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The Last Cub Meeting

The Last Cub Meeting

For weeks they have been asking.
"Is the next meeting the one where we get to look in the bag?"
Finally, we were there.
The big Union Jack was flying and the sun was glorious as Mrs. C faced the languid half circle of Cubs, armed only with millions of badges to present. She had an eye on the little gate to the front of the school. Skip was late and the troops were restless.

At 17.45 there was a cheery wave and Skip was there. The Cubs relaxed. The Year Sixes would be able to look in the bag.

Badges done, Skip faced the anxious line of Year Sixes, all destined to move on, closing that door of boyhood that was Cubs. The younger boys watched, restive, curious. Boys like tribal rituals.

Skip put the unassuming grey plastic kit bag down. The Cubs were finally quiet and the sound of the zip was audible. Skip knelt and motoned the first Cub forward. Mr. Ed looked on. He didn't know what was in the bag. Mr. Fairfield had the pot of green paint. It was his last meeting too! He will be missed. So will Mr. Mitchell.

Skip unstoppered the glass bottle with ash from the last campfire and asked the boy:
"Do you want to look in the bag?"
There was silence, and then a quiet ‘Yes'.
Are you prepared to keep the secret of the 1st Forres Sandle Manor?"
"Yes"
"Look in the bag."
The head dips, the mystery revealed. For some, a wry smile, for others, wonder, and some, complete mystification.
"Do you know what it is?"
"Yes"
"Will you keep the secret?"
"Yes"
A green mark is daubed on the boy's forehead along with ash from the last campfire.
There is a last hand shake with the left hand, and a salute.
"Keep the brotherhood of Scouting alive in your heart"
And then the next acolyte.
Finally all the departing boys know the secret. There is the last Grand Howl and then the big Union Jack is lowered.
For some a door slides closed. The magic of campfires, tents, Scouting and boyhood safely passed on....and another door opens.

 

26/06/2010