Cub Scout Pack 320 was first chartered in 1992 by The Messiah United Methodist Church of Chesapeake, Virginia as a part of the ministry outreach program mandated by the Church. The effort was led by a small group of interested parents with Cub Scout aged sons looking for an alternative to larger, geographically less convenient organizations in the area and the Reverend O.H. Burton. Reverend Burton was a strong supporter of the Scouting program throughout his tenure. In 1999, the Reverend Burton Robinson, also a very strong supporter of the Scouting movement, replaced him.
Officially, the first Cubmaster was listed as Bart Bartells who held the position from 1992 through 1993. During this time the Pack grew from 8 to 10 Cubs to about fifteen.
Bill Yannetti became Cubmaster in 1993 bringing a strong history of scouting and a knack for infusing every meeting with enthusiasm and energy. He was also a master at arm-twisting to get parents to take on volunteer assignments. By the time Bill turned the leadership over to Jerry Munyan in 1996, the Pack had grown to nearly 40 Cubs with dens in each of the age groups from Tigers to Webelos II.
From 1997 through 2001 the Pack was under the leadership of Bill Brittain who continued the push to grow the Pack and gain greater participation from parents while adding activities and experiences to make Cub Scouting fun. During this time the Pack grew to nearly 60 Cub Scouts and at one point had two dens in each of the age groups active in the Pack.Bobby DiFernando became Cubmaster in 2001 and immediately began to strengthen the volunteer structure of the Pack by forming standing committees for major events and enlisting a strong and enthusiastic Pack Committee Chairman. Under his leadership the Pack has continued to thrive and maintain a stable membership that makes Pack 320 one of the most successful Packs in the Elizabeth River District of the Tide Water Council.Early on, the leadership of the Pack made an effort to accomplish as many of the stated goals of Cub Scouting as possible each year. As a result, Pack 320 has earned the Quality Unit Award every year since 1994. The Pack has also earned the Summer Program Activity Award several times since it’s inception.
From the beginning there has been a close relationship between Pack 320 and the military. A large percentage of our families are military families from all branches of service. However, the largest group has consistently been Navy. As a result the Pack has enjoyed many visits to various ships complete with guided tours and, in one case, cake and ice cream with the crew. The Pack has visited the U.S.S. Enterprise (at least twice), the U.S.S. Gates and the U.S.S. Peterson. In fact, our Cubs were allowed to raise and lower an American Flag (Ensign) while aboard the Peterson. This flag, as well as a staff and gold eagle, was then presented to the Pack. It is this flag that is used at every official function of the Pack. A plaque made to commemorate the event was presented to the U.S.S. Peterson and is now affixed to the bulkhead in the crew’s mess. Our Pack and the Peterson flag have marched proudly in several parades including the Veteran’s Day Parade in Virginia Beach, Tides Baseball Games and Christmas Parades in Chesapeake.
While camping is not specifically a part of the Cub Scout program, Pack 320 has done its share of camping over the years. Bill Yannetti started the tradition of an annual Webelos overnight campout. This annual event has been a part of the Pack 320 program since 1994. These campouts always include an all-day camp outing for the younger members of the pack and their parents and siblings. The Pack also participates in summer day-camp activities and some joint activities with Boy Scout Troop 320.
Each year the pack participates in the Pine Wood Derby at both the pack level and District level. Cubs and parents collaborate to build small wooden racecars that compete on a gravity track. This event is one of the highlights of the year. The Pack 320 track was designed and built by Brian Fox and a host of helpers with materials donated by Mitsubishi Chemical in 1998. It is made from coated composite aluminum and is both the longest and fastest track in the district. In 2000 the pack purchased a custom designed electronic timer for the track to help eliminate disputes at the finish line. This track has been the centerpiece for the District Pine Wood Derby on several occasions including 1999, 2002 and 2003.
The Blue and Gold Banquet is one of the major events of each scouting year. It is always held in the Spring and is an opportunity for everyone involved in the Pack to come together and be recognized for his or her contribution. The Blue and Gold also represents the final Cub Scout event for our second year Webelos. On this night, they cross over to the ranks of the Boy Scouts in an official ceremony conducted jointly by the Pack and representatives from Boy Scout Troop 320. After the cross over, they leave with the Boy Scouts for their first official BSA overnight camping experience where they are initiated into the Troop.
Another tradition which began in the earliest days and continues is the annual Pack picnic. This picnic is usually the last official event of the regular program year and is held in early June. Beginning in 1998 we began to use this event as the platform to bring all our Tigers into the Wolf Den in a special crossover ceremony where they receive their Cub Scout handbook, Wolf kerchief, slide and cap.
Pack 320 is based on a strong history of continuing achievement and growth with support from Messiah United Methodist Church, Tidewater Council BSA, Elizabeth River District, parents, volunteers, leaders and scouts. Its traditions are strong and principles sound. With a decade of history behind us we look forward to a bright future serving the community through Cub Scouting.
