A Bridging Ceremony from Troop 6,
Colonial Virginia Council
A darkened room, a single candle burning on a table. The Webelos
Scouts (their parents behind them) are lined up near the Scoutmaster
who is standing beside the flame.
SM: "The flame you see before you represents the Flame of Knowledge.
You Webelos Scouts who are bridging over to Boy Scouts have shown me that
you bring with you a hunger for Knowledge. The Scouting program offers
you a special kind of knowledge that will serve you well as you walk the
sometimes difficult Road to Manhood."
SM takes up another candle from the table where the Flame of Knowledge
sits and holds it near the Flame but does not light it yet.
SM: "The Flame of Knowledge never goes out as long as there are
people who are willing to seek knowledge. It burns eternally in the mind
of Humankind as a beacon, casting it's rays to guide us as we seek a higher
level of understanding or our world."
SM lights candle, saying: "This candle represents a Youth who
seeks knowledge. Each of you Webelos here with me tonight is that Youth."
SM hands the newly-lit candle to the nearest Webelos Scout, saying:
"You have sought to continue building upon your Scouting knowledge
by finding a Boy Scout Troop that will help you gain your ample portion
of this special knowledge. Take custody of the Flame." [Places candle
in the>closest boy's hand.] "Hold this sacred Flame for a moment
and then transfer this Flame to the next Webelos Scout. Hand it around
from boy to boy until it reaches the last one of you in line who will
return it to me."
As the Flame is transferred from Scout to Scout, the SM continues
talking to the assembly, saying: "Knowledge, once gained, must be
shared. Each Boy Scout must pass on to other Scouts what he has learned.
As you grow more experienced in Scouting, we will ask you to begin to
return to Scouting some of what you have received from it. Work diligently
as you pass down your Trail to Eagle Scout and you will learn much that
you can share with the others who come after you. Remember, you will receive
from Scouting only what you put into it. I challenge you to work hard
so that you will have much to give back."
When the candle has made it's way back to the SM, he places the
second candle in a holder that was placed well away from the original
Flame. After a moment, he blows out the second candle. NOTE: The Flame
of Knowledge is left burning as long as possible.
SM: "See how easily that Youth's Flame was extinguished by the
Breeze of Laziness? Don't let Laziness extinguish the Flame of Knowledge
that burns in your own mind. Cherish your Flame by doing your best, by
asking questions when you don't understand, and by living up to the Scout
Oath and Law." [Pause for effect.] "But, notice how the Flame
of Knowledge that burns in the mind of Humankind is still lit? From it
you may always relight your own flame should the Breeze of Laziness blow
too hard and snuff out your own Flame. Never stop learning. Never give
the Breeze Laziness a chance to blow."
Now the Troop's SPL, who has been standing in the middle of a plywood
bridge with an ASPL, calls across to the Webelos Scouts and their parents,
"Troop 6 invites the Webelos Scouts and their parents to join us
on the Boy Scout side of Scouting by crossing over this symbolic bridge."
As the Webelos reach the middle of the span the SPL and his assistant
stop him to remove the boy's blue shoulder flashes and replace them with
red ones his patent offers up behind the boy's back. After the red flashes
are in place, the SPL then places the Troop's neckerchief OVER the boy's
Webelos version, removes the boy's slide, puts it on the Troop neckerchief,
and then slides away the old neckerchief. [Handing it and the blue flashings
off to a parent.]
As the SPL removes the FIRST neckerchief the SM says, "Notice
that we removed the Webelos neckerchief after we've placed the Boy Scout
neckerchief on the Scout. We do this to be sure that there is no break
in a boy's Scouting career."
As the new Boy Scout exits the bridge, he is welcomed by his new Troop's
Assistant SM who's in charge of the New Scout Patrol, and by as many other
boy leaders as the Troop can muster that evening. The parents are likewise
greeted.
When all have bridged over, the SA asks the new Boy Scouts to take
hold of the Troop flag with their left hand and raise the Scout sign with
their right. He leads them in the Scout Oath, and the ceremony is over.
-- Thanks to Andrew Hagemann, SA, NSP, Troop 6, Colonial Virginia
Council
Broken Arrow AOL
Equipment: An Arrow for each boy, two council fires, awards
Setting: Cubmaster at first fire, boy scouts at second. Award is attached
to arrow.
Akela: Will (Read names) and their parents please come forward and
take their place of honor at the Council Fire? Tonight (Read names) have
achieved two high honors. They will receive the Arrow of Light award and
graduate from Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting.
I hold in my hand an arrow. As you can see, it is straight and true,
for only an arrow that is straight and true will hit its mark. (Hold up
arrow so Scout can see its shaft.) In order to fly straight, it must also
have at least three feathers. These represent the first three ranks of
Cub Scouting you achieved; Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. With these awards in
place you began to ascend along the shaft, toward the tip of the arrow,
the Arrow of Light Award. This is the culmination of all your Cub Scouting
efforts. Without a hard, sharp tip, the arrow is not a very effective
weapon. Since you have achieved this, the highest rank in Cub Scouting,
you will now be a more effective Boy Scout as you take with you the things
you've learned and continue to progress along the Scouting trail.
Please stand. I now present you with this arrow, to which is attached
your award. Parents, please pin the Arrow of Light on your son. now give
your parents the proper salute. (The proper salute to a mother is a kiss.)
Since you are graduating form Cub Scouting tonight, you will no longer
be a Cub Scout, except in memory. Because this arrow represents the path
along which you have come, but not the path along which you must now go,
I will ask you to return the arrow.
(Take the arrows and break them over your knee, just enough to crack,
but not completely in two.) This broken arrow will now be forever a reminder
to you, that you achieved every rank in Cub Scouting, and graduated with
honor. It will no longer fly, just as you will no longer be a Cub Scout.
But you will always wear the Arrow of Light symbol on your uniform, as
a reminder of your accomplishment. You now may keep this broken arrow
for your trophy skin. I give you one last salute before you leave our
council fire to join your new Boy Scout brothers at their council fire.
(Salute.) Always be straight and true! Now walk to your new council fire.
-- Written by Rick McNeal
-- Thanks to Ellen DeVilbiss
A Crossover Ceremony
This is the crossing over ceremony I used last year when I graduated
my Webelos (including my older son) to Boy Scouts. This was separate from
the Arrow of Light, which was done at the same meeting.
First you need to invite local community leaders to the cerremony.
I had invited the City Manager, my Unit Commissioner, DE, Executive Officer
from our sponsor and the State Senators & Representatives that serve the
area where the boys live, as well as the SM, ASM & SPL from the troops
the boys where joining. One Senator & one representative was unable to
attend and sent the boys very nice congratulatory letters, which they
were thrilled with. The state Senator even invited the boys to be pages
for a day at the state capital.
You need for a prop, is a bridge that the boys can walk across from
stage left to stage right (my BA is Theatre). The Cubmaster and ACM stand
on the stage left side of the bridge. I didn't formally announce the ceremony
but asked the representatives from the first troop to come forward and
stand on the other side of the bridge to welcome their new scouts. I called
down one boy to the bridge and his parents joined us, standing to the
left of me. The graduating Webelos stands with his back to the bridge.
I turned to the boy and silently removed his "signs of Cub Scouts".
First I removed his hat, handed it to my ACM to hold upside down, I then
removed his neckerchief slide, placed it in the hat, then the neckerchief
placed into the hat and finally the navy blue epalets, also into the hat.
I then took the hat from my ACM, turned and handed it to the mother, shook
the parents hands and sent them in front of the bridge to the other side
to greet their new boy scout. I turn back to the boy and my ACM shook
hands with the boy using the Cub Scout handshake. I then shook the boy's
hand using the Boy Scout handshake. At this point the boy turns to face
the bridge and crosses over. On the other side, their SM presented the
boy with his new hat (gift from the Pack), red epalets (from the parents)
and new neckerchief from the troop.
The last one I graduated was my son and since I was staying on as
the CM, only his father went over to the other side to greet him. This
was done as a symbolic sign of me staying with the Pack and his going
on to Boy Scouts.
After each boy graduated (and I graduated all the Webelos II) I then
announced "New Boy Scouts of Troop 171 and Troop 271 dismissed. All
the remaining Cub Scouts stood and saluted the boys as they filed out.
The new Scouts and their parents formed a receiving line at the back of
the church (our sponsor) and were greeted by everyone as they left to
go downstairs for cake and punch. This ceremony was simple but very effective
as there wasn't a dry eye in the audience. The state representative that
was able to attend was very impressed and was also teary eyed.
-- Thanks to Dawn Moriarty , Cubmaster, Pack 168 Presque Isle, ME
A Bridging Ceremony by Dave Colangelo
Props: "Campfire", bridge, troop scarfs, numbers, Boy Scout
hat, Patrol Patch(es), neckerchief, hat, shoulder tabs, Spotlight
Cast: Cubmaster, Webelos Leader(s), Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader,
Parents, Webelos, Patrol Leaders/Boy Scouts.
Scene: Boy Scouts are gathered around a "campfire" at the
end of the bridge. Cubmaster, Webelos Leader and Webelos approach bridge
(opposite from the Boy Scouts)
Cubmaster: Greetings, to our brothers from Troop ___!
ScoutMaster: Greetings Akela, it has been a while since our last meeting.
Is everything going well in your lodge?
Cubmaster: Yes, thank you. I have Webelos worthy to join your Troop.
Their Leader will assist them in their journey.
Webelos Leader: Greetings to our brother Scouts.
Scoutmaster: How many worthy braves will join our council fire tonight?
Webelos Leader: We have __ worthy and true boys to cross over to your
council fire tonight.
Cubmaster: As each crosses the bridge to your council fire,I will
tell of his achievements. We will miss them and their families as they
move along the trail to Eagle.
Scoutmaster: We are ready, Akela, send them over. (On Cub side of
bridge, the Webelos Leader assisted by Parents remove the scarf, [and
blue tabs if wearing the khaki shirt], hat, and other Cub patches [removed
and lightly tacked on prior to ceremony]. The boy moves to the middle
of the bridge [in a spot light if available] while the Cubmaster recants
the boy's history in Cub Scouting. After the Cubmaster ends, the family
and boy cross over the bridge where they are greeted by the Scoutmaster)
Scoutmster: Welcome to Troop ______ we are glad to hear of your hard
work in Pack ____. This is the Senior Patrol Leader, who will assist you
on your quest for Eagle. He will welcome you into our council fire.
Senior Patrol Leader: I too welcome you to Troop ___ we hope that
you and your family will enjoy your stay and will help the Troop. I present
you with (Red Tabs, and/or Troop neckerchief, or, patrol patch, or Scout
hat, or Boy Scout Handbook, or Troop neckerchief slide, etc depending
on local and Troop customs) (During the presentation, the nex Cub is preped)
Scoutmaster: Who is the next Scout Akela? (The ceremony continues
until each boy and familiy crosses over, after last boy)
CubMaster: That is the last boy for this year. I have enjoyed seeing
you again and hope that your council fire will burn brightly and warmly.
Scoutmaster: Thank You Akela, the young men and their families will
be a valuable part of our Troop. Until the next time our council fires
meet, Good health to you and your tribe.
Crossover to Boy Scouts, by Don Tolin
Participants:
All 2nd Year Webelos Scouts
All Troop Boy Scouts
Cubmaster
Scoutmaster
Webelos Den Chief
Scouts' parents and families
Ceremony:
Webelos on one side of bridge working together like on activity pin,
having fun. Webelos Den Flag in background. Den leaders and Den Chief
with the boys. Webelos stand together and face audience. Have everyone
stand. "We want to teach everyone a song we learned at Camp Buffalo
Bill this summer" Sing the Beaver Song.
Beaver 1, beaver all, time to do the beaver call.
Beaver 2, beaver 3, let's all climb the beaver tree.
Beaver 4, beaver 5, let's all do the beaver jive.
Beaver 6, beaver 7, time to go to beaver heaven.
Beaver 8, beaver 9, STOP IT'S BEAVER TIME.
Webelos now ask everyone to join in and sing it one time together.
Tell everyone to now sit down. Webelos remain standing.
When each scout is called to cross over, boys all give him high fives.
The Cubmaster takes off the scout's Webelos neckerchief and his color
tabs. The Cubmaster gives remarks. The Cubmaster shakes the scout's hand.
The Den Chief accompanies the scouts across the bridge. The scout's parents
and family crosses also.
Boy Scouts, in the mean time, have been sitting around a campfire
on the other end of the bridge. Tent in background. Troop Flag and Patrol
Flags in background. 12 points of Scout Law Displayed. When the scouts
and the Den Chief cross-over the bridge, the boys stand up and fall in
rank. The Scoutmaster greets them, shakes hands with their parents, and
greets other family members. The Scoutmaster puts the troop neckerchief
on the scouts, and puts on the red shoulder loops. He shakes the boy's
hand. Boy Scouts welcome new scouts. The scoutmaster gives remarks. Applause
or cheer.
BOY SCOUTS SING SCOUT VESPERS AT END OF CEREMONY.
Softly falls the light of day,
While our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask:
"Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared
Everything to be prepared?"
-- Thanks to Don Tolin. Pack Meeting plan prepared in fulfillment
of a ticket item for Wood Badge W5-638-95
A Space Theme Crossover, by Peter Farnham
We used an outer space theme this time. I have a Captain Picard suit
I wear at Halloween, and a working toy ray gun. We started out by dimming
the lights and playing over the speaker system at full volume Strauss'
"Thus Spake Zarathustra," more familiarly known as the theme
from "200l: A Space Odyssey."
I came out and tried to light the "campfire" but had no
matches. "Great Denibian slime devils, I'm out of matches!"
I bellowed in my most stentorian starship commander's voice. "I'll
have to speak to Riker about this immediately!" But I solve the problem
by lighting the campfire with a blast from my ray gun (my ASM turned the
dimmer switch up to full slowly). Then I leisurely warmed my hands, and
turned around and warmed my posterior (giggles here, as intended).
Then I turned to the WDL, and said, "Commander Keith, I understand
you have seven graduates from the starfleet academy who are ready to join
the crews of starships 113 and 1515. Bring them up here immediately!"
Anyway, you get the idea. Bring the boys up, congratulate them on their
accomplishments, wish them well in boy scouting, and then cross them over
the bridge, where they are received by a representative from their new
troops. We also give them boy scout neckerchiefs; my troop has a custom-made
one we give each new scout.
Another thing we do--I have each boy sign our cross-over bridge with
an indelible magic marker before they actually cross over. Who knows?
We may have a president's signature on there someday.
At the end, we played the theme from "Star Wars", also LOUD.
Very inspiring.
This is a fun ceremony and seemed to work well. The boys really liked
it--didn't want me to turn off "Star Wars," so we played it
as a finale when they were leaving the pack meeting.
Each of the seven boys also received his Arrow of Light in a separate
ceremony earlier in the meeting.
Jungle Book Ceremony for Advancing to Scouts
by Edward A. Haluska
People required:
- Akela, the leader of the wolf pack (the Cubmaster)
- Scoutmaster and Boy Scouts from the patrol(s) that will be accepting
the Cubs.
Props:
- Bridge (a small symbolic one is adequate)
- New Boy Scout bandannas
- Suitable recorded music and tape player
Hints:
- It is very common for the Boy Scouts to be responsible for the
crossing over ceremony. If you want to use this ceremony for crossing
over, be sure to discuss it with the leaders of the Boy Scouts who will
be participating.
- The music is mainly for the parents. During the crossing over,
play something suitable like "Forever Young" or "Where
Are You Going My Little One?"
Akela: The moon is full, just as it was long ago on that night in
the jungle when Mowgli first joined the Seeonee wolf pack. It has been
many years since Mowgli returned from living with the wolves. After he
returned, he taught us many of the lessons he learned while in the jungle.
The most important was that the strength of the wolf is the pack, and
the strength of the pack is the wolf. That is why we are here tonight
in this council ring. But just as Mowgli had to leave the pack, tonight
we also have some man cubs among us who have grown strong and tall. The
time has now come when they too must leave the pack to find their place
in the world of men. They have learned many lessons as they have walked
the trails of the bobcat, wolf, and bear. But tonight, because these cubs
are ready to begin their next adventure on their way to manhood, we will
not look to the way of the jungle for guidance. Instead, we will read
from a book that men use when they seek wisdom.
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silent, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
Akela: We have now come to the time and season when we must let go.
So let us begin. Parents, bring forward these man cubs.
(Akela calls out the names of the Cubs who will be advancing to Scouts.
Parents and Cubs come forward and face the rest of the pack.)
Akela: Akela of the humans!
Scoutmaster: What is it that you want, Akela of the man cubs. Akela:
We have among us several boys who have grown tall in body and strong in
character. They have learned well the ways of the pack, but now they yearn
to run with other boys who are also between their childhood and manhood.
They have been with the pack for many moons, and have been a source of
pride for us all. But now it is now the season when they must leave us.
Scoutmaster: We understand. Bring them to the bridge between us.
(If you have recorded music, start it now.)
(Akela now leads the cubs, one at a time, to the center of the bridge
between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The boy is stopped at the center of
the bridge, and Akela then removes the Cub's Webelos bandanna and any
other Cub Scout insignias. The Scouts of the patrol that the Cub will
be joining then place a Boy Scout bandanna on the boy and lead him to
their group.)
Akela: Although these boys are no longer with our pack, we still call
on the Great Akela of all Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to always guide their
way. We ask that the Great Akela watch over them as they learn to soar
with the Eagles. And, in the fullness of time, after the great wheel of
life has turned full circle, when the season again comes to the time to
gather in, and the moon is full, we pray that these boys will return,
tall and proud and strong, and present their own man cubs to be accepted
into the pack. But until then, let us send them on their way with a last
wolf howl.
(Akela leads pack in wolf howl.)
Crossover Ceremony
The O/A Ceremonies advisor was the Cubmaster for the Pack. The logistics
of the event may seem a bit daunting but the ceremony worked very well.
Props:
- 4 canoes
- PFDs for everyone going into the canoes
Hints:
- Make sure that you comply with the Safety Afloat requirements for
qualified life guards.
- Perform this during the day
- The four winds and the chief and drummer are the O/A ceremonies
team
Procedure: The Webelos Scouts have a brief ceremony in which their
parents are asked to help them by putting on the PFD.
The Webelos are then lead to the end of a small pond (200m X 75m).
The Cubmaster calls to the four winds at the other end of the pond
to let the crossover begin.
The drummer starts drumming, which is how the ceremony team knows
it is time to paddle up to where the second ceremony is done.
The chief and four winds get out of the canoes and perform the brief
ceremony.
The Webelos are then loaded into the canoes and paddled over to where
the Boy Scout troop is waiting.
The troop then has their induction ceremony.
The entire crossover lasted about 45 minutes.
The Webelos and parents were awed by the ceremony.
The four winds are BSA or RC certified life guards.
-- Thanks to Jay Bemis
Magic Neckerchief Graduation Ceremony Script
This Ceremony is written for Webelos Graduation to Boy Scouts. With
slight modification, it can be used for any level rank advancement.
It is written assuming several scouts, but with minor changes could
be used for a single scout.
Materials:
Neckerchief (if using Webelos neckerchief, the Webelos patch must
be removed - it holds too much acetone, and will result in burning the
part of the neckerchief above the patch)
2 coat hangers and 2 safety pins
1 large mouth Peanut butter jar with lid Acetone
Water
A lighted candle or advancement log with lighted candles Fire extinguisher
Setup:
Stretch out the hangers, attach one safety pin to each.
Mix the "Magic Water" in the jar. This should be done outside
with good ventilation. Keep the lid tightly closed except when dipping
the neckerchief. Magic water consists of EXACTLY 40% Acetone and 60%
Water (2 parts Acetone to 3 parts Water)
You will need an assistant for lights, one for handling the dipping
of the neckerchief, and one off-stage with the fire extinguisher (just
in case)..
When it is time to dip and burn the neckerchief, use the following
procedure:
1. Attach the corners of the neckerchief to the hangers with the
safety pins.
2. Lightly shake the jar of Magic Water to remix the components.
Tightly wad the neckerchief and dip it completely into the jar containing
the Magic Water. The whole neckerchief must be wet or the dry part will
burn.
3. Squeeze out the neckerchief and quickly extend it, holding the
hangers. While this is being done, the lid must be replaced for fire
safety.
4. Pass the neckerchief over the flame. Make certain the neckerchief
is spread between the wire holders. It cannot be rolled or folded in
any part.
Make certain that the neckerchief is well in front, or off to the
side of you. We used an old broom stick, with the hangars attached to
it so that no one had to be real close. If you work quick enough, the
whole neckerchief will appear to be engulfed in flames, and the flames
will extend several inches above the top of the neckerchief.
5. Shake gently when just the edges remain burning. This will extinguish
the flames along the hems, which hold more acetone than the body, due
to the additional fabric here.
You must move very quickly through steps 2, 3 and 4, or the acetone
will evaporate before it can be ignited. The jar of acetone must be
kept away from the flame, and be covered at all times except when actually
dipping the neckerchief. Acetone is highly flammable. You might want
an additional assistant or two to help with this.
Practice the steps above outside, before the meeting to make sure
that you can get it right when the time comes. It will be embarrassing
if the wet neckerchief doesn't burn due to evaporation of the acetone.
This trick works because the acetone burns, while the water keeps the
neckerchief from burning. Remember that the acetone will evaporate pretty
quickly, or you will miss the effect.
Script:
(Dim house lights gradually while calling forward the graduating
cub scouts and their parents. Leave only the lights in front on while
telling the story.)
Tonight Webelos Scouts _____________________ are graduating to boy
scouts. Will they come forward with their parents.
These young men have completed their Cub Scouting activities. There
remains but one test before they may cross the bridge into Boy Scouts.
"Have they done everything they can to BE PREPARED?"
Deep in the heart of the mountains and deserts of New Mexico, there
is an Indian village along side a small stream. The village and the
area around it are very green and lush. This is very unusual, for the
village is in the middle of a very harsh desert land.
While hiking in the area several years ago, I came across this village
and stopped by the stream for a rest. There was an old Chief sitting
in the sun by the stream, and I asked him:
"Why is this area so green and your people so healthy?"
The old Chief replied:
"The waters of this stream are magical. They assist all who
come, by telling the people if they have done everything they need,
to be prepared. By hard work with the assistance of these magical waters,
my people have done the things needed to be prepared and prosper in
life."
I thought for a while and said:
"I too could use these magical waters, for I know of many young
men who are working hard to be prepared for life. Could I take some
of these magical waters with me?"
The old Chief smiled and nodded.
"It is for the youth that these waters are most special."
"Take something special from one of the young men who are to
be tested and dip it in the water. Pass the special item over the flame,
and if the special item burns, but is not consumed, then they have done
everything needed to be prepared."
(Turn out the lights.)
From one of the cub scouts before us, we take the Webelos Neckerchief.
(Clip the neckerchief to wire holders at corners. Be careful not
to twist or fold the fabric. It must be smooth.)
And dip it in the Magic Water.
(Have the assistant dip the neckerchief while you hold the wire holders.
Quickly take the neckerchief from the jar and spread it tightly between
the wire holders. Your assistant covers the jar before you put the neckerchief
over the candle, but you cannot wait too long. This part must be done
quickly.)
Then pass it over the flame of the Spirit of Scouting.
(Do so.)
Scouts, you have passed the test and are prepared to cross over into
Boy Scouting. May the Great Spirit of Akela go with you throughout your
scouting days.
(At this point, it's not a bad idea to bring up the fire safety issue,
and "Don't try this at home - only trained Cubmasters are allowed
to perform this ceremony!" )
-- Thanks to George R. Davis
Webelos Graduation -- The Changing of the Shirt
This ceremony in which Webelos Scouts are graduated from the Pack
to Boy Scout Troops, involves the whole Pack, including adult leaders.
First, call forward the graduating Webelos Scouts and their parents.
Next, form two lines (facing each other) as follows: nearest the graduates,
pack committee members; then Cub Scout dens with leaders and den chiefs;
then Webelos den and leaders. At the far end are Scoutmasters of the
troops they boys will join.
As a variation to this ceremony, line everyone up as stated before
except have the Webelos den begin a walk from the end opposite the Scoutmasters.
As the boys proceed, they begin to remove their Webelos uniform shirt
-- only to uncover their Boy Scout uniform shirt. Their Webelos uniform
shirt has been taken care of by a designated adult during his (Webelos
Scout) walk to be returned to later. At the end of the walk, applause
and congratulations!
Crossing over to Scouting
Setting: A bridge is in the center stage. One side of the bridge
is represented as the Cub Scout side and the other side as the Boy Scout
side. You can use your imagination on how to symbolize each side so
it is apparent which side is which. Use of Boy Scouts with candles lighting
the path is very impressive. Cubmaster and Scoutmaster standing appropriate
sides.
CUBMASTER: Tonight we mark a great occasion....the graduation of
______ Webelos Scouts into a boy scout troop. We are sad to see them
leave because they have been a great help to our pack...but we are happy
for them because they are going on to the great adventure of Boy Scouting.
These Webelos have worked hard for this night and have advanced well.
As a symbol of their hard work, each Webelos scout will be given an
arrow. As I call your name, will each Scout come forward with your parents.
(Call each boys name off.)
Reader: The arrow alone gives meaning to each of these scouts. The
wooden shaft gives the strength like the strength the Scout Promise
gives each boy. The fletching helps guide the arrow on a straight and
true path like the Scout Law guides the Scout on a straight and true
path. The arrowhead points the way to the target like Webelos badge
and Arrow of Light requirements have pointed the Scout to the ways of
Boy Scouting.
Each arrow has these parts...but each arrow is different...it is
individual. Each arrow represents their own trail through Cub Scouting.
(Give each boy his arrow.)
It has been a long trail...As you look at the arrow you can look
back and see how far you have traveled. Your first trail led you across
the Bobcat Ridge, where Akela took you into the Pack as a Bobcat. The
yellow mark tells that this boy completed his Bobcat requirements. You
may have then climbed the steep Wolf Mountain. The red mark means he
has completed the Wolf badge. After that there may be a gold and silver
marks for the arrow points that you may have earned. After finding your
way through Bear Forest, you may have earned your Bear rank. The green
mark shows you have gained your Bear achievements, and again you may
have earned a gold and silver arrow points. Your trail next may have
led you to Webelos Rank...first earning three Webelos pins shown by
three black marks, then your Webelos badge which is marked in blue.
The Arrow of Light trail may have been hard and rugged. You first earned
another four Webelos pins. Then came the highest Cub Scout Achievement,
the Arrow of Light which is signified by the white marking on the arrow.
The twelve beads will remind you of the twelve points of the Scout Law.
The red and white feathers not only stand for the troops colors, but
also for devotion and honor.
Your trail in Scouting does not end in Cub Scouting...it is only
the beginning...for all of you have prepared yourself for the crossing
over to Boy Scouts.
The bridge before you is a symbol of your crossing from Cub Scouting
to Boy Scouting. The bridge is a structure carrying a pathway or roadway
over a depression. It is a means of connection or transition from one
side to another...as this bridge represents how our Pack is connected
to our Troop . As I call each boys name, please come stand before Your
Cubmaster where he will remove your Webelos neckerchief.
(Cubmaster is calling over to the Scoutmaster.)
CUBMASTER: Hello, Boy Scouts of Troop .
SCOUTMASTER: Hello, Cub Scouts of Akela. What do you desire?
CUBMASTER: We have several Webelos who have prepared themselves for
entrance into your Troop.
SCOUTMASTER: Bring them and their parents forward to the bridge that
joins our Pack and Troop. I will send two of my Scouts over to escort
the boys and their parents over the bridge.
(Boy Scouts cross over to Pack's side and then escorts the new scout
and their parents to the other side.)
Webelos leader speaking to the Scoutmaster: These are your new Scouts,
ready for the adventures ahead of them. They are going to call themselves
the patrol.
Webelos leader speaking to the boys: As I call each of your names,
please come forward to your Scoutmaster, , where he will place on you
the Neckerchief of Troop .
SCOUTMASTER: I'd like to welcome the new patrol and their families
to our Troop . (Lights on)
SCOUTMASTER: Will Troop please form your patrols. (Have SPL lead
all scouts in the Scout Promise)
Crossing the Bridge Ceremony Read by the Cubmaster
A BRIDGE is a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression.
It is a means of connection or transition from one side to another.
During the years you and your son have been in Cub Scouting, we have
had numerous opportunities to work together along the trail. Now, Boys'
name is leaving the Pack to follow the trail of Boy Scouting. I am sure
you are going to find the same satisfaction there that you have found
in Cub Scouting.
As a symbol of the growth of your son and his entrance into Scouting,
may I ask that he stand before me where I will divest him of his Webelos
Handbook and neckerchief. (Take Webelos Handbook and Neckerchief from
boy) You and he will slowly cross over the bridge into Scouting, pausing
at each of the twelve steps. At the end of the twelve steps you will
be welcomed by the Scouts of Troop # . (Dim the lights and have spot
light shining on a bridge as the boy and parents cross the bridge.)
(As Cub takes each step, the Scouts call out loudly each of the Scout
laws.)
1st - TRUSTWORTHY
2nd - LOYAL
3rd - HELPFUL
4th - FRIENDLY
5th - COURTEOUS
6th - KIND
7th - OBEDIENT
8th - CHEERFUL
9th - THRIFTY
10th - BRAVE
11th - CLEAN
12th - REVERENT
Read by Scouts -
We welcome you into Troop # , we meet each Day at Time at Place .
We shall look forward to welcoming you at our next troop meeting.
Read by Scoutmaster -
(Hands Scout Handbook to new Scout) This book now replaces your Webelos
book. Read and study it. Keep it handy for it is your guide through
many adventures in Scouting.
Done by Assistant Scoutmaster - (Places Troop neckerchief
around new Scouts neck and shakes his hand)
Crossover, The Final Steps
ARRANGEMENT: Darkened room, Red light is on bridge, which is centered
between American and Pack flags. Assembled on stage to the left of the
bridge are the parents and Webelos Leader, on the opposite end of the
bridge is the Scoutmaster.
CUBMASTER: Tonight we mark a great occasion, ... the graduation of
Webelos Scout (name) from our pack. We are sad to see him leave because
he has been a great help to our Pack... but we are happy for him because
he is going on to the great adventure of Scouting. He has worked hard
for this night and has advanced well. Please escort Webelos Scout (name)
to the front.
(Boy who has been standing on opposite side of room, is escorted
to front by another Webelos Scout, who carries the den flag. They stop
at front, the graduating Webelos Scout returns to his place.)
CUBMASTER: (Recaps information such as date boy joined pack, ranks
he earned, awards he received, date joined Webelos den, etc.)
DEN LEADER: (Recaps activities in Webelos den, highlighting activity
badges he has earned). Webelos Scout (name) it is with a great sense
of pride that I now ask you for your Webelos neckerchief. (after removing
neckerchief, Den Leader escorts him to end of bridge where Cubmaster
is waiting.)
CUBMASTER: I am pleased to see that you are wearing the Arrow of
Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. This is the only Cub Scout
badge which you will be permitted to wear on your Scout uniform. And
now you may take the final steps. (Webelos Scout crosses bridge. He
stops in center, turns to salute Cubmaster with Cub Scout salute. He
proceeds across bridge to where the Scoutmaster is waiting. He gives
him Scout salute).
SCOUTMASTER: (Name), we are happy to welcome you to our troop. I
can see by the Arrow of Light that you are prepared to join the great
fellowship of Scouting. (Short statement on what is expected of Scout).
Please repeat after me the Scout Oath. (Scoutmaster and Scout exchange
salute and shake hands). As a token of this important occasion, I would
like to present you with the troop neckerchief. (Scoutmaster and parents
meet in front of bridge.) Mr. and Mrs. (name), Welcome to our troop.
I congratulate you on the fine work that you have done with your son
in Cub Scouting. I am sure you will find new adventures in our troop.
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