ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES

Christmas Advancement Ceremony
San Francisco Bay Area Council

Preparation: Have a Christmas tree with various colored lights.  (This can be a cardboard tree with holes for the lights.)  The bulbs should be unscrewed slightly so that they can be easily turned on at the proper time.

Cubmaster: As we look at our tree this evening, we see that it is dark, with only one light on.  (Screw in top light.)  This is the light which represents the Webelos Arrow of Light Award.

Let us see if there are boys here tonight who can help light the way to the top of the tree, to the highest rank in Cub Scouting.

The first step along the Cub Scout trail is the BOBCAT. (Turn on light at the bottom.  If there are any Bobcats to be inducted do it here.)

Once a boy has achieved this honor, he is ready to climb.  There are 12 achievements to completed for the rank of Wolf. Some of these require knowledge of the United States flag, of keeping strong, of safety and being useful to the family.  The following boys have completed these requirements:  (Call them forward--and any boys who have earned any arrow points.)

Thank you boys.  We are now able to turn on the light representing the Wolf rank.  (Turn on next light.)

As the boy grows older and stronger, he is able to climb higher.  But just as it is a little more difficult to climb the upper branches of a tree, so the achievements are a little more difficult for the Bear rank.  (Call forward any boys receiving Bear and Bear arrow points.)

These boys have helped us light our tree, but it is still not quite as it might be.  Since they have received help from their parents and leaders, let us turn on a light for them, too.  (Turn on another light.)

Now the boys have reached 4th grade or 5th grade and have more climbing to do.  This last climb will bring them to the top of the tree and the coveted Arrow of Light.  To reach there they must attain the Webelos Award.  In order to reach the Webelos Award they must first earn activity badges.  (Call forward Webelos who have earned their various activity badges.)

Thank you boys as you have learned throughout Cub Scouting you have helped to make the world brighter.  (Turn on another light.)  And now the boys who have earned their Webelos badge and have

begun to learn what Scouting really is.  (Call these boys forward)  (Light the next light)

Now our tree is complete. As you have seen, it has taken boys plus parents and leaders to complete it. With the same effort you have shown before, keep working for the highest rank in Cub Scouting. Congratulations to you and your parents for the fine work you have done.