CUB SCOUT CEREMONIES
for Cub Scout Den or Pack Meetings

Use costumes, props and your imagination. Anything that requires throwing, catching, hitting, running, jumping, breaking, popping, bouncing, stomping, rolling, crawling, climbing, swinging or dropping is bound to bring a smile to the face of a nine-year-old. Sean Scott

 

Some Basic Ideas  Make Your Ceremonies Work
Purpose of Ceremonies	Kinds of Ceremonies
Using Ceremonies	10 Commandments of Ceremonies
Some Hints	Using Themes
Ceremony Props	Installation Ceremonies
General Purpose Awards For All Occasions
Advancement
Openings and Closings
Webelos Arrow of Light and Graduation

It doesn't need to be elaborate, just fun and memorable. Use costumes, props and your imagination. Anything that requires throwing, catching, hitting, running, jumping, breaking, popping, bouncing, stomping, rolling, crawling, climbing, swinging or dropping is bound to bring a smile to the face of a nine-year-old.  Don’t be afraid to explore and write your own ceremonies! Sean Scott

Check out Sean's Web Site!

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Last Update: 7/5/04

SOME OF THE BASICS

Ceremonies are one of the oldest forms of human communication. They pre-date history. Good Ceremonies are the ones that people remember. They commemorate something important that the people involved should remember. You want to the boy and his parents to remember, not just the ceremony, but what it all stands for.

To make your ceremonies that effective, try to incorporate drama, ritual, symbolism and and a message into each of the ceremonies that are presented in your pack or den.

Drama: Focus the audience's attention with the unusual. Use special lighting, music, props and other effects. Do something unusual to grab and hold their eyes and ears.

Ritual: Drive your message home with symbols and actions that are familiar and meaningful to all concerned. Keep it dignified and comfortable to participants and the audience.

Symbolism: Use symbols to repeat parts of your message. Use sight, sound, touch, smell and taste to underline your ideas. The candles, the badges, the pine boughs and the campfire can all represent elements of Scouting and its ideals.

Message: Your ceremony must say something important. Pay careful attention to what it is that you want to say. To whom do you want to say it? How will drama, ritual and symbolism get your message across and make it memorable?

WHAT ARE CEREMONIES?

Ceremonies are a formal opportunity to present awards and honors to Cub Scouts who have worked hard for them. Ceremonies are your chance to praise a boy's work in front of his parents, his friends and even in front of strangers, thus making him the focus of attention for a short, but significant period of time. At the same time ceremonies encourage other Cub Scouts to complete their own programs. The key to any and all Cub Scout ceremonies is the boy.
Even when honoring adults, presenting charters, doing patriotic programs, the boy must be the center of the program. He is the one who will wiggle through your long-winded passages, tell his neighbors about his new bike during the flag salute, and let you know that your ceremonies are too long by asking to go to the bathroom in the middle of one of your "best lines". Keep him in mind, let him be your guide - when the Cub Scout is the center of the program, your ceremonies will be meaningful, not to just the Cub Scout, but to all assembled.
When the lights are lowered and the candles are being lit, his eyes will open wide and his jaw will fall open with amazement as the tom-tom beat sets a mood and the ceremony begins. And than you call his name ... You've got him right where he wants to be - in the center.

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To establish a regular plan to present awards promptly, as soon as possible after they are earned.

To emphasize the Character Connections in Cub Scouting.

To focus attention on the accomplishments of Cub Scouts by awarding badges and pins - and recognizing parents and Den Leaders at the same time.

To acknowledge the work of another.

To provide high points in the advancement plan.

To make visitors and guests welcome and by making them a part of the program.

To honor pack leaders by recognizing Den Chiefs, Den Leaders, Cubmaster, Assistants, Pack Trainers, Webelos Den Leaders and Pack Committee.

To give special recognition to Cub Scouts and parents for recruiting, service projects and special activities.

To provide the opportunity to present the ideals of Cub Scouting in a dramatic and lasting manner, not only for those being recognized, but for those watching.

To promote parent participation by helping to explain the parent's role in Cub Scouting and creating parent interest and desire to help in the planning and staging of ceremonies.

To improve the program by making a beginning and end to both den and pack meetings; helping to provide a change of pace; indicating when something important is coming up; and getting and maintaining control at meetings.

To be a vehicle for the make believe and pageantry that Cub Scouts love so much.

To encourage attendance and participation at meetings.

To say thank you for a special job.

To create an incentive for others to work so that they too may be recognized.

KINDS OF CEREMONIES
• Opening Ceremonies: These can be patriotic or not as you choose. Although tradition indicates that there should be some sort of flag ceremony at the beginning and the end of a pack or den meeting.
• Closing Ceremonies: Can be very simple. A very good example is the Cub master's (Den Leader's) Minute. The idea here is to slow things down so that the boys go home knowing that they had a good time but are in a reflective mood (parents will sure appreciate it when trying to get them into bed). A good place to bring up Character Connections.
• Advancement Ceremonies: Probably the ceremony most often performed  at pack meetings. The Scout is ALWAYS the center of this ceremony. Be careful to vary the ceremony.
• Patriotic Ceremonies: Usually in connection with openings, but can occur at any point in the meeting, especially when there is a patriotic holiday or similar occasion.
• Induction Ceremonies: Used when boys are being brought into the pack, , or possibly when they move into the next den level (e.g. from Wolf to Bear). See Webelos Scouts, Graduation Ceremonies.
• Webelos Ceremonies: As the boys advance in the pack the achievements for advancements get harder. The boys also need to be congratulated for sticking with the program. So make Webelos ceremonies a little more elaborate. Graduation Ceremonies typically lake place in the spring as the boys move from one den level into the next. The Webelos crossover  to Boy Scouts should be a high point of the year.
• Leader Induction's and Appreciation: Leaders devote a lot of time to the pack. Be sure to recognize this fact at every opportunity. Everything we say about the boy's need for recognition also applies to the adult leadership. Don't forget the committee members

HOW TO USE CEREMONIES

With Costumes ( They don't have to be elaborate)

With Flashlights and Spotlights (Especially if fire regulations prohibit fires or candles)

With Fans to make the flag ripple

With Music (this can really set a ceremony off)

With an artificial campfire made from logs (An effective way to have a campfire ceremony on those odd winter evenings.

With Painted backdrops (Really neat. Requires a lot of effort)

With Puppets

With Props - Logs, balance scales, ladders, signs (KISMIF)

With Candles (Be sure and check fire regulations)

With IMAGINATION (You really DO have one!)

 

 
 

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10 COMMANDMENTS OF CEREMONIES

Thou shalt have one every month.  Thou shalt keep it simple, make it fun (KISMIF.)  Thou shalt not repeat a ceremony, no matter how many adults want to (or how good you look in an Indian Headdress.)  Thou shalt not ask Cub Scouts (or adults) to memorize or read a lot of big words.  Thou shalt be heard and be seen by all.  Thou shalt include both child and his parent.  Thou shalt not forget Webelos Activity pins; make them important, also.  Neither shalt thou ignore the Tigers for they are small and easy to forget.  Thou shalt understand Cub Scout Advancement and how important it is to the boys.  Thou shalt use thy brain to come up with new ideas by a Scouts-L friend, Henry Mowry

HINTS FOR CEREMONIES Here are some points to remember when developing your ceremonies:

Base your ceremony on Cub Scout ideals: the Promise, Law of the Pack, Motto.

Plan the ceremony to build Cub Scout spirit.

It should inspire and have color, but should be sincere.

It should be well planned and staged to avoid delays and mix-ups.

It should instill high regard for patriotism and citizenship.

Use candles, campfire, flag or Cub emblem as a focal point.

If specific speaking parts are required, have them read from a script with the speaker out of sight of the audience. Be sure he can be heard. Ceremonies are lifeless if the speaker can't be understood.

A good ceremony can be measured by the Cub Scout yardstick: FUN!

Each person involved should have a copy of the script. Have extra copies in case you need someone to pinch-hit at the last minute.

Homemade costumes enhance the ceremony and mean much to parents and boys.

Ceremonies mean more to Cub Scouts who help make the "props".

Careful consideration must be given to the place where the ceremony will take place. Ceremonies can be changed, but often your location cannot.

Make your ceremonies dignified. Rule out horseplay. Avoid situations which will create laughs or yawns.

Never sacrifice dignity for fun.

Every sound, action, and prop has meaning. This is symbolism. When you put it all together, you have a ceremony.

Avoid mass ceremonies for presentation of awards. Each boy is an individual, and should be recognized as such!

Always give immediate recognition.

OCC

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CEREMONIAL PROPS

A few attractive props help set the scene for an impressive pack meeting. Many props can be made from scrap material. They do not have to be expensive to be impressive. The following are a few basics which your pack might like to use:

A Blue and Gold Tablecloth: This can be used on your awards table.    Make the tablecloth from yellow cloth and trim it with blue binding or vice versa.

Electric Candle: These can be made from discarded electric candle type Christmas wreaths. Run the wiring through a piece of conduit for the candle part. Cover with blue or gold foil gift wrap. Posters of various ranks can be placed on a small easel between the candles on your head table. Change the poster to correspond with the rank being awarded.

Campfire: A log cabin or tepee-type fire can be nailed to a plywood base and lined with yellow, orange, or red cellophane. Use a small string of individual blinking Christmas lights underneath. Use only flameproof materials. You could also use a regular light bulb and cover the area with red cellophane.

Bridge: A bridge can be built from scrap lumber, doweling for poles and white rope to string along the top.

Arrow of Light: This can be cut from scrap plywood, painted yellow and mounted atop another piece of plywood for the base. Holes can be drilled to hold candles.

Costumes: They should reflect this month's theme.

Candles: Be sure to have a good supply of candles in blue, white and yellow.

Flag: Be sure to have the pack flag as well as the American flag.

Flashlight: A large flashlight is essential. It can be used as a spotlight or for reading when doing a candlelight ceremony.
 

ARTIFICIAL CAMPFIRE If you don't want to start a real fire, but have it look fairly real, here is an idea I used at our first pack meeting. My CC brought in and set up a tent, cooler, backpack, lantern, etc. in the school cafeteria. I brought in 6-8 small logs, stacked them with two alternating, pointing each way and put  an orange shaded trouble light in the middle to give a fire glow. I then put  a large pot (filled with dry ice) on top. In my case I had another pan in the center with neckerchiefs to give to new Cubs. I made a ceremony of  adding blue and yellow colored water and got the expected steam effect  coming from the pot. You could just add a little water to the dry ice now  and then to keep it cooking. Marty Linn

INGREDIENTS FOR BUILDING GOOD CEREMONIES

ACTION: Use as many people as possible,
             Keep them moving,
             Use props.
ADVENTURE: Relate and identify the theme of the month (through action, narrative and costume)

COORDINATION: Plan ahead, anticipate needs, brief everyone concerned, and recheck everything just before the meeting.

DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY:    Rely on and use your assistants, committee personnel and anyone else who will help.

DIGNITY: Important. Don't permit horseplay that will distract from the dignity of the occasion.

IMAGINATION: Find someone with a flair for showmanship and let him have a free hand.

IMPROVISATION: Use materials easily found; low-cost materials.

INSPIRATIONS AND IDEALS: Help your participants and audience understand the spirit of Cub Scouting through your interpretation of the  ideals as expressed in the CUB SCOUT PROMISE and the LAW OF THE PACK, THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG,  and inspirational skits based on the lives of GREAT AMERICANS.

MOOD: Set the stage and get your audience into a recep-tive frame of mind.  (Announcements, good and proper lighting, music, display of props or all of these.

PARTICIPATION: Bring parents into ceremonies with their sons.  Invite Den Leaders to participate. Invite outsiders who are related to the theme to help out (fireman, policeman, conservationists, athletes, railroaders, scientists -- to name  a few that would probably be glad to help)

SIMPLICITY: Keep it simple and make it fun.
 

PROPER STAGING: Make sure everyone can see and hear.

VARIETY: Do not use the same ceremony meeting after meeting.
 
 

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At our pack meeting this month (which will be our first with the new pack) we're doing an 'Academy Awards' theme, since the awards show is just a couple days before our meeting. I'll confess that the idea is not original, I think Em did this at the beginning of the year.

We have cardboard stand-up Oscars to hand out to all the boys, and envelopes from which we'll reveal "And the winner is..." from categories like "(Did his) Best Advancement Towards the Webelos Rank". It probably helps that I only have a dozen boys, not too many categories to come up with!

My CAs and I are dressing the part -- Tuxedoes for Rich and I and my wife in a gown. I've been asked not to do 'lame major awards show MC jokes'. We'll probably do some kind of formal initiation for the new pack, though. We're working on making it impressive since we'll also be holding a recruitment and the newspaper is supposed to be there. (Advantage of a small town, they show up to stuff like this!)

Sean Scott, CM, Pack 614

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OUTDOOR CEREMONIES

Ceremonies are important, even in the outdoors.  Outdoor pack activities usually call for an opening and closing ceremony (or closing campfire).  Outdoor pack activities that take the place of regular pack meetings should also include advancement ceremonies so awards can be presented promptly. The outdoors is a good place to hold the Webelos Scout Crossing the Bridge Graduation Ceremony when the weather permits.  (See Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies for more detail.) More info on planning outdoor ceremonies can be found in the Cub Scout Leader Book available at your Scout Shop. Cub Scout Leader Book

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Recognition:

GENERAL PURPOSE AWARDS

BADGE OF OFFICE AWARD This is a nice year-end thank you for your leaders.  Mount the appropriate badge (i.e., Den leader, Cubmaster, etc.) on a wood plaque along with a message of appreciation.

STAR AWARD This is a great thank you for someone who really shines at a job.  Cut a large star out of metallic poster board (check an Art Supply store).  Use rub letters to add your message.

JEWEL AWARD Mount a large jewel like ornament on a plaque, along with a message, including, "You're a Real Jewel (or Gem)"

PACK FAMILY Cut  a slice of wood from a log.  Glue on several nuts in the shell (acorns, almonds, peanuts, etc.).  Glue tiny goodly eyes on the nuts.  Either burn a message in the wood, or use a permanent marker to write your message, including, "You're the nicest nut in our Pack Family Tree!"

SKELETON AWARD Mount a tiny skeleton on a plaque, along with your message, including, "Thanks for working yourself to the bone for us!"

Istrouma Council, BB

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THANK YOU TO ALL UNIT LEADERS
A Ceremony for the Charter Presentation Personnel:
Chartered Organization Rep.,
Head of Chartered Organization,
Pack committee chairman,
Pack committee members,
Den leaders and Assistants,
Cubmaster,
Assistant Cubmaster,
Webelos Den leader,
Scoutmaster,
Den Chiefs and
Webelos scouts for escorting each leader to be recognized,
operators for lights.

Equipment:
Ladder with proper emblems,
table,
two candles, and flashlight,
certificates of appreciation, or "Thanks" badges, or plaques.

Arrangement:
Stage is set, room light dimmed.

Chartered Representative: Tonight we honor the leaders of Pack   for the outstanding work done during the past year.  Webelos scouts will now light the candles representing the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack.  Will our leaders please stand: As your name is called, a Webelos Scout will escort you to the front.
The Scouting Coordinator reads names and describes the job of each leader to be recognized.  A spotlight is focused on the leader.  As he proceeds to the front, a flashlight is focused on the appropriate emblem.
Our pack committee chairman is (name).  Working with him/her on the committee are (names).  We appreciate their advice, planning, and administration of our pack.  They are our board of directors.
Now a group that our dens and den leaders could not be without, are our den chiefs.  These Boy Scouts give valuable leadership to our Cub Scouts and help to our den leaders.  We are proud to recognize den chiefs (name) of Troop.  Tonight we also honor our den leaders for their unselfish service.  By their devotion they help our Cub Scouts grow in stature and character.
We are proud of our den leaders.  (Introduce the den leaders).
Also important among our leaders are our assistant Cubmaster and Webelos den leaders.  (Introduce them.)  They guide our pack meeting programs and prepare our older boys for Boy Scouting.
It is now my pleasure to introduce to you a man/woman we love and appreciate for his/her example, guidance, and leadership our Cubmaster, (name).
Many of our Cub Scouts have been graduated into our own Boy Scout troop. (Name), our Scoutmaster has helped provide our pack with many den chiefs.  We appreciate his/her cooperation and are happy for our Webelos Scouts when they graduate into his/her troop.  Will the den chiefs accompany Scoutmaster (name) to the front, and each Webelos Scout so assigned bring the other leaders forward.
I am happy to introduce (name), the head of our chartered organization.

Organization Head: On behalf of our organization, the boys and their families, we are happy to present you leaders with these certificates of thanks.  (He/She presents certificates.)  We pledge ourselves to the continuing support of the pack and to the purposes and objectives of Cub Scouting.  We will "Do Our Best."

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CM INSTALLATION CEREMONY

The Pack Committee Chair introduces the Chartered Organization Representative at the front of the pack.
CC: Would Cub Scout Kevin Sojak please come forward and bring his dad along with him.
(The two come forward and stand facing the pack.)
CC: Kevin was a Tiger Cub and is now a Bobcat in Wolf den 3. His dad, Roger Sojak, was Kevin’s Tiger Partner and, as Kevin worked on his Bobcat, Roger took on the role of Akela, Kevin's special leader who would guide him through the Wolf and Bear ranks. Now Kevin, when you were a Tiger, you learned to share ideas, memories and god times. Tonight you have agreed to share something very important and very valuable: you will share your Akela with all the Cub Scouts in our pack as your dad becomes Cubmaster of Pack 28.
CR: As the representative of Tsunami Falls Elementary School PTO, it is my pleasure to officially install you, Roger Sojak, as the new Cubmaster of Pack 28. Kevin, would you please present your dad with his Cubmaster patch.
(Kevin presents the badge, and gives his dad a Cub Scout handshake. The CC and CR congratulate the new CM, thank Kevin, and all retire to their seats.)

DEN LEADER INDUCTION

Equipment: For each leader being inducted, the appropriate emblem and copy of the Cub Scout Leader Book.

Personnel: Cubmaster, Pack trainer, committee chairman, new leaders.

CUBMASTER:     Tonight we want to welcome our new den leaders. Would _______ Pack trainer, bring our new den leaders forward and introduce them?

PACK TRAINER: It is a pleasure to introduce _______ and , and Webelos Den ______. I know that you will do your best to be good den leaders, and I promise to do my best to assist you.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Den leaders are indispensable to our pack. Being a den leader is a rewarding responsibility.  Now I will ask our new den leaders to repeat after me:

As a den leader I promise to do my best to show interest and concern for all the boys in my den, to help other people and to obey the Law of the Pack.

CUBMASTER: Wearing the den leader's uniform not only identifies you as a very important member of the Boy Scouts of America, but it also sets a good example for the boys of your den. It is a privilege to present the den leader's emblem for your uniform and the Cub Scout Leader Book to be a guide for you.
Now, Cub Scouts, let's welcome our new den leaders with the Den Leader Applause.

Adapted from 1982 Pow Wow Book, Heart of America Council, Kansas City, Kan

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AWARDS  FROM  THE  HEART

Banana Award    For the person with great appeal - (wax/plastic banana mounted on a piece of wood)

Big Heart Award    For those who always seem to have one (Heart shaped craft material of any kind - decorated)

Bright Idea Award  For those who had some bright ideas (light bulb mounted to a piece of wood)

"Egg"cellent Job/Idea Award    For those who did an excellent job (hard boiled egg mounted on a piece of wood)  (FUN style use a raw egg)

Gold Kiss Award   For those who REALLY deserve a kiss (Hershey's pecan kiss - gold foil)

Helping Hand Award      For those who were willing to help (trace hand on construction paper & mount on a piece of  cardboard)

Life Saver Award    For that person who saved you (lifesaver on a string)

Hornblower Award     For those who never/always blow their own horn.   (mount a plastic bicycle horn)

Measure Up Award    For the person whose performance set the standard (ruler mounted to a piece of wood)

Nuts About The Job Award   For the person who had to be nuts (2 or 3 peanuts glued to a piece of wood)

Order Of The Spare Marble Award      For the person who's lost 'em (marble glued to a small piece of wood/string)

Ringy Dingy Award       For those who are your phone call addicts. (mount a plastic phone or two cans on a string)

Scouting Spirit Award      For those who show spirit  (make a ghost from a ball & rag with the scout sign on it)

Spark Plug Award     For the person who is the spark of a project (spark plug mounted to a piece of wood)
Remember these are  A W A R D S.  How you make the presentation is just as important as the award themselves, so ham it up - especially with some of the more humorous awards!!! Most require about five minutes of your time to make, many take even less.  If it costs you money then you flunk Scouting 101!

SELF  EXPLANATORY  AWARDS
Use your crafting ability to mount or prepare the following awards for presentation.

Band-Aid Award       For those who can fix anything

Key to Success Award    For those who were key to making it happen

Order Of The Level Award     For the person who is one bubble short of plumb

Soggy Shoe Award    For the new adult hiker who wore loafers on the pack hike.

Whale Award   For those who did a whale of job

Added A Spark Award     4th of July sparkler

Best Foot Forward Award      12" ruler or a sock with the toe cut off

Charged Us Up Award            A battery

Cheerleader Award    Mount a stiff wire through a box of Cheer laundry soap and add pom pons to the wire

Coveted "Dime And Pin" Award      Glue a pin to a dime

Plunged Right In Award   Small sink plunger

Really Tacky Award    Mounted thumb tacks

Right On Target Award    A target pasted to cardboard with "writing" on it

Rose To The Occasion Award  An artificial or ribbon rose

Barb Stephens <bsteph@creighton.edu>, Cub-Scout-Talk

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RANK ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES
 
 

BOBCAT CEREMONY C'mon - you aren't even LOOKING for another ceremony if you don't know this one. You just line 'em up and use that Crayola paint that comes in red, yellow, blue, etc. (I like the little packs that are sealed up - you peel the top back, use 'em once, then throw the rest away. The ceremony goes something like 'Yellow is for the sun - it reminds you to be of good cheer and to be happy (paint a stripe on the cheeks of the boy), Blue is for truth and to be faithful to the Bobcat ways and the trail of Cub Scouting (paint a paw print with your finger on his forehead - just dot your fingertip three times), Red is for courage to know right from wrong and to help your fellow Cub Scout even when it isn't easy for you. (paint his chin).

 You can make up any more you might have colors for - heck say Green is for the environment that you will help to make cleaner for picking up litter and planting trees. Purple is for pride in your accomplishments, Gold is for good luck - silver reminds you to be thrifty yada yada yada (I just use Blue, Red, Yellow because we usually have a lot of cubs to get through)

But here's the best part - the part the cubs love most. The parents were up standing behind them right?
Wellllll.... WHITE is for Love and Guidance, your parents are always with you - in your heart and in your spirit. They will always do the right thing and will help you achieve all your Scout goals and keep you on the track of life until you are a man and can soar with the Eagles. Then you swipe their noses - I use a good grease paint because I want it on GOOD.

Some of those cubs don't let the parents wash their faces all night.…  messy pillows!

CT-Mike Bradley

 

Plus you can have fun, meaningful ceremonies that don't take a lot of time. My youngest will never forget his Wolf ceremony (and he's 17 now.) He was called forward with a few of his peers who had also finished and handed a balloon and a small plastic sword, accompanied by a few meaningful words about the badge. The boys were told to pop the balloons and voila--out popped a Wolf Badge! That is the ceremony he remembers most - not the more verbose, more serious ceremonies that accompanied some of his other badge presentations. Which, of course, brings us to the whole point of this exercise - do what is fun and meaningful to the boys, not the leaders or parents. You know the old saying, "If it's not for the boys, it's for the birds." Of course, your mileage may vary. CT-Judy Yeager

 

Bobcats are Hard to Find

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.

beverly hutchings, pack 172, mcminnville, tn

 

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BOBCAT CEREMONY

Equipment: Four candles

CUBMASTER: You who knock at the gates of Cub Scouting. Are you ready to follow the Scouting trail through four years of Cub Scouting? Future Bobcats repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise.
(Light first candle.) The Cub Scout follows Akela.

Who is Akela? In Cub Scouting, Akela means "Good Leader." Akela may be your mother and father, your teacher, your Cubmaster, and other people who have shown that they are the kind of people who are able and willing to help you. Follow Akela.
(Lights 2nd candle.) The Cub Scout helps the pack go.

When you become a Cub Scout, you are no longer just a boy. Now you are a member of a den and a pack. You can't think only of yourself, but you must think of your fellow Cub Scouts. Help the pack go by coming to all meetings, following the leaders, and in every way making the pack better because you are in it.
(Lights 3rd candle.) The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.

You will have more fun when you join the pack. You will learn things from other people. And you will learn to do things with them. That's the real fun of Cub Scouting. You help the pack go and the pack helps you grow.
(Lights fourth candle.) The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

You will find that if you smile at your friends, they will smile back. Look for things to do for others. "Smile" and "help" - these are two fine Cub Scout words.
 

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CEREMONY FUN We shot awards in on some balloons a few months back. Tie up a string with some cut straws, fill some balloons, tape the award to it and the balloon to the straw, then let the air coming out propel the award/balloon rocket down the string.
We also once taped the awards to the underside of some Frisbees and throw them out to your boys standing in the back of the room. Have them throw them back to you, and then let an assistant reload the Frisbees. You'll need 4-5 minimum. (We also use this during our CLBT to cover the aims and methods, and I R&D'd that from Nat'l Camping School. R&D, of course=Rip-off and Duplicate!) Or put them on paper airplanes. I had a small tree in our yard that died, potted it and put paper leaves on it with the awards stuck to the leaves.

Here are some other ideas that spring to mind:

Place the awards in a piñata and have them go at it with a stick, one or two hits each. While they're taking their swings you can announce who got what.

Hide the awards around the room and give each boy a treasure map to find their award. Tell everyone what they got while they're looking, or hide 'coins' that the boys can use to 'buy' their award from the CM, er, I mean pirate king at the front of the room.

Have them pan for gold nuggets and exchange them at the bank for their awards. You could make a speech about them being more precious than gold while you're at it.

Dish them out of a pot dressed as a chef. Or make cupcakes or a cake and stick them in the icing on top.

Have someone dressed as a UPS, FedEx, US Postal or other delivery person "hand deliver" important packages to the boys during the meeting. Or have them dress as a military courier or paratrooper, with open parachute dragging behind them. (I'd make sure they took as lengthy a route through the room as possible in order to catch and twist the 'chute around as many things as possible. Ham it up!)

Fire them from catapults your Webelos made. Make castle walls from refrigerator boxes and shoot from inside the castle (or outside, depending on where you want to be...)

Give them out as carnival prizes, with each boy performing some simple, fun skill. (Don't make it so hard that your Tigers can't do whatever it is, and  just get something handed to them.)

Find someone who's good at magic or sleight of hand to conjure them out of the boys ears, from under their hats or neckerchiefs, etc.

Put them inside Wiffle balls or balloons and hit them out to the boys with a big plastic bat. Let them "field" the award. It doesn't need to be elaborate, just fun and memorable. Use costumes, props and your imagination.

Anything that requires throwing, catching, hitting, running, jumping, breaking, popping, bouncing, stomping, rolling, crawling, climbing, swinging or dropping is bound to bring a smile to the face of a nine-year-old.

CT -Sean Scott, Pack 614, California Inland Empire Council

A HISTORY OF CUB SCOUTING
(Note: ceremonies should be modified to suit the specific awards being giving at the meeting.)

The Boy Scout movement in America was started by William Boyce after he was directed to an address in London by a boy who refused a tip because he was a Scout. Mr. Boyce was so impressed by his talk with Lord Baden-Powell that he helped incorporate the Boy Scouts of America of February 8, 1910.   It is this date that we celebrate each year with our Blue and Gold Banquet.
Almost as soon as Scouting began, younger boys started clamoring for a chance to participate in Scouting. This resulted in the Wolf Cub program being started in England in 1916. It wasn't until August 1,1929 that the first demonstration Cub units were started. By 1933, it was felt the time had come for promoting Cub Scouting as a part of the Boy Scout program.
As we read in the Wolf book the basis for much of the program came from THE JUNGLE BOOK by Rudyard Kipling. In this book is the story of two wolves who find a man cub who is being hunted by SHERAKAN, the tiger. They take in the boy, whom they name Mowgli, (which means frog) and raise him as part of their family.
The wolves are part of a pack, which is led by Akela, the great gray Lone Wolf. Once a month, the new cubs are presented to the pack for acceptance.
In looking back at old Cub Scout books, we are reminded that the Cub Scout program has survived with very little change. In a 1934 Cub Book, the rules for becoming a Bobcat are:

He has taken the Cub Promise.

Explained & repeated the Law of the Pack.

Explained the meaning of the ranks.

Shown the Cub sign and Handclasp.

Given the Cub Motto and Cub Salute.

Today as Bobcats, we must do the same requirements. When Akela says that we are ready, we are presented to the Pack or recognition.

BOBCAT
List names of Bobcat recipients and call them with their parents to the front of the room.
Just as the Wolf cubs learned about the world around them by taking short trips into the woods, so have our own Cubs grown in their understanding of nature and of their families.
WOLF
List names and invite them with their parents to come forward
Originally, only two arrow points could be earned for each rank. The basic rank was called the Bronze Badge. The first ten electives earned the Cub the Gold Rank, and the next ten elective the Silver Rank. Today we award the Gold Arrow Point for the first ten elective and Silver Arrow Points for each ten additional electives.
ARROW POINTS
List names and invite them with their parents to come forward.
Just as Baloo the kindly Bear, taught the young Wolves the secret names of the trees, the calls of the birds and the language of the air so must each of you help others in you Den in order to meet the requirements for Bear.
BEAR
List off Bear candidate names and invite them and their parents to the front of the room.
Up until a few years ago, the next rank was Lion. In 1967, this was dropped and the Webelos program expanded to cover an entire year. The Webelos Colors (GOLD representing the Pack; GREEN, the Troop, and RED the Explorers) and 15 activity badges were added at this time. A new Webelos Badge was also created and the original Webelos Badge retained as the
ARROW OF LIGHT
The Webelos rank is the transition between Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting. Originally the name was derived from the three ranks: Wolf, Bear, Lion and Scouts. To become a Webelos requires a further expanding of one's horizons. Activity Pins must be earned and involvement in Church and Civic activities are encouraged.
List names and invite them with their parents to come forward.

York Adams Council

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PATRIOTIC ADVANCEMENT This ceremony could allow some leaders to portray the characters in costume.

CUBMASTER: Ladies and gentlemen, we have some honored guests here tonight. I would like to introduce Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and Yankee Doodle. Each of these individuals is an important symbol to the people of our country. Tonight, they are here to present some other symbols to some deserving young men. These symbols represent hard work, diligence, and jobs well done.

YANKEE DOODLE: We have some Cub Scouts who have earned some special awards. Would the following Cub Scouts and parents please come forward? (Call the names of those receiving Wolf badge and arrow points.)

LADY LIBERTY: I would like to call forward those Cub Scouts who have been working for some time and have achieved much. I would like them to present them with their awards. (Call the names of those receiving Bear badge and arrow points and their parents.)

UNCLE SAM: I would like to recognize some of the older boys in this group. You have given unselfishly of yourselves. For your loyal support over the years, I would like to present you with your awards. (Call the names of those receiving Webelos badges, activity badges, or compass points and their parents.)

CUBMASTER: I would like to thank our three guests for coming to help us tonight. And a special thanks to all the boys who have worked so hard to be examples and role models of good American citizens!

Equipment: Box made up to look like a computer, large cards with the words BOBCAT, WOLF, BEAR, etc. on them
Cubmaster: In keeping with our theme of DOES NOT COMPUTE, I would like to unveil my latest invention. (Uncovers or brings in computer.) This amazing device is able to collate all the information that comes in from our Pack committee members, den leaders, Webelos den leaders and parents. It can then determine which Cub and Webelos Scouts are eligible for which awards. Allow me to demonstrate.

(Show BOBCAT card and insert into slot in machine. Pick up pre positioned awards from rear of box.)

Will the following boys and their parents please come forward.

(Follow a similar procedure for the awards of Wolf, Bear, Arrow Points, Activity Badges, and Webelos rank.)

(Cubmaster then calls for Arrow of Light recipients and their parents.)

These young men may or may not be real geniuses, but they have shown the truth of the old saying that 90% of success is perspiration. They have worked long and hard -- some as long as 3 years -- to achieve their goal. What they built was not a better mousetrap, but something far more valuable to the world today - a better young man. In recognition of this achievement, we can't give them a patent, but we can present them with an award that is so highly thought of that it is the only badge in the Cub Scout Program that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. Of course, I mean the Arrow of Light. (Present the awards to the parents to present to their sons.) I want to congratulate you and your parents. The whole Pack is proud of your accomplishment, and we're sure you'll continue to DO YOUR BEST

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Personnel: Cubmaster, the advancing Cub Scouts and their parents.

Equipment- Pinhole planetarium punched for the Big Dipper and North Star, flashlight.

[The lights are dimmed. Cubmaster beams the flashlight through the pinhole planetarium at the ceiling or a wall, showing the Big Dipper and North Star. Call advancing boys and their parents forward.]

Cubmaster: "For thousands of years, men have known that the North Star is fixed. Shepherds knew it before the time of Christ. Seamen have used the North Star and other heavenly bodies to guide their ships to port ever since they first dared leave the sight of land. Even today, the stars are important in navigation for ships, jet planes and spaceships.
Cub Scouts don't need the stars to find their way. But even so, you do have your own guiding stars to help you through life. There is your church, for instance. Your school is another example. So is Cub Scouting. In Cub Scouting, our navigational aids are the Promise and the Law of the Pack. They tell us how we should act and what we should do for ourselves and for others. The Promise and the Law of the Pack are just like the stars by which the seaman steers his ship.
Tonight we honor these Cub Scouts who are navigating straight and true on the Cub Scout trail. With their parents' help, they have advanced a track and have shown that they live by the Promise and the Law."

[Give badges to the parents for presentation to their sons.]

MDS

ON-THE-AIR

Equipment: Three handheld micro- phones (real or made of wood), badges and certificates to be awarded.
Personnel: Cubmaster, assistant, Webelos den leader, boys earning awards, and their parents.
CUBMASTER: “This is Station C-U-B-S reporting from the pack meeting of Pack _____. Tonight we have selected several of our new listeners for awards. They are to become official Bobcats. Let's welcome them now.” (Call forward Bobcat candidates and their parents.)
“Cub Scouts, will you please show that you're ready to receive your badges by joining me in the Cub Scout Promise. (Say Promise.)
“Fine. It is a pleasure to present, you Bobcat badges. (Give badges to parents to pin on boys’ shirts.)
ASSISTANT (in audience): “This is Station C-U-B-S mobile unit out on the Cub Scout trail. We have spotted several Cub Scouts who have reached the Wolf station. I’ll send them to your location.”
(Wolf candidates and parents go forward.)
CUBMASTER: “We are very glad that you have earned the 12 achievements to reach Wolf rank. I know your parents have helped you a lot so I will give them the honor of pinning on your new badges.” (Present badges)
Continue in the same fashion with arrow points and Bear awards. Webelos den leaders present activity badges and Webelos badges in the same way.
CUBMASTER: “This is Station C-U-B-S signing off the air but inviting you to stay tuned to the great Cub Scouting in Pack ______

Adapted from Roundtable Guide of Crater Lake Council, Central Point, Ore.

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FLYING SAUCERS 

You need several Frisbees.  Tape badges rank, arrow points, and other awards to them.  Have a leader who is good at sailing Frisbees stand some distance from the awards table, preferably behind the audience. When the Cubmaster or a Webelos den leader has called forward boys and their parents to receive their badges, he then calls for the appropriate awards from “outer space.” The assistant then sails a “flying saucer” to the front.

ROCKET TO THE TOP

Equipment: NARRATOR: This month's theme, "Space: The New Frontier," reminds us that the Scouting program, like the space program, has the ability to launch these boys to new horizons and to reach where they have never been before. Also like a rocket ship, Scouting is built in stages, which helps these boys reach their final destination. In the space program, that destination may be a far-off galaxy. In Cub Scouting, it is the Arrow of Light and becoming a Boy Scout. Prepare boxes to stack on top of each other. Pin or tape awards to each section, to be removed as boys come forward.

The Bobcat badge is like the launching pad of a rocket. It is the foundation on which the Cub Scout program rests. It gives Cub Scouts a solid base from which to blast off into their adventure in Cub Scouts. (Call boys and parents forward.)

The Wolf badge is like the booster rockets that lift the rocket off the launch pad into the sky. The boy has not yet made it into outer space, but he has begun his journey toward his destination. (Call boys and parents forward.)

The Bear badge is the stages of the rocket that help propel the ship out of the earth's atmosphere. The boy is well on his way toward a new frontier. (Call boys and parents forward.)

The Webelos badge is like the next stage of the rocket, which keeps the ship on path as it approaches its final destination. (Call boys and parents forward.)

The Arrow of Light is like the final stage of the rocket. These boys have enjoyed their journey through Cub Scouting, but they eagerly anticipate the new adventure that is now before them in their destination of Boy Scouting. (Call boys and parents forward.)

Congratulations to all these boys, who have faced the challenge of meeting their own new frontier.

ROCKET The rocket is made by threading a straw with the launch line. Cub blows up a long balloon. He and the Cubmaster attach it to the straw with tape. The Cub then goes to the other end of the launch area and waits by his parent. Cubmaster then attaches the award to the balloon and releases the balloon. It rockets to the parent for the award to be given to the Cub.

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ADVANCEMENT CEREMONY We have all the boys NOT receiving an advancement form two straight lines on either side of the aisle leading up to the advancement  ladder and bell.  They salute each boy as he's announced.  Once a boy receives his badge, moves his clothespin up the ladder, rings the bell, and shakes the Cubmaster's hand, and gets applause from the audience, he joins  the line of saluting scouts.

CT, Valerie, Wolf CS Den Leader, Salem, OR

ADVANCEMENT CEREMONY Since all were achieving advancements of some kind, we included the tigers with an advancement of their own. I made pins for their uniforms of orange and white craft foam, with a tiger paw drawn in the center. [This was before the present Tiger Badge.] They were attached with a safety pin, and had blue yarn on one side and yellow yarn on the other, They were instructed to have the boys hold the yellow and the adult hold the blue and tie a square knot symbolizing the strength between the adult and the partner, and the blue and gold that was already within them. Good luck on your Blue and Gold!

Purpose: to illustrate to the Tigers, that there is a little Cub Scout in them already. This is done using an acid, a base and a color indicator (phenolphthalein) which is red in base and clear in an acid.

Prior to ceremony, mix the following:
Glass 1: 1/2 cup water, 3 drops yellow food dye, 4-5 drops phenolphthalein,
1/8 tsp. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). This liquid should be orange colored.
Glass 2: 1/2 cup water, 20 drops muriatic (hydrochloric acid).
Glass 3: 1/4 cup water, 1 drop blue food dye.

Begin: Have Glass 1 on a table. Ask them what color represents Tigers. When they answer "orange", tell them that the year is almost over and they already have a little "Cub Scout" in them. I am going to show you this with colors.

Pull out Glass 2: This is magic water I have received from the tears of  Shere Kahn. It will reveal one of the Cub Scout colors in the orange glass before you. [Pour Glass 2 into Glass 1 and stir, should now be yellow).

Discuss what the yellow means (for example, cheerfulness).

Pull out Glass 3: There is one other color a Cub Scout has within him.

Discuss what the blue means (for example, truth, honesty). So here are the two Cub Scout colors that they will see during the next few years. There is one final color to think about. (Mix yellow and blue). Green symbolizes the growth you are going to experience in Scouting.

I will now invite the Adult partners to join our Tigers around our circle.
Will you all please recite the Tiger Cub Motto?

For the past few months you and your family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and places. You have taken each part of the Tiger Cub motto, Search, Discover, Share, and used it in your home, school, and neighborhood. In a few month you will be crossing over to Cub Scouts but until then use this award to remember that each of your has a little bit of Cub Scout in you.

Wolf
Preparation: Cut small strips of dissolving paper. On each piece of paper write one of the boys names. Have a large jar filled with warm water and something to stir it with. Gather 20 or so small thing twigs.

Cubmaster: This evening a number of our young scouts will take their final test to earn their Wolf badge. As I read your name, come forward and take this piece of paper with your name. To earn your Wolf badge you have completed 12 achievements. These require knowledge of the flag, of keeping strong, of tools and knots, of safety and your neighborhood, of books and reading. You have mastered several feats of skill, have made a collection and have shown willingness to help and take part in family fun. Are you ready to take your final test to earn your Wolf badge. One important lesson you have learned is the importance of working together as a team in your den and with your family. As an individual you stand alone and are weak. [Pass out twigs to each boy]. [Hold this single twig and break it in half] Bundle one of your broken twigs together with mine. [Collect one twig from each scout and wrap together with a rubber band].

Each of you take this bundle and attempt to break it in half. As you can see, there is strength in the unity of the pack. Together you are stronger than any single individual. Each of you have been given a piece of paper with your name. This is no ordinary paper. What you hold is truth paper. This is paper handed down from generation to generation to test the truth of an individual. If you have spoken the truth of your accomplishments this paper will disappear into
the water, never to be seen again. However, if you paper remains solid, you are not yet ready to continue on your journey of scouting. [Have each scout place their piece of paper in the water, stir the water a little, show the
scout the paper dissolved and hand them their badge].

Since you all pass, will all of you please recite the Cub Scout Promise?

Bear
Setup: Use a short candle in a glass jar to represent a camp fire. In the glass jar place a teaspoon of Baking Soda. Place the candle behind the Akela spirit bottle. Have another small (4 oz) decorative jar filled with Vinegar (Spirit Water). Cut pieces of Beef Jerky to represent Bear meat. The Akela spirit bottle is filled about 1/4 full with concentrated Hydrogen
Peroxide. Potassium Iodide (KI) are used as a catalyst to initiate the break down of the H2O2 to produce the smoke effect. In a dark corner of the stage or behind the stage in a dark room place a chair with a candle. A person with Mountain Man or Indian close sits ready to pass out the Jerky (A.K.A. Bear meat).

CUBMASTER: There are Scouts among us tonight who have earned their Bear rank in Cub Scouting. We honor this achievement with a special ceremony that recognizes their effort as they take one more step toward the Arrow of
Light, becoming a boy Scout and possibly even someday an Eagle Scout. These are all steps along the trail to becoming Akela. Akela is a leader -- coaches, Den Leaders and parents are all Akela. Because each Scout will someday be Akela we perform this ceremony in the presence of the spirit of Akela. Please listen as we call upon the spirit of Akela to be with us. Audience is warned that the lights will be turned out. Candles are lit on ceremony table and light under campfire is turned on. Lights are turned out. Many moons have passed. Our Young Scouts are now ready to become young braves.

Many were young Tigers. They have learned the way of the Wolf and now the way of the Bear.
We must summon the spirit of AKELA with these orange crystals. Place the KI crystals into the AKELA spirit bottle.

CUBMASTER: The spirit of AKELA Is with us.

Cubmaster calls the name of each Scout who has earned his Bear badge to come forward. They stand facing Cubmaster with their Den leaders behind. The Cubmaster explains the last requirement for Bear (each Bear candidate must
survive the Bear cave). Each of you must enter the Bear cave and get the meat of the Bear. Your Den leader will lead you to the Bear cave. They send each Bear Cub into the Bear cave separately. The Bear growls and the boys
scream. After about 30 seconds it gets quiet and the boys exit the cave with the Bear meat. They line back up in front of their parents. The Cubmaster asks the Den leader if they have completed the last requirement. They answer yes. The
Cubmaster then asks each boy to step forward. The Cubmaster then tells the young Bears that they may taste the Bear meat. The boys are presented their badge by their Den leader and congratulated by the Cubmaster. The Cubmaster
then tells the parents to be proud of their young braves for they have taken another large step along the Scouting Trail.
We now close this ceremony by pouring this spirit water (Vinegar) into our camp fire to magically put out the flame. All turn and face audience for a cheer and then sit down.

Webelos
Preparation: Arrow wrapped in flash paper.
Call the scouts forward.
Scouts, tonight you are taking your first step toward earning the highest award that a Cub Scout can earn, The Arrow of Light. Along this path you will be faced with many challenges. Your den leader have informed me that each of you have completed the requirements for your Webelos badge.

Is this true?

Tonight your will be presented with several test to demonstrate to our young scouts that you truly earned your Webelos badge. Are you ready to accept this challenge?

Please recite the Scout Oath.

Scout Oath

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

Very good, but you must pass one more test.

This must be done because the Arrow of Light which you will receive soon next year is the highest award in Cub Scouts and the only Cub Scout award you are allowed to take with you into Boy Scouts. The only way you can earn
the Arrow of Light is to earn the Webelos Badge. Are you ready for your final test? Then take this white string which shows purity, and tie the one and only true knot of scouting (square knot), to this arrow.
Now if you truly have Scouting Spirit, the arrow will burn but will not be consumed. (Pass the arrow over the flame. It will flame up and go out quickly.) You have passed the test.

Sean Scott <sscott@intekinfo.com>

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GENIUS CEREMONY As each boy receives his recognition (in den or Pack meeting), let him give his own idea of a genius.  What… why… how… where…
Computer Awards
Equipment: Box made up to look like a computer, large cards with the words BOBCAT, WOLF, BEAR, etc. on them
Cubmaster" In keeping with our theme of Genius Night, I would like to unveil my latest invention.  (Uncovers or brings in computer.)  This amazing device is able to collate all the information that comes in from our Pack committee members, den leaders, Webelos den leaders and parents.  It can then determine which Cub and Webelos Scouts are eligible for which awards.  Allow me to demonstrate.
(Show BOBCAT card and insert into slot in machine.  Pick up pre positioned awards from rear of box.)
Will the following boys and their parents please come forward.
(Follow a similar procedure for the awards of Wolf, Bear, Arrow Points, Activity Badges, and Webelos rank.)
(Cubmaster then calls for Arrow of Light recipients and their parents.)
These young men may or may not be real geniuses, but they have shown the truth of the old saying that 90% of success is perspiration.  They have worked long and hard --some as long as 3 years --to achieve their goal.  What they built was not a better mousetrap, but something far more valuable to the world today --a better young man.  In recognition of this achievement, we can't give them a patent, but we can present them with an award that is so highly thought of that it is the only badge in the Cub Scout Program that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.  Of course, I mean the Arrow of Light.  (Present the awards to the parents to present to their sons.)  I want to congratulate you and your parents.  The whole Pack is proud of your accomplishment, and we're sure you'll continue to DO YOUR BEST.

BB

BUILDER'S CEREMONY Props: Cubmaster dressed in a work smock wearing a carpenter's tool belt.  Awards and mother's pins are taped to pieces of wood scraps that are hidden in his tool belt.  Be sure to emphasize the "puns" though out the ceremony.

Cubmaster: Tonight, we have some boys who "saw" the opportunity to "nail down" some advancements.  At times these boys had to keep "hammering" on some of the tougher requirements, but, they kept on "drilling", "curving" and "sanding" and finally "cut" through.  We "wood" like to honor them tonight.
Will Cub Scout   please come forward with his parents?    has "chiseled" through the requirements for the Wolf badge.  (Cubmaster takes the Wolf award from his tool belt and holds it up.)  We "wood" like to have his parents present him this award.  (Cubmaster hands the award to the parents who present the boy the award.)    "wood" you please pin the mother's pin on your mother.

Other "puns" which could be used when making presentations include: "filed", "planed", "sharpened", "glued", "cut", "painted" or any other tool related name or adjective.

BB San Francisco Bay Area

Personnel: 7 Cubs
Equipment: Each boy should have a candle to light from a central candle.  Each lights his candle and reads the following statements.
Cub 1: We have been observing and studying Nature's treasures.
Cub 2: We will help to maintain nature's balance.
Cub 3: We will help and learn from nature's animals.
Cub 4: We will help and learn from nature's resources.
Cub 5: We will protect them from harm.
Cub 6: We will follow the law of nature.
Cub 7: The Outdoor Code:
      As an American, I will do my best to
      Be Clean in my outdoor manners.
      Be careful with fire.
      Be considerate in the outdoors.
      Be conservation minded.

BB - Heart of American Council

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BUILDING A BETTER WORLD 11 Cub Scouts, each holding a card with a letter on the front and his line on the back.  Each speaker holds up his letter as he says his line.  Last line delivered by all.

B for BROTHERHOOD, boosting for each other's good
E for EVERY LAND to share in earth's riches everywhere
T for TRUSTFULNESS, trusting more and fearing less
T for TEAMWORK, for joining hands to put things through
E for EQUAL CHANCE for each nation to advance
R for REAL RESPECT in spite of race, creed, or sect.
W for WILL TO WORK for peace with faith and skill
O for OPPORTUNITY to keep our speech and action free
R for REVERENCE for a guiding providence
L for LOVE TO SPREAD around when need and bitterness are found
D for DIGNITY of man devoted to a better plan.
           (All hold up letters)

There you have it, that is how you build
a BETTER WORLD.

BB - Bill Hart District,  courtesy of Judy Polak

OPENING CEREMONY

GROWING Cast: Narrator, 4 Cubs in costumes appropriate for the part.
Cubmaster or Narrator: "Some of our Scouts have some thoughts about the future and how they might be able to do something positive.

Cub #1: "When I grow up I would like to use my creativity to invent a cure for diseases and help people everywhere become more healthy.

Cub #2: "When I grow up I would like to help people from all over develop an understanding of each other so that everyone, old and young; rich and poor, men and women, and east and west will work together.
Cub #3: "When I grow up I would like to use my self discipline to contribute to my community, strengthen my family and grow personally."
Cub #4: "When I grow up I would like to help people learn to grow crops that will feed more people but use less space to do it"
Narrator: These boys: and the other Cub Scouts here tonight will be the scientists, leaders and trailblazers of tomorrow. I think our future is in good hands.

Pacific Skyline

FOUR WINDS Equipment:  Artificial campfire.  Stick for each one in ceremony.
Arrangement: All boys dressed in Indian costume, (and families, if they wish to participate), carrying a stick to add to the campfire.  Lights dimmed.  All participants divide into four groups, each in a corner of the room.
Cubmaster: (Dressed as Indian Chief) Let the North Wind enter.  (All those in the North corner of the room enter; place their sticks on the campfire and sit beside the campfire).  As they enter, the boys from the North corner of the room say . . .
North Wind: The North Wind that brings the cold, builds endurance.
Cubmaster:  South Wind, enter (All those from the South corner enter, and place their sticks on the campfire, then sit down.)  As they enter the say…
South Wind: The South Wind brings the warmth of friendship.
Cubmaster:  East Wind, enter.  (Boys and others from the East do the same as North & South Winds.)  As they enter, they say…
East Wind: The East Wind brings the light of day.
Cubmaster: West Wind, enter.  (All those from the West, do the same as North, South - and East Winds.)  As they enter, they say…
West Wind: The west Wind from the direction where the sun sinks brings night and stars.
Cubmaster: The Four Winds will light our council fire.  (Plug in campfire).

BB

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BLAST OFF TO FUN Prepare eight sections of cardboard cut to represent a rocket ship (i.e., have one section pointed like the nose cone of a rocket; perhaps have two extra sections shaped like rocket fins). Paint them, if desired, and put large letters on each section spelling BLASTOFF. As the narrator reads, Cub Scouts hold up the sections and "build" the rocket.
NARRATOR: As we begin our pack meeting tonight, let us remember what Cub Scouting is all about.

B Boys --without whom there would be no Scouting
L Leaders --who guide boys through their journey of Scouting
A Akela  -the great leader of the pack
S Skills --learning to do new things
T Training --to help us be better citizens
0 Outings --that increase our awareness
F Families --helping and caring
F Flag --the symbol of our country

Will you please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag?

(After the Pledge of Allegiance, the boys should hold up the cards once again, forming the shape of a rocket. All the boys will yell, "Blast off to fun!" as they run off stage.)
 

Props:
Hammer with “Do My Best” sign on it
Screwdriver with “”Do My Duty” sign on it
Pliers with “to God and Country” sign on it
Saw with “Help Other People” sign on it
Block plane with “Law of the Pack” sign on it
Setting: Cub Scout is on stage. He is about as scruffy as one can imagine. His shirttails are out, his face is grungy, his hair is a mess, he is slouching, and he has the most forlorn frown on his face.
Other Cub Scouts enter and proceed with the repairs…
Cub 1: Wow! This guy's in pretty bad shape. We'd better fix him up. I’ll use my “Do My Best” hammer.  He “hammers” on the Cub Scout and the Cub tucks in his shirt and begins to stand straight.
Cub 2: Well, that's a start! Let me use this “Do My Duty” screwdriver. [He pretends to “make adjustments” to the lad and the Cub combs his hair and stands a little straighter.
Cub 3: That's getting him somewhere! Here, I’ll give these “to God and Country” pliers a try.  Again, the Cub gets tweaked a little more and he stands at attention.
Cub 4: Hey, he's just about there! Let me work on him with this “Help Other People” saw.  Don't really use it! But as Cub 4 cuts away, the Cub Scout wipes off his face with a wash towel.
Cub 5: By Golly! I think we're about done! Just let me give him a little touchup with this “Law of the Pack” plane. [A little shave here and a little shave there and the Cub Scout responds by changing the frown into a great big smile.
Former Grubby Cub: Gee, thanks, guys! I guess I just needed to get with the program —the Cub Scout program, that is. Let's all stand now and join in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

BB York-Adams Area Council

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THE FLAG SPEAKS Arrangements : The flag stands alone, lights are dimmed with a spotlight on the flag, speakers are offstage.

Voices of the Flag : Cub Scouts

Scout #1 : I am your flag. I have a special meaning to the Boy Scouts of American because the Scout Promise emphasizes duty to god and country and I am your country.
Scout #2 : I am a symbol of America. I suppose you might say I am America. I am great cornfields in the Midwest, throbbing industries in the great cities, orchards and vineyards in the great valleys of the west. I am mountains, rivers and lakes.
Scout #3 : I am the citadel of democracy and the vanguard of freedom in the world, we both are being threatened with annihilation.
Scout #4 : I am the opportunity for any boy to become most anything if he has the skill and the will to scale the heights. I am most things to everyone, and everything to most people. As a matter of fact, I guess that's what I am most people ... free people.. YOU!
Scout #5 : Let us rededicate ourselves to our duty to keep American people and our country great and free. Please rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

MDS