[ Back To The Ceremonies Index ]
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( ...then turn it over ! )
The first 'earned' rank of a Cub Scout, and their first badge! These ceremonies are designed to welcome 7 and 8 year old boys to the Cub Scout progression. Typically performed early in the Scouting year (in the Fall), these Bobcat ceremonies are a great way to encourage advancement, and to bring these younger Cubs into your Pack family.
The following 30+ Bobcat ceremonies focus on all aspects of the Bobcat experience, from recognitions along the eight tracks of the Bobcat Trail to final advancement. |
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NEW! Mohawk Bobcat Ceremony NEW! Tribe elder & Bobcats by the fire. |
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Painted Bobcats With Belt Totems Native American Bobcats! |
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Chief Akela's Bobcat Ceremony This is a GREAT ceremony! |
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This Is Cub Scouting Six parents, six candles. |
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Akela's Scale Keep Cubbing in perfect balance. |
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Boys' Life Puzzle Induction The family working together. |
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Parent's Promise Help my boy live up to the Promise. |
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Cub / Parent Cooperation Cubs and parents working together. |
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Family Circle Families around the campfire. |
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Cub Scouts Four Den Chiefs spell C-U-B SCOUTS. |
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Induction of New Families Welcome to our Pack family! |
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New Bobcat Family Induction Blue and gold candles plus mom & dad |
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The Test of a Zulu Boy Zulu boys pass a tough examination! |
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Bobcat Ceremony Finder Tool There are hundreds of 'em! |
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Major Bobcat Ceremony Sites 20 more ceremonies by the masters! |
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Author: Michael McCumber, Cubmaster, Pack 81, Chelmsford, MA
EQUIPMENT
SETTING
INTRODUCTION
Cubmaster: (to all) When a Mohawk boy has learned certain skills or knowledge, an elder of the tribe sits with him at a fire and questions him about what he has learned and gives him some advice for his next stage of learning. Will (name the boys) please come and join me at the council fire.
Cubmaster: (Talking to the boys, not the whole pack) The Bobcat trail has seven tracks:
Cubmaster asks: What does the promise mean?
MORE: At this point, the cubmaster can use one of the other ceremonies for Bobcat. Present the badges to the parents, pin the badge on upside down, etc.
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Author: Peter Van Houten
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: Tonight, we are honored to have among us a boy (or boys) who has completed the requirements for the Bobcat badge. The Bobcat badge is an important part of the Cub Scout Trail, it is the foundation upon which a boy begins his trek toward the Arrow of Light.
Would the following boys and their parents please come forward!
(boys come forward)
Boy's you've accomplished the first step in Cub Scouting. In all things there is always a first....the first stone layed in a new building, the first step across a bridge. The first is sometimes the hardest, but thats because it lays the foundation or the strength for what follows. The Bobcat badge is your foundation. The trail of Scouting lies ahead of you, but don't be afraid. You won't have to do it alone. You'll have lots of help from your Akela... Akela can be your parents, your den leader, even I your cubmasater will help you along the trail, helping you become successful.
As a symbol of your achievement and of becoming a member of this pack, I ask my assistant to give you the colors of Cub Scouting...blue on the right cheek, yellow on the left.
(Asst. CM or Den Leader puts blue and yellow mark on each boys cheek)
Your parents stand here with you as an example to show they are proud and that they are there to help you, just like they helped you earn the Bobcat badge. I am presenting your Bobcat badge to your parents who in turn will present you.
(Award badges to Parents, who in turn present the badge to the boys)
Furthermore, I have made a small token to remind you of this day. As you wear this totem note that all of the ranks are connected...connected by the Cub Scout logo. They all come to a point at the arrowhead, which someday I hope I will be able to present you with your arrow of light.
(present belt totems)
Boys, parents and guests of Pack [number] please join me in congratulating these boys in their achievement with the Cub Scout Cheer.
(I yell "CUB" -- audience yells "SCOUTS" (3 times) than conclude with a
rousing clapping.)
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Author: Pack 43 of Larkspur, CA
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Akela: Why do you sound the ceremonial drum?
Asst. Cubmaster: Because we have boys who seek the fun of Cub Scouting.
Akela: Have these boys been properly prepared?
Asst. Cubmaster: Yes, Akela, they have. As Tiger Cubs they have learned the Tiger Cub motto. The Bobcat candidates now know the Cub Scout Motto, Promise, and Law of the Pack. They know the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Each boy has prepared himself to move to the next step of Cub Scouting by his thoughts, deeds, and participation in the Pack.
Akela: Many moons before the paleface came to America, the Indian lived and hunted in these great redwood forests. Food was plentiful. The fields were rich with berries, the water with fish, and the woods were full of game. The tribes lived in villages near the great "earth-mother" , who we call "Diablo".
I am Akela, the Great Chief of the Webelos tribe and the head of the council of braves. Our totem is the Arrow of Light, which is the final goal of all cub scouts and the highest honor they can earn. This board shows the Arrow of Light and points the way of the trail. The arch represents progress along the cub scout trail to boy scouts. The candle which I now light represents the Spirit of Akela and the light of Cub Scouts.
We learn our ways from the wisest of the forest animals. From the Wolf we learn the language of the ground, we learn to follow the tracks of other animals, and we learn the ways of the food of the forest. From the Bear, we learn the secrets of the trees and birds, the language of the air and the sky.
But to begin the Cub Scout journey, we follow the Bobcat, a tenacious creature which is always hungry for knowledge and adventure. (to the Cubmaster) Cubmaster, which boys are ready to take the sign of the Bobcat?
Asst. Cubmaster: Akela, we have ___ boys who are prepared to take the sign of the Bobcat. (read the list), please come forward with your parents.
Akela: Do these boys know the things required to be a Cub Scout?
Asst. Cubmaster: Yes, Akela, they do. I would like the my Webelos Scouts to come forward at this time. Webelos means "We'll be Loyal Scouts" , so it is only right that these boys administer the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, Motto, Sign, Salute and Handshake.
First Webelos Scout: Boys, make the cub scout sign and recite the cub scout promise with me.
I (name) promise to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people and to obey the Law of the Pack. ("two")
Akela: Each candle on the Board represents a part of the Cub Scout Promise. The first part of the promise is "to do my best" . As a Cub Scout, we do not ask or expect you to be perfect. But we expect you to do the best you possibly can as you seek the Arrow of Light. (name the first Bobcat) _________________, please step forward and light the first candle, which represents doing your best.
"To do my duty to God and my country" . Duty means what you ought to do. Practice your religion, be a good American, and obey our country1s laws. (name the second Bobcat) ____________________, please come forward and light the second candle, which represents doing your duty to God and country.
"To help other people" . When you receive your Bobcat badge, it will be given to you upside down. After you do a good deed, you can turn it right side up. This reminds us to always help others who are in need. (name the next Bobcat) ______________________, step forward and light the next candle which represents helping other people.
In the Cub Scout Promise, we say we will obey the Law of the Pack, knowledge of which is also a requirement of the first rank of Bobcat.
Second Webelos Scout: Boys, make the Cub Scout sign and recite the Law of the Pack with me:
The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout makes the Pack go. The Pack makes the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill. ("two")
This law has a special meaning for Cub Scouts. "The Cub Scout follows Akela." Akela may be your father, mother, teacher, den leader, or cubmaster. In fact, it can be anyone who helps you learn about the world around you, because a good scout listens and learns. Remember, any good leader must first learn to follow. (name the next Bobcat) ___________________, please step forward and light the first candle, which represents following Akela.
"The Cub Scout makes the Pack go." You are a member of a pack - Pack [number] - and you are each a member of a den. (mention the specific dens now if appropriate) You help the pack go by attending all meetings and by completing the requirements and electives of each rank. By being an active scout you help others in your den and in the pack do the same. ___________________, please come forward and light the next candle, which represents the cub scout's role in supporting his pack.
"The Pack makes the Cub Scout grow." The other members of the pack will help you learn new things. You will do a lot of things together and have a lot of fun. Remember that as a group we can do much, much more than any of us can do alone. ________________________, please come forward and light the next candle, which represents the importance of teamwork in the success of our Pack.
"The Cub Scout gives goodwill." If you smile at others, they will smile back. Your first act as a Bobcat will be to do a good turn. Always think about what you can do for others - they don't have to be big things, for little things help, too. ___________________, please light the candle which represents the goodwill that Scouting brings all over the world.
Now we have lit all the candles, and you probably think you know all there is to being a cub scout. Well, in a way you do and in a way you don't. You will learn a great deal more. Remember that sometimes we are weak and falter. (snuff out a candle) If we falter once, the light on the path is still bright. But if you are weak and falter many times, see how the light dims into darkness (snuff out several candles). But if you are true to yourself, the light of Akela is always near, and if you do your best the light of Akela will help you find your way along the path as you follow the Arrow of Light in scouting. (relight candles)
Now you will demonstrate the other signs of Cub Scouting. Webelos Scout, do these candidates know the Cub Scout Motto?
3rd Webelos: Yes, Akela, they do. Candidates, repeat the Cub Scout Motto with me: "Do Your Best." You don't have to be perfect, just do your best. Akela, as you can see, they do know the Cub Scout Motto.
Akela: Webelos Scout, do they know the Cub Scout Sign?
4th Webelos: Yes, Akela, they do. Candidates, show me you know the Cub Scout Sign. Always make them with your arm straight and the wolf ears held high. This sign means everyone should be silent and attentive. It reminds us that before we speak, teach and lead, we must listen, learn and follow. Akela, as you can see, they do know the Cub Scout Sign.
Akela: Webelos Scout, do they know the Cub Scout Salute?
5th Webelos: Yes, Akela, they do. Candidates, show me you know the Cub Scout Salute. Hold your arm straight and be proud that you are an American and a Cub Scout. You will use the salute in countless flag ceremonies during your Cub Scout years. Akela, as you can see, they do know the Cub Scout Salute.
Akela: Webelos Scout, do they know the Cub Scout Handshake?
6th Webelos: Make the Cub Scout handshake with me. We will all now congratulate you on becoming Bobcats in Pack [number]. Akela, as you can see, they do know the Cub Scout Handshake. (All Webelos boys shake hands with the new Bobcats and take their seats)
Akela: Boys, you are growing up in a world of your own. It will be different than the world your parents grew up in. But throughout your journey, your parents will help you find the way. In scouting, you will learn about a great number of things, like your American heritage and what to do in an emergency. At every step, your parents will help you with these tasks. And so, we ask them to join us in the cub scout parent's promise:
We, the parents of a cub scout / do promise to assist our son in earning his cub scout badges / and to judge him as the individual he is. / We will be faithful in our attendance at pack meetings / and assist in every possible way as we help our son to do his best.
We are now ready to pin the Bobcat badge on these boys. Only one obstacle remains, and that is the requirement that the badge be pinned on upside down until these new bobcats do their first good turns. Only then can the badge be worn right side up.
Asst. Cubmaster: Congratulations, new Bobcats! Now I would like to present you with your coup stick. This will be our way of monitoring your advancement during your years as a Cub Scout. You will be able to paint it a color chosen by your Den and make markings on it to signify each achievement in Cub Scouts. Please take your coup stick, place it on the Bobcat rung of the Advancement Ladder, and be seated with your parents.
Akela: This concludes this ceremony. I now return to the forests of Mount Diablo to prepare for spring. In June, I will return to help each boy who remains graduate to the next step in Cub Scouts. Good night!
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Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
lst Parent: Some people think Cub Scouting is only for boys, but it isn't. Cub Scouting is for the family.
2nd Parent: Mothers and dads, as they work in Cub Scouting with their boys, are able to maintain their natural relationship with them, yet they come to see their boy's play and leisure in a new light. The Cub Scout advancement program ensures closer boy-parent relationships.
3rd Parent: Cub Scouts arc considerate of others. They promise to help other people and to do their best. When parents sign their boy's membership applications, they take as their motto: We will help our son do his best.
4th Parent: Cub Scouting is an introduction to the program of the Boy Scouts of America. Each part is packed with challenges most appropriate to the boy's age, and leads to the next phase. Thus, when our Cub Scouts join a Webelos den and earn the Arrow of Light Award, they are prepared to enter Boy Scouting.
5th Parent: Cub Scouting in all its phases operates to strengthen the family by living, playing, and growing together.
6th Parent: Today your boy is a second-grader. He has only a few more years of boyhood left before he looks away from home for his growing interests. What you do together today is important. Tomorrow may be too late.
Cubmaster: Will all parents pledge their support to Cub Scouting? Now, join with the Cub Scouts in the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Cub Scout Promise with me. I, [name], 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.
Parents' Participation
The success of pack leaders is often measured by the extent to which parents support their Cub Scout sons and the pack program.
If leaders expect parents to meet their pack obligations, leaders must make these obligations clear to the parents before their boys become Cub Scouts.
The Parents' Participation Promise can be used as a part of any Bobcat induction ceremony.
After the newly inducted Bobcats have repeated the Cub Scout Promise, ask the parents to repeat the following promise:
I, [name], promise to do my best to help my son to be a good Cub Scout, to encourage him to fulfill the Cub Scout Promise and obey the Law of the Pack. I promise to assist him in his Cub Scout achievements and electives; to cooperate with the den leader, Cubmaster, and pack committee members; and to participate actively in Cub Scouting.
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Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: Will the candidates and their parents please come forward and face the pack. (Pause.) You have come to be inducted into our Cub Scout family as members of Pack [number]. You are ready to start your adventure along Akela's trail.
Here is the arrow (points to ceremonial board) that points the way along the trail. You see on the arrow the badges you can earn: the Wolf, the Bear, the Webelos badges, and the Arrow of Light Award. The parts of Cub Scouting that do not show are the values you will learn and the good times you will have. This is the scale of Akela. Both the parents and the Cub Scouts are important to keep the scale in balance.
(To den chief.) [Name], please light the candle representing the Cub Scouts. (Lights the candle on feather end.) (To den leader.) [Name], will you light the candle for the parents? (Points to the candle on the arrow point. If substituting, place dowels in arrow at the appropriate time.)
If the boy does not do his part, the scale is out of balance, and the program goes downhill. (Removes candle-or dowel-representing boys, then replaces it.) On the other hand, if the parent's part is taken away, the scale is out of balance in the other direction and the Cub Scout loses his way along Akela's trail. (Removes candle-or dowel representing parents, then replaces it.)
So you see, to keep Cub Scouting in perfect balance, both Cub Scouts and parents must take part in the activities by coming to meetings, following the leaders, and advancing from point to point along Akela's trail.
Now, boys give the Cub Scout sign and repeat the promise with me. (They repeat the Cub Scout Promise.) And, parents, will you please repeat the following: As a parent, I will do my best to aid and assist my son in his Cub Scout activities. I will encourage him with enthusiasm, criticize him with fairness, and judge him with leniency. And, realizing that Cub Scouting is a program of equal participation for boys and parents, I will assist as I am able, in serving as a leader, adviser, or worker.
Now, as Cubmaster of Pack [number], I am happy to welcome you into the pack. Parents, I will give you the Bobcat badges and certificates of membership to present to your sons.
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Boys' Life Puzzle Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Cubmaster: As we have seen, this family does things well together. They know how to help each other accomplish goals. They know how to get things done. Cub Scouting is for the whole family. The accomplishments of one member of the family depend a lot on the rest of the family. It is that way in Cub Scouting. The achievements and awards earned will always depend on how well you work together.
(The Cubmaster presents the Bobcat badge to a parent, who in turn presents it to the Cub Scout son.)
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Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Then all the Bobcat parents give the Cub Scout sign and repeat the following, one line at a time, after the Cubmaster:
As a parent of a Cub Scout,
I will work with my boy
The Cubmaster then gives each boy the Cub Scout handshake and hands the Bobcat badges to the parents. The parents pin the badges on their sons' shirts.
The Bobcat Cub Scouts are dismissed, and other boys receiving recognition are called forward. The Cubmaster proceeds in the same way as he did with the Bobcat Cub Scouts, or he may omit the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack, depending on the available time. The parents of these boys repeat the following:
We will continue
The Cubmaster then presents the badges to the parents, who present them to their boys.
NOTE: The parents' promise may be typed on a small card for the Cubmaster.
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Cooperation Author: Unknown Scouter
To help boys and parents see what working together means, use this demonstration at pack meetings.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Cubmaster: (Calls boys and adults forward.) Cub Scouts, take this string and washer and remove the board from the water by slipping the washer over the nail. (It will slip off.) Parents, please do the same thing. (When they have tried and failed, pull the other string and washer from your pocket and give it to the Cub Scout.) Now, will you each put a washer on a nail and together pull the board out. (Together they should succeed. The board will flip so the words can be seen.)
Your achievements and awards in Cub Scouting will always depend upon you working together.
(Cubmaster presents Bobcat badges to parents who, in turn, present them to the Cub Scouts.)
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Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Cubmaster: You have come tonight seeking admission to the friendship and fun of Cub Scouting. You have attended a meeting of the den you expect to join. You have learned, along with your parents, those things necessary to become a Bobcat. Will you give the Cub Scout sign and repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise. (They do so.)
Parents, we welcome you. Cub Scouting is for the whole family. Fun and friendship within this circle come because we have all joined hands, Cub Scouts and parents, in order to make it so. As parents, you have certain responsibilities in Cub Scouting. We expect that you will attend the monthly pack meetings and work with your son on his achievements, approving them for him when satisfactorily completed. We will expect you to assist, when called upon along with the rest of the parents, in various leadership capacities. Will you accept this responsibility?
Parents: We will.
Cubmaster: Parents, please pin this Bobcat badge on your son making him an official Cub Scout. (Parents place pins on sons.) This privilege will be yours for each badge he earns. We expect that you will work as hard as he on some of the projects.' (Cubmaster presents membership cards.) Your boy is now starting up the Cub Scout trail. May you all be happy with us in this pack. Cub Scouts, what is your motto?
Cub Scouts: Do Your Best! (The Cubmaster gives each family the Cub Scout handshake and congratulations.)
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Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: Friends, we welcome you to our ceremony for new Cub Scout families. Four of our Cub Scouts are holding cards that spell CUB SCOUT'S. Each letter by itself stands for something special.
lst Den Chief: 'C' stands for courtesy. A Cub Scout is courteous. He is courteous to his elders, his friends, his teachers, and especially his parents. He is courteous in all that he says and does.
2nd Den Chief: 'U", stands for unity. When a boy joins a pack, he becomes a member of a den, too. He does not work alone but with other boys. He learns to get along with others.
3rd Den Chief: 'B' stands for bravery. The Cub Scout is courageous enough to stand up for what he thinks is right-honesty and fair play-thereby making the world a better place in which to live.
4th Den Chief: The word 'Scouts' begins and ends with 'S.' 'S' stands for service. A boy not only serves himself while he is a Cub Scout, but he also serves others. He helps spread goodwill.
Cubmaster: You have started up the Cub Scout trail. You are now a Bobcat candidate. There are other ranks to be earned before you are eligible to become a Scout. There's the Wolf, the Bear, the Webelos badge, and the Arrow of Light Award.
You have come here tonight seeking admission to the friendship and fun of Cub Scouting. You have probably attended a meeting of the den you would like to join. You have learned those things necessary to become a Bobcat Cub Scout. Will you give the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Cub Scout Promise. (The Cubmaster may lead this.)
Assistant Cubmaster: Parents, we welcome you. Cub Scouting is for the whole family. Fun and friendship are found within this circle, because we have all joined hands to make it happen. As parents, you have certain responsibilities in Cub Scouting. We expect you to attend the monthly pack meetings and work with your son on his achievements. We will expect you to assist, when called upon along with the other parents, in various leadership capacities. Will you accept this responsibility?
Parents: We will.
Cubmaster: Please pin this Bobcat badge on your son, making him an official Cub Scout. Each time your son earns an award, it will be your privilege to present his badge or award. We expect that you will work just as hard as he does on some of the projects. You start together up the Cub Scout trail. Remember always the Cub Scout motto: Do Your Best.
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New Families Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: (Addressing audience.) We are happy to welcome all the families with their sons who are here to our pack. (The Cubmaster calls the names of all new families.) Will you please come forward. (Parents and sons come forward.)
On the table before us is a unique candle set. There are only two candies. One candle stands for us, the parents. The other candle stands for our sons.
With both candles in place, the candle set is in balance. Should we remove the parents' candle (the Cubmaster removes one candle), the Cub Scout candle goes down. This is what will happen if we, the parents, do not assist our Cub Scout sons. (The Cubmaster returns the candle to bring the pair back into balance.)
Now we want to receive these parents and their sons into the fellowship of Pack [number]. Will all the parents please rise.
(The Cubmaster lights the candles.)
Will every parent join with these new Cub Scout parents in repeating with me: We promise to assist our sons in earning the Cub Scout badges. We will be faithful in our attendance at pack meetings and will assist in every way possible as we help our sons to do their best.
(All sit down except the new Bobcat Cub Scouts and their parents.)
Now because each of you parents helped your son earn the Bobcat badge, you will award it to him and give him his certificate.
(Allows time for presentation.) Boys, welcome again to Pack [number]. Now please face the audience. Will all Cub Scouts rise and make the Cub Scout sign.
Let us all repeat the Cub Scout Promise.
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Induction Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Cubmaster: Cub Scouting is an organization that is very special and unique. It is one in which many parents devote their time and talents to provide a program that will aid and guide their sons' growth. As parents work to strengthen Cub Scouting, so Cub Scouting helps to strengthen families.
(The Cubmaster calls forward the boys and their parents. They stand behind the table, facing the audience.)
I call your attention to the multicolored candle in the center of the candle log. The blue and gold stand for Cub Scouting. Blue, like the color of your uniform, stands for truth, love of God, loyalty, and the blue sky. The gold, like that in your neckerchief, stands for sunlight, good cheer, and happiness. In the candle you will also see white, which represents parents and the important part they play in the Cub Scouting program. Parents, please light a candle for your son, as
a symbol of the encouragement and support you will be giving him as he moves along the Cub Scout trail. (They do.) Will you accept the responsibility to participate in den and pack activities, help your son with advancement, and support the pack as much as possible? (Parents answer: "We will.")
Please give a candle to your son to hold in his left hand.
Boys, please raise your right hand in the Cub Scout sign and repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise. (They do.)
And now, with your parents guiding your hands, as they will do to help you in Cub Scouting, I will ask that all of you join your individual flames together and light the center candle as a sign that we are all united as members of Pack [number].
(The parents are asked to extinguish the individual candles.)
Parents, we will now ask that you pin the Bobcat badge on your son.
Congratulations, and welcome to our pack!
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Zulu Boy Author: Unknown Scouter
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Cubmaster: [Boys' names] have successfully completed the test for Bobcat. Before we present them with the badge of the Bobcat, let me tell you all a story of long ago, about the test young Zulu boys were given.
Before they were allowed to become scouts and warriors, Zulu boys had to pass a pretty tough examination. This is what they had to do:
When a boy was nearly old enough to be a warrior, he was taken aside, stripped of his clothing, and painted white all over. He was given a shield and a small spear with which to protect himself and to kill small animals. He was then sent into the bush.
Anyone seeing the boy while he was painted white would hunt and kill him; and that white paint took about a month to wear off-it would not wash off.
So, for a month the boy had to hide in the bush and live as well as he could. He had to follow the tracks of the deer, and creep near enough to spear the animal to get food and clothing for himself. He had to make fire to cook with by rubbing two sticks together; he had no matches. He had to be careful not to let his fire smoke too much, or it would catch the eye of scouts on the lookout for him. He had to be able to run long distances, to climb trees, and to swim rivers in order to escape from his pursuers. He had to be brave, and to stand up to a lion or any other wild animal that attacked him.
He had to know which plants were good to eat and which were poisonous. He had to make his own cooking pots out of tree bark or clay. He had to build himself a well-hidden hut to live in. He had to take care that wherever he went, he left no tracks for his enemies to follow. If he snored when he was asleep, it would give him away to a keen-eared enemy. He soon learned to sleep with his mouth shut, and to breathe quietly through his nose.
For a month he had to live this life, sometimes in burning heat, sometimes in cold and rain. When at last the white stain had worn off, he was able to return to his village, where he was received with great joy and allowed to take his place among the young warriors of the tribe. He could go on to become a 'ring-top'-that is, a proven warrior, who was allowed to wear a ring on his head. Then he could possibly go on and earn the honorable title of wolf. But you can imagine that many boys who went out did not get through their white period at all. Some were killed by wild animals; some were killed by enemies; and some died of starvation, exposure, or by drowning. Only the best among them survived.
It was a pretty stiff exam, wasn't it?
Cub Scouting has its tests also. With the help of your parents, you have completed the first test of a Cub Scout-Bobcat.
It is now my pleasure and joy to present this badge and to call you a 'Bobcat.' (The Cubmaster gives the badges to parents to pin on the boys.)
Are you now ready to follow the [Wolf, Bear, or. Webelos] trail? (The boys answer.) You have answered that you are ready. Then seal that pledge by giving the Cub Scout Promise. (They do.) Let me now, as the leader of this tribe, give you a reminder of the tests that lay before you. (The Cubmaster places a strip of white adhesive tape on each boy's forehead.) Remember that some do not successfully complete the tests. In the Cub Scout Promise, you promised to do your best. If you always remember to do your best, you will successfully walk the trail of the [Wolf, Bear, or Webelos]. Go now and do your best, and return to me as an honorable [Wolf, Bear, or Webelos] Scout.
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Seven Bobcat Advancement Ceremonies - From the MacScouter mega-site we have seven ceremonies for your Bobcats. Included are: "Standard Bobcat Advancement Ceremony", "Cub Scout Spirit Bobcat Ceremony", "Bobcat Ceremony Trail to Arrow of Light", "The Cat in the Hat Bobcat Ceremony", "Jungle Book Ceremony for New Cubs", "Akela's Scale", and "Up the Steps in Cub Scouting"
Bobcat Ceremony from Ceremonies Galore! - From the Suffolk County Council Pow Wow, a compiliation from Pack 339. This ceremony is a "Young Indian Boy" theme, and is very well written.
The Pack 92 Advancement Ceremony - From their Blue & Gold Banquet in 1996. "This ceremony is a combination of several that were found on other sites, reworked for our purposes. It was quite impressive. The "Ooh's" and "Ahh's" when Akela shot the arrows were well worth it. Here's the setting: Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster at the ceremony table, AOL candleholder on table with candles not lit. Spirit of Scouting candle lit. Lights low, or spots on table. Drum beat in background. OA Scout in full Indian regallia, with archery bow over shoulder walks on stage near the "campfire" .....And so the stage is set. Check this baby out. It's GREAT!
Blindfolded Bobcat - From Pack 6 in Palo Alto, CA, this is a very well written and fun ceremony. "Boys receiving bobcat leave room with Akela and leaders who blindfold them after they leave the room and line them up holding a rope. After the boys leave, have their parents come forward and stand up on stage. Explain that when the boys come in, the parents should position themselves two to three steps behind their own boy when he enters. Explain that when the Cubmaster says that Akela will turn you once they will silently step forward and gently turn their boy around one time completely. When the boys are asked to step backward, their parents should reach out and surprise him with a big hug then remove the blindfold. "
Jungle Book Ceremony for Awarding the Bobcat Badge - Another good Bobcat ceremony from the Pack 339 "Ceremonies Galore" collection, this ceremony is the Edward A. Haluska version of the Jungle Book ceremony for Bobcats.
Bobcat Ceremony, Trail to the Arrow of Light - Written by Rick Clements, and published on the Pack 339 site. "Cub Scouts represent the trail toward the Arrow of Light, the highest rank in Cub Scouts. No matter where they started their journey, they all started with the Bobcat. You may be called on to travel a trail that other Cubs in our pack haven't yet traveled. When the settlers traveled such a trail, they looked for help from the Indians. When you travel such a trail, your parents and leaders will be there to help you."
Painted Bobcat Ceremony - From Pack Pack 3804 in Camarillo, California. Written by Lou Leopold, Webelos Den Leader. Lou says: "I came across these ceremonies in an old Pow-Wow book. It states that these originated in Pack 6 from the Mt. Baker Area Council. Pack 19 of the same council added to the original ceremonies and these are reflected here. The boys love the painting and this encourages them to complete the work on their rank so that they may be painted at the next pack meeting. Their parents also make sure that they are at the pack meetings to see their boys become painted Bobcats, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos."
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SCOUTS-L on Bobcat Ceremonies - Search the SCOUTS-L archives for topics involving Bobcat Ceremonies. SCOUTS-L is the roundtable that never ends, and now contains over 7 years of Scouting discussion wisdom.
Search the Web for Bobcat Ceremony info - Search the AltaVista index for Web-sites you can visit, that contain information on 'Bobcat Ceremonies' ideas.
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