These Cub Scout Ceremonies are from the Scouts-L mailing list. There are many fine ideas here to help make your pack's ceremony special. -srt
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 1994 18:02:54 -0600
From: Peter Van Houten
Subject: AOL Ceremony
SETTING: Cafeteria, lights low, fake fire with red bulb, teepee, drum.
HEAR NOW THE TALE OF THE TRIBE OF WEBELOS AND THEIR GREAT CHIEFAIN, AKELA.
(Read dramatically and with feeling)
Many many moons ago, a small boy sat outside his tepee watching the stars in the sky, and listening to the rustle of the trees in the night. Somewhere in the distance he could hear the call of the Bobcat, the Wolf, and the Bear. Close by was the sound of the ceremonial drum calling all braves of the tribe to the council ring. The boy listened and wished he COULD ANSWER THAT CALL.
Quick and as true as an arrow in flight, quiet as the hush of the night, to the beat of that ceremonial drum, before a great fire they gathered, awaiting Akela, their chief. Here in the great council fire ring, on top of the mountain, they met. Here too, they sought the help of the Great Spirit as they strived to do their duty. Here they met CHIEF AKELA, AND AWAITED HIS WORDS.
NOW WITH THE LAST "BOOM" OF THE GREAT DRUM, ALL WAS SILENT. THE NIGHT was still. The great ceremonial fire was lit and it began to light up the night. As the fire grew and grew ever larger, the tom/tom started slowly and set the rhythm. Akela stepped into the ring as the tom/tom beat first low and slow and then like thunder. Akela danced and with his movement told of his life. He told of the strength of his father, the one they called the Arrow of Light. He told of how his father taught him the signs of the tribe; how to make a bow and let arrow fly true to its target. Akela obediently followed the Arrow of Light and gained great knowledge. Akela learned that the arrow for which his father was named was one that pointed upward, truly to the Eagle so HIGH ABOVE.
AKELA'S DANCE SHOWED HOW HE, AS A YOUNG BRAVE, WAS TRUSTED TO SET OUT into the forest. There he met the Wolf who taught him the ways of the wild life, of the ground, of the tracks, and ways to find food. He next faced the Bear and learned the meaning of courage and the IMPORTANCE OF BEING BRAVE. AND WITH THIS AKELA STOPPED HIS DANCE!
Akela, the wise, had closed his dance and presented the sign of the tribe and all of the tribe did likewise. No one spoke until Akela said: "Our tribe can only be strong when the boys of the tribe are strong. The future is hidden, but if we are courageous and brave; if we teach our boys truth and knowledge, to aim high like the eagle, to be fair, our great tribe will will continue to be strong.
My friends, you are like that small Indian boy wishing that you can answer the call of the great ceremonial drum and be members of the tribe. Every boy who joins Cub Scouting, whatever his age, he first earns the BOBCAT badge by learning the Cub Scout Promise, Sign, Salute, Handshake, The meaning of Webelos, The Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto 'Do Your Best'.
Would (INSERT NAME) and his parents please come forward. (INSERT NAME), do you see the stars in the sky. That is the constellation Big Dipper and 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 I your Cub Master. It is our responsibility to help you along the way.
(INSERT NAME) , I ask of you, will you accept the responsibility to be Trevors 'Akela', to help guide him along the Cub Scouting trail.
(INSERT NAME) you've already started your trip by earning the Bobcat badge. Congratulations! (Present Bobcat badge to parents.)
(INSERT NAME), here also is a star for you to place in your bedroom. At night this star will shine reminding you of your start on the Cub Scout trail.
Pack XXX, would you please join with me in congratulating (INSERT NAME) and welcome him to our Pack by giving him a 'Cub Scout' cheer (3 times).
Just as when Akela first went into the forest and learned from the WOLF, a Cub Scout in the second grade begins working on the requirements for the Wolf badge. Cub Scouts learn about Akela and the story of Mowgli and his survival in the Jungle. When a boy has completed 12 Achievements on the Wolf Trail, in such areas as physical fitness, exploring the world around him, fixing, building, collecting, safety, our flag, our family and our Duty to God, he receives his WOLF badge.
Would the following boys and their parents please come forward:
(INSERT NAME)
You've completed all the requirements for your Wolf badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Wolf, a Red mark, symbolizing strength and valor.
[Mark each boy with RED face paint]
It is my pleasure to award your Wolf badge 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'.
We also have some boys who have earned their Wolf Gold & Silver Arrow points. Would the following boys please come forward to receive them.
(INSERT NAME)
Pack 383, would you please join with me in congratulating these boys by giving them a 'Grand Wolf Howl' cheer.
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.
Would the following boys please come forward:
(INSERT NAME)
You've continued on the 'Big Bear Trail' earning your Bear Gold arrow points. It is my pleasure to award you these arrow points and congratulate you on a 'Job Well Done'.
Pack 383 , would you please join with me in congratulating these Bears by giving them a 'Grizzley Bear Growl' cheer.
In fourth and fifth grade, the boy is brought into the tribe of Webelos. He enters a Webelos Den with a name like the Scorpions or the Sharks. The boy 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 pins and learning about the Boy Scout ways, he earns his Webelos Badge.
There are Cub Scouts among us tonight who have earned their Webelos Badge. Would the following please come forward with your parents to be recognized and honored by the Pack.
(INSERT NAME)
You've completed all the requirements for your Webelos badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Webelos, a Blue mark, symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
[Mark each boy with BLUE face paint]
It is my pleasure to award your Webelos badge 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'.
Pack 383, would you please join with me in congratulating these new Webelos by giving them the 'Grand Stomp' cheer.
We also have some boys who have earned Webelos Activity Pins. Would the following boys please come forward to receive them.
READ NAMES & ACTIVITY PIN FROM CARD.
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 Badge. He must have earned the Fitness, Readyman, and Citizen Activity Pins 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.
The Arrow of Light is the only Cub Scout Rank which may be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform. As an Adult he can wear the special square knot badge to always recall his having earned the Arrow of Light.
Tonight we have 10 Webelos Scouts who have earned Cub Scouting's highest award. Will the following boys please come forward with their parents.
(INSERT NAME)
Long ago the Indian braves would collect eagle feathers. Regardless of how an Indian brave accumulated feathers, he was not allowed, according to tribal law, to wear them until he won them by a brave deed. He had to appear before the tribal council and tell or re-enact his deed. If the council thought the brave was worthy, the brave was allowed to wear the feather or feathers in his hair or war bonnet. These honors were called "counting coop." The Indian displayed their honors on their clothing, on a banner, or on a stick.
The Webelos counts coop by wearing the many rank awards and activity pins on his uniform, but they will soon be boy scouts and not allowed to wear them any more. I want to present these Webelos with a banner displaying their own scouting honors.
[Cubmaster present banners to boys]
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 this certificate of accomplishement and award your Arrow of Light badge 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. Webelos Leaders present the parents with the Arrow of Light badge and they can pin it on the boys. Then present the mother's pin to the boy and have him pin his mother or father]
The Arrow of Light is a signigicant 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. In view of that significance, I offer my sincere congratulations to each of you.
In Boy Scouts, when they have an Eagle Court of Honor, a charge or challenge is made to the new Eagle Scout. Tonight, I want to offer such a challenge to each of you. You have achieved the highest rank in Cub Scouts. You have shown what you are capable of doing. Tonight you will be crossing the bridge from the pack to a Boy Scout troop.
I challenge each of you to continue to live by the ideals you have learned in Cub Scouts, especially the Cub Scout motto:
"DO YOUR BEST".
I challenge each of you to continue your high level of achievement in Boy Scouts.
I challenge each of you to look at the Arrow of Light badge and think about what it represents:
I challenge each of you to follow where that Arrow of Light points:
I challenge each of you to soar to great heights and obtain the Eagle Scout Award. As your Cubmaster I will be honored to join you, where ever you may be, to see you receive this achievement.
Congratulations and good luck.Parents, Guests and Cub Scouts of Pack 383, would you please join with me in giving these boys a standing ovation for achieving the highest award in Cub Scouting.
From: John Bemis
Subject: Arrow of Light ceremony
In-Reply-To: <199408172314.aa29547@nc-17.ma02.bull.com>from "Peter Van
Houten" at Aug 17, 94 04:02:14 pm
Hi y'all. While at the NOAC, I attend a very well done
ceremonies presentation called "The Other Ceremonies".
It addressed how the O/A Lodge ceremonies team could improve its
ties with other Scouting units by doing specific Arrow of Light,
Eagle Ceremonies, etc. During the presentation, the presenter
handed out an Arrow of Light ceremony. It will be attached at the
end of the message. The content looked great, it's doable. I have
only one question and this can be answered by someone from
Cahuilla Lodge 127. What is the "Story of the Arrow"?
The other script is the Seven Virtues of daily Life from the
Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies. Here is the script.
YiS, Jay Bemisi
Arrow of Light Ceremony
Cahuilla Lodge 127
Hutak Chapter
1993
Characters Dress
---------- ------
Chief Akela Double Trailer Warbonnet
Long Breastplate
Feather Flag
Medicine Man Horned Bonnet
Dream Catcher
Guide Roach
Bow
Guard Roach
Deer Antler Staff
Drummer plain
Fire Keeper plain
Cubmaster
Webelos Den Leader
Materials
Fire wood Water buckets
Arrow of Light Paper
Board
Torch fuel Spirit of Scouting Candle
Arrows Tiki torches
"Seven Rays" Candles
script
Fire extinguisher Drum and beater
Matches Leather pouch for awards
Shovel "Story of the Arrow" script
Blanket
Arrow of Light Ceremony Script
Drum starts to beat. Slow tempo. Chief Akela enters the ceremony area, positions himself behind the council fire and faces the audience with head bowed.
Medicine Man enters the ceremony area carrying a blanket. He places the blanket in front of the council fire and positions himself with his back to the blanket, facing the audience with his head bowed.
Guide enters the ceremony area and lights the Spirit of Scouting Candle by the Arrow of Light Board. He positions himself on the west side of the ceremony area, facing the audience with his head bowed.
Guard enters the ceremony area and positions himself on the east side of the ceremony area, facing the audience with his head bowed.
When all are in position with their heads bowed the drum will continue to beat for a short time. When the drum stops, all will raise their heads. The chief will start the four winds. The drum stops.
Chief Akela: (raises the feather flag) I am the North Wind.
People say I am cold, but to you I will always
bring the warmest of winds because you have been
true-blue Cub Scout and Webelos Scouts, and have
always lived up to the Law of the Pack.
Medicine Man: (raises the dream catcher) I am the South Wind.
I wish you good Scouting. Over hill and dale I
have carried stories of you and your experiences.
As Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, you have been
happy, game, fair and a credit to your Den and
Pack.
Guard: (raises the deer antler staff) I am the East
Wind. I wish you well. I have spread the story
of your fun and happiness in Cub Scouting with
Pack ____ and how you lived up to the Cub Scout
Promise and were fair and helpful.
Guide: (raises the bow) I am the West Wind. I would
like everyone present to know that these Webelos
Scouts did not walk the Cub Scout Trail alone.
Each had the wonderful help of his parents.
Parents, continue to help your boys to go and
grow.
Guard: Chief Akela, there are some among us worthy of the
highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light.
Chief Akela: (tilts the feather flag towards Guard) My
brother, - seek them out that are worthy of this
award and bring them before our council fire.
Guard: It shall be done Chief Akela.
Guard goes among the audience and finds the Webelos Scouts who
are getting their Arrow of Light. He forms them into a line and
tells them to follow him. The drum beats slowly.
Guard slowly leads the Webelos to the Guide. He stops when he is
about two feet away. He raises his right hand in the Cub Scout
sign. The drum stops.
Guard: Hakola.
Guide: Hakola. Who are these who follow the path of the
arrow?
Guard: These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of
Light.
Guide: Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.
The drum starts to beat. Guard leads the Webelos to the Medicine Man.
The drum stops.
Guard: Hakola.
Medicine Man: Hakola. Who are these who follow the path of the
arrow?
Guard: These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of
Light.
Medicine Man: Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.
The drum starts to beat. Guard leads the Webelos to the Chief Akela.
The drum stops.
Guard: Hakola.
Chief Akela: Hakola. Who are these who follow the path of the
arrow?
Guard: These are they who are worthy of the Arrow of
Light.
Chief Akela: Go forth, seek the arrow on the upward trail.
The drum starts to beat. Guard leads the Webelos to the blanket
and tells them to stand facing Chief Akela.
The drum stops.
Chief Akela: Webelos Scouts, listen to the story of the arrow.
Fire Keeper, who is hidden from the audience, reads the story of
the arrow. ??????
The drum starts after the story of the arrow is finished.
The Medicine Man walks over to the Arrow of Light board.
When the Medicine Man is in position at the board, Guard leads
the Webelos to the board and positions them facing it.
Guide walks over and positions himself behind the Webelos.
Guard walks to the side of the Arrow of Light board to read the
meaning of the seven virtues.
The drum stops.
Guard: The seven candles represent the rays in the Arrow
of Light. As they are lighted, you will hear how
they stand for the seven great virtues of life.
Medicine Man lights the first candle and says the name of the
candle, while Guard recites the script for the seven virtues.
Medicine Man: script for Seven Virtues from Staging Den and Pack
Ceremonies.
When Guard has finished with all seven virtues he leads the
Webelos back to the position in front of the blanket, facing the audience.
Guide and Medicine Man return to their places by the council fire.
Chief Akela tilts the feather flag towards Guard.
Chief Akela: My brother, go forth and seek out the parents of
these Webelos Scouts and bring them before the
council fire.
Guard goes out into the audience and finds the parents of the
Webelos (Cubmaster/webelos Den Leader job to set them up) and
brings them forward, placing them behind their sons.
Guard returns to his position.
Chief Akela then explains the Arrow of Light badge.
Chief Akela: The Arrow of Light Badge is the only Cub Scout
Award that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
It serves as a link between the two programs and
points the way toward new adventure in Boy
Scouting.
Chief Akela gives out the large Arrow of Light Badge to the
mother.
Chief Akela: Will you pin on the Arrow of Light Badge on the
left pocket flap of your son.
Chief Akela gives each Webelos a miniature Arrow of Light Pin.
Chief Akela: Here is a miniature Arrow of Light Pin for you to
pin on your Mother. Do so now, if she is present.
Mothers, you should take pride in wearing the
miniature Arrow of Light pin. It symbolizes not
only your sons achievements, but that he has had
your support during his time in Cub Scouting. He
will need your continued support when he moves on
to Boy Scouting.
Chief Akela then gives the cloth Arrow of Light Badge to the
father.
Chief Akela: Here is your sons Arrow of Light Award, please
present it to him now.
Chief Akela now gives each Webelos an arrow and shakes his right
hand as a Cub Scout. Medicine Man helps pass out the arrows.
Chief Akela: These arrows have passed down from previous Arrow
of Light recipients, so one day you may be asked
to pass it on to Cub Scout who is about to receive
their Arrow of Light.
Chief Akela and Medicine Man returns to their position after the
arrows have been passed out. Chief Akela tilts the feather flag
toward Guard.
Chief Akela: My brother, please escort these parents back to
their seats.
Guard escorts parents to their seats and returns after they are all seated.
Chief Akela tilts the feather flag toward Guide.
Chief Akela: My brother, please escort these Arrow of Light
recipients back to their seats.
Guard escorts parents to their seats and returns after they are all seated.
The drum start to beat.
Guard slowly leaves the ceremony area.
Guide blows out the seven rays candles and slowly leaves the ceremony area.
Medicine Man folds the blanket and slowly leaves the ceremony area.
Chief Akela walks over to the Spirit of Scouting candle and carefully blows it out.
The drum stops.
Chief Akela: This ends your Arrow of Light ceremony.
Chief Akela picks up the Spirit of Scouting candle and slowly
leaves the ceremony area.
Last modified 12/1/95