Boy Scout Cub Pack 71 from Macungie recognized Fred Weider for his contribution to scouting in an event Aug. 28.

Weider has a long history with both scouting and Cub Scout Pack 71 and Boy Scout Troop 71.

Weider was born in 1946 and was involved in Cub Scout Pack 71 right from the start at Solomon's Church in Macungie. He joined Cub Scouts in June of 1956 when he was nine-years old. He earned his Bobcat badge in July and earned his Wolf rank in January of 1957. By August, just over one year after he joined scouting, Weider earned his Lion badge. Lion rank has since been replaced by the Webelos rank. Webelos rank is the last one in Cub Scouts before boys cross to Boy Scouts.

According to Chip Wachob, "Fred progressed very quickly, earning Tenderfoot in August of 1957 and Second Class in June of 1958. By September of 1958 Fred had Achieved First Class in Boy Scout Troop 71. By March of 1960, only four short years from his start in Cubs, he earned the Rank of Star and in May of 1963 he achieved the Rank of Life. In 1964, just eight years and seven months after starting as a Cub, Fred earned the highest rank in scouting, his Eagle.

All of that work must have been exhausting, but Fred couldn't stay away from scouting for too long.

In 1982 Fred returned to the scouting organization as a scouting coordinator, or what we now know as the chartered organization representative for both the Pack and the Troop. He continued in that role until earlier this year when he 'stepped down' to the position of Committee Member. That is 32 years! All told, Fred has given 41 years and 11 months to scouting."

In February 2014 the Boy Scout Troop 71 went to recharter, as it does every year. It was then troop members learned of awards given for veterans in scouting.

According to Wachob, "As a group we decided that we would like to see if we could find out more about the awards, especially with Fred in mind. So after combing through the records and contacting various individuals, we were able to validate and verify that Fred qualified for the 40-Year Veteran's Award.

With the help of many individuals we requested that the Nation Office of the Boy Scouts of America recognize Fred for his time.

Fred, on behalf of both the pack and the troop we would like to present you with this certificate and pin recognizing your 40 years of service to Scouting."

Cub Master David Lease added, "The pin and certificate shows everyone that you gave willingly of your time in service." Weider thanked everyone who had gathered.

"I didn't expect it," Weider said.

"When I got here and saw some older members and leaders from the Boy Scout Troop I thought you just wanted some older folks around, but I didn't expect this award. I have had lots of fun over the years and I am not going anywhere anytime soon, but plan on scaling back a bit."

"If you are not a leader, be a good volunteer," Weider said to the audience of parents and leaders who attended.

As part of the celebration there was a cake recognizing Weider. Weider's wife and brother compiled some memorabilia from Weiders's time in scouting. This was displayed on a table and included Weider's sash with his merit badges, neckerchiefs, photographs of events and some books for recording badges and ranks.

Weider's wife, Mary, commented, "That's it, no more surprises for you or me!"

While this ceremony was a surprise for Weider, earlier this year he had a hand in a surprise retirement party for his wife.