SETTING: This may be read by a Cub Scout or leader just before the retrieving of the colors.

NARRATOR: One of the most important discoveries of the Vikings, was the invention of the "keel." A keel is a long narrow piece of wood, attached to the underside of a ship. The keel reduced the ship's rolling motion. By doing so, it greatly improved the ship's speed and thus the distance it could travel with out stopping for supplies. A ship with a keel is less likely to be blown sideways by the wind.

This make the ship easier to steer, and enabled the Vikings to stay on course and reach their destination.

As we sail through life, we sometimes need a "keel" to help keep us on course. Principle we learn as Scouts can be our keel, if we strive to live by the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack.