Multiple Rank Advancement Ceremonies -- Part 2

THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS CEREMONY FOR ADVANCEMENT

(Tiger Pin, Bobcat Badge, Wolf Badge, Bear Badge, Webelos Badge) by Edward A. Haluska

People required:

• Cubmaster
• Santa Claus

Props:

• Tall candle and a candle holder for it
• Individual candles with drip guards for each boy
• Matches to light candle
• Clear punch bowl
• Red punch
• Small paper cups
• Ladle
• Dry ice
• Santa Claus suit

Hints:

• Most Cubs gulp down their punch. However, because of the dry ice, an occasional Cub will be convinced you are trying to poison him. Therefore, use small cups and don't even fill them very full.
• The dry ice that is dumped into the punch should be in one or two large lumps. That way you won't ladle any small chips of dry ice into the cups being used to serve the boys. As a double check, after you have ladled punch into the cup, check to see if it is bubbling with dry ice. If it is, pour it back into the bowl and try again.
• To find a source of dry ice, look in the yellow pages under "ice." Three pounds of dry ice bought in the afternoon and wrapped in newspaper will be more than enough to last through until an evening pack meeting.
• If the candle holder for the tall candle will fit in the bottom of the punch bowl and the candle holder can be cleaned well enough, place the tall candle in the middle of the punch bowl for added visual effect.
• The easiest way to attach the badges to the boys is to have the badge stapled to the small cardboard card it comes with. Make a small slit in the cardboard so that the card may be slipped over the button on the pocket of the shirt. Have some straight pins for backup in case the boy has not yet been able to get a uniform (they are often sold out at the beginning of the year) and is not wearing a shirt that has a button on it.
• Dim the lighting at the beginning of the ceremony for better atmosphere and so the candles will show up better.
• This ceremony has a strong Christian content. It is best suited for use with a pack that is uniformly Christian. If your pack has a diverse religious composition, this ceremony may not be appropriate.

Cubmaster: Tonight, during the Christmas Season, we are gathered here as a pack to recognize those cubs among us who have earned a new rank. But as this is the Christmas season, let us begin this ceremony with a reading from a very special book, the book that tells us why Christmas is so important to all Cub Scouts who do their duty to God.

(Read this passage with the majesty it deserves.)

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you tiding of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill to men!"

"And on earth, peace, goodwill to men." Words of hope that have come down to us from a wondrous time long ago. Words that still make our hearts echo back love. So in that spirit let us begin. Parents, bring forward these Cub Scouts.

(Cubmaster calls out the names of the all boys who are advancing in rank. Parents and boys come forward and face the rest of the pack.)

Cubmaster: This is the Christmas season. We celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus. As part of our duty to God, to show that Jesus is still the Light of Christmas, we will light this candle.

(Cubmaster lights the tall candle.)

Cubmaster: All the darkness in the world cannot stand against the light of one small candle. Through the power of the Cub Scout Promise, our cubs share the Light of Christmas. Therefore, I want each of you boys to come forward one at a time and light your candle from the Christmas candle.

(If you have boys who will be getting their Tiger pin, ask...)

Cubmaster: Our new boys who want to be Tigers have studied the Tiger promise. Are you boys ready to make that promise now to yourselves, your parents, and the pack?

(Cubmaster shakes head in yes motion. Boys should also shake their heads yes.)

Cubmaster: Then hold your candle in your left hand, make the Cub Scout sign with your right hand, and repeat after me. I promise to love God, my family and my country, and to learn about the world.

(If you have boys who will be getting their Bobcat badge, ask...)

Cubmaster: Our new cubs who want to be Bobcats have studied the Cub Scout promise. Are you boys ready to make that promise now to yourselves, your parents, and the pack?

(Cubmaster shakes head in yes motion. Boys should also shake their heads yes.)

(If you have boys who will be getting their Wolf, Bear, or Webelos badge, ask...)

Cubmaster: As part of being a Cub Scout, you boys who want to advance in rank have followed the Cub Scout Promise. Are you boys ready to renew that promise now to yourselves, your parents, and the pack?

(Cubmaster shakes head in yes motion. Boys should also shake their heads yes.)

Cubmaster: After tonight, you will carry the light of the Christmas candle inside of your heart. The light you will carry will come from the five things you are about to promise. You will promise to:
1. Do your best
2. Do your duty to God
3. Do your duty to your country
4. Help other people
5. And obey the Law of the Pack.

Cubmaster: As you keep the parts of this promise, the Light of Christmas will burn brightly within you for all the world to see. Are you ready to make the promise to yourself, your parents, and to the pack?

(Cubmaster shakes head in yes motion. Boys should also shake their heads yes.)

Cubmaster: Then hold your candle in your left hand, give the Cub Scout sign with your right hand and repeat the Cub Scout Promise with me.

I promise to do my best,
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people,
And to obey the Law of the Pack.

Cubmaster: The last thing you promised was to obey the law of the pack. This is the law that binds us all together. So let us all now repeat the law of the pack. Will all scouts that are here tonight please stand, give the scout sign and repeat the law of the pack with me?

The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

(Cubmaster motions for audience to be seated.)

Cubmaster: We often talk of the Christmas Spirit, the magic of Christmas. Long ago and far away, Jesus taught that magic to St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus as he has come to be known. So to help bring the magic of Christmas spirit here tonight, I am going to divide the room into two parts.

Cubmaster: When I point to you, I want this half to yell Santa and this half to yell Claus. Ready? One, two, three ...

(Point to first half of the room and yell...)

Cubmaster: Santa! Ready? One, two, three ....

(Point to second half of room and yell...)

Cubmaster: Claus!

(Repeat the yell three times. At the end of the last yell, Santa enters...)

Santa: Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!

Cubmaster: Oh, Saint Nicholas, we are so glad you could come! Would you please help us by adding some of your Christmas spirit to our ceremony?

(Santa nods and waves his hand over the punch. While waving his hand over the punch, he discretely drops a lump of dry ice that he has hidden in his palm into the punch. Or, if Santa is carrying a toy sack, he can reach into the sack for the dry ice.)

Cubmaster: Our cubs have shared the Light of Christmas. Now we want to be sure they are also filled with the Christmas spirit. Santa, will you please help me give these boys some of your Christmas spirit?

(Santa nods head. Santa fills cups with punch. Check for dry ice in cups! Cubmaster hands out the cups to the boys, telling them not to drink yet. If you have a small pack, you may consider giving all cubs present a cup. After the punch has been distributed, Cubmaster offers toast...)

Cubmaster: May your heart always be filled with the Christmas spirit.

(Cubmaster and Santa drink, motion for boys to do the same.)

Cubmaster: You are now are filled with the Christmas spirit and carry the Light of Christmas in your hearts. Therefore, you no longer need your candles to show that light. Blow them out now.

(Collect candles and cups.)

(Cubmaster and Santa now distribute badges and tiger pins. If you have a bobcat, you may say....)

Cubmaster: You are now bobcats in this pack. You have promised to help other people. Helping other people is called a doing a good turn. So that the pack can see that you are living up to your promise to help other people, we are going to put your bobcat rank on upside down by turning you upside down. You may turn your rank around after you have done a good turn. When the pack sees your rank right side up, they will know that you are helping others.

(Cubmaster asks each Cub in turn if he wants to be flipped. If he says yes, the Cubmaster and Santa turn the Cub upside-down while parents pin on rank. See the Bobcat Flipover ceremony for detailed instructions on how to do this safely. If you don't know the correct procedure, don't flip the Cubs!)

Cubmaster: Saint Nicholas is very busy this time of year and needs to get back to the North Pole soon. To show him our appreciation, let's give him a big Cub Scout spirit cheer. I want this side of the room to shout Merry, and this side of the room to shout Christmas. Ready? One, two, three, Merry! One, two, three, Christmas!

(As the Cubmaster repeats the cheer two or three times, Santa makes his exit and can disappear.)

Pack 92 Ceremony -- 14 June 1997

[Bobcat Ceremony]

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the boys and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
Boys, as you gaze up at the night sky, you will see a constellation of stars to the north called the Big Dipper. The big star is the North Star. For many years man has used these stars as a guide to show them the way as they traveled. As you join Cub Scouts you are starting a trip. You will experience adventures and excitement, meet new friends and learn new skills. However, as you begin this trip you need a 'North Star' to guide you. The 'North Star' is Akela ... Akela can be your parents, your Den Leader, even me your Cubmaster. It is our responsibility to help you along the way. I ask your parents and our Den Leaders: Will you accept the responsibility to be 'Akela' for these boys, to help guide them along the Cub Scouting trail?

[Wait for them to mumble something like, "I do".]

Now boys, join me in reciting the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. Cub Scout Sign...etc...Scout sign two. Receive now the mark of the Bobcat, a White mark, symbolizing your passage from being a boy, to being a Scout.

(Assistant Cubmaster, paint a small paw on the boy's cheek.) Scouts, you have now started your trip by earning the Bobcat badge.

(Present Bobcat badge to parents. Assistant Cubmaster, place the new Bobcat Scouts appropriate neckerchief around his neck.) Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

The Painted Paws Ceremony [Wolf Ceremony]

CUBMASTER:
When a boy joins a Cub Scout pack, he earns the Bobcat badge and starts on an upward trail. This trail will lead him through the ranks of Wolf, Bear, Webelos and on to the highest award of Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Today we are honoring boys who have made significant advancement along this journey.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Would the following boys and their parents please come forward? (Read names and wait till all are present.)

CUBMASTER:
I understand that you seek the rank of Wolf, is that so? (response) Please recite the Cub Scout Promise.

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

CUBMASTER:
I can see by your knowledge of the Cub Scout Promise and the achievements that you have completed that you have worked hard along with your parents. These achievements are very important as they have helped you gain a deeper appreciation of many things. You are now ready to become a Wolf -cub.

CUBMASTER:
Receive now the mark of the Wolf, a Red mark, symbolizing strength and valor. (Assistant Cubmaster draws on the Cub's face the 1st toe) The first toe of the Wolf paw is for your growth through feats of skill and having fun with your family.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws 2nd toe.) The second toe of the Wolf paw represents that you have learned about your home, community, country and your religious beliefs.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws 3rd toe.) The third toe stands for the skills you have gained in handling tools, trying new things, and making collections.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws 4th toe.) The fourth toe represents your new appreciation for conservation and safety.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws the footpad.) The pad of the Wolf paw represents your growth as a Cub and the increased responsibility you are now capable of handling. Wolf Cubs, remember the inscription of this paw. It shows you are ready to move along the upward trail of Scouting.
(Present the badge and pin to the parents.)
Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

[Call the Scouts up to give them Arrow Points and be recognized for them] [Bear Ceremony]

CUBMASTER:
When the scout reaches third grade he begins working from the big bear book. Just as Akela met the BEAR with courage, the Scout walks the BIG BEAR TRAIL. On that trail he finds and conquers 12 challenging achievements in the categories of God, Country, Family and Self. He then receives his bear badge.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
You are climbing even higher on the trail to the Arrow of Light. Do you seek the rank of Bear? (response.) Then recite the Law of the Pack.

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

CUBMASTER:
I see that you have worked hard with your parents and Den Leaders to achieve your rank. You are ready to become Bear-cubs. Receive now the mark of the Bear, a Green mark, symbolizing nature and your growing knowledge of the world around you.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws on the Scout's cheek, the 1st toe) The first toe of the Bear paw symbolizes your increased understanding of God.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws 2nd toe.) The second toe of the Bear paw symbolizes your new knowledge of your country, its folklore and heritage.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws 3rd toe.) The third toe shows your increased appreciation of your family.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws 4th toe.) The fourth toe stands for your increased understanding of your own self worth.
(Assistant Cubmaster draws the footpad.) The palm of the Bear paw represents your growth as a Cub, and the increased responsibility you are now capable of carrying. The climb up the Scouting trail is getting shorter, but steeper. Not everyone will finish. Follow the Promise and the Law so that no harm will come to you along the trail.
(Present the badge and pin to the parents.) Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

[Call the Scouts up to give them Arrow Points and be recognized for them]

[Webelos Ceremony]

The Three Candles Ceremony Equipment: Parent's Pin, Webelos badge, a Green Candle, a Red Candle, and a Yellow Candle

CUBMASTER:
In fourth and fifth grade, the Scout enters a Webelos Den. The Scout prepares himself for Boy Scouting. He works on 20 different activity badges from five skill groups: Physical, mental, outdoor, community, and technical skills. After three months in the Webelos Den and after earning three activity badges including Fitness, and learning about the Boy Scout ways, he earns his Webelos Rank Badge.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
There are Cub Scouts among us today who have earned their Webelos Rank. Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
The Webelos Rank is the next to last step in Cub Scouting. It requires that a boy begin to learn skills of the adult world. You have begun to learn about Boy Scouting and have agreed to live by its Promise and Law. Your parents have continued to support you in this effort. The rank of Webelos entitles you to display the three Webelos colors, green, red and yellow. To symbolize your achievement in earning this rank, observe the three candles

(Assistant Cubmaster lights the green candle) The Green candle symbolizes your knowledge of the Scout oath and Law and signifies the learning of manhood skills.
(Assistant Cubmaster lights the red candle) The Red candle symbolizes your achievement of three activity badges, including the Fitness badge.
(Assistant Cubmaster lights the yellow candle) The Yellow candle symbolizes that you have been an active Cub Scout for at least three months in your Webelos Den, and have performed many good turns, helping your den, your pack and your family.

Receive now the mark of the Webelos, a Blue mark, symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice. [Mark each boy with BLUE face paint, something like a 'W']

(Present the badge and pin to the parents.) Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

[Call the Scouts up to give them Activity Badges and be recognized for them]

Arrow of Light Ceremony

CUBMASTER:
The final and highest rank of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. To earn it a boy must be a member of his Den for at least six months since turning 10 years old and have earned the Webelos Rank. He must have earned the Fitness, Readyman, and Citizen Activity Badges and five more for a total of eight. He must know the Boy Scout Oath and Scout Law from memory as well as the Boy Scout slogan, motto, sign and salute. He must have participated in a Webelos overnight campout or a Webelos day hike. He must have visited a Boy Scout troop with his parents and den and taken part in a Boy Scout outdoor activity.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
There is a (or there are) Webelos Scout among us today who has earned Cub Scouting's highest award. Would and his parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
The arrow of light is much more difficult to obtain than a belt loop, an activity badge or even one of the other rank patches. To obtain this award a Scout must memorize the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, and commit to live by these principles. Webelos Scouts and leaders, please stand at attention, and recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law with me in unison. [Cubmaster step to the front to face the Scouts, salute and lead]

Scout Salute One.

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.

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent

Scout Salute two. You may be seated.

As you can see on the candleholder, the Arrow of Light symbol is made up of an arrow which points the way to a good life and a rising sun which symbolizes the challenges of every new day provided by Scouting and by life itself. The seven candles in the emblem represent the seven rays in the Arrow of Light symbol you see before you.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
[Cubmaster lights the first candle]
This first ray represents Wisdom. Having wisdom doesn't mean that a person is smarter than others. It means that he uses what he knows to live a better life.

[Cubmaster lights the second candle]
This ray represents Courage. Courage does not mean you have no fear of danger. It means that you can face danger despite your fear.

[Cubmaster lights the third candle]
The third ray stands for Self Control. Self Control means being able to stop when you have had enough of something and being able to choose your own path instead of merely following others.

[Cubmaster lights the fourth candle]
The fourth ray stand for Justice. Justice means being fair with others we play and work with, regardless of who they are.

[Cubmaster lights the fifth candle]
The fifth ray represents Faith. Faith includes belief in God, and in things we cannot see, but feel are true.

[Cubmaster lights the sixth candle]
This candle represents Hope. Hope means to look forward to good things you believe will happen. You hope for better things tomorrow, but at the same time you work hard today to make them happen.

[Cubmaster lights the seventh candle]
The last candle and the last ray of the sun on the Arrow of Light symbol stands for Love. There are many kinds of love. Love of family, home, fellow men, God, and country. Every kind of love is important for a full and happy life.

CUBMASTER:
You will find that living by these seven virtues can lead to a happy life. The Arrow of Light is a significant achievement. It is recognized as such by the Boy Scouts of America. When you become a Boy Scout, you continue to wear the Arrow of Light on your uniform. When you become an adult leader, you wear a square knot which represents the Arrow of Light on your uniform. You've completed all the requirements for your Arrow of Light badge and have completed the Cub Scout trail. It is my pleasure to award you your Arrow of Light badge and hand it to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a 'Job Well Done'.

[Assistant Cubmaster award boys their certificates, and present the parents with the Arrow of Light badge. Parents pin it on the boys. Then present the mother's pin to the boy and have him pin his mother or father] Receive now the mark of the Arrow of Light, a Yellow mark, symbolizing light from the blazing sun above us, lighting our way through life.

[Assistant Cubmaster, mark the Scout with YELLOW face paint]

The Arrow of Light Charge

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Just as the arrow flies straight from the bow to the target, I challenge you to live by the Scout Oath and Law, the ideals for which our program is known. I challenge you to continue your high level of achievement in Boy Scouts. I challenge you to follow where that Arrow of Light points:

• Forward on the trail of Boy Scout ranks.
• Upward to higher challenges and adventures.

Now as a symbol to remember this occasion, I give you an arrow with your badge sash. When you remove the rank patches, pins and other Cub Scout patches from your uniform, you can put them on this sash to display. Congratulations and good luck. Parents, Guests and Cub Scouts of Packs 92 and 195, would you please join with me in congratulating this scout (these scouts) for achieving the highest award in Cub Scouting.

Bridging Ceremony:

Cubmaster:
Will a representative of Troop 92 please take your place on that side of the bridge. Will _____________ please step forward. (After he does) It is with great pleasure that I remove your Webelos Scout neckerchief and loops. It is now time for you to cross the bridge and become a Boy Scout. Congratulations.

Promotion Ceremony:

Assistant Cubmaster:
You are now Second Year Webelos Scouts working on your Arrow of Light. Congratulations and be seated.

Cubmaster:
Will the Bear Cubs please come forward. (After they have come forward, call out their names and have them walk the bridge, where someone on the other side will put their Wolf neckerchief around their neck and give them their Wolf book.) Assistant Cubmaster: You are now First Year Webelos Scouts working on your Webelos Rank. Congratulations and be seated.

Cubmaster:
Will the Wolf Cubs please come forward. (After they have come forward, call out their names and have them walk the bridge, where someone on the other side will put their Wolf neckerchief around their neck and give them their Wolf book.)

Assistant Cubmaster:
You are Bear Cubs working on your Webelos Rank. Congratulations and be seated.

Cubmaster:
Will the Tiger Cubs please come forward. (After they have come forward, have call out their names and have them walk the bridge, where someone on the other side will put their Wolf neckerchief around their neck and give them their Wolf book.)

Assistant Cubmaster: You are now Wolf Cubs working on your Wolf rank. Congratulations and be seated.

Explaining the Ranks

BOBCAT:
I had to make some promises,
To become a bobcat Scout.
To Follow, help, and give goodwill,
That's what Cub Scouting's all about.

WOLF:
The back and front rolls were easy,
Making games was fun.
But when it came to giving directions,
I almost didn't get done.

I had to earn the Wolf badge,
It meant a lot to me.
Finally I learned my directions,
And a Wolf Cub Scout I would be.

BEAR:
I never wrote a letter before,
Let alone a 100 word essay.
Or ever learned to throw a rope,
To hit a marker 20 feet away.

And now that I've earned the Bear badge,
All that and a whole lot more.
Makes me feel that much smarter,
Than I ever felt before.

WEBELOS:
Now that I'm a 9 year old,
I belong to a Webelos den.
Activity badges I'll try to earn,
Like Athlete, Forester, and Outdoorsman.

ARROW OF LIGHT:
The Oath and Law are memorized,
Graduation day is in sight.
I am prepared for what's ahead,
I've earned the Arrow of Light!

It's hard to say goodbye to friends.
Cub Scouting's meant a lot to me,
But it's time I start the upward trail,
For it's an Eagle Scout I want to be.

CUBMASTER:
Now that we have had the ranks explained, we would like to recognize those boys in our Pack who have earned those ranks.

(At this time you will have the advancing boys come forward with their parents and award the badges.)

Are They Ready?

ARRANGEMENT: The Cubmaster asks the dens with Cub Scouts ready for advancement to stand. The Den Chief gives the name of the Cub Scout and the rank he seeks. The members of each den then bring forward the advancing Cub Scouts and present them to the Cubmaster. Den members then return to their places, leaving the advancing Cub Scouts with the Cubmaster. The Cub Scouts salute the Cubmaster. When all the advancing Cub Scouts are in front of the Cubmaster, the pack forms a three-sided square, open side to the audience. The pack stands at attention and salutes the advancing Cub Scouts, who return the salute.

CUBMASTER: Cub Scouts of Pack(#) , these Cub Scouts have completed the requirements for the ranks they seek. Shall we honor them?

PACK: Are they ready?

DEN CHIEFS: (step forward) They are ready.

CUBMASTER: You have heard the Den Chiefs say that these Cub Scouts are ready.

PACK: What about the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack?

CUBMASTER: You have heard the pack's question. Are you ready to re-pledge yourselves to the Promise and the Law?

CUB SCOUTS: We are ready.

CUBMASTER: Then let us repeat together the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. (The Cub Scouts and leaders repeat them.) We would like to have the parents of these boys come forward. We have saved for you the privilege of presenting the badge and certificate to your son. We appreciate the fine interest you have shown in your son's accomplishments. (The parents present badges and certificates. Each den gives its den yell for its members who have received a badge.)

Avast There Ye Swabs

FIRST MATE: (First Mate calls forth Cubs who are advancing and their parents. ) The crew stand ready, Captain!

CAPTAIN: Aye, and a fine group of fellows we have here. (Present awards to parents to give to their sons as First Mate calls out names) Now then, me hearties -- Let's give a fine swash-buckling cheer for our pals who have ventured forth and returned with bountiful treasure. (cheer) And the rest of ye - mark my words - I'll have no slackards in my crew - on our next raid ye ALL better be coming forward for reward or the FISH will have bait in the harbor that night! (to those still up front) Get ye back to yer quarters now and prepare for another assault and more rich rewards from Cub Scouting!

Cub Scout Baseball

PERSONNEL: Cubmaster, boys to receive awards and their parents.

CUBMASTER: Will (names), our new Bobcats and their parents please come forward to the "on-deck circle." As you are standing on the "on-deck circle" you are at the beginning of the "game", just as you are at the beginning of the Cub Scout trail. Parents accept your sons badges. They are to be sewn on when your son does a good turn.

CUBMASTER: Will (names), our Wolf candidates and their parents please come forward. Stand on first base. This represents the first stop on your Cub Scout trail. You worked hard on earning your Wolf, so keep up the good work. Parents here are their badges.

CUBMASTER: Will (names), our Bear candidates and their parents please come forward. Your place on our diamond is at second base. This is the second major stop along the Cub Scout trail. Parents accept your son's badge.

CUBMASTER: Will (names), the Webelos and their parents please come forward. Your spot is third. You are almost "home", keep up the good work and you will have no problem in finishing your trail. You now wear a badge diamond on your shirt to complete that game you need to receive your Arrow of Light. Work hard and you should have no problem.

If you have boys earning the Arrow of Light their spot is home plate.

Backyard Fun

CUBMASTER: Did you see all those people in my backyard?

ASST CM: Yes, I wonder what they were doing?

CUBMASTER: I don't know who they were, but I know they were swimming, playing, cooking, resting, and, above all having fun.

ASST CM: Wow I didn't know you could do all that in your backyard.

CUBMASTER: Backyard Fun - two words that generally mean enjoying your surroundings; however, they become different things to different people.

ASST CM: A young Bobcat starting his Cub Scouting adventure may be like a young seed just starting to grow. His backyard may be just the property surrounding his house.

CUBMASTER: His fun may be a swing set, a family barbecue or playing catch with Dad. We have several Cub Scouts that have earned the Bobcat rank.

ASST CM: Will the following boys and their parents please join us in the backyard. (Reads names)

CUBMASTER: These Cubs, like a plant seed, have just started. Parents, I give you the Bobcat Badge to present to your sons.

A young Wolf has gone beyond the bobcat, like the seedling becoming a tree. His backyard extends into the neighborhood.

ASST CM: His fun could be bicycle riding, soccer games, or visiting friends. We have several Cub Scouts tonight that have earned the Wolf Badge, the second rank in Cub Scouting. Will the following boys and their parents come into the backyard. (Read Wolf names)

CUBMASTER: A Wolf Cub has accomplished more than the Bobcat. His experiences, skills, and knowledge have begun to extend beyond his home. Parents, please present these Wolf Badges to your sons.

ASST CM: The Bear Scout, the third rank of Cub Scouting, has continued up the Scouting trail beyond the Wolf. He has become strong and straight as a young tree, not fully grown yet, but on his way. His backyard extends beyond his neighborhood into the town and country.

CUBMASTER: His fun could be fishing in a creek, a walk through town, or visit to local park or zoo. We have several Cub Scouts that have met the challenges of the Bear and will receive their awards tonight.

ASST CM: Will the following Cub Scouts and parents join us. (Read names)

CUBMASTER: The Bear Scout has matured and endured the challenges of the Cub Scout trail. His experiences and knowledge are nearly complete. His backyard is beyond his neighborhood. Parents please present these badges to your sons.

ASST CM: The Webelos Scout is coming to the end of the Cub Scout Trail. He is a fully grown tree in the Cub Scout forest. He stands straight and tall.

CUBMASTER: His backyard extends up and down the highways. His fun may include boating on a lake, hiking in the woods, and camping overnight. We have several Cub Scouts here tonight that have met the Webelos challenges.

ASST CM: Will the following boys and their parents join us in our backyard.

CUBMASTER: The Webelos Scouts have almost completed the Cub Scout trail. They are knowledgeable, skillful, and confident. His backyard is almost limitless. Parents please present these badges to your sons.