Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Patriotic

Unless thought is given to it, the Pledge of Allegiance
can become rote and boring. Here are some short intros to
make the ceremony different and meaningful each time.


Thomas Jefferson said, "The God who gave us Life, gave us
Liberty at the same time." As we repeat the Pledge of
Allegiance, Let us remember that our flag is a symbol of this
precious Liberty.

We have Good Government only when We, The People of the United
States of America, play an active part in making it good. Let
us say our Pledge with that in mind.

The greatest Public Document of the American People in the
Constitution of the United States. Our Flag represents our
Constitution in Action. Let us now Pledge our Allegiance to
that Flag.

The U.S. Flag is the emblem of our Nation. The Leader of the
Free World. Let us now say the Pledge of Allegiance to that
Flag.

13 Stripes and 50 Stars ...This phrase can only refer to our
American Flag. Let us remember the history behind those stars
and stripes as we say the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Long may it wave."... Let us remember the history behind this
famous phrase as we Pledge our Allegiance to the Flag.

The Flag flies before our eyes as a Bright Gleam of Color and
a Symbol of Ourselves. Let us join in Pledging the Flag of
the United States of America.

As we salute the Flag, Let's remember the words from the
American's Creed that is...
"It is my duty to my country:
To love it,
To support its Constitution,
To obey its Laws,
To respect its Flag and
To defend it against all enemies."

The Red in our Flag stands for Courage and Bravery. Today as
we Salute our Flag, let 's remember our men and women in the
Armed Forces who are serving us and our country.

So long as the Principles of Truth, Justice, and Charity for
All remain deeply rooted in Human Hearts, Our Flag shall
continue to be the enduring Banner of the United States of
America. Let us join in the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.

For more than 200 years, our Flag has been the Emblem of
Liberty for generation after generation of Americans. Let us
look at it with pride as we Pledge our Allegiance to it.

This Stars and Stripes are our Dreams and our Labors. In
these unsettled times, Let us Pledge our Allegiance to our
American Flag with new hope.

Our Flag is bright with Cheer, brilliant with Courage, and
firm with Faith. Let us add this with our sincere Pledge
today.

We, The People...That's what Our Flag stands for. Let us say
the Pledge of Allegiance.

In the Flag Pledge, there is no comma or pause after the word
"Nation". The Concept of "One Nation Under God" is a precious
thing. To weaken it with an unwanted comma or pause is an
affront to the Patriotic Heart as well as the Poetic Ear.
Let's say the Pledge correctly.

Because we are Thankful and Appreciative of such Leaders as
Abraham Lincoln, Let us Pledge our Allegiance to the Flag and
at the same time, remember the Great Presidents of our Land.

As we say the Pledge today, Let's remember George Washington,
the Father of our Country, and the Heritage of America.

For the Opportunities our Country offers to the Youth of
America, Let us now say our Pledge to the Flag, the emblem of
our Nation.

In the Fold of our Flag are enshrined every Ideal, Hope, and
Opportunity made possible because Someone has lived. Let us
say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Closing Thoughts

A Cubmaster's minute or a Closing Thought is a good way to
bring a meeting to a quiet close. Here are a few short
passages to use before retiring the Colors.

Gettysburg
There's a battlefield at Gettysburg where swords and sabers
rust.
And brothers who were flesh and blood are scattered in the
dust.
But every night at Gettysburg when everything is still.
They say a golden bugle blows on Cemetery Hill.
Who was the unknown bugle boy at Gettysburg that day?
And was he wearing Yankee blue or wearing Southern gray?
Why did he die? What was his motive? He loved the country of
his birth.
And Government by the people, and for the people shall not
perish from the earth.

Reach for the Stars
Col. Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin, the second man to walk on the
moon, told a group of Eagle Scouts that man's exploration of
space is as old as man himself. He has explored, conquered,
and studied the secrets of the jungles, mountains and oceans.
He urged them to obtain a well-rounded background in many
fields of knowledge, then to select one field and strive for
excellence in it. "Set your goals high and settle for nothing
less than accomplishment," he said.
If you want to aim for the stars, you must remember that
you are building your launching pad right now by your
willingness and initiative in every task you tackle...at home,
in church, in school, and in Cub Scouting.

Freedom
Freedom is a breath of air, Pine-scented or salty like the
sea.
Freedom is a field new-plowed With furrows of democracy.

Freedom is a forest, Trees tall and straight as men.
Freedom is a printing press, The power of the pen.

Freedom is a country church, A cathedral's stately spire.
Freedom is a spirit That can set the heart on fire!

One Good Deed
One day in the year 1909 the city of London was in the grip of
a dense fog. An American businessman, William D. Boyce,
paused under a street lamp to locate himself. Out of the
gloom a boy approached him and asked if he could be of help.
Boyce told the boy that he was trying to find a certain
business office in the center of the city.
"I'll take you there," the boy said. When they got to
the office, the American reached into his pocket for a tip.
But the boy stopped him saying, "No thank you, sir. I am a
Scout. I can't take anything for helping."
Of course Boyce was curious. So the boy told him about
himself and his brother Scouts. Boyce was interested and
asked the boy to take him to the British Scout Office when he
was finished with his errand. There the boy disappeared. At
the office, Boyce met Baden-Powell, the famous British general
who had founded the Scouting movement. Boyce was impressed.
And so, on Feb. 8, 1910, in Washington, DC Boyce and a
group of outstanding men founded the Boy Scouts of America.
But what happened to the boy? No one knows. He was never
heard of again, but he will never be forgotten. In the
British Scout Training Center at Gilwell Park, England, a
statue of a buffalo was erected in honor of that "Unknown
Scout". His Good Turn to one man became a Good Turn to
millions of American boys. You can never tell...


A Thought for the Flag
Have you ever thought of the blood, and sweat, and tears
That've been shed for our nation throughout the years?
We've won many wars, helped lands small and great.
But we haven't learned to conquer our fears and our hates.
No, it hasn't been easy to keep our land free.
Now that challenge is passed on to you and me.
So be proud you're an American. Hold your head high
And think of these things as our Flag passes by.

Prisoner of War Flag Ceremony

Equipment: American Flag mounted to a blanket. Personnel: 2
Scouts to hold flag, and a reader.

Reader: On a summer day in a prison camp during World War
II, the prisoners were just completing a talent show when,
without any announcement, two soldiers stood up in front of
the group holding a rolled up blanket. They looked quickly
but carefully in all directions to make sure no guards were
watching. Then, holding the blanket high, they let it unroll.
Fastened to the inside of the blanket was the beautiful Stars
and Stripes of the flag of the United States. (Scouts match
actions to story.)
At the time of their surrender, one of the soldiers had
taken down the flag and somehow managed to wrap it around his
body. Covered by his uniform, it had not been discovered
during the inspection of his personal belongings. He had been
able to keep it hidden until he had arrived at the prison
camp.
As the blanket was unrolled, the other prisoners saw the
flag. A ripple of wonder and amazement ran through the group,
followed by a deep silence that comes only when the heart is
too full to permit words to be spoken. With their eyes still
gazing upon this beautiful banner the soldiers rose to their
feet and began to sing softly, but with pride. They sang our
National Anthem. Will the audience please rise and join in
singing our National Anthem.

Campfire/Candle Opening

Equipment: 'Campfire' built of logs around a yellow light
bulb, electric candle with blue light, tape of crackling fire
sounds.

Setting: Fire is dark as Akela enters and 'lights' candle
(turns bulb).

Akela: We will light our council fire tonight with this
candle that represents the Spirit of Cub Scouting, and the Cub
Scout's promise to do his best.
This light is a symbol of a Cub Scout's promise to do his
duty to God and his country. This light is a symbol of a Cub
Scout's promise to help other people. This light is a symbol
of a Cub Scout's promise to obey the Law of the Pack.

(Akela stops, touches 'campfire' with the 'candle.' Someone
off stage then plugs in the fire and starts the tape.)

Akela: I now declare this council fire open. Let the
ceremonies begin!

(At this point you may want the whole pack to stand and repeat
the Cub Scout Promise.)



4 Winds Opening

Equipment: Campfire, Indian costume, gourd or rattle.

Setting: Akela enters dressed as Chief, approaches unplugged
campfire. Standing behind it, facing the audience, he raises
his arms and faces skyward, rattle in one hand.

Akela: To our Father, who has granted us many blessings.
(shakes rattle once)
(Facing the ground and reaching his arms downward) To the
earth, which has given us rich harvests. (Shakes rattle once)
(Facing North - arms slightly raised.) To the north wind,
with its cold breath of winter that teaches us endurance.
(Shakes rattle once)
(Facing East) To the East wind, which comes from the land of
the rising sun and carries morning light over plains and
mountains. (Shakes rattle once)
(Facing South) To the South wind, from the land of warm
sunshine that gives us courage and hope. (Shakes rattle once)
(Facing West) To the West wind, from the land of the tall
mountains that provide us with water and game to hunt.
(Shakes rattle once)
(Facing Audience) Now that we have called to the Great
Spirits, we are ready to light our Council Fire.....(Stoops to
light the fire while some one off stage plugs it in.)
I now declare this Council Fire open! Let the ceremonies
begin! (Long rattle)


Award Ceremonies

Bobcat

Jungle Book Ceremony

Personnel: Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Den Leader and
Assist. Den Leader.
Cubmaster calls forward the new Bobcats and their parents.

ACM: Mowgli, the man-cub came to live with the wolf pack when
he was very young. When he had learned enough to run with the
other cubs, he was brought to the great council of the Pack to
be accepted as a member of the Pack. Akela, the leader of the
Pack, said...

CM: Look well O Wolves. Get to know him.

ACM: From outside the circle of the Pack, Shere Khan, the
mighty Tiger spoke out, "The man-cub is mine. Give him to me!"
Several of the wolves joined in with Shere Khan because they
were afraid. Knowing the Law of the Pack required 2 people to
speak for a cub when there was a question about him joining,
Akela said....

CM: Who speaks for this Cub?

ACM: Baloo, the sleepy brown bear, spoke up.

DL: I will speak for the man-cub. Let him join the Pack. I
will teach him the Law of the Pack.

ACM: Knowing the Law of the Pack required 2 people to speak
for the Cub, Bagheera, the black panther, spoke.

ADL: If there is a question about the right of a Cub to join
the Pack, his life may be bought at a price. I will add fresh
meat if you will accept Mowgli into the Pack.

ACM: The wolves all joined in saying, "Let him join!" They
all looked him over before departing the council. Akela said
to the mother and father Wolf, and to Baloo and Bagheera...

CM: Take him away and teach him the Law of the Pack. (Lead
the boys in the Cub Scout Promise. Then award their Bobcat
badges to their parents and have them pin them on the boy.)

Key to Cub Scouting

Equipment: Oversized key cut out and painted gold, written on
it is "Scout Spirit", and an old key on a string.

CM: We have with us tonight someone who has just joined the
Cub Scout program. Will ______ and his parents please come
forward?
The Cub Scout program will face you with many challenges.
You will be required to attend weekly den meetings and monthly
pack meetings. You will need to work with leaders and also at
home with your parents. In order to achieve the highest rank
in Cub Scouting, you must now set your sights on the Arrow of
Light. Many times you may get discouraged because the trail
seems steep and hard to climb.
There is a key to achieving each of these goals. The key
to Cub Scouting. Do you know what the key is? (Wait for
answer of no and then produce the oversized key.)
The key to Scouting is "Scout Spirit." Scout Spirit
includes teamwork. It includes fair play and good
sportsmanship. It includes that "something special" that
makes scouts want to be the best they can be at everything
they do. This key will unlock the door of achievement.
Remember, with this key to Scouting - "Scout Spirit" -
you can now step on the Scouting trail. This small key is a
reminder of the Key to Cub Scouting. (hang key around his
neck.)
And that first step is rewarded with the Bobcat rank. I
will present this award to your parents in token of the help
they have given you. They may pin it on your uniform. (Do
so.)

Howling Bobcat

Equipment: "Campfire", Indian Costume

Setting: Campfire is turned on, other lights are dimmed.
New Bobcats are outside the room with an Assistant Cubmaster.
They give the howl of the Bobcat, a long drawn-out wail.

Akela: I hear the calling from beyond our Pack council . It
sounds like a Bobcat! Shall we answer with the call of the
Wolf Pack? (Pack howls like wolves. This is the ACM's cue to
enter with the Bobcats.)

Akela: Who comes here?
ACM: Boys, hunting for the fun and
companionship of Cub Scouting.
Akela: But whom do you seek?
ACM: Akela, the great Spirit of the Cub
Scout.
Akela: Are these boys wise in the ways of the Bobcat?
ACM: They are, Akela.
Akela: Show me.

ACM: Show Akela what you have already learned. Raise your arm
in the Cub Scout Sign and say the Cub Scout Promise. (They
do.)

Akela: I can now call you Cub Scouts because you have
completed the requirements necessary for your participation in
this great Brotherhood we call Cub Scouting. Tonight you have
repeated before me the Cub Scout Promise. You have assumed a
very important responsibility. You have agreed to "do your
best" and to "do your duty to God and your country", "to help
other people" and "to obey the Law of the Pack", These are
things which are not always easy, but I think you will enjoy
them. All that we ask is that you do your best. Do you
agreed to do your best?
(Wait for answers) Good! Please let your parents pin your
bobcat badge on your uniform.

Wolf/Bear

Headdress Ceremony

Equipment: Wolf & Bear Headdresses

Akela: This is the ceremonial Wolf Headdress. It represents
the origin of Cub Scouting as told in the story of Mowgli in
the Jungle Book. The Wolf Pack adopted the "Man Cub" and
taught him the ways of the Pack. So have we done to each of
the members of our Pack.
The erect ears of the wolf are symbolized by the Cub
Scout sign. In some tribes, the Indian Scout was called a
Wolf, and wore the skin or head of the wolf when beginning a
scouting expedition.
Tonight, we have _____ Cub Scouts who have earned the
rank of the Wolf. Will they and their parents please come
forward. (Read names and wait till all are present.) You are
not beginning your expedition, but ending it. You have earned
the rank of Wolf. Now you will begin a new expedition, on the
trail of the Bear. To your parents I present the Wolf badge.
They may present it to you as the Wolf skin that marks you as
a member of the Wolf Pack.

ACM: I wear on my head the ceremonial bearskin. The Bear is
respected by all other animals because of his size, loyalty to
its young, and hunting ability. The Bear Baloo, taught Mowgli
the Law of the Jungle.
Tonight we have ____ Cub Scouts who have earned the rank
of Bear. Will they and their parents please come forward.
(Read names and wait till all are present.) You too will be
respected by your fellow Scouts as you have attained greater
stature tonight. Continue to obey the Law of the Pack and you
will soon join the ranks of the Webelos Tribe as a warrior
Scout. To your parents I present the Bear badge. They may
present it to you as the Bearskin that marks your stature in
the Pack.

Painted Paws

Equipment: Black waterbased paint, brush, badges

CM: When a boy joins our Cub Scout pack, he earns the Bobcat
badge and starts on an upward trail. This trail will lead him
through the ranks of Wolf, Bear, Webelos and on to the highest
award of Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Tonight we are
honoring boys who have made significant advancement along this
journey. Would the following boys and their parents please
come forward? (Read names and wait till all are present.)
I understand that you seek the rank of Wolf, is that so?
(response) Please recite the Cub Scout Promise.

Cubs: I, ___, promise to do my best to do my duty, to God
and my Country, to help other people, and to obey the Law of
the Pack.

CM: I can see by your knowledge of the Cub Scout Promise and
the achievements that you have completed that you have worked
hard along with your parents. These achievements are very
important as they have helped you gain a deeper appreciation
of many things. You are now ready to become a Wolf -cub.
(With paint draw on the back of the Cubs hands the 1st
toe) The first toe of the Wolf paw is for your growth through
feats of skill and having fun with your family.
(Draw 2nd toe.) The second toe of the Wolf paw
represents that you have learned about your home, community,
country and your religious beliefs.
(Draw 3rd toe.) The third toe stands for the skills you
have gained in handling tools, trying new things, and making
collections.
(Draw 4th toe.) The fourth toe represents your new
appreciation for conservation and safety.
(Draw the footpad.) The pad of the Wolf paw represents
your growth as a Cub and the increased responsibility you are
now capable of handling. Wolf Cubs, remember the inscription
of this paw. It shows you are ready to move along the upward
trail of Scouting.
(Present parents with badges and have them pin them to
their sons. Shake hands with boys.)

CM: Would the following boys and their parents please come
forward. (Read names and wait.) You are climbing even higher
on the trail to the Arrow of Light. Do you seek the rank of
Bear? (response.) Then recite the Law of the Pack.

Cubs: The Cub Scout follows Akela, The Cub Scout helps the
Pack go, the Pack helps the Cub Scout grow, The Cub Scout
gives goodwill.

CM: I see that you have worked hard with your parents and Den
Leaders to achieve your rank. You are ready to become Bear-
cubs.
(Draw the first toe on the back of the Cubs hands.) The
first toe of the Bear paw symbolizes your increased
understanding of God.
(Draw 2nd toe.) The second toe of the Bear paw
symbolizes your new knowledge of your country, its folklore
and heritage.
(Draw 3rd toe.) The third toe shows your increased
appreciation of your family.
(Draw 4th toe.) The fourth toe stands for your increased
understanding of your own self worth.
(Draw footpad.) The palm of the Bear paw represents your
growth as a Cub, and the increased responsibility you are now
capable of carrying. The climb up the Scouting trail is
getting shorter, but steeper. Not everyone will finish.
Follow the Promise and the Law so that no harm will come to
you along the trail.
(present badges to the parents and have them pin them to their
sons. Shake hands with the boys.)

Webelos

Three Candles

Equipment: Parent's Pin, Webelos badge, a Green Candle, a
Red Candle, and a Yellow Candle

CM: Will the following Cub Scouts and their parents please
come forward? (Read names) Tonight you are to receive the
Webelos rank. This rank is the next to last step in Cub
Scouting. It requires that a boy begin to learn skills of the
adult world. You have begun to learn about Boy Scouting and
have agreed to live by its Promise and Law. Your parents have
continued to support you in this effort. As token of their
help, please pin this Parent's pin on them. (Boy does.)
The rank of Webelos entitles you to wear the Webelos
Colors. These three ribbons are green, red and yellow. To
symbolize your achievement in earning this rank, we have three
candles here tonight. (Chose three parents to stand behind
the candles and light them as each color is explained.)
Green indicates knowledge of the Scout oath and Law and
signifies the learning of manhood skills.
Red signifies the achievement of three activity badges.
Yellow indicates you have been an active Cub Scout for at
least three months in your Webelos Den, and have performed
many good turns, helping your den, pack and family.
Now parents, you may pin the Webelos badge on your son's
uniform. Congratulations new Webelos Scouts. Thank you
parents for your help to your son. Continue to help him as he
completes the last step of his Cub Scout trail. Pack welcome
these new Webelos with a Grand Howl.



Feather "W"

Equipment: Indian Headdress for each boy, using 3 blue
feathers alternated with 2 yellow feathers. Fan the feathers
so that the blue ones look like a "W". Use Velcro to hold
band around the head. Campfire and Indian Music

CM: Tonight we have ___ Scouts who have earned the Webelos
badge. Will (Read names) and their parents please come
forward and sit at the place of honor at the head of the
campfire? (You may have the rest of the Webelos Den come and
sit around fire too.)
I have here an Indian headdress that was designed
especially for the legendary Webelos Scout who completed each
of his five major tests of endurance. Notice how the blue
feathers form a "W". Each of the five feathers has a special
meaning.
Feather #1 represents the meaning of the Webelos badge
and Uniform. The blue "W" on the Webelos badge shows you are
moving from Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting.
Feather #2 represents the three activity badges you must
earn, of which one has to be Fitness. A Warrior Scout also
had to pass a fitness test along with many others.
Feather #3 shows you have led your Den in a flag ceremony
that you planned yourself.
Feather #4 stands for the requirements of Boy Scouting,
which you have learned along with the Boy Scout Oath, the
Scout Law, the Salute, sign and handshake.
Feather #5 represents your efforts to serve God and live
up to your religious beliefs.
I shall now place this headdress on your head. (Do so to
each boy.) Wear it proudly, Webelos Scouts! You've earned
it. I present this patch to your parents to present to you.
Please give them the proper salute! (The proper salute to a
mother is a kiss.) Now I salute you, Webelos Scout! (Scout
returns salute.)

All Rank Ceremonies

Dimming Campfire

Equipment: Electric Campfire with dimmer switch, which Akela
may operate unseen. Start with it dim.

Akela: Tonight we have gathered at the ceremonial campfire
to hear an ancient tale. It was once believed that a campfire
had great magic. Of course it cooks our food, lights our way
and wards off wild animals, but the magic of this Pack Council
Fire is that it can light up our future! But only when we
approach it after making a great accomplishment.
Will (Read names) and their parents please stand by
their chairs? See how the fire burns only dimly when there
are no advancing Scouts nearby? Now please come forward and
join me at the fire's side. See how it has begun to burn
brighter now!
The fire tells us that you have completed all the
requirements for your ______ rank. You have worked hard to be
worthy of this great honor, so the fire has given us a sign
that you will continue to find great joy and success in Cub
Scouting. You will soon be on your way to earning the next
rank in Scouting. The fire tells us you will do so!
Please stand. I present this award to your parents to
present to you. Congratulations! (Akela sits again so he can
work the controls to dim fire as Scouts leave.) I now dismiss
you to your seats, and watch the fire as you leave its side!
(Repeat as many times as needed for awards.)

Talking Feather

Equipment: Talking Feather, Campfire

Akela: Tonight we have a special award to present. Would
______ and his parents please join me around the campfire?
Would the Den Leader also come forward to the Council Fire?
(All sit Indian style around the fire.)
I hold in my hand a Talking Feather. Does anyone know
what a Talking Feather is? ( If anyone speaks, ignore them.
When someone raises his hand, give them the feather.) A
Talking Feather gives the person holding it the right to
speak. Everyone else must listen, until the feather is passed
to them. (Akela sits.)
Since we are honoring _____ tonight, we will pass the
Feather around the circle and each of us will in turn tell
about something he has done or learned as we watched him make
progress along the Scouting trail. I will begin. (Each
person takes the feather, says something nice about the Scout
and then passes it on. Even the Scout himself is given a
chance to talk.)
Please stand now to receive your award. I present this
award to your parents to you. Please give them the proper
salute. (The proper salute for a mother is a kiss.) Now I
salute you too, ________Scout!

Tail Ceremony

Equipment: Tails made of fake fur for each Cub. Bobcat tail
is spotted tube about 3" long. Wolf tail is long, grey,
narrow at the top and wider past the center, then back to a
point. Bear is brown/black ball of fur. Each tail should
have a string to attach it to the boy's belt loops.

Candidate and his parents are called to the front. The
Cubmaster explains which award has been earned, but before the
Scout can get his award he must look like a Bobcat/Wolf/Bear!
"What is missing?" (turn him around) "A TAIL!"
Present tail to parents and have them attach it to his
belt loop or belt in back. Explain that in order to remove
his tail he must do something first. Can he tell you what it
is? Ask the rest of the pack. "A GOOD DEED!" Explain that
if he does not find a good turn to do before he goes to bed,
he must wear it on his pajamas and then to school until he
does one! (Some cubs like to wear it for a few days!)

NOTE: This ceremony works well alone for either rank
advancement, but would be most meaningful if all three tails
could be earned while a member of the Pack to add to the
Scouts Trophy Skin upon graduation.

Baden-Powell Advancement Ceremony

Tonight we are celebrating the birthday of Scouting.
Many of you know that Scouting started in England in 1907 when
Lord Baden-Powell took 7 boys to Brownsea Island for a camping
experiment. But the roots go even farther back. In 1899,
Baden-Powell was a Colonel in the British Army fighting the
Dutch Boers in South Africa. Colonel Baden-Powell was in
charge of a town called Mafeking. It was under siege by the
Boers. The Boers shelled the town every day except Sundays.
When that happened, everyone had to hide in trenches until the
shelling stopped. Baden-Powell noticed that the last ones
into the trenches and the first ones out were the young boys.
He needed to keep these young lads from doing risky things and
getting wounded. So he organized them into a Boys Corps.
They ran messages from Headquarters to the troops and
citizens, and they practiced Army Scouting skills. This
helped him enforce discipline on them in a way that they could
accept.
The food was running out, the Boer force was 10 times the
size of the British force, but Baden-Powell used his cunning
to hold the town for 217 days, until British reinforcements
could arrive and rescue the town from the Boers. When he got
back to England, he found himself a National hero and a small
book he had written for the Army, "Aids to Scouting", was
being used by British boys to play games of scouting. He
remembered those boys in Mafeking and what his Boys Corps did
for them. He rewrote his book into "Scouting for Boys" in
1908 and Boy Scouting was born.
The tradition Baden-Powell started in Mafeking, we are
continuing tonight. When the boys in Mafeking learned their
scouting skills, they were rewarded with a promotion in rank.
So too, do Cub Scouts, after showing their abilities in
certain skills, earn their ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and
Webelos. Would the following Scouts and their parents please
step forward? (read names of award winners) You have learned
new skills and have shown yourselves ready for promotion.
Wear your new rank proudly like all Scouts have for the last
94 years. (Read the name and award given, exchange the Cub
Scout Salute, and let the parent pin on the award.)

(written by Ken & Ellen De Vilbiss, Pack 80, Arapahoe
District)




Arrow of Light

Pack 265 Arrow of Light

Equipment: Arrow of Light Ceremony Light box with 7 Christmas
light bulbs on top, unlit. (1 blue, 5 clear, 1 green) and a
flashlight.

Setting: Room lights are dimmed or out. Cubmaster and
Assistant Cubmaster are behind the Light box. Cubmaster uses
flashlight to read ceremony.

CM: Tonight we honor ___ Webelos Scouts who have completed
the requirements for Cub Scouting's highest goal - the Arrow
of Light Award. (Asst. turns on interior light.) Will the
following Webelos Scouts and their parents please come
forward? (Read names) You have learned the Scout
requirements, visited a Scout troop, and secured a Scout
application. You were guided in your progress through Cub
Scouting's ranks by the Arrow of Light. (Turns on blue
light.)
The blue light that is now lit represents the Cub Scout
spirit that all Cub Scouts have. (Turns on first clear
light.) First you became a Bobcat. You were taught to follow
Akela. As a Bobcat you learned the Cub Scout Promise,
handshake, sign and motto.
(turn on second clear light.) Next you followed Akela
and expanded your knowledge as you earned Wolf. You had
adventures and fun. (Turn on third clear light.) After Wolf,
Baloo, the Bear helped Akela teach you more and harder things
as you earned your Bear rank. (Turn on fourth clear light.)
As a Webelos Scout, you had the opportunity to explore many
new areas - science, travel, first aid, physical fitness, and
many more. You visited and took part in Scouting events and a
special Webelos camp.
Tonight you will receive the Arrow of Light. (turn on
the fifth clear light.) Wear this award with pride. Continue
to let the Arrow of Light guide you through your Scouting
career as you now work toward your Eagle. (Present awards to
parents and shake boys' hands.) This green light represents
the Boy Scout spirit that you now have. Congratulations.

Written by Leeon Campbell, Pack 265, Arapahoe District

Broken Arrow

Equipment: An Arrow for each boy, two council fires, awards

Setting: Cubmaster at first fire, boy scouts at second.
Award is attached to arrow.

Akela: Will (Read names) and their parents please come
forward and take their place of honor at the Council Fire?
Tonight (Read names) have achieved two high honors. They
will receive the Arrow of Light award and graduate from Cub
Scouting into Boy Scouting.
I hold in my hand an arrow. As you can see, it is
straight and true, for only an arrow that is straight and true
will hit its mark. (Hold up arrow so Scout can see its
shaft.) In order to fly straight, it must also have at least
three feathers. These represent the first three ranks of Cub
Scouting you achieved; Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. With these
awards in place you began to ascend along the shaft, toward
the tip of the arrow, the Arrow of Light Award. This is the
culmination of all your Cub Scouting efforts. Without a hard,
sharp tip, the arrow is not a very effective weapon. Since
you have achieved this, the highest rank in Cub Scouting, you
will now be a more effective Boy Scout as you take with you
the things you've learned and continue to progress along the
Scouting trail.
Please stand. I now present you with this arrow, to
which is attached your award. Parents, please pin the Arrow
of Light on your son. now give your parents the proper
salute. (The proper salute to a mother is a kiss.)
Since you are graduating form Cub Scouting tonight, you
will no longer be a Cub Scout, except in memory. Because this
arrow represents the path along which you have come, but not
the path along which you must now go, I will ask you to return
the arrow.
(Take the arrows and break them over your knee, just
enough to crack, but not completely in two.) This broken
arrow will now be forever a reminder to you, that you achieved
every rank in Cub Scouting, and graduated with honor. It will
no longer fly, just as you will no longer be a Cub Scout. But
you will always wear the Arrow of Light symbol on your
uniform, as a reminder of your accomplishment. You now may
keep this broken arrow for your trophy skin. I give you one
last salute before you leave our council fire to join your new
Boy Scout brothers at their council fire. (Salute.) Always
be straight and true! Now walk to your new council fire.

Eagle Feather

Equipment: "Eagle" Feather, Arrow of Light Light box, Drum,
Akela Costume.

Webelos Leader: Tonight we have our Arrow of Light
presentation. The Arrow of Light is the highest award a Cub
Scout can achieve and is the only Cub Scout award that can be
worn on the Boy Scout uniform. Will the Arrow of Light
candidate(s) and their parents please come forward? (Read
Names) To help with this presentation we would like to call
on the great chief Akela, chief of all the Webelos. But
before I can call the great chief we must have complete
silence. Let's give this great man the respect he deserves.
(Beat drum when silence is obtained to bring in chief.)

Akela: Why have I been summoned?

WL: Chief Akela, (Read names) is (are) ready to receive the
Arrow of Light award. Do we have your approval to present
this award?

Akela: Does he (Do they) have Scout spirit?

WL: Yes.

Akela: (to Scouts) Raise your right hand in the Cub Scout
sign and repeat the Cub Scout Promise for all of those present
tonight. (Scouts do.)
Do you plan on living up to the promises in the Cub Scout
Promise? (Scouts answer)
You have battled the Bobcat, trapped the wise Wolf and
wrestled the great Bear. You have passed the trials of
strength to join the mighty Webelos tribe. You have climbed
the great mountain and reached into the sky to grasp the Arrow
of Light. This is one of the Feathers you will wear in your
war bonnet as you continue to climb higher until you are
worthy to soar with the Eagle. (Present feather with award
attached to the parents.) Parents pin this award on your son.
It is an honor to have you as member(s) of the Webelos tribe.
Be proud of your accomplishments.

WL: Please remain silent while the chief leaves us. (Drum
beats softly while chief exits.)

Graduation Ceremonies

Tiger Cub

Equipment: A large box made like a doorway (or a blanket or
curtain) A pot with dry ice and some water to make it smoke.

Akela: (Calling the boys and parents forward.) You have
taken part in the past few months in the Tiger Cub Motto;
Search, Discover, Share. Together you will join the Cub
Scouting family. Together you will grow and learn new things
while earning each badge. You will support and strengthen
your Cub Scouting and own family in each step that is taken.
Your parents will help and support you in each step of your
journey.
Before you step through together the doorway of Cub
Scouting you must make a promise to the Pack. The most
important part of this promise is to "Do Your Best". You will
be expected to do your best in everything you do, including
Cub Scouts, at home and in school. Will you make the Cub
Scout Promise with me? (Demonstrate the sign and lead them in
a repeat after me fashion through the Promise.)
Parents, as you step through the door way of Cub Scouting
with your son, you will be accepting the parental
responsibilities of Cub Scouting. If you are willing to
accept these responsibilities, signify by saying "I will."
Please face your son, place your left hand on his
shoulder, give the Cub Scout sign with your right hand and
repeat after me:
I ______ promise to do my best to help my son to be a
good Cub Scout, to encourage him to fulfill the Cub Scout
promise and obey the Law of the Pack. I promise to assist him
in his Cub Scout achievements and electives, to cooperate with
the den leader, Cubmaster, and Pack Committee members, and to
participate actively in Cub Scouting.
Parents, I urge you to seal your promise with your
special sign of affection.
(Call boys one at a time with his parents to step through the
doorway. Boy should go first and have his Cub scout shirt
slipped on while he is inside the doorway. proceed when each
family has crossed through.)
As you can see, you now have a son who is ready to join
the tribe. Please help him by presenting him with his Wolf
Scarf. (Parents put scarves on boys.) Pack, these new Wolves
have joined our pack. See them, Get to know them, and protect
them, for now they are your brothers.

Written by Maggie Jones, Arapahoe District

Bear to Webelos - Broken Arrow

Equipment: An Arrow per boy with their name on it. Notch
each arrow on the top and bottom about 3" apart.

Call Bear Scouts and their parents forward.

CM: You and your family have worked together to develop the
skills of the Wolf and Bear. Together, you have strengthened
your family and the Scouting Family. You will now start on
the Trail of the Webelos, your goal is the Arrow of Light.
This group of arrows represents you, your family, your
adult Scouting Leaders, the Pack, and the Chartering
Organization. Without any of these people, Scouting would not
be strong. Take this group of arrows. Together, as a group,
the arrows are strong.
As you have noticed, your names are on the arrows. When
your arrow remains in the group, the strength of the group is
added to it. Without any of the other members, Scouting will
break as easily as I break this arrow.
(Break each boy's arrow over his shoulder. Hand the
point to the parents and the fletched end to the boy.)
Parents, you have received the head of the arrow. This
signifies that you and the Webelos Leaders will guide these
scouts over the next two years. New Webelos, you have
received the flight feathers. This signifies your travels
during the next two years. your journey will end in two years
with most of you reaching the Arrow of Light. At the end of
that journey, you will have enabled this arrow to fly straight
and true again.

When the time for their Arrow of Light ceremony comes, collect
the arrows, fit the notches back together and with glue and
twine wrap them to become whole again. Present them to the
boys at their Arrow of Light Ceremony.

Written by Rick McNeal

Pack Graduation Ceremony

Note: his ceremony eventually has all the boys and leaders
standing in front of the pack. You will need a lot of room if
yours is a large pack. We wrote this one for a Pack of about
90 and needed all the school's risers and most of the gym!

Equipment: Set of risers or a stage with broad steps leading
up. Each boy needs to have his scarf and you may need extras
if you have more of a rank than the one following it.

Asst. CM: Second year Webelos, please come forward and stand
on the top row of the risers.

CM: Will (Read names of those receiving Bear) and their
parents please come forward? You have worked long and hard to
earn the rank of Bear. Soon you will be in a Webelos Den.
Remember the hard work you have put in and the support of your
parents. This will get you to your next step on the Cub Scout
Trail. Parents will you pin the Bear badge on your sons.
(they do.) Congratulations! Now will the new Bears please
take your place on the second riser. Parents, you may return
to your seats.

Asst. CM: Would all Bears please stand on the second riser.

CM: Will (Read names of those receiving Wolf) and their
parents please come forward? You also have done a good job of
working on your Wolf rank. This is the step that will enable
you to proceed on the trail to Bear. Parents please pin the
Wolf badge on your son. (They do.) Congratulations! Now
will the new Wolves take your place on the first riser.
Parents you may return to your seats.

Asst. CM: Would all the Wolves stand on the bottom riser,
please.

CM: Tiger Cubs and parents, please come forward and stand on
the floor in front of the Wolves. You are just starting your
trip along the Scouting trail. You have searched, discovered
and shared the world around you. These patches show you have
graduated from the Tiger Cubs and are ready to become Bobcats.
Parents, please pin this patch to your son's shirt. (They
do.) Congratulations! Parents, you may return to your seats,
New Cub scouts, please remain where you are.

Asst. CM: ________ has been a leader of Den ___ for ___
years. Please come forward. (Repeat until all leaders are
present.)

CM: Please accept the sincere gratitude of Pack ___ for your
work with the Cubs in your den. This star may be small, but
it represents many hours of your time given to Scouting. I am
also giving you service stars for the boys of your den. They
too have put in many hours toward their badges. Den Leaders
please present these to your dens at their next meeting.
Would you please stand on the floor at the ends of the risers?

Asst. CM: Tiger Cubs, for the past few months you and your
family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and
places. Now it is time to move along the Cub Scout trail to
the next part of the program.
Your family is important throughout your whole Scouting
Experience. Support in earning each badge comes from your
family as well as from your Den Leader. Your parents will
help you each step of the way.

CM: On behalf of Pack ___ I would like to welcome you. You
will be receiving your Wolf scarf tonight. The Wolf Scarf is
gold, like the sun. It stands for joy in a job well done.
Have fun as you learn the way of the Wolf Scout. Would the
Wolf Scouts please pass their scarf to the New Cub Scout in
front of them. (Leaders will need to provide help and a scarf
for any boy who doesn't get one from the Cub behind him.)

Asst. CM: Wolf Scouts, you have spent this year learning
about Cub Scouting by earning Bobcat and Wolf. You have Done
Your Best to live up to the ideals of Cub Scouting.

CM: Tonight you will receive your Bear neckerchief. The Bear
neckerchief is blue. Blue stands for truth, loyalty, and
obedience. You must learn to obey before you can expect
others to obey you. The blue neckerchief stands for obedience
to the Law of the Pack. On behalf of Pack ___ I congratulate
you. Would the Bear Scouts please pass their scarves to the
Cub Scout in front of you. (Again Leaders assist.)

Asst. CM: Bear Scouts, tonight you start the Webelos trail.
The Webelos Den has one big purpose. That's to prepare you
for Boy Scouting. You will work on very exciting activity
badges, learning things that may lead you to lifelong hobbies
or professions. At the same time, you will study Boy Scout
requirements so you will be ready to become Boy Scouts.

CM: Each of your parents has helped you along the Cub Scout
trail this far. It is important now that your parents
continue to stay with you in your Webelos den. We will soon
have the pleasure, we know, of seeing you presented the
Webelos badge. Again on behalf of Pack ___ I congratulate
you. Would the New Boy Scouts please pass their scarf to the
New Webelos Scout in front of them. (Leaders assist.)

Asst. CM: Would the rest of the Webelos please come forward?
Please fill in any open spot on the risers.
I would like to recognize the hard work each of these boys has
done this year. Each boy has lived up to the Cub Scout motto,
DO Your Best, in each activity badge earned. Each boy has
also been working to fulfill the Scout motto of Be Prepared by
working on the Boy Scout requirements.

CM: The entire Scouting program runs on the volunteers who
help teach our sons the principles of Scouting. Without them,
there is no program. Would the Den Leaders, Webelos Den
Leaders, their assistants, the Den Leader Coach, Tiger Cub
Coach, Committee Chair and all members of the Committee please
step forward? Parents please give these people a Big round of
applause as they return to their seats. Would the Scouts now
please return to their seats.

Webelos Graduation

Equipment: Cross-over bridge, red light, flags.

Setting: Darkened room, with red light shining on the bridge.
The American and Pack flags flank the bridge. To the left of
the bridge are assembled the parents and Webelos Den Leaders,
on the right are the Scoutmaster and troop members.

CM: Tonight we mark a great occasion - the graduation of
Webelos Scouts from our Pack. We are sad to see them leave
because they have been a great help to our Pack. But we are
happy for them because they are going on to the great
adventure of Boy Scouting. They have worked hard for this
night and have advanced well. Please escort _____ to the
front. (The named scout is escorted to the front by a first
year Webelos Scout. He takes his place with his parents. The
escort returns to his seat. The CM repeats this step until
all graduating scouts are presented.)

Webelos Leader: It is with a great sense of pride that I
now ask you for your Webelos neckerchief. (After removing
scarf, Leader escorts them to the end of the bridge.) You
have done well in our den, but our den is no more, you are
about to move on to the troop. You will be a part of a new
patrol. Thank you for all the hard work you put in and all
the fun as well.

CM: I am pleased to see that you are wearing the Arrow of
Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. This is the only
Cub Scout badge which you will be permitted to wear on your
Scout uniform. And now you take the final steps. As you
stand on the bridge between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, please
give your pack one last salute, then turn and salute your new
Scoutmaster. (Boys cross one at a time, stopping to salute
the CM and then the SM.)

SM: We are happy to welcome you to our troop. I can see by
the Arrow of Light that you are prepared to join the great
fellowship of Scouting. Please repeat after me the Scout
oath. ( Scouts do, then exchange scout handshakes.) As a
token of this important occasion, I would like to present you
with the Troop neckerchief.

(Parents move to front of the bridge, where SM joins them.)
SM: Welcome to our Troop. I congratulate you on the fine
work you have done with your son in Cub Scouting. I am sure
you will find new adventures in our troop. (Red Light is
turned off. House lights turned on. Participants leave the
stage.)

Special Ceremonies

Arrowhead Ceremony

Equipment: Arrowhead on a thong, Arrow for demonstration,
Arrow Points to be awarded

Akela: Will (Read Names) and their parents please come
forward? Tonight we honor these Cub scouts who have gone the
extra mile and earned Gold Arrowpoint/Silver Arrowpoints.
(Hold up arrow.) Here is an arrow. Have you ever shot an
arrow? What makes the arrow fly straight? Answer: a straight
shaft and feathers on the end.
What helps it enter its target? Answer: a sharp point and
speed.
In order to be effective an arrow must have be all of
these things. Straight and true, feathered for guidance and
stability, fast and sharp. In order to be an effective Cub
Scout, you too must remain straight and true, receive guidance
and stability from good leaders, a program that is designed to
help you move quickly through the ranks of achievement, and
sharp attention on your part in order to make it to the Arrow
of Light rank.
(Holding up arrowhead on a thong.) Here is an
arrowhead. Making arrowheads requires skill and practice, and
a lot of patience, as they are chipped of stone. Your Cub
Scout Leaders and parents have chipped away at you to make you
a sharp young man. I present this award to your parents to
present to you. Now I will place around your neck this
arrowhead, which you may keep as reminder of your hard work.
You may wish to add it to your trophy skin. Congratulations!

Leader Induction

Equipment: Each Cub Scout who will be in the den of the new
leader should have a card with is name, birthdate, address and
phone number and parent's names. Attached to this card is a
string with a slip knot in the loose end. Also needed is a
Cub Scout Leaders' Book.

CM: Tonight we have the pleasure of offering to some parents
a position of leadership that will give them some of the most
memorable experiences of their lives. Will (Read names of
Den Leaders and Assistants) please come forward and join me?
We want to welcome you as the new Den Leader and Assistant Den
Leader of Den ____.

Committee Chair: I too want to welcome you to a position of
leadership in our Pack. I want you to know that we are all
here to help you in any way an I am sure all of the parents f
the boys in your den will give you any assistance they can and
that you need. I would like to present to you the Den
Leader's patch and Assistant Den Leader's patch to sew on your
uniforms on the left sleeve. And also the Cub Scout Leader's
Book which is a very valuable aid.

CM: Now so that you won't forget to remember all that you
need to know about your new position we have (Number of boys
in the den) strings to tie around your fingers. Will the
boys of Den ___ please come forward? (Boys come up and slip
their card's string over the Den Leader's fingers. Then lead
the leaders back to where their den is sitting.)

Legend of the Thunderbird Leader Induction

Equipment: Thunderbird shield made of posterboard and
decorated with feathers (see drawing)

CM: Will (Read names of new leaders) please come forward?
(They do.) Thunderbird has visited us here tonight and left
an important message. You must understand that he has great
powers, including the power to cause lightening and rain. His
message tonight is to wish us all health and good luck for
future generations. We feel that it is you, who have brought
Thunderbird here tonight. We wish to thank you for accepting
the Cub Scout challenge as a new Leader for a (Wolf, Bear or
Webelos) Den. May Thunderbird cross your path many times.
(Detach a feather from the edge of the shield and present it
to each leader.)






About this booklet

This booklet is the culmination of my Cub Scout Trainer's
Woodbadge ticket. I wanted to give the Packs of Arapahoe
District a new source for ceremonies, to spread the talent of
the many fine Cubmasters that we have who write their own
ceremonies or adapt more familiar ones. My thanks to all
those who gave me ceremonies. Especially my Roundtable Staff,
Rick McNeal, Donna Brown, Peggy Bloom and Maggie Jones for
your help in collecting ceremonies. Thanks too to my husband,
Ken DeVilbiss, for the use of the ones he has written or
pulled from the internet.
These generous people were much more prolific than I
anticipated. I was unable to publish all that were given to
me. In fact less than a quarter of what I was given is in
this booklet. The constraints of my pocketbook limited the
size severely. Therefore, I eliminated all ceremonies that I
had seen published in more professional form, or adaptation of
them. Only a few of these have even made a Roundtable
handout, and none of those have been at Roundtable for at
least two years. The ones that didn't make it were not bad
ceremonies and I may yet choose to publish them in future
Roundtable handouts, especially the theme related ones. I do
apologize if you find one here that you have seen published in
some other book. I did not see that book, and feel if I
haven't seen it, the majority of Cubmasters in this district
probably haven't either.
So, take my meager offering and put it to use with your
Pack if you can. This is the one and only copy you will get.
Feel free to make more, recopy in larger print, or make
changes to fit your own Pack. Enjoy.
Ellen DeVilbiss
Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner,
Arapahoe District
Oct. 1995