OPENING CEREMONIES

Spirit of Lord Baden-Powell

York Adams Council

The Narrator, the "Spirit of Lord Baden-Powell," is a Den Chief in full uniform wearing a campaign hat; he can either memorize the talk or read the script from a lectern.  Probably best if he combines the two methods.

Narrator: I represent the Spirit of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouting. I am also the Spirit of Scouting past and present. (Gestures to Cub Scouts.)  Here is our future -- Cub Scouts of America.

(First boy enters carrying toy church or Bible. Narrator continues.)

We take turns praying in our Den. I like to wear my uniform to church on Scout Sunday. (or Sabbath) Nearly half of all Cub Scout Packs in America are sponsored by churches.

(Second boy approaches in complete Cub Scout uniform. Narrator continues.)

The two colors of the Cub Scout uniform have special meaning. Blue stands for truth and loyalty; gold for good cheer and happiness.

(Third boy enters carrying Wolf Cub Scout Book and Kipling's The Jungle Book.)

Early Cub Scout ceremonies were based on Kipling's Jungle Tales. When Cub Scouting was organized in America, in 1929, Native American themes were used.

(Fourth boy enters, carrying a craft project of wood.)

Cubbing means fun. We have lots of fun. But I like making things—real boy projects—things we can play with or that follow our themes.

(Fifth boy carries in a nature collection.)

I like to go on hikes and collect things for my nature collection or the den museum.

(Sixth boy enters with a "buddy burner.")

I like to go on picnics. We Cubs sure do like to eat! This is the cook stove I made.

(Seventh boy, the smallest Cub Scout, enters with American Flag.)

I am proud to be an American so I can salute the flag. I also like to see our Pack flag (points to it) because then I know I am part of XX years of Scouting. I belong!

Yes, I represent the past and the present. These boys, Cub Scouts now, are the men of tomorrow. They will be the preservers of our American heritage. Please stand and join us in singing "God Bless America." (Or saying The Pledge of Allegiance.)

"The Age Of Scouting"

Paul Perkinz

Personnel:  1 announcer (a Cub Scout or adult leader), 10 Cub Scouts (or use five and have each say two parts)

Material:  Text for the announcer, 10 cards with specified dates written in large letters on one side, script on the back side, American flag (if used for opening/closing ceremony)

Arrangement:  If 10 Cubs are used, have each one of them hold a cardboard sign with a date (printed in very large letters) on one side and the associated text for them to read on the other side.  Have the Cubs line up in chronological order off to the side of the stage or presentation area.  This skit uses a timeline to graphically show that Boy Scouts has been around for nearly 40% of the time the United States of America has-something most people don't realize.  That's why the Boy Scout card needs to be card #6, to represent that almost 40% of American history happened after BSA was founded.

Announcer:  "For well over 200 years now, the United States has been an independent nation.  Throughout this period, our country has undergone many changes and made great progress.  Today, America still stands as an example of goodness and righteousness for all the world."

"Many people may not be aware of how long the Boy Scouts of America has been an organized youth group, but we have been in existence for a very long time.  Tonight, the Cubs (or specific Den) of Pack (pack #) are going to present a timeline to demonstrate just how long Boy Scouts has been around."  (have the Cub Scouts enter the presentation area one at a time.  Have them hold up their card for the audience to see the date while they read the text on the back of the card.  Different dates/events can be substituted for all except the date of 1910, the date Boy Scouts of America was founded.  For chronological accuracy, this card should be the sixth card in the lineup.  Have the Cubs line with the oldest date on the audience's left, side by side)

Cub Scout #1:  "In 1776, the 13 colonies declared their independence from England.  The United States of America was born."

Cub Scout #2:  "In 1787, George Washington was elected the first president of the United States of America."

Cub Scout #3:  "In 1814, the "Star Spangled Banner" became the official National Anthem of the United States of America."

Cub Scout #4:  "In 1845, Texas became the 28th state to join the Union."

Cub Scout #5:  "In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16^th president of the United States."

Cub Scout #6:  "In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was founded."

Cub Scout #7:  "In 1914, World War I began in Europe."

Cub Scout #8:  "In 1941, America entered World War II."

Cub Scout #9:  "In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated."

Cub Scout #10:  "In 1969, the United States became the first country to put a human on the moon-Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong."

Announcer:  "As you can see, the Boy Scouts of America has been around a lot longer than it may seem.  Since just after the turn of the century, Boy Scouts has provided boys an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun while doing so.  In the past 89 years, Boy Scouts of America has become the largest youth organization in the world, and continues to grow each year.  So next time someone asks about Boy Scouts, tell them just how long we've been here.

(If used as an opening/closing ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance can be said now)

(If used as an independent skit, the Cub Scout Promise and/or the Law of the Pack can be said now)

Our Family

Heart of America Council

Personnel: 4 Cub Scouts Equipment: American Flag

Setting: Cubs standing around flag.

Cub # 1:       Our families have fun by being involved in all the Cub Scout activities, like coming to pack meetings.

Cub # 2:       Our families have fun by helping our Cub Scouts with achievements, to advance in rank.

Cub # 3:       Our families have fun by thinking up projects for our dens.

Cub # 4:       Just as we have fun in our dens and pack meetings, we also can have fun in our families. We can do things together, like saying the Pledge of Allegiance together. (Lead the Pledge of Allegiance.)

Follow the Promise

Heart of America Council

Personnel: Cubmaster or Den Leader

Cubmaster: Would you like to ride in a star ship or a planet hopper, to walk on the moon or float through space, or be a part of a space station crew? These may be some things we will be doing some day. We can't be sure, but one thing is certain, the world will need good men and women in the future. And we can be sure we will fill that need if we remember to follow the Cub Scout Promise. Let's think about that as we stand and say the Promise.

ADVENTURES IN THE SKY

Sam Houston Area Council

Needed: Five Cub Scouts stand in a line, each hold a poster with their part on the back in large type.  Posters are a bird, hot air balloon, airplane, rocket ship and American Flag.

Cub # 1:       (Bird) I represent the first flying machine. Even in the days of the dinosaurs, I could soar in the sky.

Cub # 2:       (Hot air balloon) I was made over 200 years ago. Two brothers in France discovered that hot air could be captured and used for flight. I was made to be used for pleasure, racing and warfare.

Cub # 3:       (Airplane) I was first made in 1903, in America by two brothers. I had specially shaped wings that allowed me to fly. I made the world a smaller place.

Cub # 4:       (Rocket Ship) I represent man's attempt to explore the universe. With me, man has been able to travel thousands of miles into outer space.

Cub # 5:       (American Flag) I represent the land where man is free to explore his land and give flight to his ideas. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OUT IN SPACE

Great Sauk Trail Council via Circle Ten Council

Setting:  Four Cub Scouts are standing on stage looking up to the sky.

Cub # 1:       What's out in space?

Cub # 2:       Mostly lots and lots of space, but also billions and jillions of stars, galaxies and solar systems, planets, and moons, blazing comets and deadly rays.

Cub # 3:       Yeah, and sometimes even people!

Cub # 4:       That's what's out in space!  Let's all stand and remember the American flag flying on the moon.  Please join with us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Seven Days of the Week

Heart of America Council

Personnel –      8 Cub Scouts

Equipment:        Posters with the days of the week on them

Setting:             Seven boys carrying posters in front, one off to the side.

Sunday:             Sunday begins the week with church and family.

Monday:             Monday starts the school week with friends.

Tuesday:            Tuesday our pack meets and awards are given.

Wednesday:      Wednesday is the middle of the week and time to take a break.

Thursday:         Thursday Cub Scout dens meet and learn a new crafts and skills.

Friday:               Friday is the last day of the school week.

Saturday:          Saturday is the end of the week, time for sports and outing.

(All start laughing)

8th Cub:            (entering) Why are you all laughing?

All:                     Because we are "Happy Days"!

A New Year

Heart of America Council

This one was listed as a skit in the HOAC Pow Wow Book.  I thought it made a good opening.  Use it where you think it fits best.  CD

Setting: A simple program for the opening meeting of the year. No scenery is required for this program. There are no costumes, unless the organization sponsoring has a uniform. The verse may be said by individual performers or by groups of children. Have the performers line up an stage. Let each performer (or performers) step forward as he gives his verse. The final two verses are given by all. Insert the name of your group where indicated. In the seventh verse, have the performers point at the audience on the last line.

Cub # 1:       Another year is starting, And we'd like to welcome you. And tell you what our purpose is, And what we hope to do.

Cub # 2:       The CUB SCOUTS are a group of boys; It helps us grow up strong, And teaches us to do what's right And fight against what's wrong.

Cub # 3:       It shows us how much we can do, If we work as a team; Then we'll have fun and jobs won't be As hard as they first seem.

Cub # 4:       We'll go on hikes and field trips, To learn of nature's wonders, So we'll respect her when we're grown And not make any blunders.

Cub # 5:       And we'll be shown in many ways That each man is our brother; And we will see the joy there is In helping one another.

Cub # 6:       We'll learn to be good citizens And, hopefully, see that laws are made for all the men so each man can be tree.

All:             To do all this the CUB SCOUTS NEED Good leaders - this is true.  That means we need the help of all of you - and You - and You!!!!

All*:           And now, to start the year off right, in a good and proper manner, We’d like you all to rise and sing Our  own "Star-Spangled Banner."  (All rise and sing)

* All or a selected Cub or a Den Leader or Cubmaster or …

ROCKET SHIP OPENING

Arrangements: Eight Cub Scouts in uniform. Each one has a cardboard cutout of their section of the rocket ship with a letter printed on front and their part in large type on the back. Boys enter one at a time and repeat their lines. At the end the Cub Scouts walk off the stage, keeping their cutouts in order.

Cub # 1:       "C" - is for the part we build on, and it stands for COURTESY in Cub Scouts and all through life.

Cub # 2:       "U" - is next. This part stands for UNITY, because united we are strong.

Cub # 3:       "B" - is then added. That stands for BRAVERY in all our thoughts and

Cub # 4:       "S" - is next and stands for SAFETY. We learn it and use it.

Cub # 5:       "C" - adds some more and it stands for CHURCH, the one of choice.

Cub # 6:       "O" - is for building it stronger and stands for OUTDOORS, which is full of fun and is healthful.

Cub # 7:       "U" -  - is near the finish and stands for USEFULNESS, to others and ourselves.

Cub # 8:       "T" - is the nose the guides us, and stands for TRUTH in all things.

DEN LEADER: Anyone knows the FUSE is necessary to light and send this craft on it's journey into space. Everything checks! Ready for lift-off. FIRE!!!

(Cubs exit with rocket ship).

A CUB SCOUT GREETING

Sam Houston Area Council

Come one, come all, come join our pack.
It's so much fun, we keep coming back

We play some games and get together,
No matter what the kind of weather.

We wear the colors blue and gold
Faith and love in our hearts we hold.

We love our country and our liberty,
On this all Cub Scouts will agree.

We're true Cub Scouts in every way
We "Do Our Best" and we obey.

We know the Promise, Salute, and the Law,
But the Pledge of Allegiance we know above all

Come join the fun; it's like no other
So on this year of celebration

We pledge our love and dedication
To ourselves, our family and our nation.

ON THE MOON

Circle Ten Council

Props: Cut Out large black footprints and lay them on the floor leading up to the flag stand. Cub Scout will follow the footprints as they carry in the flag.

Narrator: The United States has much to be proud of. For instance, the United States was the first country to land a person on the moon. Each evening when the moon shines, we know that Old Glory is still there on the moon's surface, ever since that magical day it was placed there in 1969. As we join together in the Pledge of Allegiance, let us be thankful for the courageous astronauts and for the human ingenuity and technology that make journeys into space possible. Perhaps you know many former Scouts were among the pioneers in space. Maybe some of our own Cub Scouts will leave footprints on the moon, too. Think of that! Please join in the Pledge of Allegiance.