Throughout northeastern America, wampum – a string of shell beads – was used for jewelry, gifts, communication, historical record of important events, religious ceremonies, and trade. It was the earliest form of currency known in North America. Its value was derived from the difficulty involved in producing the cylindrical bead from shells. 

Pack 279 provides every scout with a leather cord upon entry into the pack. Throughout the course of their adventures, they have the chance to earn colorful beads, claws, and arrowheads to string on their necklace, creating their wampum. 

It’s common to see scouts wearing their wampums at outings, campfires, ceremonies, pack and den meetings. The most active scouts will have 30 or more beads filling their leather string.

Two “bridging” ceremonies are held by Pack 279 each year in March and June. In March, the second year Webelos earn their Arrow of Light award and cross over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts to the Troop of their choice at a ceremony we call “bridging.” In June, all other age groups earn their rank they have worked on all school-year, and advance to their next level alongside fellow members of their den. They ceremonially cross a wooden bridge, giving up their kerchief of their previous rank and earning the kerchief and slide of the next rank they will attempt.