Connor Wasko likes to stand out from the crowd. He was the only member of Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 150 to earn the Arrow of Light rank, and he reached a significant milestone in his Scouting journey when he crossed over to Boy Scouts and joined Troop 53 in late March.

Connor, a fifth-grader at Donegal Intermediate School, is the son of Eugene and Amy Wasko of Mount Joy. He joined Scouts in 2020 as a Lion and has advanced steadily through each rank in the program.

"I am very proud of Connor's perseverance and his continued commitment to Scouting," said cubmaster Frank Splain III, who noted that Connor had to complete six required adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank.

"He had to learn how to safely camp, learn first aid, complete a service project, learn about duty to God," Splain said. "He met with the Community Care Center of Marietta representative Jeff Burkholder from Community Bible Church. He also learned about staying physically fit."

Connor said he joined Scouts to make friends and participate in a fun after-school activity.

"I was especially excited about doing hands-on things like camping and participating in events like the Pinewood Derby," he remarked. "It seemed like a great way to try new experiences while having fun with others."

For his service project, Connor supported the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County. Over the course of more than a month, he collected donated items to help provide food and supplies for pets in need throughout the community, reflecting the values of service and citizenship at the core of Scouting.

"I chose the Lancaster Pet Pantry for my service project because I have two dogs at home and a strong love for animals," he said, noting that he shares his home with an 8-year-old rescued Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Trooper and a foster Cardigan Welsh Corgi named Barkley. "Supporting this organization felt meaningful to me since they help both pets and families in need within our community. It's a great way to make a positive impact while helping ensure animals are cared for and can stay with the people who love them."

Splain explained that the crossover ceremony marks a Scout's transition from Cub Scouts, for youths in grades kindergarten through five, to Scouts BSA, for older youths typically ages 11 to 17.

"Our crossover ceremony is where we recognize the Scout and provide wisdom," Splain said, noting that his pack uses a ceremony with candles related to the seven virtues of life, including wisdom, courage and justice. "We then have them symbolically walk over a wooden bridge to show the transition to the troop level in Scouts BSA. ... We held this ceremony at Kraybill Mennonite School in their meeting house."

Connor said he loves being part of Scouts because he gets to have new experiences with friends.

"Some of the most fun things I've done include having a sleepover on the Battleship New Jersey; going to winter camp, where we used a giant slingshot and went sledding; and attending summer camp, where we did the polar bear plunge and shot BB guns," he said. "These kinds of activities make Scouts really memorable and fun."

When he's not busy with school or Scouts, Connor likes to stay active. He plays baseball for Donegal Baseball and Softball Association and also played on the fifth-grade travel team with Donegal Youth Basketball. He likes to play video games and sports with his friends; collects baseball and football cards; and is active with Collide, a student ministry program at LCBC Manheim, where his family attends church.

As a member of Troop 53, Connor will continue to grow in independence, hone leadership skills and complete service projects.

Splain hopes other youths will consider joining Scouts to experience the fun and meaningful impact Connor has.

"Scouting gives you life skills you'll carry forever - leadership, confidence and how to handle real-world challenges. It helps shape you into a well-rounded person, not just in one area but in all aspects of life," Splain said. "It's especially valuable for young people, but honestly, anyone can benefit from it. I am an Eagle Scout and have found it beneficial."

Cub Scout Pack 150 has been chartered for 67 years and is open year-round to boys and girls in kindergarten through grade five. For more information, contact Splain at franksplain@comcast.net or search for "Marietta/Maytown Cub Scout Pack 150" on Facebook.