Author: Michael F. Bowman
Company: Attorney at Law

SCOUTS-L
----------
CEREMONIES

Date:         Thu, 18 Aug 1994 14:05:41 -0500
Subject:      Arrow of Light ceremony

Hi y'all.  While at the NOAC, I attend a very well done ceremonies presentation
called "The Other Ceremonies".  It addressed how the O/A Lodge ceremonies team
could improve its ties with other Scouting units by doing specific
Arrow of Light, Eagle Ceremonies, etc.  During the presentation, the
presenter handed out an Arrow of Light ceremony.  It will be attached at the
end of the message.  The content looked great, it's doable.  I have only
one question and this can be answered by someone from Cahuilla Lodge 127.
What is the "Story of the Arrow"?  The other script is the Seven Virtues
of daily Life from the Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies.  Here is the
script.
YiS, Jay Bemisi

Arrow of Light Ceremony                                Cahuilla
Lodge 127
                                                  Hutak Chapter
1993

Characters         Dress
Chief Akela        Double Trailer
                   Warbonnet
                   Long Breastplate
                   Feather Flag
Medicine Man       Horned Bonnet
                   Dream Catcher
Guide              Roach
                   Bow
Guard              Roach
                   Dear Antler Staff
Drummer            plain
Fire Keeper        plain
Cubmaster
Webelos Den Leader
Materials
Fire wood          Water buckets
Arrow of Light     Paper
Board
Torch fuel         Spirit of Scouting
                   Candle
Arrows             Tiki torches
"Seven Rays"       Candles
script
Fire extinguisher  Drum and beater
Matches            Leather pouch for
                   awards
Shovel             "Story of the Arrow"
                   script
Blanket

Arrow of Light Ceremony Script

Drum starts to beat.  Slow tempo.  Chief Akela enters the
ceremony area, positions himself behind the council fire and
faces the audience with head bowed.
Medicine Man enters the ceremony area carrying a blanket.  He
places the blanket in front of the council fire and positions
himself with his back to the blanket, facing the audience with
his head bowed.
Guide enters the ceremony area and lights the Spirit of Scouting
Candle by the Arrow of Light Board.  He positions himself on the
west side of the ceremony area, facing the audience with his head
bowed.
Guard enters the ceremony area and positions himself on the east
side of the ceremony area, facing the audience with his head
bowed.
When all are in position with their heads bowed the drum will
continue to beat for a short time.  When the drum stops, all will
raise their heads.  The chief will start the four winds.  The
drum stops.
Chief Akela:   (raises the feather flag)  I am the North Wind.
               People say I am cold, but to you I will always
               bring the warmest of winds because you have been
               true-blue Cub Scout and Webelos Scouts, and have
               always lived up to the Law of the Pack.
Medicine Man:  (raises the dream catcher)  I am the South Wind.
               I wish you good Scouting.  Over hill and dale I
               have carried stories of you and your experiences.
               As Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, you have been
               happy, game, fair and a credit to your Den and
               Pack.
Guard:         (raises the deer antler staff)  I am the East
               Wind.  I wish you well.  I have spread the story
               of your fun and happiness in Cub Scouting with
               Pack ____ and how you lived up to the Cub Scout
               Promise and were fair and helpful.
Guide:         (raises the bow)  I am the West Wind.  I would
               like everyone present to know that these Webelos
               Scouts did not walk the Cub Scout Trail alone.
               Each had the wonderful help of his parents.
               Parents, continue to help your boys to go and
               grow.
Guard:         Chief Akela, there are some among us worthy of the
               highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.
Chief Akela:   (tilts the feather flag towards Guard)  My
               brother, - seek them out that are worthy of this
               award and bring them before our council fire.
Guard:         It shall be done Chief Akela.
Guard goes among the audience and finds the Webelos Scouts who
are getting their Arrow of Light.  He forms them into a line and
tells them to follow him.  The drum beats slowly.
Guard slowly leads the Webelos to the Guide.  He stops when he is
about two feet away.  He raises his right hand in the Cub Scout
sign.  The drum stops.
Guard:         Hakola.
Guide:         Hakola.  Who are these who follow the path of the
               arrow?
Guard:         These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of
               Light.
Guide:         Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.
The drum starts to beat.  Guard leads the Webelos to the Medicine
Man.  The drum stops.
Guard:         Hakola.
Medicine Man:  Hakola.  Who are these who follow the path of the
               arrow?
Guard:         These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of
               Light.
Medicine Man:  Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.
The drum starts to beat.  Guard leads the Webelos to the Chief
Akela.  The drum stops.
Guard:         Hakola.
Chief Akela:   Hakola.  Who are these who follow the path of the
               arrow?
Guard:         These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of
               Light.
Chief Akela:   Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.
The drum starts to beat.  Guard leads the Webelos to the blanket
and tells them to stand facing Chief Akela.  The drum stops.
Chief Akela:   Webelos Scouts, listen to the story of the arrow.
Fire Keeper, who is hidden from the audience, reads the story of
the arrow. ??????
The drum starts after the story of the arrow is finished.
The Medicine Man walks over to the Arrow of Light board.
When the Medicine Man is in position at the board, Guard leads
the Webelos to the board and positions them facing it.
Guide walks over and positions himself behind the Webelos.
Guard walks to the side of the Arrow of Light board to read the
meaning of the seven virtues.  The drum stops.
Guard:         The seven candles represent the rays in the Arrow
               of Light.  As they are lighted, you will hear how
               they stand for the seven great virtues of life.
Medicine Man lights the first candle and says the name of the
candle, while Guard recites the script for the seven virtues.
Medicine Man:  script for Seven Virtues from Staging Den and Pack
               Ceremonies.
When Guard has finished with all seven virtues he leads the
Webelos back to the position in front of the blanket, facing the
audience.
Guide and Medicine Man return to their places by the council
fire.
Chief Akela tilts the feather flag towards Guard.
Chief Akela:   My brother, go forth and seek out the parents of
               these Webelos Scouts and bring them before the
               council fire.
Guard goes out into the audience and finds the parents of the
Webelos (Cubmaster/Webelos Den Leader job to set them up) and
brings them forward, placing them behind their sons.  Guard
returns to his position.
Chief Akela then explains the Arrow of Light badge.
Chief Akela:   The Arrow of Light Badge is the only Cub Scout
               Award that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
               It serves as a link between the two programs and
               points the way toward new adventure in Boy
               Scouting.
Chief Akela gives out the large Arrow of Light Badge to the
               mother.
Chief Akela:   Will you pin on the Arrow of Light Badge on the
               left pocket flap of your son.
Chief Akela gives each Webelos a miniature Arrow of Light Pin.
Chief Akela:   Here is a miniature Arrow of Light Pin for you to
               pin on your Mother.  Do so now, if she is present.
               Mothers, you should take pride in wearing the
               miniature Arrow of Light pin.  It symbolizes not
               only your sons achievements, but that he has had
               your support during his time in Cub Scouting.  He
               will need your continued support when he moves on
               to Boy Scouting.
Chief Akela then gives the cloth Arrow of Light Badge to the
               father.
Chief Akela:   Here is your sons Arrow of Light Award, please
               present it to him now.
Chief Akela now gives each Webelos an arrow and shakes his right
hand as a Cub Scout.  Medicine Man helps pass out the arrows.
Chief Akela:   These arrows have passed down from previous Arrow
               of Light recipients, so one day you may be asked
               to pass it on to Cub Scout who is about to receive
               their Arrow of Light.
Chief Akela and Medicine Man returns to their position after the
arrows have been passed out.  Chief Akela tilts the feather flag
toward Guard.
Chief Akela:   My brother, please escort these parents back to
               their seats.
Guard escorts parents to their seats and returns after they are
all seated.
Chief Akela tilts the feather flag toward Guide.
Chief Akela:   My brother, please escort these Arrow of Light
               recipients back to their seats.
Guard escorts parents to their seats and returns after they are
all seated.
The drum start to beat.
Guard slowly leaves the ceremony area.
Guide blows out the seven rays candles and slowly leaves the
ceremony area.
Medicine Man folds the blanket and slowly leaves the ceremony
area.
Chief Akela walks over to the Spirit of Scouting candle and
carefully blows it out.
The drum stops.
Chief Akela:   This ends your Arrow of Light ceremony.
Chief Akela picks up the Spirit of Scouting candle and slowly
leaves the ceremony area.

Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 05:11:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu>
Subject: Re: Anniversary
To: Paul Gerwitz <gerwitz@Kodak.COM>

Paul,

One approach that I've seen is for the Troop to have a catered or pot luck
supper followed by awards and presentations and then an historical and
very BRIEF slide show of events over the past twenty-five years including
some pictures of postcards sent home by the first troop members and the
newest side by side (shows that things change, but still are the same) and
some humorous situations.  Keep the pace quick and upbeat.  When the slide
show is over - keep the lights out.  Light a single large candle in the
front of the room and denominate it the Spirit of Scouting.  Explain that
25 years ago there was no Scouting here until so-and-so started the Troop
(First Scoutmaster and Committee).  Explain that their efforts led to the
spreading of this spirit.  Ask the first members to come forward and light
their candles (this takes a lot of candles). Then explain that in
succeeding years their efforts caused the light of Scouting's Spirit to be
passed on and spread.  Ask members from 20 - 24 years back to stand and for
the first year group to light their candles. Repeat the process for each
five year spread, until all Scouts past and present have had their candles
lit.  Conclude with a statement that because of the selfless efforts of
these many Scouts the light has spread and spread helping young people to
grow to successful positions in the community using leadership and values
learned in Scouting.  Ask the older alums to present the current Scouts
(pick presenters ahead of time on a one-to-one ratio) with the 25 year
strip to be worn over the Troop number.  End with Scout Vesper in
candlelight setting.  Dismiss.  If you don't get some teary eyes out of
this, the audience is dead - contact a mortician. Grin.

Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
		____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____

From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu>
Subject: Re: Anniversary
To: BRAMLET@ECC4.ATENG.AZ.HONEYWELL.COM

Chuck,

I like your idea of changing the ceremony to have it all dark until the
narrator gets to the point of crediting the troop's starters.  The unit
that originally did this ceremony lit a candle because some families had
little ones that were still frightened in the dark and experience had
taught that their squals and crying were distracting.  I thought I'd
respond privately and let folks on the list try either approach.

Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
		____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____

Date: Mon, 19 Sep 1994 7:59:42 -0600 (MDT)
From: "ELL447::BRAMLET"@ECC7.ATENG.AZ.HONEYWELL.COM
To: mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu

Mike:

I can understand the littler ones being frightened by the dark.  I hadn't 
considered their presence at this (I don't know why), and was voicing an 
opinion that I thought would improve the ceremony.

Have a nice day!

YiS,

Chuck Bramlet
ASM Troop 323
Thunderbird District
Grand Canyon Council

Date: Tue, 20 Sep 1994 00:34:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu>
Subject: Re: Anniversary
To: "ELL447::BRAMLET"@ECC7.ATENG.AZ.HONEYWELL.COM

Chuck,

Understand.  And I agree that it would make a better ceremony.  It would
give a better visual picture of what we are trying to convey.  I
appreciate the idea and one of these times I'm going to find a group that
doesn't have wee little ones and do it.

Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
		____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____

Date: Fri, 30 Sep 1994 00:50:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu>
Subject: Re: Cross-Over Ceremonies

Tee,

Welcome aboard to the 24 hour roundtable.  Try this simple cross-over idea
with some great symbology.  Needed: four 4"x4"x5' posts and five 12"x2"x5'
planks.  Paint one plank blue, one gold, one red, and one BSA green. 
Leave one unpainted.  Paint the posts brown. 

Ask the Webelos Den Leaders to place one of the posts on the ground in a
N-S direction.  Then ask the Scoutmaster to place a second post on the
ground about four feet away and parallel in a N-S direction.  Anounce that
this is symbolic of the foundations of Scouting that these leaders have
laid through outings represented by the natural brown color.  Then ask
each set of leaders to place an E-W post over the N-S posts about three to
four feet apart, pointing out that by building on Scouting's foundations these
leaders have set the stage for bridging the boys from Cub Scouting to Boy
Scouting.  Have Webelos #1 and his parents bring the unpainted plank
forward and place it across the E-W posts.  State that this represents the
boys as the arrived in Cub Scouting full of potential but unfinished. 
(If they were in Tigers use a plank painted orange and make a statement
about how they were on fire to learn about Scouting).  Ask Webelos #2 and
parents to bring the blue plank forward and place it snuggly against the
unfinsihed plank.  State that this represents the Wolf and Bear years
where with the help of their parents the Scouts became true blue and loyal
friends.  Next Webelos #3 comes forward with his parents and places the
gold plank next to the blue to represent their golden years in Cubbing as
Webelos learning important skills through activity badges culminating in
the Arrow of Light.  Webelos # 4 comes forward with his parents and the
green plank.  Announce that this represents their new beginning as Boy
Scouts who will soon be green Tenderfoot Scouts, anxious to begin the Boy
Scout trail to Eagle.  Finally, Webelos #5 and parents put down the red
plank.  Comment that this plank is red like the predominant color in the
Eagle badge and represents the beginning of their journey to become Eagles.

Webelos are assembled at the unfinished board side of the now completed
bridge and presented graduation certificates and a patch board of their
Cub Scout badges and awards (many use a large piece of plywood cut in the
shape of a Scout emblem and covered with blue felt on which are mounted
the badges earned by the Scout).  

When these presentations are over, the Scoutmaster invites each boy in
turn to cross the bridge.  Once over, he is welcomed into the Troop.  His
Webelos neckerchief is replaced by the Troop neckerchief in a
presentation.  Same thing for each boy.  Say some personal words about how
proud you are of their accomplishments and how you know they will work
hard and succeed in whatever they try in Boy Scouting (Positive
expectations = positive results).  End of ceremony.  Go home and cry tears
of pride and joy at seeing them grow up so fast and well.

Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
		____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____

Date:         Thu, 3 Nov 1994 19:22:40 -0600
From: Karen Lollman <lollma@acc.wuacc.edu>
Subject:      Re: Going Up Ceremonies

We recently did the following...(keep in mind, my pack strongly
encourages adult family members to be very active)

Each advancing scout was invited forward and handed a single link of a
black decorative chain, the parents of each scout were invited to the
front also, and given a single link of a "brass" decorative chain,
finally, the pack committee was invited forward and given a link of white
decorative chain.

A few simple words were spoken about the strength and power of a single
link.  A few very short lengths of the various chains were produced to
signify all cubs in the pack, their parents involvement, and the pack
committee's commitment to scouting.  These were placed in a large pot (it
was a week before halloween).  The boys were asked to add their links to
the pot while the parents and committee members made a large circle by
sharing links of the chain.  The boys remained in the middle of the
circle.  The narrator then reached into the pot and pulled out a very
long length of chain (gold colored this time) that was connected to make
a circle.  Not with one link but with all three colored links sharing the
bond between one end of the chain and the other.  This signified the
pack.  Each boy was asked to help hold up the "pack chain" with one
hand.  They were then told that they were the pack.  Without the boys,
scouting would cease to exist.  Their participation (black link), their
parents' help and guidance (brass link), and the committee members
efforts (white link) were only what completed the circle.

These little guys, with their very bright eyes and smiling faces,
received their "Bobcat" badges, and walked away wondering how all of
those loose links could turn into a gold chain.  A few realized the
completed circle was in the pot before the ceremony began.  They couldn't
see it because the pot had a "false bottom" made out of two pieces of
black cardboard which overlapped, allowing the narrator to reach through
the "bottom" and retrieve the circle from the "real" bottom of the pot.

Hope this is helpful.
Karen L.
lollma@acc.wuacc.edu

Date: Tue, 22 Nov 1994 01:40:55 -0500 (EST)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu>
Subject: Re: Webelos Ceremony Needed
To: BILL NELSON <nelsonb@aztec.inre.asu.edu>

Bill,

Here's one that I saw and liked:

The den(s) gather at stage right.  Across the front of the room are standard issue poster pictures of Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos badges (large enough to be seen).  Each was attached to a pole in a flag stand about five feet from the ground.  Below the poster an arm made from
plastic plumbing extended out with an elbow up to hold a candle (all painted in blue and gold of course).  At stage left was a large rectangular shape shrouded by a gold colored cloth.  A flood light was situated below on the floor pointing up.  Cubmaster has a single lighted candle with a paper wax catcher.

Lights dim.  Cubmaster standing by Bobcat asks Cubs to advance and circle around.  Cubmaster announces that he as Akela was proud when each joined the Pack and became a Bobcat - light Bobcat candle.  

Cubmaster passes candle to their old Wolf Den Leader, who asks them to follow and form a circle in front of the Wolf Poster.   Tells them how proud they have made their parents when they became Wolves and lights candle.  

Wolf Den Leader passes candle to Bear Den Leader, who asks them to follow and form a circle in front of the Bear Poster.  Tells them how much they grew and how they should be proud of their accomplishments in becoming Bears and lights candle.

Bear Den Leader passes candle to Webelos Leader, who asks them to follow and form a circle in front of the Webelos Poster.  He explains to all what they have done and asks parents to come forward and stand behind sons.  Patch is presented to parents to pin on uniform upside down until a good turn is accomplished.

Wait until all presentations have been finished.  Parents may be seated, Scouts remain.  All lights are extinguished except candles.

Deep voice from behind the shrouded emblem.  "Scouts, I am the spirit of Akela and I congratulate you on having earned your Webelos Badges.  Please turn and face this direction."  All turn - hopefully :).  

"You have accepted many challenges and proven yourselves, now will you accept another challenge - the challenge of earning the Arrow of Light?"

At this point the shroud is withdrawn and the floodlight switched on
illuminating a large golden arrow of light against a blue background (they used gold glitter to improve on light reflection).

"If you will accept this challenge, please give the Cub Scout Sign and repeat after me:  I will do my best ----- to learn ---- to accept responsibility ---- and to fulfill ----- the requirements ----- for the Arrow of Light."

Applause!!!!

Lights on - Scouts Seated.

"Awesome dude"  "Wooah!" etc.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F Bowman
   Used to be a Beaver, National Capital Area Council, B.S.A.
  mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU (mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG after 12/13/94)

Date: Tue, 22 Nov 1994 08:08:47 -0700
From: nelsonb@aztec.inre.asu.edu (BILL NELSON)
To: mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu
Subject: Re: Webelos Ceremony Needed

>>
>Here's one that I saw and liked:
>

Nice ceremony!  Thanks!

-bill

--
Bill Nelson, Webelos Den Leader
Eagles Patrol, Pack 878
Tempe District, Grand Canyon Council
Phoenix, AZ USA  email: nelsonb@aztec.asu.edu

Date: Thu, 24 Nov 1994 02:59:04 -0500 (EST)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@cap.gwu.edu>
Subject: Re: Scouts transition

Bill,

This is one where you may want to use one of your best resources, the PLC!
Ask them for ideas on what would have made them feel welcome and part of
the Troop.  What would they like?  How can they symbolize joining?  Guide
them a little, if necessary.  Most of the time they'll come up with a
short ceremony where the new Scout is presented a new Troop neckerchief, a
belt bead holder, or some other symbol of joining.  

You may want to consider suggesting a few things, if they're having
trouble.  But let them execute the task.

Before the ceremony, you may want to consider a game with lessons.  In one
such game each new Scout is paired with a Senior Scout.  The senior Scout
is blind-folded.  Each team is presented with a kit and told they are to
make something or do something with the contents (could be related to a
Scoutcraft skill or something to help the quartermaster; e.g. cheking to
make sure each tent kit has the necessary poles, stakes, etc.)  The older
Scout is allowed to give directions.  The new Scout performs the task. 
The two who do the best job are given a set of "silly trophies" like one
of those suggested in Steve Beluch's awards list.  This activity helps the
new Scout to learn the value of paying attention to the advice of older
Scouts while at the same time reminding the older ones that they need the
new ones to keep the Troop strong.  After the game, the older Scouts
remove their blindfolds and present them to the new Scouts (you guessed
it! the blindfolds were new Troop neckerchiefs.  You've now set the stage
for the older ones to mentor their new partner later on.  

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F Bowman
   Used to be a Beaver, National Capital Area Council, B.S.A.
  mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU (mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG after 12/13/94)

Date:         Wed, 19 Jul 1995 00:11:21 -0500
From: Steve Tobin <srtobin@MIRAGE.SKYPOINT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Scout Investiture

>Lord Baden-Powell described "Investiture" as an important ceremony in a
>new Scout's joing the movement.  Can anyone report on a present day
>"Investiture Ceremony" or its usage?

As you note, it is a formal welcoming ceremony for new members. Somewhere I
saw it recommended as part of the Scout badge presentation, which is how I
do it. Basically, I think it should be a summerizing of the goals and ideals
of the group, an a general encouragement to follow and live those ideals as
part of the group. I have included one that I adapted from the "Woods
Wisdom" book.

------------------------------------

New Scout Investiture Ceremony

(Form scouts into semi-circle around 3 candles. Call to attention and Take
roll call.)

SPL: Troop, when your name is called please stand, answer roll, and give
your rank.
.
.
.
The scout-candidates to be welcomed here tonight have passed their joining
requirements, and qualify to be received as Boy Scouts into our troop.

(Lights off.  A Scout lights candles as the 3 parts of the Scout Oath, or
Promise, are explained.)

These 3 candles represent the 3 parts of the Scout Oath, or Promise.  The 3
parts are Duty to God and Country, Duty to other people, and lastly, Duty to
yourself.  These candles are lighted by the flame representing the spirit of
scouting, and kept alive by a scout's honor.

Candidates (list names of scouts), please come forward.

(Candidate scouts' come forward.)

The Sout Oath, or Promise, is a pledge to a way of life that has guided
millions of boys and men before you.  It is not a pledge to be taken
lightly.  Think well now before you take it.

(Pause for 4 - 5 seconds.)

Are you ready to take this promise?

(Scout candidates reply.)

Members of Troop __ please stand and give the Scout Sign.  Candidates,
repeat the Scout Oath after me.

On my honor I will do my best,
to do my duty,
to God and my country.
To obey the Scout Law.
To help other people at all times.
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake,
and morally straight.

At this time I would like to present you will the Scout Badge.

(Present the candidates with the Scout Badge.)

Pin this badge on upside down until you do your first good turn as a Boy Scout.
(this is optional, but similiar to the Bobcat Cub practice)

As a new Scout we expect you to uphold the ideals of Scouting, and to live
by the Scout Law and the Oath you took tonight.  You will be a fine addition
to our troop, and we welcome you.

(Give Scout Handshake.)

Troop Attention!  We salute our new Scouts.  Troop Salute-one-two.

----------------------------------------

Hope this helps. I have done some that were less formal, but generally
follow the same principle.

  Steve

  Steve Tobin, SM       | Troop 39  Cannon Falls, MN
   srtobin@skypoint.com | Wakpaota District, Gamehaven Council
   Visit the Virtual Campsite at:
    http://www.skypoint.com/members/srtobin/index.html

Date: Thu, 17 Aug 1995 02:23:26 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@CapAccess.org>
To: "Robert A. Madden" <maddenra@postoffice.ptd.net>
Subject: Re: Cub Scout Ceremonies

Bob,

Probably the best guide to Cub Scout Ceremonies is BSA's Staging Den and 
Pack Ceremonies #3212.  In addition, the Cub Scout & Webelos Scout 
Program Helps (put out each year) frequently have suggestions for 
ceremonies.  Finally, there are several indexed areas on ceremonies in the 
Cub Scout Leader Manual.  You've probably heard discussion of several Pow 
Wow books on this list.  They frequently contain a section on Ceremonies 
and how to conduct them.  The Indianahead Pow Wow book can for example 
can be downloaded from Compuserve's Scouting area and I believe has a 
section on ceremonies.

At Akela Calls I saw a unique presentation on Ceremonies that was 
wonderful. The staff had borrowed props from several Packs to show the 
different items that could be used in a ceremony (you could work with the 
Cub Scout Roundtable Staff to find out who has what).  This set the stage.
They went through a short explaination of why ceremonies are important, 
moved on to some keys to success; e.g. keep it moving, don't acknowledge 
a gaff, planning, speaking skills, use of props.  They finished with one 
of the most useful approaches that I've seen in a long time and that was 
to present each participant with a menu of how to build a ceremony.  I've 
lent out my stuff on this, so I don't have it to hand, but if I recall
correctly they included:

Location
Theme
Type
Props
Attire
Participants
Scripts

For each of these there was a related idea sheet and the idea was that 
you could pick any idea from the idea sheet and insert it into the main 
menu for each area and end up with a ceremony.  Boy do I wish I could 
remember who has this handout.  Anyhow, with a little research and 
imagination, and some help from friends you can probably do something 
similar.

Hope this helps.

BTW, noticed that you were from Columbia-Monitour.  Would you happen to 
have an extra CSP from your Council to trade?  Would be happy to trade 
one of ours or another CSP for one of yours.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
DDC-Training, GW Dist. Nat Capital Area Council mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG

Date:         Mon, 11 Sep 1995 09:05:41 -0400
From: Arnie Carlsen <Carlsena@AOL.COM>
Subject:      2nd Yr. Webelos Ceremony

   Starting the year off on Cubs is always exciting for me as we do all the
graduation ceremonies and have a reception following it. In reviewing my
ceremonies and recognitions I found I did not have anything that was "right"
for my now to be second year Webelos.  I had head some ideas from some of you
and people at our round table of what might be in a recognition ceremony.
 Below is what I came up with.  I hope you might find it helpful to you.

Thanks,
Arnie

Webelos 1 Year to 2nd Year Recognition

Personnel
        Cubmaster

Equipment
        None

Arrangement
        Scouts remain in audience standing by their chairs.

Ceremony

Cubmaster:  (To the audience) Tonight I have the honor to recognize a group
of  Webelos Scouts who will become our Pack's Senior Scouts.  Will all the
Webelos Den ____ Scouts please stand.

(To the Scouts)  Tonight you make a very important transition on your
Scouting Trail to that of 2nd Year Webelos.  This part of your Scouting
experience will involve you more in outdoor activities and participation with
the boys of Scout troops.  You will soon begin your growth as Boy Scouts like
the many Scouts have done before you.  But, before that time you now assume
an important responsibility to our Pack - that, of our senior Scouts.  You
are the ones the younger Scouts will be watching and listening to very
closely.  It is your actions and deeds these young Scouts will model.  This
will mean that knowing the word to the Scout Law and Promise will not
suffice.  You must now learn the true meaning of those words and live by them
as you have already promised - On My Honor.

(To the Audience)  Please join me in giving these youngsters a "round of
applause" as the begin this their final journey in Cub Scouts.

From mfbowman@CapAccess.org Sun Sep 17 11:47:26 1995
To: SCOUTS-L Youth Groups Discussion List <SCOUTS-L@TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Cub Scout Parent Ceremonies

Barb,

Try this relatively simple closing ceremony:

Props:  One 18" log cut in half with five evenly spaced holes drilled 
        about an inch deep

	Two blue candles (battery Xmas candles painted can be substituted)

	Two yellow/gold candles

        One Red candle (any other different color than blue and gold
        will do as well)

        Candles are placed in holes in the log blue-yellow-red-yellow-blue

Give the Scout Sign until the group is silent.  Have 5 denners off-stage 
walk silently forward with a lit taper and light the five candles 
starting with blue, yellow and then red.  They extinguish their candles 
and stand on either side of you behind the now glowing log - all in silence.

Say the following:

These five candles burning brightly represent the light that adult 
leaders - Akelas - give to our Cub Scouts to help them grow in 
citizenship, character, and fitness.  This is fitting because without 
these leaders these Scouts would be left to fend for themselves in darkness.

Without Council and District leaders (use wetted fingers to extinguish a 
blue candle) there would be less light, but still enough.

Without the Pack Committee (extinguish other blue candle) there would be 
even less light, but still enough.

Without the Cubmaster and other Pack leaders (extinguish a yellow) there 
would be much less light.

Without the Den Leaders and Den Chiefs (extinguish other yellow) there 
would be much, much less light.

Finally, we see only a small light left and the most important light of 
all.  This is the light of parents who help these Scouts.  And without 
the help of parents (extinguish red candle) who will cast a guiding light 
for these Scouts to lead them from darkness?  

Have a staged parent in the back of the room come forward lighting a 
candle or using a battery lantern.  Parent asks each person in turn to 
put hand on shoulder of person in front of them and follow him/her out of 
the meeting room.

Now if this doesn't get the attention of parents, I'm not sure they can 
be moved - must be stones.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
DDC-Training, GW Dist. Nat Capital Area Council mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG

Date:         Fri, 22 Sep 1995 16:48:17 -0400
From: Beverly Hutchings <hutchings@BLOMAND.NET>
Subject:      bobcat badge ceremonies

>The Bobcat badge is the badge signifying that a cub
>scout knows the basics of what cub scouting is all about.
>Think of it as the entry level badge for BSA  cub scouting.
>
>Anyway, about this time of year thousands of boys across the
>USA are studying for their Bobcat badge.  And hundreds of
>leaders are trying to come up with some interesting Bobcat
>Badge presentation ceremonies.
>
>Please email me (or post) your favorite ceremonies and I will
>put them on the US Scouting Web site.
>
>
>Thank you!
>-bill
>
>--
>Bill Nelson    Webelos Den Leader, Pack 878    Assistant Scoutmaster,
>Troop 14, Unit Commissioner, Tempe District, Grand Canyon Council
>Phoenix, Arizona USA  mailto:nelsonb@aztec.asu.edu
>Member of U.S. Scouting Service Proj., http://www.hiwaay.net/hyper/Scouts
>

bill,

try this one!  this one was done at my older son's ceremony a few years ago.

Bobcats are small wildcats, about 3 feet tall or shorter.  Bobcats are hard
to find, especially between the hours of 3 to 5 p.m., when it is time to
take out the trash, cut the grass or take a bath.  They hide behind trees,
under beds or behind imaginary tanks or trucks, waiting for the enemy to
pass.  They feed on hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, pizzas, cakes and candy and
hunt for food wherever they can find it.  Bobcats can be found in trees, mud
puddles, under leaves, in old rain barrels, on the roof or wherever girls
aren't.  They can be found as far away as the school playground or as near
as the neighbor's yard, pulling the cat's tail.  The Bobcat's ability to
run, jump and hide is legendary.  T.V. movies, Walt Disney and John Wayne
have been known to be able to lure these wild creatures in close for the
catch.  Many a mighty and crafty hunter has been foiled in his attempts to
tame these strange creatures.

But here now if you are ready -- but stand back because they are
unpredictable -- I present to you some Bobcats; tamed, washed, combed and
about as lovable as they can be -- each probably with a frog in his pocket.

hope this helps!

beverly hutchings
pack 172
mcminnville, tn

Date:         Fri, 22 Sep 1995 23:44:17 -0400
From: Beverly Hutchings <hutchings@BLOMAND.NET>
Subject:      bobcat badge ceremonies

hello everyone!!

we were talking about bobcat ceremonies & i remembered that i had this.  it
was used as a closing to the same pack meeting my older son & most of the
rest of the new bobcats his age received their badges (1989).

A farmer was out in his field and found an egg which he put with the other
eggs of a duck in his barn.  The egg hatched, but the egg that was found by
the farmer was not one belonging to his domestic duck.  It was instead a
strange-looking bird, not equipped with the webbed foot of his adopted
family.  Therefore the bird could barely manage to walk, let alone swim with
the others.

One day the bird heard a screeching sound in the sky above. He looked up and
saw an eagle soaring overhead.  As he returned the sound of the screech, he
started running and suddenly became airborne, meeting the eagle in the sky.
They soared over the barnyard a few minutes and then turned and headed out
of sight.

Just like the little eagle who suddenly realized he was born to soar, you as
parents and leaders can help make it happen for these Cub Scouts.  They may
not know where they fit in society yet, but with your guidance, love,
dedication, knowledge, and encouragement, you can make it happen for these boys.

And then one day you too may look up and see these boys as Eagle Scouts and
be pleased to know that you had a part in making them soar.

enjoy!!

tnt,
beverly hutchings
pack 172
mcminnville, tn

From mfbowman@CapAccess.org Wed Oct  4 00:44:58 1995
To: SCOUTS-L Youth Groups Discussion List <SCOUTS-L@TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Wolf to Bear Ceremonies

Here is a prop-heavy idea that depends on your meeting room.

If you have a low stage or can borrow some platforms, it will work.
Build a steep ramp 35 to 45 degree incline of about three feet. Decorate 
the ramp and stage as a mountain path and create a mountain backdrop.  At 
the bottom of the ramp have a large Wolf Symbol and at the top a large 
Bear Symbol.  Paint a few soaring Eagles into the backdrop.   Station the 
Bear Den's denchief at the top.  Use the traditional words for climbing 
the Scouting path or make up some to suit yourself.  As youdescribe the 
growth of the Scouts relate it to climb higher on the trail to Eagle.  
Explain that these Scouts have successfully completed the requirements to 
help them climb to a new level.  Ask them to come to the bottom of the 
trail.  Den Chief helps each one up with a helping hand.  This also 
symbolizes that they are being helped by older Scouts/leaders.  Once they 
reach the ledge. Have them stand facing the Pack.  Ask the parents to 
join them, standing in front of them.  Present the patches to the 
parents.  Parents turn around and present the patch to their sons in this 
elevated status.

When done switch the Bear Symbol to the bottom and put a Webelos Symbol 
at the top and repeat for new Webelos.  As a variant have the Den Chief 
present the new Bear with a neckerchief at the top of the ramp.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
DDC-Training, GW Dist. Nat Capital Area Council mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG

Date: Thu, 12 Oct 1995 03:52:41 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@CapAccess.org>
Subject: Unit Anniversaries

Unit anniversaries are a great time to promote your Pack or Troop and to 
give the Scouts a sense of their part in its history.  You can use the 
celebration to show the value of Scouting to your community and to build 
pride in the Scouts.  Some celebration ideas:

*  Invite alumni to participate
*  Use plenty of displays and pictures
   **  Old uniforms, patches, equipment
   **  All of the units ribbons - put 'em on display boards instead of 
       leaving them on the flag staff.
   **  Pictures, scrap books, newsletters, letters home from camp
*  Make a list of alumni and their current occupations, etc.
*  Have a time for favorite old stories and humor from the past
*  Recognize service past and present
*  Arrange a special mentorship between alums and Scouts that is kicked-off
   at a celebration dinner, where alums invite Scouts to stop in at work and
   learn about an occupation of interest (use the same rules as for MB 
   counselors and of course sign 'em up as counselors while you are at it)
*  Make a special presentation of a gift to a Council camp in honor of the
   anniversary - new flag pole, statue, framed picture, or whatever, but
   something other Scouts will see and enjoy.
*  Avoid long-winded old timers that want to recount for hours how it used
   to be.  The adults will be lulled into sleep and the boys will think 
   of ways to amuse themselves that you probably won't much like.
*  Keep the program lively and involve the boys; e.g. have an old timer 
   and boy up front - the boy tells how it was at camp last summer and then
   the older chap tells how it was for him (2 minutes each)
*  Arrange an exchange of momentos from the Scouts to alums
*  Make sure to prepare a news release and photos for the local media
*  Invite Council and District Scouters
*  Invite local community leaders
*  Thank everyone

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
DDC-Training, GW Dist. Nat Capital Area Council mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG

Date:         Fri, 27 Oct 1995 07:26:30 -0500
From: "Greg L. Gough" <ggough@MAIL.ORION.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Need Awards Ceremony

This is a short ceremony I wrote,

 Second Class Ceremony
MC:  Will Scouts ________ and their parents please enter the circle.

Scoutmaster: "Like the braves of long ago who first learned how to build
a fire before learning how to hunt and cook.  You also have learned many
things that serve as a foundation in your Scouting career.  Forget not
these lessons but take them, teach them and apply them.  They will serve
you well along the trail to Eagle and yet they will follow you further as
you travel through life.

(present the Parent with the rank to be pinned on the boy and the boy the
Mother's pin to be pinned on her ribbon.

YIS

Greg Gough
SM Troop 201, Ozark, MO.  I used to be an Owl but I will always be an Eagle!