For those unfamiliar, the Blue and Gold banquet is a celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the Cub Scout program in the United States. The colors themselves hold significant meaning:
Gold: Symbolizes warmth, happiness, and good cheer.It’s a time to reflect on the past year’s achievements, recognize the Scouts’ progress, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and camaraderie within the pack.
Blue: Represents truth, sincerity, and spiritual nature, as well as the sky above us.
More Than Just a Party:
The Blue and Gold isn’t just a party; it’s a reminder of the core principles of Scouting: character development, citizenship, and personal fitness. It’s a chance to reinforce these values and inspire the next generation of leaders.
We’re incredibly proud of our Scouts and their accomplishments. They are the future, and we’re excited to see them continue to grow and thrive.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers, leaders, and families who made this year’s Blue and Gold celebration a resounding success! Here’s to another year of adventure, learning, and true blue and golden spirit!
New Milford Police Speed to Victory at the Inaugural Best in Bergen Derby!
The air crackled with excitement – the roar of the crowd, the squeal of tiny tires, and the sheer, unadulterated fun of the Best in Bergen Derby filled the atmosphere! This year, something truly special happened, and the New Milford Police Department etched their name into derby history, claiming the coveted first-place trophy!
This wasn’t your average Pinewood Derby. New Milford Pack 78, our very own local Cub Scout pack, stepped up and hosted the first-ever Best in Bergen Derby, a thrilling Outlaw Pinewood Derby Race designed to bring together our incredible First Responders and local municipalities. This unique spin on a beloved tradition, with “Outlaw” rules that allowed for some seriously creative car designs, was open to municipalities across Bergen County, and boy, did they deliver!
The competition was fierce, a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our local heroes. Mayor John Russel of Dumont brought his A-game, Daniel Kazmurzack represented the Teaneck Police with pride, and our own New Milford teams, including the DPW, Mayor Michael Putrino, and the Police Department, all showcased their competitive spirit. But when the dust settled, one name echoed through the crowd: Dan Rugani. Representing the New Milford Police Department, Dan’s expertly crafted Derby car, a masterpiece of design and speed, proved unstoppable.
The Best in Bergen Derby was more than just a race; it was a celebration of community. It was a powerful reminder of the strong bonds that connect us across Bergen County. We came together to laugh, cheer, and revel in the spirit of friendly competition. In that moment, we were all united, and New Milford gave us something truly special to be proud of.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the New Milford Police Department, and especially to Dan Rugani, for their well-deserved victory! You’ve made our community proud! A huge thank you also goes to New Milford Pack 78 for hosting such a fantastic event, to all the participants, volunteers, and everyone who came out to support this incredible day. We can’t wait to see what next year’s Best in Bergen Derby brings!
The 2025 Pinewood Derby will add a new category to the Outlaw Race. This year, the 1st Best in Bergen Cup will offer Mayors, Council Members, and First Responders from New Milford, Oradell, Bergenfield, Dumont, River Edge, Hackensack, and Teaneck the opportunity to race their Pinewood Derby Cars against each other for a trophy and bragging rights.
Our Outlaw Race, which is open to the public, and the Best in Bergen Cup provide individuals or teams the opportunity to create and race a pinewood derby car that is simple or creatively complex as long as it meets the height, weight, and width requirements. The Winners receive a trophy and bragging rights for the year. The rules for the race seem long and complicated but in reality the restrictions are common sense and are required to make the competition safe, fair and exciting.
The nights agenda will include 3 race categories (Pinewood, Outlaw and Best in Bergen) with each car running in at least 3 races. Past car concepts have included a school bus, a Mader truck, a snake, a gumball machine, Pikachu, a mouse chasing cheese, sports cars, a Spider-Man car, an arrow, a rainbow, and an 18 Wheeler. These races and the event serve, in part, as a fund raiser for Scout events, camping and materials for badge requirements.
Participants who wish to enter the race must register before January 6, 2025, pay a $20 entrance fee and they will receive a car kit from which they will create their car. During the event, snacks, desserts, drinks, and hot dogs are sold. The race is scheduled for February 21, 2025 at 7 pm sharp at the New Milford Presbyterian Church. Please arrive on time as all cars need to be weighted and checked in prior to the race.
If you are interested in participating please email our Race Coordinator Christina using the contact form under the Outlaw Race page
Friday, November 15, 2024, the members of Scout Troop 78 had a special visit from some of New Milford’s finest: members of the New Milford Fire Department, Police Department, and Mayor Michael Putrino. The visit was part of the troop’s ongoing community service initiative and aimed to inspire young scouts to give back to their community.
The firefighters and police officers shared stories about their experiences responding to emergencies and helping people in need. They emphasized the importance of community service and how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The mayor spoke about the role of local government in supporting community initiatives and encouraged the scouts to get involved.
The scouts were thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with these local heroes and learn more about their work. They asked thoughtful questions about firefighting techniques, police procedures, and the challenges of public service. The visit sparked conversations about potential community service projects, such as volunteering at local food banks, or cleaning up parks.
This partnership between Scout Troop 78 and the New Milford Fire Department, Police Department, and Mayor’s Office is a testament to the strong community spirit in New Milford. By working together, they can inspire future generations of leaders and create a brighter future for the town.
Operation K-9 Beethoven Rocks Out with Scout Troop 78! Have you ever seen a group of kids more excited than a room full of Scouts meeting a real-life therapy/service dog? Well, that was the scene recently when Operation K-9 Beethoven paid a visit to Scout Troop 78! Operation K-9 Beethoven is a fantastic organization that trains and pairs service dogs with veterans in need. These furry companions provide invaluable support to our heroes, helping them with everything from mobility assistance to emotional support. The visit to Scout Troop 78 was a chance for the Scouts to learn more about therapy/service dogs and the important role they play in veterans’ lives. But more than that, it was a chance to meet real-life therapy/service dogs and see firsthand the amazing bond between these animals and their handlers. According to the Operation K-9 Beethoven website, https://operationk9beethoven.com/, the organization is dedicated to “helping veterans heal through the companionship and service of highly trained dogs.” There’s no doubt that these dogs bring joy and comfort to the veterans they serve. The Scouts from Troop 78 were clearly impressed by the service dog’s training and abilities. They had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the dog’s daily routine, and even see some demonstrations of the dog’s skills. This visit was a win-win for everyone involved. The Scouts got to learn about a worthy cause and meet an amazing animal, while Operation K-9 Beethoven had a chance to raise awareness about their important work. If you’re interested in learning more about Operation K-9 Beethoven, be sure to check out their website. You can also find them on social media, where they share heartwarming stories about the veterans they help. And who knows, maybe your local Scout troop could be next in line for a visit from a furry friend with a hero’s heart!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Thursday meeting has been rescheduled to October 10th at 7:00 PM. We’ll be gathering at 1 Carlough Drive, Paramus, NJ 07652 to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
What We’ll Be Doing:
Collecting donations: Bring any items you’d like to contribute.
Sorting items: Categorizing donations for efficient distribution.
Loading donations: Preparing items for transport to those in need.
Why You Should Participate:
Make a difference: Help your community and those affected by the hurricane.
Earn volunteer hours: Cubs can log valuable service time.
Strengthen your troop: Build camaraderie and teamwork.
Important Notes:
Uniform expectations: All Scouts are expected to wear their First Class uniforms for photo opportunities.
Community involvement: This is a great chance to show our support for our neighbors.
Let’s come together as a community and make a positive impact. See you on Thursday!
