Princess Leia (real identity: Cubmaster Nancy Burke) addresses the crowd at the Pack 19 Blue and Gold Banquet.

“Star Wars and Scouting are a perfect combination,” Leia/Burke says. “Both Jedis and Cub Scouts share similar values. They each follow a code of honor and oath, try to live in peace and harmony with their environment, and take their stewardship to conservation, citizenship and their communities seriously.”

Impressively detailed costumes, a Star Wars dessert-making contest and “the Scouting Force” combined to make this Star Wars-themed blue and gold an out-of-this-world event.

Scouting magazine has written about Star Wars-themed blue and golds before. But seeing ideas put into action takes this to another level.

Pack 19, of the Dallas-based Circle Ten Council, teamed up with the Star Garrison of the 501st Legion, a worldwide Star Wars fan club that contributes to the local community through volunteer appearances to celebrate the galaxy’s favorite sci-fi universe.

So Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper, a Biker Scout, an Imperial Gunner, a member of the Royal Guard and other fan favorites were on hand to honor the Cub Scouts as they advanced to the next rank of Scouting.

“It was glorious to see the amazement on the faces of our Scouts when they saw these Star Wars characters in real life,’ said Denise Brame, the pack’s advancement chairwoman. “It was especially fun to watch them learn lightsaber dueling techniques from Darth Vader.”

The event was made even sweeter by a Star Wars-themed dessert contest. Tiger Mason Perry won with his marshmallow dessert made to look like Princess Leia’s iconic hair buns.

Take a look at some more photos of this blue and gold banquet from a galaxy far, far away.

Plan your Star Wars blue and gold

I almost forgot the best part. Cubmaster Nancy Burke has agreed to share resources and planning tips with anyone looking to plan their own Star Wars-themed blue and gold.

Just send an email to nancyhburke (at) icloud (dot) com.

Intellectual property note

Update appended June 17 | Some readers have rightfully pointed out that the use of any other person’s copyrighted material requires their advance permission.

In the case of inviting volunteers from the 501st Legion, as was done above, you’re covered.

The 501st Legion includes this info on its site: “The 501st Legion is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it is Lucasfilm’s preferred Imperial costuming group. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.”