Re: Crossover Ceremony Needed

Try this simple cross-over idea with some great symbology. Needed: four
4"x4"x5' posts and five 12"x2"x5'
planks. Paint one plank blue, one gold, one red, and one BSA green. Leave
one unpainted. Paint the posts brown.

Ask the Webelos Den Leaders to place one of the posts on the ground in a N-S
direction. Then ask the Scoutmaster to place a second post on the ground
about four feet away and parallel in a N-S direction. Anounce that this is
symbolic of the foundations of Scouting that these leaders have laid through
outings represented by the natural brown color. Then ask
each set of leaders to place an E-W post over the N-S posts about three to
four feet apart, pointing out that by building on Scouting's foundations
these leaders have set the stage for bridging the boys from Cub Scouting to
Boy Scouting. Have Webelos #1 and his parents bring the unpainted plank
forward and place it across the E-W posts. State that this represents the
boys as the arrived in Cub Scouting full of potential but unfinished. (If
they were in Tigers use a plank painted orange and make a statement about
how they were on fire to learn about Scouting). Ask Webelos #2 and parents
to bring the blue plank forward and place it snuggly against the
unfinsihed plank. State that this represents the Wolf and Bear years where
with the help of their parents the Scouts became true blue and loyal
friends. Next Webelos #3 comes forward with his parents and places the gold
plank next to the blue to represent their golden years in Cubbing as Webelos
learning important skills through activity badges culminating in
the Arrow of Light. Webelos # 4 comes forward with his parents and the
green plank. Announce that this represents their new beginning as Boy
Scouts who will soon be green Tenderfoot Scouts, anxious to begin the Boy
Scout trail to Eagle. Finally, Webelos #5 and parents put down the red
plank. Comment that this plank is red like the predominant color in the
Eagle badge and represents the beginning of their journey to become Eagles.

Webelos are assembled at the unfinished board side of the now completed
bridge and presented graduation certificates and a patch board of their Cub
Scout badges and awards (many use a large piece of plywood cut in the shape
of a Scout emblem and covered with blue felt on which are mounted the badges
earned by the Scout).

When these presentations are over, the Scoutmaster invites each boy in turn
to cross the bridge. Once over, he is welcomed into the Troop. His Webelos
neckerchief is replaced by the Troop neckerchief in a presentation. Same
thing for each boy. Say some personal words about how proud you are of
their accomplishments and how you know they will work hard and succeed in
whatever they try in Boy Scouting (Positive expectations = positive
results). End of ceremony. Go home and cry tears
of pride and joy at seeing them grow up so fast and well.

Mike Bowman a/k/a Professor Beaver (mfbowman@usscouts.org)
Webmastering in the Scouting Spirit from Alexandria, VA
http://usscouts.org http://members.aol.com/netcommish/
http://members.tripod.com/colonialdistrict

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