Cub Scout Pack 616, from New Territory in Sugar Land TX, recently attended Space Center Houston's Space Scientist Camp-in. Twenty-seven Bear and WEBELOS Scouts joined other Scouts from Packs throughout Texas for an overnight adventure filled with fun activities. On Friday evening the Bears fulfilled requirements for their Space Elective. WEBELOS completed requirements towards the Scientist activity badge.

Camaraderie and Scouting fun were enjoyed by all. The Scouts and leaders slept under the stars inside the Space Center's Starship Gallery. Saturday was spent watching the IMAX presentation "To Be an Astronaut" and shopping at the Space Trading Post. Scouts then had the option of taking a tram tour and spending the day at the Space Center or receiving an admission ticket to return with their families within 12 months.

Cub Scouts from Pack 616 celebrated their annual "Blue & Gold" Banquet on February 25, 2002 at New Territory's Club. Scouts, leaders and family members had dinner together and honored the hard work of the Scouts receiving awards. Tables were decorated with centerpieces created by each Den to represent the theme "Red, White and Blue: what does it mean to you?".

Over 400 awards were presented to 102 boys including rank advancements, special patches, academics & sports belt loops and pins, gold and silver arrow points. David Szpakowski also earned a Cub Scout academic gold medal and academic trophy.

The enthusiastic adult volunteers of Pack 616 make this a great program for all the boys. Plaques of Appreciation and service pins were awarded to departing leaders: Chase Hymas, John and Debbie Burre, Richard Newhouse and Pat Carswell. The Cub Scouter Award was earned by Jim Szpakowski.

Everyone enjoyed the celebration and the boys were very excited about completing their rank advancements. For the WEBELOS 2 boys this was their last Pack meeting before going on to Boy Scouts.

Cub Scout Pack 616 is based out of Walker Station Elementary School and is chartered by the New Territory R.C.A.. Pack 616 is open to all area boys in grades 1 through 5. For more information on Pack activities please visit the Pack web site at www.abc-cc.com/pack616.