OPENING CEREMONIES

Poles Apart
Heart of America Council

There is a similar one under Closings that could be adopted for opening.  CD

People – 10 Cub Scouts

Set Up – Each boy has piece of construction paper with a letter and an appropriate picture on the front.  (Best if boys make letters and pictures).  Their part should be on the back in LARGE print.

Cub #1: P – is for pledge – to do our best.

Cub #2: O – is for obey – The Law of the Pack.

Cub #3: L – is for loyal – steadfast in our allegiance.

Cub #4: E – is for energy – which we are full of.

Cub #5: S – is for Spirit – our Duty to God.

Cub #6: A – is for Akela – all who help.

Cub #7: P – is for promise – for the future.

Cub #8: A – is for advancement – to the next rank.

Cub #9: R – is for ready – and we are.

Cub #10: T – is for time to start.

Den Leader or Cubmaster now calls for pledge of Allegiance and Cub Scout Promise.  Also, lead a cheer for the boys in the opening. 

Eskimo Pie
Great Salt Lake Council

Scene:   Group of Cub Scouts around a table.

Props:   Ping pong ball, sponge, white golf tees,
pan with ice cream bars in the bottom.

Cub # 1.  Isn't it great our leader is letting us make a pie for our pack meeting treat?

Cub # 2.  Sure is. I don't know what kind of pie it is, but here are the directions.

Cub # 3.  Let's see, first you put in these walrus eyes. (Puts ping pong balls in pan.)

Cub # 4.  Ok, next put in a pound of blubber. (Puts in white sponges.)

Cub # 5.  The next thing to add are two dozen polar bear teeth. (Puts in golf tees.)

Cub # 6.  Now we let it freeze for one hour. (Put lid on pan.)

Cub # 7.   (Hold up sign that says "one hour later".)

Cub # 8.  Let's see what we've got. (Uncovers pot.)

All:          (Look into pan and exclaim.) Eskimo pies!!!! (Pull out ice cream bars, open and eat.)

USS Nautilus (SSN 571)
Great Salt Lake Council

The USS Nautilus is the first nuclear powered submarine in the world.  From the beginning, the submarine proved worthy of her motto, "The First and Finest.”  The Nautilus underwent extensive trials and shattered all submerged speed and distance records. With her infinite power supply and ability to make oxygen and purified water from seawater, Nautilus had only one limitation: food for her crew.

In 1958, the submarine embarked on her most secret mission, Operation Sunshine.  With 116 men on board, the voyage made USS Nautilus the first vessel in the world to travel beneath the Arctic icepack to the North Pole. When the ship arrived, the crew broadcast the famous message, "Nautilus 90 North."

Let us show our respect for the USS Nautilus and her crew.  Let us Pledge Allegiance to our flag …

Eskimo Dog Sled Opening
San Gabriel Valley, Verdugo Hills, Long Beach Area

Cubmaster arrives on dog sled in cold weather gear yelling "mush" at the dogs.

Stops at front and removes coat so he doesn't get to warm.

Introduces den of "Eskimos" who have thawed the flag by the fire and will present the colors and lead the pledge.

Dog sled can be made of cardboard, masonite, Styrofoam or combination of these.

Dogs cut from poster board can be glued to the front of sled. 

Alaska Of Old
San Gabriel Valley, Verdugo Hills, Long beach Area

This ceremony can be modified to use any number of Cubs, depending upon the size of the den.

Have each boy choose a word from the terms listed below.  He then makes a poster with the word and an appropriate picture on the audience side and what he will say in LARGE print on the other side

The Cubmaster or Den Leader (or other adult) can introduce the group before they read and then call for the Pledge of Allegiance at the end of the ceremony

NARRATOR (introduction) - This month we have studied about Alaska of old and would like to share with you some of the commonly used words and their meanings:

Now follow with appropriate number of definitions -

Suggested words from Eskimos and Alaskans

CHEECHAKO is the term used for a "tenderfoot", a newcomer to Alaska.

DUST means fine gold

HUSKY was, of course a sled dog, vital to inhabitants of this state.

IGLOO - an Eskimo dwelling

KAYAK was a single passenger skin boat

MALEMUTE is also a sled dog. Many of them are now found in many other states

MUCKAMUCK means food

MUKLUK - is a fur boot, very comfortable, indeed

MUSH - means "Get on!" It is a command to a dog team

OUTSIDE - means outside of Alaska (Back in those days, it meant the U.S.)

PANHANDLE - was the southeastern part of Alaska

POKE - was a moose hide bag for holding gold dust

POTLATCH - was a community festival

SKOOKUM-HOUSE - was a jail

SOLMOUGH - was an old-timer, a veteran

And end with

NARRATOR (conclusion) – Thank you den ___.  Now let us all turn and look at the flag, particularly the 49th star that represents Alaska, salute and take the Pledge of Allegiance.