Each February, all Cub Scouts celebrate the anniversary of  the founding of scouting in 1910 with a dinner and family evening called the “Blue & Gold” as those are the official colors of the Cub Scout uniform. The purpose of the event is to thank the pack leaders and inspire Scouts, leaders and their families.

La Crescenta Cub Scout Pack 360 out of Dunsmore Elementary celebrated its Blue & Gold anniversary event with a Mad Science evening for over 80 Cub Scouts and their families.

Outfitted in white mad scientist lab coats, the Scouts dissected squids, conducted investigations into radioactive slime and electricity and peered through a telescope at the rings surrounding Saturn. They participated in a mad science demonstration called “Up, Up & Away” that dealt with the incredible pressure all live under – air pressure. The boys attempted to tame flying toilet paper, launched indoor hot air balloons and experienced the fog rings of a giant vortex generator. Hovercrafts were also on hand for the Scouts to ride.

Pack 304 of Fremont Elementary, 225 strong and growing, held their annual dinner at Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer Church. Cub Master Dan Kilgore dressed in character as Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell.

This year’s theme was “Let’s go Around the World.” Jim Venezia, Janet Greninger and their committee decorated boxes as traveling suitcases to give the Scouts a feeling of traveling the globe. Each den provided pictures and passports glued on their mini suitcases. The hall was decorated with flags and balloons and the dinner was catered by Chas’ Catering, an organization that uses CV students to work and learn about food preparation and serving the community.

The night included the presentation of awards and skits and songs by the Scouts. Each den dressed in characters that covered many countries. From Sgt. Pepper to Africa and back to USA, the skits were enjoyed by families and friends.

Leonard Coutin contributed to this story