The whole idea is that they learn life skills,” he said.
Murawski explained that Cub Scouts typically work as a group from kindergarten through fifth grade. Once they cross over, Scouts begin at the same rank but can advance at their own pace, developing greater independence and leadership skills.
“I like to see that they are well-rounded,” he said, adding that he encourages Scouts to participate in other extracurricular activities as well. “The whole idea is that they are going to learn life skills that they are going to be able to use for the rest of their life.”
Among those crossing over was Gemma Franzetti, the first girl in her Cub Scout troop to transition to a Boy Scout troop.
Originally, Gemma began in Girl Scouts but said she did not enjoy the experience. After learning from her cousin about the activities available in Boy Scouts, she decided to make the switch.
She said she especially enjoys camping and spending time outdoors. Gemma also said she hopes other girls will look up to her and consider joining Boy Scouts.
The ceremony concluded with applause from families and community members, marking not just the end of one chapter but the beginning of another.
With lightsabers raised and candles glowing, Pack 372 honored tradition while embracing a theme that highlighted the Scouts’ journeys ahead.
