More Scout stuff

This is for Dy.

This is the Bridging Ceremony that I gathered from several ceremonies and then tweaked. It went over very well with the Cubs and the parents. We were wet and covered in mud but each boy was very excited about starting their new rank.

Bridging Ceremony 2009

Notes: Cubs on one side of the bridge. Bonfire on the other. Pile of sticks on the ground for the boys to add to the fire. Neckerchiefs rolled and arranged on a table in order so the viewers can see them. Cub master on the Cub side of the bridge. New den leaders or assistant CM on the bonfire side to put the new neckerchief.

Good evening everyone.

Tonight we gather to honor our Cub Scouts that are bridging up to the next rank.

When a boy becomes a Cub Scout he starts on an upward trail. I say 'upward' because as he grows older he advances in Cub Scouting. He does not join a Cub Scout pack and then wait idly for 5 years until he becomes a Boy Scout.

As a boy moves along the Scouting trail, his badges of rank and his changes in uniform show his progress. One of the changes in uniform is the neckerchief.

These are the five neckerchiefs of Scouting. On the bottom is the orange neckerchief worn by Tigers who are brand new to scouting. The next is the yellow neckerchief that is worn by the Wolf Cubs. The next neckerchief is the blue one worn by those working for the Big Bear badge. The fourth neckerchief is for the Webelos Scouts who are preparing to be Boy Scouts. The fifth is the neckerchief worn by Boy Scouts.

Take a moment to look at our Bonfire. The logs in the center represent the fellowship of the boys and families in Cub Scouting.. The fire represents the spirit of Scouting.

As each of you crosses over tonight into your new rank, you will add a piece of wood to our Pack bonfire.

Without you, the pack would gradually grow dimmer and die. You are the fuel that keeps the pack going.

Your wood makes the pack’s fire burn stronger and brighter, just you make the pack stronger and better.
Now it's time for the Cubs to bridge to their new rank.

Will the Tigers come forward with their adult partners?

For the past few months you and your family have explored all sorts of new and exciting things and places.
You and your adult partner have searched in your home and community for new activities that have shown you how people work and have fun together.
You and your adult partner have discovered that by doing things together with friends and family that you are part of a great family, community, and country.

Now it is time to move along the Scouting trail and become Wolf Cubs. As Wolves you will learn about our environment, how to take care of yourself and others. Parents, please remove your Tiger’s Neckerchiefs so they may receive their new Wolf neckerchiefs.
Will the Tigers now cross over to become Wolf cubs and add their wood to the pack fire?

Will the Wolves come forward?
Can I get a wolf howl? Wolves were my den.)

The wolf was greatly admired by the Indians for his swiftness, his hunting ability, and his endurance. In fact, the Indian scout was called a wolf, and the sign was two fingers spread apart, symbolizing the erect ears of the wolf. The wolf was considered a great 'medicine animal" and in some tribes, the Indian scout wore the skin and head of the wolf when on a scouting expedition.

You have followed the trail of the Indian by attaining the rank of Wolf Cub Scout. But now you must go on to greater honors for yourself and your parents by earning the Bear badge to prove your greatness. Learn the ways of our animal friends. Learn about the earth and how to grow food. Look up to our skies and learn the stories the stars tell.
Please remove your Wolf Neckerchiefs and cross over the bridge. Let this neckerchief be a sign to others that you are now a Bear and add your wood to the pack fire!

Will the Bear Cubs please come forward?

Bears, you have in the past worked on the Wolf trail and your most recent adventures have been on the Bear trail. You have proven yourselves to be good Scouts. You have now earned the honor of joining our Webelos den. Our Webelos den has one purpose....that's to prepare our Webelos Scouts for Boy Scouting. You will work on exciting activity badges, learning things that may lead you to lifelong hobbies or vocations. At the same time, you will study the Boy Scout requirements so you will be ready to become Boy Scouts when you are eligible.

Will the current Webelos come to other side of the bridge to greet your new Webelos brothers?
Bears, Please remove your Bear Neckerchiefs and cross over the bridge to receive your new Webelos neckerchiefs and add your wood to our pack fire.

Will the Junior Webelos come forward?

Your path in Cub Scouting is close to the end. In this last year you will prepare to become a Boy Scout. You will learn the Scout Oath and Promise and begin camping with Boy Scouts as you work towards your Arrow of Light. You will have the responsibility of being the youth leaders of our Pack. It is your job show the younger cub scouts how to live up to the Cub Scout promise.
Next year you will cross this bridge for the last time and you'll take on the neckerchief of the Boys Scout.
Will you add your wood to the pack fire to help the fire grow during this last year in our pack?

As you get ready to leave our pack, new cubs join to take your place. They will carry on what you have started. Will the new Tigers and their adult helpers come forward?
You boys are embarking on a great new journey with your parents. You will learn so much over the years as you earn your Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos badges.

Parents, please put on your son’s new Tiger neckerchief and cross over to join the Cubs of Pack ZZZ.
Webelos will you help our newest pack members add their wood to the pack fire.

Parents are also an integral part of the light of our pack. Cub Scouting is a family program, and that means not only that your son is advancing in rank, but that the whole family has taken another step upward, too.
Thank you for dedication to scouting and for giving your sons the opportunity to be part of something that will shape the rest of their lives.
I ask that you come forward and add your wood to the pack fire because we would have no fire without all that you do.

We close tonight with prayer.

A Scout is reverent.
(Follow with prayer of thanks.)