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During the year there are a number of occasions for holding special ceremonies; to give immediate recognition for completing Wolf and Bear achievements, for example, or the installation of a troop formed from a Webelos den.
These pages include the following ceremonies:
Download ALL of these Ceremonies here!
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Boys love to be recognized. With special recognition being given in a natural manner and at frequent intervals, Cub Scouts will not be tempted to seek recognition in less desirable ways.
Special ceremonies in the den are less formal than those used in pack meetings. Den ceremonies rarely require anyone to read a part or repeat from memory.
They are more impromptu. Encourage the boys to help create and develop new ceremonies rather than repeat old ones.
This is a chance to use your imagination and give recognition where it is due. Some of the events you may wish to recognize in den meetings are:
1. Birthdays. (Sing 'Happy Birthday,' have a birthday cake.)
2. The arrival of a new member. (Sing 'Cub Scout Welcome Song' and have each boy tell something about himself to get acquainted.)
3. A transfer to a Webelos den. (A good-bye and good luck type of ceremony.)
4. A Webelos Scout's graduation into Boy Scouting.
5. Special achievements in school, church, etc. We hope that the examples in this chapter will create in you the desire to use more special ceremonies and that you or some member of your pack will develop them.
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Many dens use den doodles as an incentive for advancement. It is the most fun when the boys help make the doodle. Decide on a theme that fits your particular den. Doodles can be table models or standing models. You may want to call on some adults to help out.
The boys will look forward to hanging devices on the den doodle as they earn achievements and electives. This can be done in conjunction with an immediate recognition ceremony.
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Using a good-conduct candle is a method often used by den leaders as an incentive for good behavior. As the candle is lighted for each den meeting, the den leader can say a few words related to the theme of the month, such as:
During the holiday season we see lots of candies burning. They help make the holiday decorations more festive and enjoyable. Our den conduct candle will help make our den meeting more enjoyable, since it is a reminder of a treat that is in store when the candle has burned down.
In the early days, fire was an important source of warmth, light, and cooking heat for the Indians. They respected fire because they depended upon it for their livelihood. As we light our good-conduct candle, let's remember to respect each other.
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This ceremony can be held at a pack meeting when the entire membership of a Webelos den is being organized into a Boy Scout troop.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: Tonight we have an unusual event to recognize in our pack.
Because of the need for an additional Scout troop in our neighborhood (or organization) and because we had a Webelos den, our chartered organization has agreed to accept the responsibilities for a new troop. Our Scouting coordinator, [name], has met with the parents of the Webelos Scouts and learned that they are willing to organize and become the nucleus of a new troop. Our Webelos den leader [name] has accepted the invitation of the committee to become Scoutmaster.
[Name], the head of [name of the organization], our chartered organization, is here tonight. As he comes to the front, I will read the names of the graduating members of the Webelos den. Will they please step forward with their parents as their names are called. (Announces boys' names.)
Head of Chartered Organization: On behalf of the [name of organization], I pledge full cooperation with our new Boy Scout troop. We want it to be one of the finest troops anywhere. If this is to be true, every one of our members must do his part. We are proud of our Cub Scout pack and have watched with interest all of these boys as they became Webelos Scouts. We will continue to follow their advancement through the ranks of Boy Scouting.
Our Scouting coordinator will now say a few words and officially introduce the new troop and its leaders. [Name of Scouting coordinator].
Scouting Coordinator: Cub Scouting has been an answer to the needs of our boys and their families as they play and work together. We are proud of our pack leaders and of the progress made by the Cub Scouts in our pack.
Though our new troop is starting small, it will grow as its new Scoutmaster, [name], develops a program of fun and adventure with the new Boy Scouts. They will be
ready for recruits from our neighborhood and for other Webelos Scouts when they are eligible.
I am pleased to present the committee members of new Troop [number].
The troop committee is composed of [name], as chairman, and [names of other committee members and, if possible, the specific assignments agreed upon]. The Scoutmaster is [name] and his assistant is [name]. The members of the new troop are [names of the Webelos Scout graduates].
These new troop members have come up through the ranks of Cub Scouting in our pack. We are proud of their record. They have served well and have given goodwill. We will count on their continued progress along the Scouting trail.
For you parents, it's going to be a wonderful experience as you travel that Scouting trail with- your son.
Scouts, your registration certificates will be presented when our new troop charter is presented to us. You have chosen your Boy Scout neckerchief color, so I will ask your Scoutmaster, [name], to present the neckerchief now.
Scoutmaster: I know all of you boys well. We have grown together in our Webelos den. We shall continue to grow as we enjoy the wonderful times ahead. III need your help as well as that of your parents.
I'm expecting each of you to move upward on the Scouting trail. Now, Cubmaster [name) will remove your Webelos Scout -neckerchiefs, after which I will present your troop neckerchiefs. May Boy Scouting be a real challenge to you. (Cubmaster removes Webelos Scout neckerchiefs. The Scoutmaster places a Boy Scout neckerchief around the neck of each boy.) As there are many ways your neckerchief might serve you, so it is with you: there are many ways you can serve your fellowman.
Good luck and good Scouting! Lees give a big howl for our Cubmaster who has done so much for us.
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The Cub Scout whose birthday is being celebrated stands at a table with other Cub Scouts. The denner carries in a birthday cake with lighted candles and places the cake in front of the honored Cub Scout. The den sings 'Happy Birthday.' The Cub Scout makes a wish and blows out the candles. The Cub Scout standing at the right of the honored Cub Scout claps once, the next Cub Scout twice, and so on until the age of the Cub Scout is reached, then all applaud.
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When a member of a Cub Scout den is transferring to a Webelos den, the denner of the den he is leaving may read this poem as a closing part of a ceremony. Then give him a Webelos Scout Book.
So long, good luck!
We've played together and worked together, Had maybe a fight pr two.
We've taken trips and had some slips
And we've seen many projects through.
You earned your Wolf and arrow points,
You earned your Bear degree.
But now you'll earn your Webelos badge, A good Boy Scout soon to be.
So as you follow the Arrow of Light
Along the Scouting trail,
We hope you remember Den [number] with delight. We salute you! Good luck!
Happy Scouting!
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This skit can be incorporated into many ceremonies. It is especially suitable for use during the time that your community is participating in a United Way campaign or an independent finance drive for Scouting's sustaining membership enrollment (SME).
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
1st Cub Scout: G-Stands for Giving.
It's always good to give.
2nd Cub Scout: I-Stands for Intentions.
May mine be always right.
3rd Cub Scout: V-Stands for Valiant.
A trait of great might.
4th Cub Scout: E-Stands for Eager.
From beginning to end.
5th Cub Scout: S-Stands for Sharing.
This makes me a friend.
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This is a recognition ceremony idea. Have those Cub Scouts who are eligible to receive awards come forward with their parents. Then have a forester or conservation officer present the awards. Following the presentation, a pack leader may describe a conservation project completed for the chartered organization or community.
The guest then briefly tells about his job and items of special interest pertaining to conservation.
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This ceremony should be held at a den meeting, as soon as the denner is elected. The assistant denner could be installed at the same time.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
The den leader or den chief can perform the installation.
Den Leader: [Denner's name], please step forward. (Lights candle.) This white candle represents the spirit of Cub Scouting. It takes team effort to keep the spirit alive-to keep the candle burning. You have just been elected to be a member of that team.
As denner, your duties are to assist me and our den chief. You will keep the den diary, help record attendance, and collect den dues. (This may vary depending on the responsibilities the den leader wishes the denner to have.)
During the week, you will set a good example for the other members of our den by being honest, fair, and showing true Cub Scouting spirit.
Do you accept these responsibilities, which will help us keep the spirit of Cub Scouting alive and the candle burning bright?
Denner: I do.
Den Leader: I am happy to present to you the denner shoulder cord, which is to be worn on your left sleeve during your term of office. Wear it proudly and with honor. Congratulations!
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Select a denner in your usual manner (such as election, alphabetical order, or drawing). After the boy is selected, use the following ceremony, which should be given by the den leader or den chief.
Cub Scout [name] has been chosen to represent Den [number] as we walk together through the doorway to
adventure. We ask his help as each adventure begins and ends. It will be his duty to open the doorway to each meeting and to be sure the evidence of our adventure has been cleared away at the meetings close.
Cub Scout [name], do you accept this as your responsibility?
(Cub Scout answers:) I do.
Then we present to you this cord as your key to open the doorway for our next adventures.
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As above, select an assistant denner. The den leader or den chief can then lead the following ceremony.
Cub Scout [name] has been chosen to be our assistant denner. His duty will be to help [denner's name] as we all take part in our meeting adventure.
Cub Scout [name], do you accept this as your responsibility?
(Cub Scout answers:) I do.
Then we present to you this cord as your key to help open the doorway for our next adventures.
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
The den leader introduces the new Bobcat Cub Scout to the other Cub Scouts of the den. The denner and assistant denner step forward with the U.S. flag and den flag, then all salute.
lst Cub Scout: (Lights a candle and recites the Cub
Scout Promise.)
2nd Cub Scout: (Lights a candle and recites the Law of the Pack.)
3rd Cub Scout: (Steps forward and informs the Bobcat that he is part of the den and it is his turn to light a candle to show that the den will be much brighter now that he is part of it. All den members then sing the "Cub Scout Welcome Song" found in the Cub Scout Songbook.)
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As a Cub Scout completes achievements for Wolf or Bear, the den leader should make sure that a simple recognition ceremony is held in the den meeting. Use the Cub Scout Immediate Recognition Kit, which contains enough materials for a den of Cub Scouts for 2 years. This is a motivational device used to encourage each boy to complete the rank for his age.
Use a brief ceremony related to the monthly theme or the one below.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Den Leader: Let me tell you the story behind these wonderful beads. The custom of awarding beads started in the ancient Webelos tribe. They were given to braves who did their best to help the tribe and others.
Den Chief: Many moons ago, when the animal world was ruled by wolves and bears, the braves of the Webelos tribe feared these strong beasts.
Den Leader: But some braves named [names of boys being recognized], still untried, decided that the best way to live without fear was to learn to understand the creatures of the forest.
Den Chief: So they went, disguised as animals, to live with the wolves and bears. The animals accepted them and all their brothers and called them cubs, just as if the braves were their own. This was according to the Law of the Pack.
Den Leader: For their bravery and friendliness to the beasts, they were given a leather thong with colored beads on it. It signified that the cubs knew the ways of the tribe and did their best at everything without worrying if someone else did better. This is the law that the tribe borrowed from the animals.
(Asks the den to form a living circle and repeat the Law of the Pack.)
Den Chief: For doing your best in completing three achievements toward your [Wolf/Bear] badge, I award you, [name], this thong and this bead. May you always obey the Law of the Pack.
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Master of Ceremonies: (Addresses the audience in the traditional greeting style.) Aloha! Welcome to our [month) pack meeting. Traditional Hawaiian family life has many of the same ideals as Cub Scouting.
(The first Cub Scout comes on stage carrying a card with the word ALOHA on it.)
Aloha has many meanings: love, affection, compassion, mercy, pity, kindness, charity, hello, good-bye, alas, and regards. The Hawaiian family provides a ready source of love, affection, kindness, courtesy, and hospitality. In Hawaii, aloha is shown and given not only to family members but to all who visit.
(The second Cub Scout comes on stage carrying a card with the word IKE on it.)
Ike means to recognize everyone as a person. Everyone needs to be recognized, especially children. Ike can be given in a number of ways. It can be a look, a word, a touch, a hug, a gesture, and even a scolding. Children need to give ike to each other, so if the teacher demonstrates the giving of ike then the children will follow the example.
(The third Cub Scout comes on stage carrying a card with the word KOKUA on it.)
Kokua, which means help, was an important part of every household in old Hawaii. Every member helped get the work done. They did not have to be asked to kokua. They helped whenever they saw help was needed.
(The fourth Cub Scout comes on stage carrying a card with the word KULEANA on it.)
Kuleana. One of the most important kuleana, or responsibilities, of every family member was to maintain acceptable standards of behavior. Attention-seeking behavior was frowned upon, and respect for social rank and seniority was a must. Each person was taught what was acceptable and not acceptable. He or she learned to accept and carry out his or her kuleana, or responsibilities, willingly.
(The fifth Cub Scout comes on stage carrying a card with the word LAULIMA on it.)
Laulima means many hands. Everyone in the family the ohana-shared the workload. Whether it was planting, building a house or a fishpond, preparing a meal or fishing, each person did a share of the work to get it done, If a man wanted a house built, his ohana-his family-willingly came to help. They gathered the building materials, built the foundation, put up the frame, and installed the thatched roof. They also gathered the pili grass and other thatching materials. Children helped in whatever way they could. This kind of laulima made the work easier and more enjoyable.
(The sixth Cub Scout comes on stage carrying a card with the word LOKAHI on it.)
Lokahi means harmony and unity. The family, considered lokahi very important, not only with people but also with the universe. The members of the family showed this in their daily living by sharing goods and services with each other.
The ohana, or family members, generously gave to others no matter how tittle they themselves had. Strangers were greeted with aloha and invited to come in and partake of food. Anyone visiting another area took food or a gift as a symbol of hospitality. They established lokahi with the universe by observing the law of daily living, which included homage to the gods. This kind of behavior nurtured harmony in the family-lokahi in the ohana.
(During the awards and recognition portions of the program, leis are presented in addition to the badges or certificates.)
(Four blasts of the conch shell are repeated. This time the directions change: first to the north, second to the south, third to the west, and fourth to the east. Another version is three blasts: one to the mountains, one to the land, and the third to the sea.)
This concludes our meeting. Mahalo-thank you-for your attendance. Aloha.
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