CHARACTERS: Akela (Cubmaster) and 2 Chiefs (Webelos leaders or committeemen)
PROPS: Small campfire with light hook-up. Akela wears a war bonnet & wraps himself in a red blanket. Two Chiefs wear 1 or 2 feathers headdresses & scout leaders uniforms. Chiefs carry tom-toms or Indian rattles.
SCENE: Campfire set up in the middle of the stage area. House lights off. Akela enters with chiefs, to the beat of tom-toms. Akela sets down by campfire facing the audience. When he starts talking, the chiefs start walking slowly from opposite ends of the Cub Scout seating area. Cubs to receive Bobcat awards fall in behind chiefs & follow them to the campfire. Cubs gather around the campfire in front of Akela. A Chief stands on each side of Akela.
AKELA: All new Cub Scouts please stand and follow Chief _____ and Chief _____ to the campfire.
I, Akela, welcome you to the great tribe of pack _____.
I Akela, salute you.
One of the requirements for you to become a Bobcat in this great tribe is to give the Cub Scout Motto and Salute. At this time salute these two chiefs and repeat with them the Cub Scout Motto: "Do Your Best". This is the Cub Scout Sign. It is known all over the world. The two top fingers represent the alert ears of the wolf and they also stand for the two parts of the Cub Scout Promise: "To Help Other People" and "Obey". You must know this sign and use it whenever you say the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack.
Raise your right hand in the Cub Scout Sign and repeat with me the Law of the Pack.
The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.
The next requirement is knowing and following the Cub Scout Promise.
I, Akela, promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
To help other people and to obey the Law of the Pack.
Another requirement is knowing the meaning of Webelos. Now say with me the meaning of Webelos:
"We'll be loyal Scouts".
The last requirement is knowing and using the Cub Scout handshake. At this time, Chief _____ and Chief ____ will congratulate you on completing the Bobcat requirement with the Cub Scout handshake.
Would the parents of these new Bobcats please come forward and stand behind their sons. (After all, parents come up, pass out awards).
Parents we welcome you. Cub Scouting is for the whole family. Fun and friendship are found in Cub Scouting. As parents, you have certain responsibilities. We expect you to attend the monthly pack meetings and work with your son on his achievements. When called upon, we will expect you to assist.
Along with the other parents in various leadership capacities.
Our new Bobcats and their parents may now be seated.
(Two Chiefs slowly beat tom-toms as they and Akela exit).
Akela (in Indian costume) calls inductees, parents forward.
"Welcome to you, candidates who wish to be inducted in Pack ___. Your presence here signifies to me, Chief Akela, that you are sincere in your desire to join this pack. this is your first time to come before me. You may ask, who is Akela (Ah-kay-la)? Akela is a Cub Scout name for a good leader. Some of the people you may now call Akela are your father, mother, your teachers, your den chief, your den leader, or Cubmaster, or other leaders. However, your Cubmaster is generally the one called Akela in Cub Scouting. As your Cubmaster, I will endeavor to do my best to be a good Akela for you and the other members of our pack."
"A moment ago, I said this is your first time to come before me. you are now present at Akela's Council. During your time in Cub Scouting, I hope you will come to Akela's Council many times. At each pack meeting, those Cub Scouts who have earned badges during the month get them in a special ceremony, which we call Akela's Council. Just as tonight, when your parents are here with you, so they will be in this ceremony with you in the future and give your badges to you."
"And now, to see if you are worthy to join our pack, will you join with me in repeating the Cub Scout Promise? 'I, ___, promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times, and to obey the Law of the Pack.' This, then, is the first time you have followed Akela. Congratulations, and welcome to Pack ___. (Present badge)
Personnel: Cubmaster, Den Chief, Den Leader, Bobcat candidates, and parents
Equipment: Ceremonial Board consisting of the arrow with three candles on a balance, Bobcat pins, and advancement certificates
Cubmaster: Will the candidates and their parents please come forward and face the pack. (They do so) You boys and your parents have come to be inducted into our Cub Scout family as members of Pack ___. You are ready to start your adventure along Akela's trail, together with your friends and their parents.
Here is the arrow (points to the ceremonial board) that points the way along the trail. The awards you can earn along the trail are the Wolf, the Bear, the Webelos, and the Arrow of Light awards. The parts of the Cub Scout program that cannot be seen are the value of things you will learn and the good times you will have.
This is the scale of Akela. Both the parents and the Cub Scouts are important to keep the scale in balance.
(To Den Chief): (name), will you light the candle representing the Cub Scouts. (Candle on feather)
(To Den Leader): (name), will you light the candle for the parents. (Points to the candle on the arrow point)
If the boy does not do his part, the scale is out of balance and the program goes downhill. (Removes candle representing boys, then replaces it) On the other hand, if the parent's part is taken away, the scale is out of balance in the other direction and the Cub Scout loses his way along Akela's trail. (Removes candle representing parents, then replaces it)
So, you see, to keep the Cub Scout program in perfect balance, both Cub Scouts and parents must take part in the activities by coming to all meetings, following the leaders, and advancing from point to point along Akela's trail.
No boys, give the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Promise with me. (They repeat Cub Scout Promise)
And, parents, will you please repeat the following: We, as parents, will do our best...to aid and assist our son...in his Cub Scout activities. We will encourage him with enthusiasm...criticize him with fairness...and judge him with lenience. And, realizing that the Cub Scout program...is one of equal participation for boys and parents...we will assist as we are able...in serving as leaders, advisors, or workers.
Equipment: 2 identical balloons with strings attached; one filled with helium and one blown up by mouth, awards and or certificates
Personnel: Cubmaster, new cubs, and parents
Set-Up: Cubmaster has balloons secured so that no one knows one balloon is filled with helium. When he is ready to begin the ceremony, the balloons are held by the necks.
Cubmaster: Would (name) and his parents please come up. (Now holding balloons) These balloons represent two 8-year-old boys. Both come from great families have good friends. Both go to school. They both are involved in sports programs in the community. They both attend church. (add anything else that fits the lifestyle of the boys in your pack.)
But there is a difference between these two boys. This boy (indicate the balloon without helium) is happy just by doing the things he's doing now. (Let the non-helium balloon drop to the table or floor.) But this boy (indicate helium-filled balloon) is (name) and he has found something extra. That extra is Cub Scouting. With his parents and leaders helping, (name) will be able to soar to new heights (release balloon) just like this balloon.
We are excited to welcome (name) and his parents and family to our Pack. (If the new Cub has earned his Bobcat badge continue.) As is our custom, we will now present to his parents his Bobcat badge to honor them for the work that they have done in helping their son earn this badge, and ask them to award it to their son. Congratulations on earning your Bobcat which is only your first step as you soar higher and higher in Scouting. (Give the Cub Scout handshake.)
Cubmaster: Will the following Boys please come up to the front?
Without the Cub Scout spirit, the world is a very dark place. This candle stands for the Spirit of Scouting. There are many benefits to be gained from belonging to Cub Scouting. You will learn a great deal, you will have a chance to help others, you will be rewarded for your efforts, and you will have a lot of fun. The Cub Scout Promise is the basic principle of Cub Scouting. Will you repeat it with me?
(Cubmaster gives Cub Sign and begins Promise. Candidates join him)
I (Name) promise to do my best
to do my duty to God and my country,
to help other people, and
to obey the Law of the Pack.
Assistant Cubmaster: Just as the Cub Scout Promise is the basic principle of Cub Scouting, the Law of the pack is the fundamental rule governing Cub Scouting. Please give the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Law of the Pack with me.
(Assistant Cubmaster gives Cub Scout Sign and leads boys in repeating Law of the Pack)
The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.
Cubmaster: Remember well the Promise and the Law of the Pack and use them as your guide for personal conduct in the years to come.
Assistant Cubmaster: There are other requirements that you have learned. Will each of you give me the Cub Scout handshake? (shake each of the Scouts hand using the Cub Scout Handshake)
Cubmaster: And now we ask that the parents of these Bobcat Candidates come forward to receive the badges for their sons. (Parents come forward and stand behind their sons.)
(Assistant Cubmaster presents Bobcat badges to parents)
Parents, please pin the Bobcat Badge upside down to your son's left pocket. This badge is to remain upside down until your son does his first good deed. At that time the Bobcat Badge can be turned over and permanently sewn on.
Parents play an important role in Cub Scouting. You will work with your sons on their achievements and electives. You will find that you will learn as well as your son, and having fun with them will become a closer family. Parents as your boys have made a promise, I ask that you too make a promise. Please repeat after me:
We will continue to
Do our best
To help our sons
Along the achievement trail
And share with them
The work and fun of Cub Scouting.
Parents, you too have earned badges that represent the support you have given your sons. Please wear them proudly, just as we know your son will wear his proudly.
(To Boys) Congratulations and good Cub Scouting to you all. (Cubmaster Salutes Boys)
Parents and new Bobcats, you may return to your seats.
EQUIPMENT: A blue candle for each boy, one multi-colored candle on a log holder
CUBMASTER: Cub Scouting is an organization that is very special and unique. It is one in which many parents devote their time and talents to provide a program that will aid and guide their son's growth. As parents work to strengthen Cub Scouting... so Cub Scouting helps to strengthen families.
(Cubmaster calls up the boys).
I call your attention to the multicolored candle in the center of the candle log. The blue and gold stand for Cub Scouting. Blue like the color of your uniform stands for truth, love of God, loyalty, and the sky. The gold like that in your neckerchief stands for sunlight, good cheer, and happiness. In the candle, you will also see white, which represents parents and the important part they play in the Cub Scouting program. Parents, please light a candle for your son, as a symbol of the encouragement and support you will be giving him as he moves along the Cub Scout trail. (they do). Will you accept the responsibility to participate in den and pack activities, help your son with advancement, and support the pack as much as possible. (Parents answer, We will).
Please give a candle to your son to hold in his left hand.
Boys please raise your hand in the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. And now with your parents guiding your hands, as they will do to help you in Cub Scouting, I will ask that all of you join your individual flames together and light the center candle as a sign that we are all united as members of Pack (#).
Parents please extinguish your son's candle and pin the Bobcat badge on your son. Welcome to our pack.
ITEMS REQUIRED:
1) Large cardboard box covered with paper or sheet
2) Bobcat eyes (marbles)
3) Fur type cloth.
The boys are told that a bobcat has been captured and has been placed in the box. As new Bobcats, they must reach into the box and get a Bobcat eye or a piece of the Bobcat fur.
What they do not know is that someone is in the box. The person in the box makes sounds like a Bobcat.
The person in the box will gently touch each boy as he reaches into the box. I feel like you can follow the idea of this ceremony.
The parents will pin the Bobcat insignia on the boy as was previously explained. Do not forget the good deed.
PERSONNEL: Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster
EQUIPMENT: B.S.A. Stamp (made from Inner tube) Pins on the Bobcat badge cards (Badge attached upside down), Stamp pad, Fire (artificial or real), Twigs.
ARRANGEMENT: 1) As you read the list of names ask them to leave the room if inside or gather as a group away from the fire if outside, (with the assistant Cubmaster). If outside they are each handed a twig. 2) Have all the other Cubs also Den Chiefs and Den Leaders form a circle around the fire and join hands while facing the fire. 3) Ask the ones around the fire to say "sssss" each time a Bobcat is branded (Cubmaster say also). 4) If inside, dim lights or only have a few in back on during the ceremony.
CUBMASTER: (Shouts) Round-up, Round-up
(At this time Assistant Cubmaster brings the Bobcats to just outside the circle of Cubs.)
CUBMASTER: Do these mavericks carry a Brand?
ASST. CUBMASTER: They are not branded, but desire to enter our corral.
CUBMASTER: Corral your mavericks. (Assistant Cubmaster opens up a circle and leads the Bobcats in)
CUBMASTER: Just as our fire grows in warmth and brightens when you added your wood, so will our Pack grow as you now join us in spirit and numbers.
(Picks up the "Branding Iron") Bobcats, you are about to carry the boy Scouts of America brand which represents one of the greatest organizations for youth in the world. I am going to place this brand on your left hand. You must wear it visibly for 24 hours, and then, tomorrow night when you wash it off I want you to repeat the Cub Scout Promise to yourself, so that, you may carry its ideals in your heart. (Pause) Please repeat the Cub Scout Promise after me. (Hold up your two fingers) "I (name) promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people and to obey the Law of the Pack"
(Now brand the Bobcats saying "SSSS" each time you do a boy.)
CUBMASTER: Now that these Bobcats have been branded, will their parents please come up and join them. (If inside have the lights turned back on) (other Cubs can go back to their seats) (Pause until all parents are upfront)
ASST. CUBMASTER: Now that you have completed all the Bobcat requirements you are now entitled to wear this Bobcat badge. But first a word of explanation. The badge will be handed to your parents and they will have the privilege of pinning it on your left side shirt pocket because they have helped you earn this and will be continually helping you throughout the Scouting program. You will notice that it is upside down. Later when you feel you have performed a good deed you may turn it right side up and sew it on your shirt.
(read the names of the boys again as the Cubmaster hands the awards to the parents - shake each boys hand)
EQUIPMENT: Artificial campfire; stick for each Cub Scout to receive a badge; Bobcat patches, straight pins.
PERSONNEL: Cubmaster, new Bobcats, and their parents.
The Cubmaster calls forward the Bobcats and their parents and asks them to form a semicircle behind the fire, with parents behind boys.
CUBMASTER: Cub Scouts, you have learned the things a boy must know to join our pack. Will you show that now by making the Cub Scout sign and repeating the Cub Scout Promise? (Lead Promise.)
Parents, we welcome you into our pack, too. You know that you have a role in Cub Scouting as a guide in your son's advancement and as a participant and helper in the pack's activities. If you accept this responsibility, please say, "We will." (Parents give assent.)
This campfire represents the warmth of membership in our pack. Will you Bobcats please show that you wish to join in that warmth by adding your stick to the fire, showing that you want to do your best and be a friend to the others in the pack?" (Boys place sticks.)
Now I will give your parents your bobcat badge to pin on your shirt.
Equipment: Log to hold 8 candles (one tall one), Bobcat badges
Cubmaster: (Light tall single candle)
Before you are candles arranged to represent your goals in Cub Scouting. The lighted candle represents the Spirit of Scouting. This spirit is always bright in your Leaders, your fellow Cub Scouts, your parents, and yourself.
The candle of the Spirit of Cub Scouting is used to light the three front candles, which represent (light each one as they are explained) the three points of the Cub Scout Promise: Your duty to God and your Country - Your duty to yourself and to help other people - Your duty to the Law of the Pack.
We now light the four candles across the top, representing the four parts of the Law of the Pack: (Light each in turn)
The Cub Scout follows Akela
The Cub Scout helps the Pack go
The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow
The Cub Scout gives Goodwill
(Replace the candle of Scouting Spirit)
You should try to keep these lights burning within you at all times. If for some reason, you should slip and fail to keep one of the laws - for example, if you fail to show goodwill, and are unkind (blow out the candle for Good Will) - the Spirit of Cub Scouting will rekindle the light showing Good Will (Re-light the Good Will candle)
You will notice that the light is more easily lighted when it has been kept alive before.
We are very proud to welcome you new Bobcats and your parents into Cub Scouting and ask that you keep the Spirit of Cub Scouting burning in your lives.
We present the Bobcat patch to the parents who in turn will present them to their sons in recognition of the parent's support as well as the work done by the boy.
Now, Bobcat Scouts, give the Cub Scout sign and repeat the Cub Scout Promise with the other Cub Scouts of Pack. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Log fire with red light, Teepee, Indian blanket, Indian headdress for Cubmaster and Assistant, Flashlight, Drums for Webelos boys.
Before the meeting, all awards are placed in envelopes with the boy's name and given to the committeemen in the teepee. With all lights out except log fire, the Webelos Den sits around the fire. Committeeman starts the ceremony by calling the names of boys to receive Bobcat badges to come to the campfire, bringing their parents with them. As they come to the front of the room, Webelos beat drums.
CUBMASTER: It gives Akela great pleasure in welcoming you boys and your parents into our tribe.
(Name), I am giving your Bobcat badge to your parents. He (or she) will pin it upside down. When you have performed your first good deed as a Cub Scout, the badge may be turned right side up.
Mr. and Mrs. (name), as you know, we in the pack will need your cooperation in helping (Cub's Name) along the trails of Cub Scouting in many ways. For this reason, I ask you to repeat the parent's promise after me.
I ______, promise to do my best to help my son be a good Cub Scout, to encourage him to fulfill the Cub Scout Promise, and to obey the Law of the Pack. I further promise to assist him in his Cub Scout achievements and electives; to cooperate with the Den Leader, Cubmaster, Pack Committee; and to participate actively in the Cub Scout program.
Good luck, boys.
(Drumbeat as boys return to seats.)