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Grown-ups are no different from children in their desire to be recognized for a job well done. And Cub Scout leaders are no different from other adults in this respect.
You can go a long way toward ensuring a job's being well done by losing no time in properly introducing each new leader to the pack. This calls for an induction ceremony. It need not be elaborate but it must not become perfunctory, either. Sincerity is the key.
Never allow a new leader to begin his or her job without first being introduced to the pack and making him feel that his job is important to the success of the pack. Ceremonies for den leaders should be adapted for use in honoring both male and female leaders. These pages include the following ceremonies:
Download ALL Leader Ceremonies here!
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Leader: Great Akela, there is a brave among us who has chosen to accept the mighty challenge to become like you and accept the position of Cubmaster and Akela of Pack [number].
Akela: Does this brave know of the responsibility and challenge before him?
Leader: Yes, Akela, and he also agrees to seek further knowledge at your council fires. He now awaits your acceptance of him.
(The audience forms two lines, making an aisle for the new Cubmaster and the leader to walk to the stage.)
(As Akela and the leader come to the front, the spotlight follows them. The Cubmaster stands before the table between Akela and the leader.)
Akela: Please be seated. Do you, [name], accept the challenge and responsibility set before you?
Cubmaster: I do.
Akela: (To the Cubmaster.) Light the first candle. (He does.)
Leader: This light represents enthusiasm. Nothing great is accomplished without enthusiasm. If you agree, light the second candle and pledge your enthusiasm.
Cubmaster: (He lights the second candle.) I so pledge.
(The leader places the beaded bag over the Cubmaster's shoulder.')
Akela: Will you, [name], attend training, pow-wow, and roundtables, so that the knowledge you find there can make our pack run better and make you a better Cubmaster? If so, state "I will"
Cubmaster: I will. (Akela places the headdress on the Cubmaster's head.)
Akela: Now light the third candle. (The Cubmaster lights the candle.)
Leader: [Name], we give you now the gift of admiration, for never has there been a worthy chief who was not admired by his tribe. Do you now pledge that you will continue to strive to be worthy of this admiration? If so, speak the words, 'I do.'
Cubmaster: I do. (Akela places the Indian blanket over the Cubmaster's shoulder.)
Akela: Light the fourth candle. (After lighting the candle, the Cubmaster faces the audience and raises his arms to the outstretched position.)
Cubmaster: May the great spirit look favorably on our pack and guide us throughout this life.
(The spotlight goes down from full to small, focusing on his face, and then goes out.)
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Den Leader Coach: The Cub Scout sign means something more to those who are leaders; the two upright fingers mean to obey and to be fair.
The three folded fingers stand for three secret letters in our law, F-H-G.
These letters mean:
And finally they can remind us of some things each Cub Scout respects: freedom-home-God.
All our leaders want to do their best to teach our Cub Scouts to learn to follow, to help, to give, and to be fair and happy whatever the game might be, and to respect their freedom, home, and God.
Will the following new leaders please come forward and repeat after me: (They come forward.)
I, [name], promise to do my best, to help the Cub Scouts in my den and in my pack to do their duty to God and their country, to help other people, and to obey the Law of the Pack.
Den Leader Coach: As den leader coach of this pack, I take pleasure in welcoming you into active leadership in our program. May the days ahead be happy, game, and fair!
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Narrator: [Name], you have been chosen to be the new chief of the Webelos tribe. Will you be loyal to the trust that has been placed in you by our committee, Cub Scouts, and parents?
New Cubmaster: I will be loyal. (The narrator puts the Indian blanket on his shoulders and Indian headdress on his head.)
Narrator: I declare you to be Chief Akela of the Webelos tribe of Pack [number], in the name of the Boy Scouts of America. Do the young braves know the Law of the Pack?
New Cubmaster: They do.
Narrator: Let them stand and say together the Law of the Pack.
Cub Scouts:
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Narrator: Will [name], our new den leader, please come forward. Tonight we have the honor of inducting into our pack [name], who will be leading Den [number]. Beside you is the Cubmaster. He holds in his hands the light of Scouting (the candle or penlight). Take it and light the first candle (or light). This light represents the first step in a boy's Cub Scout life, the Bobcat rank. For you, it is the symbol of your acceptance of this position and your promise to do your best to help these boys learn and grow, in mind and body. If you accept this position as den leader of Den [number], give the Cub Scout sign and say 'I do.' (Leader responds.)
Now, light the second candle, the symbol of the Wolf rank, the second step in the boys' progress. For you, it is the symbol of your promise to attend the monthly roundtable, where you will find help for projects, fun, and games for your boys. If you now promise to go to the roundtable each month, give the Cub Scout sign and say 'I do.' (Leader responds.)
Next light the third candle, the symbol of the Bear and the symbol of your promise to seek training when it is offered by the council training staff. If you now promise to seek training, give the Cub Scout sign and say 'I do' promise! (Leader responds.)
As you light the fourth candle, the symbol of the Webelos Scout and your symbol of enthusiasm, do you now promise to display enthusiasm to your boys, in everything they do, and for the Scouting program itself? If you do, give the Cub Scout sign and say 'I do promise' (Leader responds.) Will the Cubmaster give to [name] the den flag of Den [number], the Cub Scout Leader Book, and the den leader badge.
By the authority vested in us, we officially declare you to be our new den leader. May you serve well the Cub Scouts in your charge.
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Chairman: The den leader occupies a unique and essential place in Cub Scouting. Den leaders fill a particular need for boys of Cub Scout age and perform a fundamental service that no one else can give. They, therefore, become indispensable leaders in the operation of our pack.
The following den leaders have been selected by our pack committee. (Reads names and den numbers). Would you please come forward.
Will you promise to-
¥ Show interest and concern for all boys in your den.
¥ Take advantage of all training opportunities.
¥ Be responsible for the organization and operation of your den.
¥ Lead the den chief, helping him learn to lead the activities of your den.
¥ Attend pack leader meetings, pack meetings, and roundtables when possible.
¥ Work with the parents of your Cub Scouts (and/or Webelos Scouts) so they will have an opportunity to share in the fun of Cub Scouting.
¥ Observe the policies of our chartered organization and of the Boy Scouts of America.
¥ Keep your den in operation 12 months a year.
Cubmaster: Wearing the den leader's uniform not only identifies you as a very important member of the Boy Scouts of America, the largest boys' organization of its kind in the world, but it also sets a good example for the boys in your den. We would like to welcome you as new leaders in our pack and present you with copies of the Cub Scout Leader Book. Congratulations and good Scouting!
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and Parents' Welcome
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: At this time I would like to have the parents of the Cub Scouts in Den [number] come forward as I call their names. (Calls names. Cubmaster forms parents in semicircle around himself) Now, will [name], the retiring den leader of Den [number] come forward. (Does so.) Ladies and gentlemen, it is with deep regret that [name] is forced to give up leadership as den leader. I wish to thank and congratulate [name] for the wonderful work that has been accomplished with this den. (Cubmaster shakes hands with retiring den leader and asks him or her to take a place in the semicircle.) Now, will the new den leader of Den [number], [name], please join us. [Name], do you accept the position of den leader of Den [number]?
Den Leader: Yes.
Cubmaster: Will you accept your leadership responsibility with patience and understanding?
Den Leader: Yes.
Cubmaster: With the parents of the boys you will lead and the den leader in whose footsteps you will follow acting as witnesses, will you repeat after me this promise: I [name] ... promise to do my best ... to help the members of my den ... to help other people and to obey the Law of the Pack.
Representative: [Name], as spokesperson for the parents of the Cub Scouts in Den [number], we thank you for accepting this leadership of our neighborhood boys and pledge to you our cooperation. Let us know whenever we can be of help to you.
Cubmaster: Let me congratulate you and present to you your den leader badge and a card describing your duties. I pledge you my cooperation in helping you in your new responsibilities. (Den chief may lead den in a grand howl for the retiring and incoming den leaders.)
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and an Induction
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Cubmaster: Cub Scouts and parents, tonight we are bidding good-bye to one of our den leaders and saying hello to another. [Name] has been a loyal den leader for the past year. It is now necessary for her to give up this work. We shall miss her. Will you please step forward, [name]. (The Cub Scout steps forward and presents her with an inexpensive gift.)
Cub Scout: This gift will remind you of the many hours that you have spent giving something to us Cub Scouts so that we may grow into better men and good citizens of our country. Will you introduce the new den leader who will take over Den [number].
Retiring Den Leader: [Name] has already been working with me and is prepared to take over. I know that the boys like her very much and that she will be an excellent den leader. (The pack chairman escorts the new den leader forward.)
Chairman: [Name], we welcome you as a den leader in our pack. Yours is a big but rewarding responsibility. Without den leaders, we could not have Cub Scouting - not, at least, in the fine way we have it now. As chairman of our pack, I think I speak for the parents and boys of your den when I say we'll do our best to help you make the den go. And that goes for all of us in the pack, too. And now, [name], here are your badge of office, a card describing your duties, your first issue of Scouting magazine with Cub -Scout Program Helps, and the Cub Scout Leader Book to help you in your den program.
Now may I introduce [name of spouse], whose faith in Cub Scouting and what it means to all the boys in the neighborhood will make him a very active partner.
Cubmaster: OK, Cub Scouts, let's give three cheers for both of these den leaders. Hip, hip, hurray! Hip, hip, hurray! Hip, hip, hurray!
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The purpose of this ceremony is to thank the retiring den leader for her service. This can be done in a dignified ceremony that will be remembered for a long time.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Chairman: Tonight we honor one of our den leaders who is leaving us. We want you to know that we appreciate your unselfish service. Your devotion to your den has helped Cub Scouts grow, as symbolized when this light of unselfish service shines closer to the boy. (Shines beam from flashlight on cutout. Leaves the light on for the remainder of the ceremony.)
[Name], on behalf of the committee and [name of chartered organization], may I present to you this certificate of appreciation for your service as a den leader. (He does this.)
Now, Cubmaster [name] has a presentation for you.
Cubmaster: [Name], I have here a "thanks" pin which can only be worn by those who have served Scouting in an unusual way. We feel that you should have this pin in recognition of your service to our pack. (Hands pin to den leader.)
Chairman: I will now call on Cub Scout [name], who has a presentation from the den.
Cub Scout: [Name], we Cub Scouts of Den [number] want you to have this plaque as a reminder of our good times together. (Presents plaque to den leader. The den may give the grand howl or its den yell.)
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Den Chief: I do.
Cubmaster: Will you strive to be prompt and dependable, and to cooperate with the leaders in carrying out the den program?
Den Chief: I will.
Cubmaster: As each Webelos Scout becomes eligible, will you do all in your power to interest him in becoming a Boy Scout?
Den Chief: I will.
Cubmaster: Den leader, please place the cord on your den chiefs left shoulder and present his patch to him. Although this cord has little weight, the job it stands for places a large weight upon his shoulders. This cord also serves to recognize him as an officer in his troop.
Now, we of Pack [number], in recognition of your high office and important service, wish to welcome you and say congratulations.
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Two 4-foot lengths of blue and gold cord can be used to dramatize the den chief's induction. See "Den Chief Recognition."
Cubmaster: Cub Scouting is different than Boy Scouting. Like Boy Scouting, it has its games, crafts, advancements, and goodwill projects. The difference is in the type of activities that younger boys like to do. The person who knows these activities best is one who has been a Cub Scout.
It is the job of the den chief to help lead den activities that will help younger boys to be good Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts and eventually, good Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Explorers. Den chiefs set a good example by being both a leader and a friend. Tonight we would like to recognize those who serve our pack a den chiefs.
(Calls names and den numbers of all den chiefs.)
We would like to ask that you re-pledge yourself to your responsibility as den chief. Please repeat the Den Chief Pledge after me:
I promise to help the Cub Scouts in my den To the best of my ability,
As each Cub Scout completes the third grade,
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After a new den chief has been appointed and inducted (in his troop), this ceremony may be used to recognize him in the pack.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Akela: Cub Scouts and friends of Pack [number], we wish to recognize a new leader who will serve as den chief of Den [number].
(Reads from a scroll, if necessary.)
This gold totem (points to yellow cord) represents the Scout troop, its leaders, the Scout Oath and Law.
You will notice the cords are made up of many strands, representing all the boys in the troop and pack. Let us bind together these cords into a bond of friendship. (The Cub Scout and the older den chief grasp either end of the two cords and twist in opposite directions.) You now see these symbols become the totem of the den chiefs office. This is known as the den chiefs cord. You will notice that our new den chief is wearing this shoulder cord encircling his left sleeve. This badge of office was presented to him in his troop in recognition of his new position as an officer of his troop. (To new den chief.) And now we of Pack [number], in recognition of your high office and the important service you will be rendering your troop and your pack, want to present to you this Den Chief Handbook in the presence of your new friends. (Hands book to him and gives Cub Scout handshake.)
When Akela was a boy, he was taken on trips by his chief to learn the ways of the braves to prepare him for the day when he would become a chief. You have now become a chief in Akela's pack. Lead the younger ones that they shall become mighty hunters and honorable Webelos Scouts. Your den leader will be with you to lead the Cub Scouts of your den along the Cub Scout trail. Den Leader [name], will you stand by your new den chief as we give him the grand howl of welcome. (Den gives him the grand howl and all return to places. The new den chief sits with the den.)
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Assistant Cubmaster: Would the following people please come forward and form a semicircle: our den chiefs Scoutmaster [name] from Troop [number], our Cubmaster [name], den chief, den leaders, and all the Cub Scouts from Den [number]. Den Chief [name], would you please stand in the center of the semicircle.
(After everyone is in place.) The den chief service award recognizes den chiefs who lead and serve their dens for at least 1 year. This award emphasizes your key role within Boy Scouting and compliments you for your important service. It is you, the den chief, who brings the fun of Boy Scouting to Cub Scouts and who brings eager Webelos Scouts into your troop.
You have helped the Cub Scouts in your den to the best of your ability.
You have encouraged, guided, and protected them in all den and pack activities.
You have shown them by example what a Boy Scout can be. You have been prompt and dependable and have cooperated with your leaders in carrying out the den program. We of Pack [number] thank and congratulate you for your part in making us the best in the [name] Council.
Scoutmaster [name], do you wish to make any comments at this time? (He does so.)
Cubmaster [name], do you have any further comments? (He makes his comments.)
Leaders of Den [number], do you have anything to add? (If they do, they speak now.)
Cub Scouts from Den [number], would any of you like to say anything now?
[Name], at this time we would like your den leader, [name], to place on your left shoulder your new service award cord. (After the cord is in place) Cub Scouts of Den [number], you may now congratulate your den chief.
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
Cubmaster: Tonight we are going to have a ceremony for a member of our pack who so often has helped with ceremonies for others. (Or use statement appropriate to the leader's contribution to the pack.)
[Name], will you please come forward. (He does so.) [Name], you have worked hard to make our great Webelos tribe successful in its endeavor to give the Cub Scouts a full program.
Den Chief [name], will you make the presentation?
Den Chief: In appreciation of your help, the tribe of the Webelos Scout wishes to present you with this scroll signed by all the Cub Scouts. (Pack may then sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.")
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Use this skit to help you say thank you to your leaders.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
If paper or plastic flowers are used, cut a large circle from heavy cardboard for the bouquet background. Paint the circle green or cover it with green paper. Make a decorative border by gluing paper doilies on the back all around the outer edge. If using plastic flowers, punch holes in the background so the stems can be inserted. Paper flowers can be thumb-tacked to the background. The bouquet background can be hung on a wall or supported on a stand.
To really show appreciation to the leader, the boys can hand-craft and sign paper flowers as special keepsakes.
ARRANGEMENT
Narrator: We gather here today with much anticipation to extend to our leader our deep appreciation./For her (Or his) diligent efforts, we wish to say thanks, and for her patience and help as we've come through the ranks/ we offer our greetings in a remembrance bouquet, and give her our thank-yous for her help on the way.
A: A is for affection that we feel in our hearts. And with this orchid, the bouquet I'll start.
P: Personality and patience our leader has had.
R: R means reliable and a most willing worker.
E: E is for the effort of one whits not lazy. I'll add to the flowers by placing this daisy.
C: C means she's cheerful, the best way to be.
I: I is for industrious, she's the most yet.
A: A is for attention to all of our needs.
T: T is for thoughtful, she is, of us all.
I: I is for interest in people and our city.
O: O is for others of whom she is ever aware.
N: N stands for her name, [name], the one we honor today. I'll add an iris to complete this bouquet.
(After the last verse is said, the lettered cards spell out the word APPRECIATION. At the end of the skit, the bouquet is presented to the person being honored.)
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PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Narrator: What is leadership? It is a process by which a person influences others. In Cub Scouting, leadership is the ability to accomplish the Cub Scout program in an efficient and effective manner. As in most groups, our pack is evidence of the willingness of its members to work together. Working together is a give-and-take business, and the leader gives guidance and direction. The leader also lives up to the standards of the group.
(Asks new committee chairman to come forward.) The job of pack committee chairman is one of variety and responsibility. It touches on all the aspects of Cub Scouting. The chairman has the final responsibility for the successful operation of the pack, working closely with the Cubmaster and other pack leaders. The chairman, like other pack leaders, must set a good example and lead the way for Cub Scouts to follow. A successful chairman will not ask of anyone something he would not willingly do himself.
I would like to introduce [name], our new pack committee chairman. (To chairman.) Would you please repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise.
I, [name], promise to do my best
These are meaningful words and they apply to all of us. They are words by which all Cub Scout leaders, to the best of their ability, should try to live. As I turn over the chairman gavel to you, I ask that you light this candle to symbolize the guiding light you and the other leaders of the pack must show for the boys to follow.
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This recognition ceremony may be used to thank any one or all of the pack leaders. By changing the emblems and comments, the ladder may be used in an advancement or graduation ceremony.
PERSONNEL
EQUIPMENT
ARRANGEMENT
Chartered Organization Representative: Tonight we honor the leaders of Pack [number] for their outstanding work during the past year. Webelos Scouts will now light the candles representing the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. Will our leaders please stand. As your name is called, you will be escorted to the front by a Webelos Scout. (Reads names and describes the job of each leader to be recognized. A spotlight is focused on the leader. As he proceeds to the front, a flashlight is focused on the appropriate emblem.)
Our pack committee chairman is [name]. Working with him on the committee are [names]. We appreciate their advice, planning, and administration of our pack. They are our board of directors. Now, a group that our dens and den leaders could not be without are our den chiefs. These Boy Scouts give valuable leadership to our Cub Scouts and assistance to our den leaders. We are proud to recognize Den Chiefs [name] and [name] of Troop [number].
Tonight we also honor our den leaders and assistants for their unselfish service. Their devotion helps our Cub Scouts grow in stature and character. We are proud of our den leaders. (Introduces den leaders.)
Also important among our leaders are our assistant Cubmasters and Webelos den leaders. (Introduces them.) They guide our pack meeting programs and prepare our older boys for Boy Scouting.
It is now my pleasure to introduce to you a man we love and appreciate for his example, guidance, and leadership - our Cubmaster, [name].
Many of our Cub Scouts have been graduated into our own Boy Scout troop. [Name], our Scoutmaster, has helped provide our pack with many den chiefs. We appreciate his cooperation and are happy for our Webelos Scouts when they graduate into his troop. Will the den chiefs accompany Scoutmaster [name] to the front, and each Webelos Scout so assigned bring the other leaders forward.
I am happy to introduce [name], the head of our chartered organization.
Organization Head: On behalf of our organization, the boys, and their families, we are happy to present you leaders with these certificates of thanks. (He presents certificates.)
We pledge ourselves to the continuing support of the pack and to the purposes and objectives of Cub Scouting. We will Do Our Best.
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BLESSED is the leader who has not sought the high place, but who has been drafted into service because of his ability and willingness to serve.
BLESSED is the leader who knows where he is going, why he is going, and how to get there.
BLESSED is the leader who knows no discouragement, who presents no alibi.
BLESSED is the leader who knows how to lead without being dictatorial; true leaders are humble.
BLESSED is the leader who seeks the best for those he serves.
BLESSED is the leader who leads for the good of the most concerned, and not for the personal gratification of his own ideas.
BLESSED is the leader who develops leaders while leading.
BLESSED is the leader who marches with the group, interprets correctly the signs of the pathways that lead to success.
BLESSED is the leader who has his head in the clouds but his feet on the ground.
BLESSED is the leader who considers leadership an opportunity for service.
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