CLOSING CEREMONY

THE AMERICAN’S CREED
York Adams Area Council

I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, Justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I, therefore; believe it is my duty to my country to love it; respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

THIS IS MY COUNTRY
York Adams Area Council

Boy 1: This is my country. I will use my eyes to see the beauty of this land.

Boy 2: I will use my ears to hear its sounds.

Boy 3 : I will use my mind to think what I can do to make it more beautiful.

Boy 4: I will use my hands to care for it.

Boy 5: I will use my feet to serve it.

Boy 6: With my heart, I will honor it.

STARS AND STRIPES-OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE
York Adams Area Council

SETTING: Cub Scout (or Den Chief) stands blindfolded, gagged, and bound before the audience.

Cubmaster: This is an American boy. The American Revolution won him freedom. (Cubmaster unbinds him,) The Constitution guarantees him free speech. (He removes the gag.) A free education gives him the ability to see and to understand. (He removes the blindfold.) Let us help Scouting teach him to preserve and enjoy his glorious heritage and to become a good citizen. Turn off lights, spotlight American Flag, and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

AMERICA’S ANSWER
York Adams Area Council

America needs men with a concern for the common good -- men who have the understanding and insight to help solve her problems and those of the changing world around us. she needs citizens of integrity who value their great heritage and who are determined to pass on to others an enduring faith in the ideals and methods of our free society.

How does a boy come to know and to appreciate his heritage as a citizen of this nation? How does his sense of responsibility and his concern for others unfold? Begin with him when he is a Cub Scout as he promises with all the solemnity of an 8-year old “to do my duty to God and my country...” Watch the pride and loving care with which he handles the flag as he is taught to fold it. He may not fully understand all that it stands for, but someday he will... with help.

Observe him later as he stands tall, alert and proud in his kaki uniform as the flag is lowered at Scout camp-He is living everyday experiences as a good citizen and showing concern for the needs of others. He is growing and practicing the fundamentals of citizenship. All of this time he is under the friendly guidance and companionship of men who care about him.

Now he is grown tall… in high school… an Explorer Scout. He ponders the words of the Explorer Code. There is conviction in his voice as he says: “I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.”

And so this young American comes to manhood. He has grown through his Scouting experiences and though the influences of many men and women who have helped him. He has a job and a family and is making himself count in his community. He is a citizen of a great nation. He understands his heritage and cheerfully accepts his future obligations to all men.

CUB SCOUT Benediction
York Adams Area Council

And now may the Great Master of all Cub Scouts
Guide and guard our footsteps
Today, tomorrow,
And for the tomorrows to come.

Another Blue and Gold Closing
York Adams Area Council

Have a small birthday candle at each Cub Scout table setting and have larger candle on all tables. At the proper time, the Cubmaster announce that each Webelos Scout should come forward and receive a lighted candle to take to his table. After he reaches his table all other lights are turned off.

Cubmaster: America's manpower begins with Boy power. As we light all our candles, you can see the room is growing brighter (Cubs light their candles). That is the way it is in Cub Scouting in our community as we increase our Boy power. One Cub Scout may not be very big, but as our members grow we can light up all our homes and make everyone aware of our Cub Scout spirit. Let's make Cub Scouting really shine with Boy power. (lights come on and candle are blown out). Do your best.

Cub Scout respond: We'll do our best!

I Made A Promise
York Adams Area Council

Five boys are needed for this ceremony. Each should have his part printed on a small card he can conceal in his hand or have the part memorized.

Cub #1: I made a promise... I said that whatever I did I would do the best I could.

Cub #2: I made a promise...to serve my God and my country the best I could.

Cub #3: I made a promise...to help other people the best I could.

Cub #4: I made a promise.. .to obey the Law of the Pack the best I could.

Cub #5: I have done my best, and I will do my best because I am the best... I am a Cub Scout.

Den Leader: Will everyone now join us in repeating the Cub Scout Promise.