Ceremonies

There are many types of scout ceremonies including:

  • Rank advancement
  • Blue & Gold Banquets
  • Crossovers / Bridging
  • Campfire ceremonies
  • Woodbadge Ceremonies
  • Award Dinners
  • Court of Honors
  • Volunteer recognition
  • Eagle Scout Ceremonies
  • Order of the Arrow Ceremonies
  • Scoutmaster minutes
  • New Leader inductions
  • Flag ceremonies
  • Scouts Own (religious) ceremony
  • Other

Yet each of these do have some things in common.  All include some form of recognition. This might include some type of award or gift as well as a patch. All should be entertaining as well as meaningful. Props, sound, and the setting are all important. Some might benefit from creating and playing a multimedia presentation of the recipient’s accomplishments. Often food, music, and the venue play an important role in how well the ceremony is received.

Boy Scouts like fire, and ceremonies may incorporate the use of fire, both with campfires and candles. When ceremonies must be conducted indoors, our fake campfire is ideal. When fire bans are in effect, try a propane-fueled campfire. Some facilities do not allow any open flames at all, even candles, and today’s battery operated candles are a good alternative both for indoor use and windy conditions.

One type of mini-ceremony that is conducted each and every week is the Scoutmaster Minute. This is a time of teaching and reflection and is made more meaningful when delivered with feeling and emotion, rather than reading something from a book. They can be used at meetings, campfires, and courts of honor. Like other aspects of scout ceremonies, the scoutmaster minute should be performed!

Every ceremony requires the 3 P’s : Prepare, Practice and Perform. Here are some links to other sites that may help in preparing for your next ceremony (the practice and performance are left up to you!)

Links

These sites are not associated with Cyberbase Trading Post, but provide valuable information to scouts and scouters. They will help you make your unit’s ceremonies special and something the Scouts will remember. This is the resource I wish I had had when I was a cubmaster and later a scoutmaster. These links don’t belong in the directory listing because they are simply informational sites, rather than selling a product or service. If you know any other good resources that should be listed here, please contact me and let me know!

Cub Scout Ceremonies (some of these sites may contain boy scout ceremonies as well)

  • InsaneScouter
    Even though there seems to be an emphasis on cub ceremonies, this site contains a strong collection of all kinds of ceremonies including boy scouts, girl scouts, Venturing, flag ceremonies religious ceremonies, and more.
  • Scouter Mom
    Fun site with lots of ideas. All scout parents should visit this site, not just those in charge of ceremonies and awards. Good info for boy scouts as well as cubs.
  • MacScouter
    Lots of cub related ceremony scripts, plus some others
  • US Scouts.org
    Bridging ceremonies, scripts, detailed instructions
  • Scoutorama
    Advancement and Flag ceremonies with scripts
  • Retired Scouter
    Resources – Accumulated Information for Scouting programs
  • oocities
    Hundreds Of Memorable Ceremonies For Every Cubbing Occasion

 

Boy Scout Ceremonies

 

Girl Scout Ceremonies

 

Props