Boy Scout Cub Pack 71 from Macungie recognized Fred Weider for his contribution to Scouting recently.

Weider has a long history with 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 9 years old.

Earning his Bobcat badge in July of 1956 and his Wolf rank in January of 1957, in 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 Lion rank has since been replaced by the Webelos rank.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 over to Boy Scouts.

According to Chip Wachob, of Cub Scout Pack 71, "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, 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 Scout, Fred earned the highest rank in Scouting, his Eagle," Wachob said.

Weider could not 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," Wachob said. "He continued in the role until earlier this year when he 'stepped down' to the position of committee member. That is 32 years. All tolled, Fred has given 41 years and 11 months to Scouting," Wachob said.

In February, 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.

"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," Wachob said. "So after combing through the records and contacting various individuals, we were able to validate and verify Fred qualified for the 40-Year Veteran's Award.

"With the help of many individuals we requested the national office of the Boy Scouts of America recognize Fred for his time."

The award was presented to Weider on behalf of both the Pack and the Troop recognizing his 40 years of service to Scouting."

Cub Master David Lease said, "The pin and certificate show everyone 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. Weider's wife and brother compiled some memorabilia from Weider's time in Scouting. The display included Weider's sash with his merit badges, neckerchiefs, photographs of events and some books for recording badges and ranks.

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

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