CLOSING CEREMONY

Preparation: Before the meeting, go to a local photo-processing store and get enough 35-mm film canisters for everyone in the group.  You can also print off a bunch of labels (standard Avery labels, for example) that list the campfire event group, date, and event.  During the campfire activity, shovel out ashes from the campfire and have these cool off.  CAUTION:  Make sure that the ashes have no live cinders.  Off to the side, have someone fill each canister with some of the ashes.  At the close of the campfire, pass around baskets/containers with the filled canisters.

Cubmaster:  Tonight, as we close out the campfire and close out another successful program year in our Pack, we think about the good times we’ve had together all year long.  To help join us together, we share these ashes—the last lingering light of our year together.  Keep these ashes to remember our friendships and good times, to remember the fellowship we have shared and will always share together in the Scouting program.  Good night and Godspeed, Pack XX!

Cub Scout Fun
York Adams Area Council

Have Den recite lines at the closing of the Pack Meeting.

So we’ve spent a year together
We’ve spent a year of fun
We’ve had good times together
With our Pack that works as one

But the good times that we’ve shared
And the laughs and games and song
Are only just the start of it,
If you come all summer long

For we have many plans
To keep from being bored
And if we work together
We’ll get the Summertime Award!

So don’t forget your Den and Pack
As you make your summer plans
‘Cause the Den and Pack are surely
The best fun in the land!

Critters All Around
York Adams Area Council

Setting:  Set up the meeting place to be low lights and quiet whispers.  Make it as serene as possible.

Cubmaster:  As we close out this month’s Pack Meeting, we recall that we humans are not here alone.  We share this wonderful earth with creatures of every sort.  But we need to recall also, that we are given a responsibility to take care of our earth and the creatures that live here on it.  So let’s take this responsibility seriously and remember that all God’s creatures deserve a break.  Treat nature with respect.  Do not abuse the wonderfulness that we’ve been given.  Good night!

Smokey
York Adams Area Council

Each boy should hold up cards to spell “Smokey.”

S --- Smokey the Bear has a message to tell.

M --- Make it a point to hear him well.

0--- Only you can prevent fires Smokey does say.

K --- Keep yourself safe in being careful that way.

E --- Everyone must do their part.

Y --- Yes, we can stop fires before they start.

Do Your Best
Inland NW Council

When you give the Cub Scout Promise, the words "Do Your Best" often are lost all the other very important words. Let's stop for a minute and carefully consider those words. "Best" describes effort and action above our usual performance. "You" are the only person who can possibly know whether or not you have done your best to do certain things. "Your Best" is just that--the very best.

Think about the meaning of the Promise and decide that you will always do your very best, no matter what the job facing you might be.

Twigs
National Area Capital Council

As the embers fade in your campfire/charcoal grill, give each person a sprig of dried cedar, pine, etc.

Akela: The light from hundreds of campfires, burning around the world has brightened the Cub Scout Spirit for many years.  Tonight, we have enjoyed the warmth and cheerfulness of our campfire as one Cub Scout family.  As the campfire dims, its glowing embers are reminders of the fun and fellowship we have shared.  I ask that you now walk slowly past our campfire in silence, drop your twig upon the ember, and think of what Cub Scouting means to you.

Recite the following poem as the people file past the campfire to drop their twig.  The poem may be used separately.

Have You Ever Watched The Campfire
National Area Capital Council

Have you ever watched the campfire,

When the wood has fallen low,

And the ashes start to whiten

Round the embers' crimson glow

With the night sounds all around you

Making silence doubly sweet,

And the full moon high above you

That the spell might be complete?

Tell me - were you ever nearer

To the land of heart's desire

Than when you sat there thinking

With your feet before the fire?

- From The Gilwell Camp Fire Book

Cubmaster’s Closing Thoughts
National Area Capital Council

There isn’t a trail that is too long to take, if you really want to take it, and you know at the beginning of that trail what the difficulties will be.

A trail can be any endeavor that you start off on.  Don’t ever start down a trail in your life without believing that you will finish the trail and come to the other end.

If you live out your life this way, every day can bring new trails, start your out on new adventures and make your life a really good journey.

Closing
Crossroads of America

May the sun be warm and kind to you,

May the darkest night bring a shining star through.

May the dullest day bring a ray of light to you,

And when you leave here tonight,

God’s hand to you.

Good night Scouts!