It’s that time again in the world of Cubscouts. On March 17th the Fire Scouts will crossover into a Boyscout Troop. It’s out annual Pack Overnighter at Scouter’s Mtn. It’s our third year doing it. It’s my second time in having the OA come do Crossover. My son’s Tiger year we had them at the Gym. I kinda freaked out since I had NO Clue as to what the OA was or is. I walked into the gym and it was dark and there were dudes in Indian Clothing. Granted I was in a Frat in college so I had an idea, but that was laced with Beer and Sorority Girls!
The Arrow of Light Award will be presented at this ceremony. It’s all about the Fire Scouts.
The Monday before, the Tigers, Bears & Webelos I (Tree Scouts) will all get their Rank Badges. This is really quite early for them. But hey, they worked hard to get there. This will also be the chance for all the Fire Scouts to get all the rest of the Awards, Pins, Patches and everything that they have earned.
I really like this part of the year since the Tigers get their first Rank Badge. They have the Bobcat, but Tiger is the completion of the whole year of working towards a goal. Likewise for the Wolves, Bears and Webelos. But, it’s the first for Tigers.
I am working on a ceremony for the Rank Advancement. Below is a sample of what I am working on. I got some of it from the Boy Scout Trail website. It’s been my go to place for years. I edited it with another ceremony for Tigers that is at the bottom. Just need to get the fake Campfire…;)
(scout names), please come forward with your parents.
You see that I hold here a feather. This is not just any feather, but represents that of an Eagle, the most respected of all creatures. The eagle is most beloved by the Great Spirit because it represents life and how all things are divided into two parts.
The eagle, you see, has only two eggs at a time. Likewise, there is man and woman. People have two hands, two feet, and two eyes. We each have a body and a soul. There is also day and night, light and dark, summer and winter. we see beautiful and distasteful sights. We hear pleasant sounds and dreadful news. We use our hands for good deeds, or bad.
We have before us two paths. Scouting encourages us to follow the way of good – of bravery, service, honor, and brotherhood. We also may choose selfishness, laziness, mean spirit, and deceit. That choice belongs to each of us.
On your journey, you have chosen the Scouting way, and through your work you have earned the _____ rank. Wear the patch you receive proudly. I also present to each of you a feather of your own. When you see it, remember what it represents, that we face choices every day which path we will follow. Stay true, and continue on your trail of the Eagle.
Who are these these Scouts? Who will speak for these Scouts? Who will pronounce them worthy?
(One by one – parents introduce their sons and pronounce them worthy).
Cubmaster asks the pack: How says the pack? (Pack should roar approval.)
Cubmaster administer Cub Scout Promise to the boys, and Parents Promise to adults.
This lends itself to an outdoors ceremony, with a campfire; but it can be equally effective indoors in a darkened room with an artificial council fire, flashlights, etc. Leaders should be wearing Indian regalia.
Parents Promise:
We, the parents of a Cub Scout
Promise to help our boy
To become a better citizen
By helping him to live up to the Scouting ideals
And by helping him with his Cubbing achievements
