A pair of Cub Scouts were honored during a Harvest Potluck and Awards Ceremony at the historic Scout Lodge in Chehalis on Wednesday night.
According to Brittany Voie, Chehalis Cub Scout Committee chair for Pack 9301, one boy was honored for his ingenuity and tenacity in attending Scout meetings and another was honored after recently pulling a younger child from the Chehalis River last weekend.
In an email, Voie said Reed Whitson began joining Cub Scout meetings all on his own, riding his bicycle eight to 10 blocks back and forth from his grandmother’s house to do so.
Voie said Reed was presented with bicycle accessories from the Safe Kids Lewis County Coalition on Wednesday night. He was given a Scout Service Recognition Award.
“Because we, as a leadership committee, are so inspired by his determination, perseverance, ingenuity and sheer willpower in finding a way to join us for meetings,” Voie wrote.
Voie thanked Annie Schultz at the Chehalis Fire Department for referring Cub Scouts leadership to the coalition.
The second honoree of the night was Lian Parkison, who was presented with a Water Rescue Recognition Award.
“This past weekend, our Cub Scouts attended Cold Camp at Rainbow Falls State Park,” Voie wrote. “While exploring the river near the swimming area (and after a very specific safety talk), a younger Cub Scout slipped and fell into the river — but she was pulled out almost immediately thanks to the actions of an older, quick-thinking and reacting Scout named Lian Parkison.”
When other Cub Scouts froze, Voie wrote, Lian reacted immediately, “employing his Aquanaut and Cub Scout water safety training practiced at the Centralia Indoor Pool — to reach in from the bank to pull the younger Cub Scout from the water.”
The Cub Scout was wet and cold but emerged from the ordeal unharmed and able to make it to camp for dry clothes, a warm fire, soup and hot cocoa.
Lian was honored Wednesday for “demonstrating bravery, courage, quick-thinking and following his Cub Scout training when an emergency arose,” Voie wrote.
Learn more about Chehalis Scouting programs at https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/page/scouting-programs.
