USSSP - Baloo's Bugle

Although not specified here, you may wish to break this ceremony up and assign different parts to appropriate Den Leaders or other Leaders. CD

Narrator (Cubmaster) - This month our Cub Scouts have been learning about their environment and how to be part of the solution to pollution rather than contributors to the problem. They have learned to re-use, reduce, and recycle products in their home. They have participated in service projects to help fix existing problems in their neighborhoods and parks. Tonight we honor some of those service minded Scouts who have completed requirements for their rank advancements.

The Bobcat Trail is the beginning of the Cub Scout adventure. The boys attaining this rank have just begun to learn the meaning of service to others as they learned the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. (Call boys and parents forward.)

In attaining the rank of Wolf, boys learn about our "Living World" and how to protect it. They have made observations about how their neighborhoods get dirty, then gone into action to help be part of the solution to the problem. (Call boys and parents forward.)

The Big Bear Trail is full of choices, and some of those choices deal with "Taking Care of Your Planet" and "Sharing Your World With Wildlife." Boys attaining this rank have learned something of the interdependence of life on Planet Earth, that all living things need each other. (Call boys and parents forward.)

Learning the Outdoor Code is one of the requirements for attaining the Webelos Rank. In preparing for Boy Scouts, these boys will be spending more and more time outdoors, and their conduct toward the environment could impact generations to come. (Call boys and parents forward.)

The outdoor program is an important part of the Scouting movement. Be a leader in your school, your home, and your neighborhood to preserve this precious environment for our future.

CUBMASTER: Do you see that tree in my backyard? My first den & I planted that tree as a seedling the first year my oldest joined Cub Scouts. Look at it now! We did it as a conservation project to show how we can help our environment.

CUBMASTER: A young Bobcat starting his Cub Scouting adventure may be like a young seedling just starting to grow like that one used to be in my backyard. We have several Cub Scouts that have earned the Bobcat rank.

ASST CM: Will the following boys and their parents please join us in the backyard. (Reads names)

CUBMASTER: These Cubs, like a planted seedling, have just started. Parents, I give you the Bobcat Badge to present to your sons.

CUBMASTER: A young Wolf has gone beyond the bobcat, like the seedling becoming a tree. His limbs extend high and become visible to the neighborhood reaching out to see and learn.

ASST CM: We have several Cub Scouts tonight that have earned the Wolf Badge, the second rank in Cub Scouting. Will the following boys and their parents come into the backyard. (Read Wolf names)

CUBMASTER: A Wolf Cub has accomplished more than the Bobcat. His experiences, skills, and knowledge have begun to extend beyond his home and have become visible to others. Parents, please present these Wolf Badges to your sons.

CUBMASTER: The Bear Scout, the third rank of Cub Scouting, has continued up the Scouting trail beyond the Wolf. He has become strong and straight as a young tree, not fully grown yet, but on his way. His search extends beyond his neighborhood into the town and country. His experiences could be fishing in a creek, a hike through town, or visit to local park or zoo. We have several Cub Scouts that have met the challenges of the Bear and will receive their awards tonight.

CUBMASTER. The Bear Scout has matured and endured the challenges of the Cub Scout trail. His experiences and knowledge are nearly complete. His backyard is beyond his neighborhood. Parents please present these badges to your sons.

CUBMASTER: The Webelos Scout is coming to the end of the Cub Scout Trail. He is a fully-grown tree in the Cub Scout forest. He stands straight and tall. His backyard extends up and down the highways. His fun may include Canoeing at a Cub Scout camp, hiking in the woods, and camping overnight. We have several Cub Scouts here tonight that have met the Webelos challenges.

CUBMASTER: The Webelos Scouts have almost completed the Cub Scout trail. They are knowledgeable, skillful, and confident. His backyard is almost limitless. Parents please present these badges to your sons.

CUBMASTER: This tree is a symbol of the natural beauty of our land. It also provides oxygen to our air and is a buffer against sun and wind. Mother Nature requires a long time to grow a beautiful tree. It requires nurturing such as sunshine and water and the protection from harm.

ASST CM: This tree represents our Cub Scouting program. In order for it to flourish and be protected, Cub Scouts and their parents must spend much time and effort. The boys receiving awards tonight have given time and effort, as have their parents. As each of you receive your award, you will place a leaf on our tree, and you will be able to see how much more attractive it is because of you.

(Call forward boys and parents receiving Wolf awards and arrow points, then Bear awards and arrow points; then Webelos awards and activity badges)

CUBMASTER: You have each helped nurture this tree, and it has become a part of you. Just as Mother Nature's trees endure for many years, you have gained values through your achievements and electives which will last you a lifetime. May you always stand tall and straight like a tree...and be a beautiful resource of our land.

It is really important that children grow up with a feeling of hope. They must know that their actions can make their corner of the world a better place. Have the boys do a service project, such as picking up trash in the neighborhood. Take pictures or a video of them while they are working. Then at pack meeting show the video or pictures with a slide show presentation while you play John Denver's "Rhymes and Reasons" (leave off the first verse). When you come to the just music part, have a boy read the poem by Carol Shaw Lord that is on the Prayers Section of Baloo. Tape the music with the voice over ahead of time to make sure it comes out just right.

CM: Yes boys, each of you is young and inexperienced. But even in the choices you make now, you can bring misery or happiness to those around you. With your work, enthusiasm and cooperation you can make your home and neighborhood a better place to live. Whether you are cooperative and helpful, or quarrelsome and negative, it is up to you.

Would the boys who helped us with our neighborhood clean up please come forward? I am proud of these boys for getting in and working to make the neighborhood better. Each of them has earned his World Conservation Award.

Put each boy's awards in a plastic egg and put the eggs in an Easter Basket. Along with the awards put in an affirmation. Write or tape each boy's name on the outside of the egg. Make a list to read from of what each boy has earned and his affirmation. As you give each boy his egg, tell which awards he is receiving and read the affirmation.

You could, also, use these Affirmations as Recognition Awards for your adult volunteers and leaders. CD

This ceremony is not theme related but you may want to put it away for use in the Fall or a Parents’ night when you are explaining about Cub Scouts. CD

CM: Have you ever wondered why most of the ranks in Cub Scouting are named tier animals? Think about the animals Bobcat, Wolf and Bear for a moment. What images come to mind? The Bobcat is a little smaller than most of his cousins in the wildcat family, but his features, especially his ever-alert ears, make him very distinctive and his movements are sleek and swift. We have several Bobcat Cubs here tonight who swiftly tracked the seven steps of what it takes to be a Cub Scout. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward? (Call the names of the boys who are to be awarded the Bobcat rank)

Wolf DL: The Wolf is a very intelligent animal and is known for his loyalty to the pack. He is quick to defend his territory much like a Cub Scout who is quick to stand up for what he believes is right. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward to accept the rank of wolf? (Call the names of the Cubs advancing.)

Bear DL: The Bear is one of the largest animals on our continent and for that reason is often feared, his strength is legendary and his senses are keen, but if you watch him closely you will probably see he has a sense of humor and likes to play. He also knows how to plan ahead as we see in his preparations for winter. We have some Cubs here tonight who have proven their strength and sharpened their senses and are now ready to be awarded the Rank of Bear. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward? (Call the names of the boys who are to be awarded the Rank of Bear.)

Webelos DL: The Webelos rank may not be named after an animal, but it does stand for something special. Who can tell me what Webelos means? (Pause for response.) Right! WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts. Part of being a Scout is being a friend to animals--a protector of their homes and their right to survive. Webelos are apprentice outdoorsmen, foresters and naturalists and they are learning what it means to be a Boy Scout. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward to be awarded the Rank of Webelos? (Call the names of the new Webelos.)

Webelos DL: Boys who have attained the Arrow of Light have made a commitment to live their lives by the Scout Oath. This commitment makes them the living of the Forest, the Ruler of the Roost, and the Leader of the Pack. Would the following candidates and their parents please come forward for the presentation of the Arrow of Light awards. (Call the names of the boys who are to be presented their Arrows of Light.)

Note on the word Webelos

Webelos always has the “S” on the end whether you are talking about one Webelos Scout or a den of 8 Webelos Scouts. To help remember this, just think without the ”S” there is nothing to which to be loyal. CD