ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES

"Patriotic"
Simon Kenton Council

This ceremony could allow some leaders to portray the characters in costume.

Cubmaster: Ladies and Gentlemen, we have some honored guests here tonight.  I would like to introduce Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and Yankee Doodle.  Each of these individuals is an important symbol to the people of our country.  Tonight, they are here to present some other symbols to some deserving young men.  These symbols represent hard work, diligence, and jobs well done.

Yankee Doodle: We have some Cub Scouts who have earned some special awards.  Would the following Cub Scouts and parents please come forward.  (Call the names of those receiving Wolf badge and arrow points.)

Lady Liberty: I would like to call forward those Cub Scouts who have been working for some time and have achieved much.  I would like to present them with their awards.  (Call the names of those receiving Bear badge and arrow points and their parents.)

Uncle Sam: I would like to recognize some of the older boys in this group.  You have given unselfishly of yourselves.  For your loyal support over the years, I would like to present you with your awards.  (Call the names of those receiving Webelos badges, activity badges, or compass points and their parents.)

Cubmaster: I would like to thank our three guests for coming to help us tonight.  And a special thanks to all the boys who have worked so hard to be examples and role models of good American citizens!

Advancement Ceremony
Sam Houston Area Council

Props: Four candles in holder, each candle a different length.

Cubmaster: "Our history is filled not only with the tall tales of American Folklore, but also with the true deeds of some very brave men who explored, fought and in some cases died, to extend the frontiers of our country -men like Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, Lewis and Clark, Buffalo Bill Cody, and many more."

"The Scouting trail is much like the trail these famous men followed and so, at this time, we will recognize those Cubs in our Pack who have advanced along this trail.  As I call your names, please come forward with your Parents."  (Call names)

"As you Cubs can see, the candles get taller as you advance.  This represents the additional skills that you must learn as you earn each higher rank."  (Light Shortest Candle)

"The Bobcat is the start of the trail and the simplest to earn."  (Light next candle)

"The Wolf is a big step forward and harder as is (Light the next candle) the Bear."

"Finally, at last, (Light the tallest candle) you became a Webelos Scout, and earn the highest rank, the Arrow of Light."

"And so with the spirit of the great explorers, folklore heroes and frontiersmen to guide you, may you continue to climb the Scouting Trail." (Present awards by Den and congratulates Cubs and parents)

Indian & the Wolf
Indian Nations Council

Personnel – Cubmaster and Cub Scouts

Props – Candles or penlights, Bear neckerchiefs, copies of The Big Bear Cub Scout Book, electric council fire.

Cubmaster: The wolf was greatly admired by the Indians for his swiftness, his hunting ability, and his endurance.  In fact, the Indian Scout was called a wolf, and the sign was two fingers spread apart, symbolizing the erect ears of the wolf.  The wolf was considered a great “medicine animal”.  And, in some tribes, the Indian Scout wore the skin and head of the wolf when on a scouting expedition.  (The Cubmaster calls the Cub Scouts forward who are going to be Bears.  They are handed a lighted or penlight and stand in front of the council fire).  You have followed the trail of the Indian by attaining the rank of Wolf Cub Scout.  You have proven yourself brave, swift, and alert as your Indian brothers of the past.  Now you must go on to greater honors for yourself and your parents by earning the Bear badge to prove your greatness.  Learn the ways of our animal friends.  Learn about the earth and how to grow food.  Look up to our skies and learn the stories the stars tell.  Let this light be a sign to others that you are now a Bear!

Congratulations!

(Blue neckerchiefs and Bear books are handed the boys as they blow out their candles or turn off their penlights.)

Bear To Webelos--Just A Bit of Webelos History
Indian Nations Council

Props: Webelos Badge & Card, Webelos Handbook, Webelos Neckerchief, Lighted Candle (place these on the table)

Cubmaster: Cub Scouting has been a part of the Boy Scouts of America since 1930.  For more than 50 years there has been Webelos, but only since January 1, 1977 has Webelos been a rank in Cub Scouting.  While _________ has been a Wolf, and Bear, before 1977 they had Wolf, Bear and Lion, and Webelos stood for Wolf Bear and Lion.  Now it stands for We’ll Be Loyal Scouts.

Each of those things you see on the table today has a significance:  The badge goes on his uniform when he has earned it and shows all that _________ has been active in his den and has been earning activity badges.

The Webelos Handbook is a guide to the Webelos Scout in his den.

The Webelos Neckerchief is the Webelos Scouts identity and show he has changed since he started Cub Scouting.

This candle is a symbol of the light of Scouting that penetrates the darkness of strife, prejudice, and misunderstanding.  It is a light that will light the way to truth, cooperation, and understanding and must be kept burning in the heart of every Scout as he grows into manhood.

First his parents will pin his Webelos badge on his uniform, and then the Webelos Den leader will replace his Cub Scout neckerchief with his Webelos neckerchief.  (Please note: Put the Webelos neckerchief on top of his Cub Scout neckerchief.  Put the slide on it, then reach underneath and undo the other slide.  Remove the Cub Scout neckerchief.  The reason for this may seem trivial to some adults.  But, as he has identified with his neckerchief in the past, and will with his new Webelos neckerchief in the future, taking the first neckerchief off before the second is put on leaves him without identity for a while.

Webelos Water
Indian Nations Council

Props: Large tub, old tennis shoe, bucket with colored punch, enough cups for each Scout graduating, balloon, sack of dirt, innertube, rubber band, paper heart, shovel, and a ladle.

(Boys and parents gather on one side of stage.  Cubmaster on other with a jar marked “Webelos Water”.)

Cubmaster: Bears, you are now ready to begin your final area of Cub Scouting – that of Webelos.  You will find it different, challenging and rewarding.  To help prepare you for this great effort, the Pack developed some Webelos Water, (looks at jar) Uh, well, it looks like it evaporated!  Let’s see, I guess we could make more!  Now, what was that recipe?

(Cubmaster appears deep in though, then gets idea and goes to props)

Cubmaster: Let’s see.  An old tennis shoe to remind you that you still have many miles to go on the Scouting Trail, (throws shoe in tub) and coincidentally to remind you not to take your shoes off in a two-man tent. (holds his nose)

Ah, a sack of dirt to remind you that Cub Scouts is now a lot of outdoor activities.

An innertube to remind you that you may have a few flat tires, but they can be overcome.

A shovel to remind you to keep your room clean. (winks at mom & dad)

A balloon to remind you that a lot of hot air doesn’t get the job done.

A heart to remind you of your commitment to your parents and family.

A rubber band to remind you to stretch yourself to learn new ideas and skills.

OK, that’s about it! Let’s stir it a little! Looks good. Now, let me get you each a cup of our new Webelos Water. (Reach inside tub with ladle and scoop punch to pour in cups for everyone to see.  Give cup and Webelos Colors to each Scout.) Congratulations new Webelos and parents.

Presidents
Heart of America Council

Personnel: 5 readers and Cubmaster.

Equipment: Picture of the president or a sign with the name of the President can be held up by one person.

Reader 1: George Washington, the Father of our country, and first president, used to say, “Martha, where are my teeth?  I must have a good smile this day.

Reader 2: Thomas Jefferson, our third president always felt he learned his lesson, because he never again wrote another Constitution, having said, “I’ve written it once.

I’ll not write it again.”

Reader 3: Andrew Jackson fought in the Louisiana Territory and fought his way to the White House.  He’d often say, "Where’s my horse?  I can’t get anywhere without my horse!”

Reader 4: Abraham Lincoln is said to have walked 20 miles to school, but no one ever said if he was late.

Reader 5: Ronald Reagan got to the White House by being unique - an actor - and one of the only left-handed cowboys, except for Little Joe Cartwright.

Cubmaster: Each had a goal. And tonight, we honor boys who have achieved their goal , too. But to receive the goal you must name a President before coming forward to get your award. (Parents may help when needed.)