First female Cub Scouts of Troop 1855 graduate

Cub Scout Pack 1855 made history last Thursday by having its first female scouts graduate. Fifth-graders Amina Elquosy and Nishka Patel graduated during the ceremony for Pack 1855's Dens 2, 12 and 13 at the Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, becoming a part of "something in history," as Patel described. Elquosy said she became a Cub Scout thanks to her mom, Erica Elquosy, who offered her daughter the opportunity when they lived in Saudia Arabia. "Then, I moved here and continued Cub Scouts and I really enjoyed it," Elquosy said. "I'm happy my friend encouraged me to do it," Patel said. "I started in third grade and my friend was doing it, and there were different activities, so I wanted to join." Not only will these ladies be known as some of the first female graduates, they are also recognized as being part of the first class in the nation to start as Lions and work their way through all the Cub Scout ranks. Cub Scouts advance through ranks as Lion Cub (kindergarten), Bobcat, Tiger (first grade), Wolf (second grade), Bear (third grade), Webelos (fourth and fifth grade) and Arrow of Light. Cub Master Stephen Sandfort and Den 12 leader Eric Whitehead showcased the ranks with a unique skit called "Helping Hands," where Sandfort had no arms and Whitehead used his hands as a replacement. They demonstrated the skills learned in each rank in a creative way that had the audience roaring with laughter. Cub Scouts "is for everyone," according to Sandfort. "Our pack is thriving with both boys and girls, and we have a lot more girls coming up in the ranks. I'm really excited to see that." According to Den 2 leader Allison Klayman, there are only about 10 female Cub Scout graduates in the Folsom area, so the addition of Elquosy and Patel as graduates was exciting for Klayman to see. Joining the two female graduates were Garvit Agarwal, James Beavers, William Claar, Kartik Fulsunge, Owen Gibson, Scott Klayman, Minghao Liu, Taylor Whitehead and Aarush Yagnik. Some graduates played a role in the bridging ceremony, including opening and closing flags and leading opening prayer. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to expand many skills through different activities. They're most known for camping-related and hiking skills but also have a water balloon toss and singing actvities. According to Sandfort, one of Troop 1855's favorite activities is, surprisingly, kitchen duty. "They can't get enough of that kitchen patrol!" Sandfort said. The scouts will have the opportunity to do kitchen patrol at an upcoming camp they're fundraising for. Sandfort said the troop is fundraising to send their scouts to Camp Lassen. The camp hosts activities including BB guns, archery, fishing, skits, a campfire program and more. One way they have already fundraised was through gift basket raffles offered at the graduation ceremony. They are looking to do more fundraising in the future. Donations to the troop can also be made on their website at troopwebhost.org/Troop1855Folsom/Index.htm.