Multiple Rank Advancement Ceremonies -- Part 1

Akela's Test

Bobcat, Wolf, Bear & Webelos Advancement Ceremony
by Rick Clements

People Required:

  • Akela (Cubmaster)
  • Baloo (Asst. Cubmaster)

Props:

  • Simple scenery to place behind Akela
  • Campfire (fake or
  • Low sounding drum
  • Badges (with tape affixed to the card the badge is on)

(The lights are turned off, the fire is lit and steady low drumming begins. Akela and Baloo walk toward the front. When they reach the front, Akela gives the Cub Scout sign, and the drum falls silent.)

Baloo:
Akela had to pass a test to prove himself worthy of becoming chief. In Akela's tribe, all braves desiring to be chief were given four arrows. These were special arrows: once used, they shattered. Braves could eat only food they caught themselves. The brave who stayed out the longest would become chief. Let's listen to Akela relate his tale.

Akela:
I walked far from camp and stopped at the side of a clearing. I waited all night for a deer to come by. When one appeared, I took careful aim and shot. The meat of the deer provided me with food for many days. It's hide provided me with clothing.

Baloo:
This showed that Akela had learned the basic skills to survive. It also showed the virtue of patience. The rank of Bobcat indicates the Cub Scout has learned the basic skills. Will our newest Bobcats come join us by the fire? Parents will join you later. (names) have earned their Bobcat badge.

Akela:
I walked along the trail near the stream. There, I came upon a friend laying in the trail. He had used up all his arrows and was starving. I saw a squirrel in a nearby tree. I wanted to save my arrows for bigger game, but my friend was starving. So, I shot the squirrel for my friend.

Baloo:
This showed that Akela learned the value of friendship and that he was unselfish. The Wolf badge indicates the Cub Scout has learned these new values on the trail of Scouting. Will our new Wolf Scouts join us by the fire? (names) have earned their Wolf badge.

Akela:
As I followed the trail by the stream, I came face to face with a huge bear. It growled and started running toward me. I strung my bow, took careful aim, and when he was near, I shot and killed him. He provided me with food for many more days. His heavy coat provided me with shelter from the cold nights.

Baloo:
This showed that Akela was brave. This is also why we honor the Cubs with the next level of accomplishment ... the Bear badge. Will the new Bear Scouts join us by the fire? (names) have earned their Bear badge.

Akela:
The meat from the bear lasted for many days, but soon I had to continue on in search of more food. I came upon a wolf that had just killed a deer. The wolf saw me and ran off. I was hungry, but I had promised to eat only food that I had killed, so I continued on.

Baloo:
This showed that Akela was honest. To earn the Webelos badge, the Cub Scout must learn the Boy Scout law which includes honesty. Will the new Webelos Scouts come join us by the fire? (names) have earned their Webelos badge.

Akela:
I was many days from camp. I needed food to give me strength, so I tracked the wolf I had seen before. I strung my last arrow, took careful aim, but missed. I was scared because I had no food or arrows. As I started back to camp, I prayed to the great spirit. Suddenly, I saw the arrow; it was still whole! I followed the wolf's trail again. I took aim, pulled back the arrow and let it fly. This time the arrow found its mark! I now had enough food to return home.

Baloo:
Akela learned that sometimes you have to ask for help. Our Cub Scouts sometimes need help also. Their den leaders and parents provide that help. Will the parents of all these Scouts please come up and stand behind their son?

(Provide time for the parents to assemble with the scouts.)

Akela:
Congratulations to you scouts on achieving this difficult rank. You will now receive the symbol representing your new rank.

(Akela presents the badges to the parents of the Cub Scouts and gives the Cub Scout handshake to each Cub Scout.)

Akela:
Would the parents place the cloth badge on the uniform upside down as is the custom of our tribe?

(Parents attach badge upside down.)

Akela:
It may be attached right side up, permanently, after a good deed has been done by the scout. The pin is worn by you parents to signify the help you have given your son.

Baloo:
Please join Akela and I in the Law of the Pack:

All:

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 DANCE OF AKELA by Peter Van Houten

Setting: Lights low, fake fire with red bulb, tepee, drum.

(Cubmaster does Cub Scout sign for silence.)

Cubmaster: Hear now the tale of the tribe of Webelos and their great chieftain, Akela.

Asst. CM:
Many many moons ago, a small boy sat outside his tepee watching the stars in the sky, and listening to the rustle of the trees in the night. Somewhere in the distance he could hear the call of the Bobcat, the Wolf, and the Bear. Close by was the sound of the ceremonial drum calling all braves of the tribe to the council ring. The boy listened and wished he could answer that call.

Quick and as true as an arrow in flight, quiet as the hush of the night, to the beat of that ceremonial drum, before a great fire they gathered, awaiting Akela, their chief. Here in the great council fire ring, on top of the mountain, they met. Here too, they sought the help of the Great Spirit as they strived to do their duty. Here they met Chief Akela, and awaited his words.

Now with the last "boom" of the great drum, all was silent. The night was still. The great ceremonial fire was lit and it began to light up the night. As the fire grew and grew ever larger, the tom-tom started slowly and set the rhythm. Akela stepped into the ring as the tom-tom beat first low and slow and then like thunder. Akela danced and with his movement told of his life. He told of the strength of his father, the one they called the Arrow of Light. He told of how his father taught him the signs of the tribe; how to make a bow and let an arrow fly true to its target. Akela obediently followed the Arrow of Light and gained great knowledge. Akela learned that the arrow for which his father was named was one that pointed upward, truly to the Eagle so high above.

Akela's dance showed how he, as a young brave, was trusted to set out into the forest. There he met the Wolf who taught him the ways of the wild life, of the ground, of the tracks, and ways to find food. He next faced the Bear and learned the meaning of courage and the importance of being brave. And with this Akela stopped his dance!

Akela, the wise, had closed his dance and presented the sign of the tribe and all of the tribe did likewise. No one spoke until Akela said: "Our tribe can only be strong when the boys of the tribe are strong. The future is hidden, but if we are courageous and brave; if we teach our boys truth and knowledge, to aim high like the eagle, to be fair, our great tribe will continue to be strong.

BOBCAT Badge Ceremony:

Cubmaster:
My friends, you are like that small Indian boy wishing that you can answer the call of the great ceremonial drum and be members of the tribe. Every boy who joins Cub Scouts, whatever his age, first earns the BOBCAT badge by learning the Cub Scout Promise, the Cub Scout Sign, the Cub Scout Salute, the Cub Scout Handshake, the meaning of WEBELOS, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto "Do Your Best."

Asst. CM:
Would the following scouts and their parents please come forward?

(List boys earning the Bobcat badge.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) , do you see the stars in the sky? That is the constellation Big Dipper and the big star is the North Star. For many years man has used these stars as a guide to show them the way as they traveled. As you join Cub Scouts you are starting a trip. You will experience adventures and excitement, meet new friends and learn new skills. However, as you begin this trip you need a "North Star" to guide you. The "North Star" is Akela ... Akela can be your parents, your den leader, even I your Cubmaster. It is our responsibility to help you along the way.

Cubmaster:
(parents' names) , I ask of you, will you accept the responsibility to be (scout's name) 'Akela', to help guide him along the Cub Scouting trail?

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) , you've already started your trip by earning the Bobcat badge. Congratulations!

(Present Bobcat badge to parents.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) , here also is a star for you to place in your bedroom. At night this star will shine, reminding you of your start on the Cub Scout trail.

Cubmaster:
Pack ___, would you please join with me in congratulating (scout's name) and welcome him to our Pack by giving him a "Cub Scout" cheer?

WOLF Badge Ceremony:

Wolf DL:
Just as when Akela first went into the forest and learned from the WOLF, a Cub Scout in the second grade begins working on the requirements for the WOLF badge. Wolf Cub Scouts learn about Akela and the story of Mowgli and his survival in the Jungle. When a scout has completed twelve Achievements on the Wolf Trail, in such areas as physical fitness, exploring the world around him, fixing, building, collecting, safety, our flag, our family and our Duty to God, he receives his Wolf badge.

Asst. CM:
Would the following scouts and their parents please come forward?

(List boys earning the Wolf badge.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) , you've completed all the requirements for your Wolf badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Wolf, a red mark, symbolizing strength and valor.

(Mark each boy with RED face paint.)

Cubmaster:
It is my pleasure to award your Wolf badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents, please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a "job well done."

Arrow Points:

Asst. CM:
We also have some boys who have earned their Wolf Gold & Silver Arrow points. Would the following boys please come forward to receive them?

(List boys earning Wolf arrow points.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) has earned [his gold arrow point, {and}] (quantity) silver arrow points.

Cubmaster:
Pack ___, would you please join with me in congratulating these Wolfs by giving them a "Grand Wolf Howl" cheer?

BEAR Badge Ceremony:

Bear DL:
When the scout reaches third grade he begins working from the Big Bear book. Just as Akela met the bear with courage, the scout walks the Big Bear trail. On that trail he finds and conquers twelve challenging achievements in the categories of God, Country, Family and Self. He then receives his BEAR badge.

Asst. CM:
Would the following scouts and their parents please come forward?

(List boys earning the Bear badge.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) , you've completed all the requirements for your Bear badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Bear, a blue mark, symbolizing bravery.

(Mark each boy with BLUE face paint.)

Cubmaster:
It is my pleasure to award your Bear badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents, please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a "job well done."

Arrow Points:

Asst. CM:
Today we are pleased to present arrow points to some Bear scouts too. These scouts have continued on the Big Bear Trail earning Bear arrow points.

(List boys earning Bear arrow points.)

Cubmaster:
It is my pleasure to award (scout's name) [his gold arrow point, {and}] (quantity) silver arrow points.

Cubmaster:
Pack ___, would you please join with me in congratulating these Bears by giving them a "Grizzly Bear Growl" cheer?

WEBELOS Badge Ceremony:

Webelos DL:
In fourth and fifth grade, the boy is brought into the tribe of Webelos. He enters a Webelos Den with a name like the Scorpions or the Sharks. The boy prepares himself for Boy Scouting. He works on twenty different activity badges from five skill groups: Physical, Mental, Outdoor, Community, and Technical Skills. After three months in the Webelos Den and after earning three activity pins and learning about the Boy Scout ways, he earns his WEBELOS badge.

Asst. CM:
There are Cub Scouts among us tonight who have earned their Webelos Badge. Would the following please come forward with your parents to be recognized and honored by the Pack?

(List boys earning the Webelos badge.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) , you've completed all the requirements for your Webelos badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Webelos, a white mark, symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

(Mark each boy with WHITE face paint.)

Cubmaster:
It is my pleasure to award your Webelos badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents, please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a "job well done."

Activity Pins:

Asst. CM:
We also have some scouts who have earned Webelos Activity Pins. Would the following boys please come forward to receive them?

(List boys earning activity pins.)

Cubmaster:
(scout's name) has earned (list activity pins) .

Cubmaster: Pack ___, would you please join with me in congratulating these new Webelos by giving them the "Grand Stomp" cheer?

ARROW OF LIGHT Ceremony:

Webelos DL:
The final and highest rank of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. To earn it a boy must be a member of his Den for at least six months since turning ten years old and have earned the Webelos Badge. He must have earned the Fitness, Readyman, and Citizen Activity Pins and five more for a total of eight. He must know the Boy Scout Oath and Scout Law from memory as well as the Boy Scout slogan, motto, sign and salute. He must have participated in a Webelos overnight campout or a Webelos day hike. He must have visited a Boy Scout troop with his parents and den and taken part in a Boy Scout outdoor activity.

Cubmaster:
The Arrow of Light is the only Cub Scout Rank which may be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform. As an Adult he can wear the special square knot badge to always recall his having earned the Arrow of Light.

Asst. CM:
Tonight we have (number) Webelos Scouts who have earned Cub Scouting's highest award. Will the following boys and their parents please come forward?

(List boys earning the Arrow of Light badge.)

Asst. CM:
Long ago the Indian braves would collect eagle feathers. Regardless of how an Indian brave accumulated feathers, he was not allowed, according to tribal law, to wear them until he won them by doing a brave deed. He had to appear before the tribal council and tell or re-enact his deed. If the council thought the brave was worthy, the brave was allowed to wear the feather in his hair or war bonnet. These honors were called "counting coop." The Indian displayed his honors on his clothing, on a banner, or on a stick.

Cubmaster:
The Webelos scout "counts coop" by wearing the many rank awards and activity pins on his uniform, but he will soon be a boy scouts and will not be allowed to wear them any more. (I want to present these Webelos with a banner displaying their own scouting honors.)

(Cubmaster present banners to boys.)

Cubmaster:
You've completed all the requirements for your Arrow of Light badge and have completed the Cub Scout trail. It is our pleasure to award you this certificate of accomplishment, and award your Arrow of Light badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents, please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a "job well done."

(Asst. CM awards boys their certificates.)

(Webelos Leaders present the parents with the Arrow of Light badge and ask them to pin it on their son.)

(Cubmaster presents the mother's pin to the boy and asks him to present it to his mother or father.)

Cubmaster:
The Arrow of Light is a significant achievement. It is recognized as such by the Boy Scouts of America. When you become a Boy Scout, you continue to wear the Arrow of Light on your uniform. When you become an adult leader, you wear a square knot which represents the Arrow of Light on your uniform. In view of that significance, I offer my sincere congratulations to each of you.

(Cubmaster shakes the hand of each scout and parent.)

Cubmaster:
In Boy Scouts, when they have an Eagle Court of Honor, a charge or challenge is made to the new Eagle Scout. Tonight, I want to offer such a challenge to each of you. You have achieved the highest rank in Cub Scouts. You have shown what you are capable of doing. Tonight you will be crossing the bridge from the pack to a Boy Scout troop.

I challenge each of you to continue to live by the ideals you have learned in Cub Scouts, especially the Cub Scout motto: "DO YOUR BEST".

I challenge each of you to continue your high level of achievement in Boy Scouts.

I challenge each of you to look at the Arrow of Light badge and think about what it represents:

  • The sun shedding its light on all that we do. A reminder that you should be a light for those around you.
  • The seven rays of the sun representing the seven days of the week. A reminder that you should do your best every day.
  • The arrow which is symbolic of everything which is straight and true. Just as you should be straight and true in your life.

I challenge each of you to follow where that Arrow of Light points:

  • Forward on the trail of Boy Scout ranks.
  • Upward to higher challenges.

I challenge each of you to soar to great heights and obtain the Eagle Scout Award. As your Cubmaster, I will be honored to join you, wherever you may be, to see you receive this achievement.

Cubmaster:
Parents, Guests and Cub Scouts of Pack ___, would you please join with me in giving these boys a standing ovation for achieving the highest award in Cub Scouting? Congratulations and good luck!

The Pack 92 Advancement Ceremony

From the Blue & Gold Banquet, 8 February 1996

This ceremony is a combination of several that were found on other sites, reworked for our purposes. It was quite impressive. The "Ooh's" and "Ahh's" when Akela shot the arrows were well worth it.

Props: Drum, electric Campfire, Arrow of Light Candleholder, Spirit Candle, Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue poster paint, an arrow for each AOL Scout. A stack of hay bales with large bulls-eye target on it, about 20 feet away from the electric campfire (possitioned so that no body could possibly be behind it when the arrows are shot).

Setting: Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster at the ceremony table, AOL candleholder on table with candles not lit. Spirit of Scouting candle lit. Lights low, or spots on table. Drum beat in background. OA Scout in full Indian regallia, with archery bow over shoulder walks on stage near the "campfire".

CUBMASTER: (SIGN'S UP)
HEAR NOW THE TALE OF THE TRIBE OF WEBELOS AND THEIR GREAT CHIEFTAIN, AKELA.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER: (Read dramatically and with feeling)
Many moons ago, a small boy sat outside his teepee watching the stars in the sky, and listening to the rustle of the trees in the night. Somewhere in the distance he could hear the call of the Bobcat, the Wolf, and the Bear. Close by was the sound of the ceremonial drum calling all braves of the tribe to the council ring. The boy listened and wished he could answer that call. Quick and as true as an arrow in flight, quiet as the hush of the night, to the beat of that ceremonial drum, before a great fire they gathered, awaiting Akela, their chief. Here in the great council fire ring, on top of the mountain, they met. Here too, they sought the help of the Great Spirit as they strived to do their duty. Here they met Chief Akela, and awaited his words.

Now with the last "boom" of the great drum, all was silent. The night was still. The great ceremonial fire was lit and it began to light up the night. As the fire grew and grew ever larger, the tom/tom started slowly and set the rhythm. Akela stepped into the ring as the tom/tom beat first low and slow and then like thunder. Akela danced and with his movement told of his life. He told of the strength of his father, the one they called the Arrow of Light. He told of how his father taught him the signs of the tribe; how to make a bow and let arrow fly true to its target. [At this point the narrator pauses. Akela shoots an arrow into the target across the stage, one for each AOL Scout.] Akela obediently followed the Arrow of Light and gained great knowledge. Akela learned that the arrow for which his father was named was one that pointed upward, truly to the Eagle so high above.

Akela's dance showed how he, as a young brave, was trusted to set out into the forest. There he met the wolf who taught him the ways of the wild life, of the ground, of the tracks, and ways to find food. He next faced the Bear and learned the meaning of courage and the importance of being brave. and with this akela stopped his dance!

Akela, the wise, had closed his dance and presented the sign of the tribe and all of the tribe did likewise. No one spoke until Akela said: "Our tribe can only be strong when the boys of the tribe are strong. The future is hidden, but if we are courageous and brave; if we teach our boys truth and knowledge, to aim high like the eagle, to be fair, our great tribe will continue to be strong.

CUBMASTER:
My friends, you are like that small Indian boy wishing that you can answer the call of the great ceremonial drum and be members of the tribe. Every boy who joins Cub Scouting, whatever his age, first earns the BOBCAT badge by learning the Cub Scout Promise, Sign, Salute, Handshake, the meaning of Webelos, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto, 'Do Your Best'.

[As each of the above requirements are read, the Assistant Cubmaster might recite or demonstrate it]

Bobcat Ceremony

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
Scouts, as you gaze up at the night sky, you will see a constellation of stars to the north called the Big Dipper. The big star is the North Star. For many years man has used these stars as a guide to show them the way as they traveled. As you join Cub Scouts you are starting a trip. You will experience adventures and excitement, meet new friends and learn new skills. However, as you begin this trip you need a 'North Star' to guide you. The 'North Star' is Akela ... Akela can be your parents, your Den Leader, even me your Cubmaster. It is our responsibility to help you along the way.

I ask you parents and our Den Leaders: Will you accept the responsibility to be 'Akela' for these Bobcat Scouts, to help guide them along the Cub Scouting trail? [Wait for them to mumble something like, "I do".]

Now Scouts, join me in reciting the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. Cub Scout Sign...etc...Scout sign two. [Walk in front of the Scouts and face them.]

Scouts, you have now started your own Scouting Trail by earning the Bobcat badge. [Present Bobcat badge to parents. Assistant Cubmaster, place the new Bobcat Scouts appropriate neckerchief around his neck.]

Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

Wolf Ceremony

CUBMASTER
Just as when Akela first went into the forest and learned from the WOLF, a Cub Scout in the second grade begins working on the requirements for the Wolf badge. Cub Scouts learn about Akela and the story of Mowgli and his survival in the Jungle. When a boy has completed 12 Achievements on the Wolf Trail, in such areas as physical fitness, exploring the world around him, fixing, building, collecting, safety, our flag, our family and our Duty to God, he receives his WOLF badge.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
You've completed all the requirements for your Wolf badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Wolf, a Red mark, symbolizing strength and valor.

[Assistant Cubmaster, mark each Scout with RED face paint]

It is my pleasure to award your Wolf badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a 'Job Well Done'.

Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

Wolf Arrow Points

CUBMASTER:
We also have some boys who have earned their Wolf Gold & Silver Arrow points. Would the following Scouts and their parents please come forward to receive them. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

[Cubmaster awards the arrow points to the Scouts, announcing the names and number of Arrow Points as he hands them to the parents.] Let us now congratulate these scouts on a job well done. [Applause.]

Bear Ceremony

CUBMASTER:
When the scout reaches third grade he begins working from the big bear book. Just as Akela met the BEAR with courage, the Scout walks the BIG BEAR TRAIL. On that trail he finds and conquers 12 challenging achievements in the categories of God, Country, Family and Self. He then receives his bear badge.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
You've completed all the requirements for your Bear badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Bear, a Green mark, symbolizing nature and your growing knowledge of the world around you. [Assistant Cubmaster, mark each boy with GREEN face paint]

It is my pleasure to award your Bear badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a 'Job Well Done'.

Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

Bear Arrow Points

CUBMASTER:
We also have some boys who have earned their Bear Gold Arrow points. Would the following Scouts and their parents please come forward to receive them. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

[Cubmaster awards the arrow points to the Scouts, announcing the names and number of Arrow Points as he hands them to the parents.]

Let us now congratulate these scouts on a job well done. [Applause.]

Webelos Rank Ceremony

CUBMASTER:
In fourth and fifth grade, the Scout is brought into the tribe of Webelos. He enters a Webelos Den, some with names like the Scorpions or Cobras. The boy prepares himself for Boy Scouting. He works on 20 different activity badges from five skill groups: Physical, mental, outdoor, community, and technical skills. After three months in the Webelos Den and after earning three activity badges including Fitness, and learning about the Boy Scout ways, he earns his Webelos Rank Badge.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
There are Cub Scouts among us tonight who have earned their Webelos Rank. Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
You've completed all the requirements for your Webelos badge and have moved along the Cub Scout trail. Receive now the mark of the Webelos, a Blue mark, symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

[Assistant Cubmaster, mark each boy with BLUE face paint]

It is my pleasure to award your Webelos badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a 'Job Well Done'.

Parents, you may pin the badge on your Scout. Place the metal pin on the left shirt pocket flap upside down. Scouts, when you have performed your first good deed, you may turn the pin right side up and then present it to your mother. Congratulations! You may be seated.

Webelos Activity Pins Ceremony

CUBMASTER:
We also have some Scouts who have earned Webelos Activity Badges. Would the following Scouts and their parents please come forward to receive them. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

[Cubmaster awards the Activity Badges to the Scouts, announcing the names and which Activity Badges are being awarded as he hands them to the parents.]

Let us now congratulate these scouts on a job well done. [Applause.]

Arrow of Light Ceremony

CUBMASTER:
The final and highest rank of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. To earn it a boy must be a member of his Den for at least six months since turning 10 years old and have earned the Webelos Rank. He must have earned the Fitness, Readyman, and Citizen Activity Badges and five more for a total of eight. He must know the Boy Scout Oath and Scout Law from memory as well as the Boy Scout slogan, motto, sign and salute. He must have participated in a Webelos overnight campout or a Webelos day hike. He must have visited a Boy Scout troop with his parents and den and taken part in a boy scout outdoor activity.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
There are Webelos Scouts among us tonight who have earned Cub Scouting's highest award. Would (INSERT NAMES) and their parents please come forward and stand here facing the audience. [Assistant Cubmaster escort the Scouts and their parents to the stand next to the ceremony table, facing the audience, with the parents standing behind their Scout.]

CUBMASTER:
The arrow of light is much more difficult to obtain than a belt loop, an activity badge or even one of the other rank patch. To obtain this award these scouts have met a number of requirements, including completion of eight activity badges, participation in camps, hikes and boy scout activities, the memorization of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, and the commitment to live by these principles. Webelos scouts will you please stand at attention, salute your audience and recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law in unison. [Cubmaster step to the front to face the Scouts, salute and lead]

On my honor I will do my best: To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent

Thank you. As you can see on the candleholder, the Arrow of Light symbol is made up of an arrow which points the way to a good life and a rising sun which symbolizes the constant new challenges provided by Scouting and by life itself. The seven candles in the emblem represent the seven rays in the Arrow of lLght symbol you see before you.

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
[Cubmaster lights the first candle]
This first ray represents Wisdom. Having wisdom doesn't mean that a person is smarter than others. It means that he uses what he knows to live a better life.

[Cubmaster lights the second candle]
This ray represents Courage. Courage does not mean you have no fear of danger. It means that you can face danger despite your fear.

[Cubmaster lights the third candle]
The third ray stands for Self Control. Self Control means being able to stop when you have had enough of something and being able to choose your own path instead of merely following others.

[Cubmaster lights the fourth candle]
The fourth ray stand for Justice. Justice means being fair with others we play and work with, regardless of who they are.

[Cubmaster lights the fifth candle]
The fifth ray represents Faith. Faith includes belief in God, and in things we cannot see, but feel are true.

[Cubmaster lights the sixth candle]
This candle represents Hope. Hope means to look forward to good things you believe will happen. You hope for better things tomorrow, but at the same time you work hard today to make them happen.

[Cubmaster lights the seventh candle]
The last candle and the last ray of the sun of the arrow of light symbol stands for Love. There are many kinds of love. Love of family, home, fellow men, God, and country. Every kind of love is important for a full and happy life.

CUBMASTER:
You will find that living by these seven virtues can lead to a happy life. The Arrow of Light is a significant achievement. It is recognized as such by the Boy Scouts of America. When you become a Boy Scout, you continue to wear the Arrow of Light on your uniform. When you become an adult leader, you wear a square knot which represents the Arrow of Light on your uniform.

You've completed all the requirements for your Arrow of Light badge and have completed the Cub Scout trail. It is my pleasure to award you your Arrow of Light badge to your parents, who have been your Akela in completing these requirements. Parents please award this badge to your son and congratulate him on a 'Job Well Done'.

[Assistant Cubmaster award boys their certificates, and present the parents with the Arrow of Light badge. Parents pin it on the boys. Then present the mother's pin to the boy and have him pin his mother or father]

Receive now the mark of the Arrow of Light, a Yellow mark, symbolizing light from the blazing sun above us, lighting our way through life. [Assistant Cubmaster, mark each boy with YELLOW face paint]

The AOL Charge

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER:
In Boy Scouts, when they have an Eagle Court of Honor, a charge or challenge is made to the new Eagle Scout. Tonight, I want to offer such a challenge to each of you. You have now achieved the highest rank in Cub Scouts. I challenge each of you to continue to live by the ideals you have learned in Cub Scouts, especially the Cub Scout motto: "DO YOUR BEST".

I challenge each of you to continue your high level of achievement in Boy Scouts.

I challenge each of you to look at the Arrow of Light badge and think about what it represents:

  • The sun shedding its light on all that we do. A reminder that you should be a light for those around you.
  • The seven rays of the sun representing the seven days of the week. A reminder that you should do your best every day.
  • The arrow which is symbolic of everything which is straight and true. Just as you should be straight and true in your lives.

I challenge each of you to follow where that Arrow of Light points:

  • Forward on the trail of Boy Scout ranks.
  • Upward to higher challenges.

I challenge each of you to soar to great heights and obtain the Eagle Scout Award.

Now as a symbol to remember this occasion, I give to each of you, one of the arrows that Chief Akela shot into the target. [Go to the target, pull out arrows, and hand them to each AOL Scout].

Congratulations and good luck. Parents, Guests and Cub Scouts of Pack 92, would you please join with me in giving these boys a standing ovation for achieving the highest award in Cub Scouting.