Induction Ceremony

TREE BRANCH BOBCAT INDUCTION

PERSONNEL: Bobcat candidates and parents, Cubmaster.

EQUIPMENT: Three straight tree branches, a 3-foot piece of heavy cord, to make a tripod.

CUBMASTER: "We have some newcomers with us today. Will these boys and their parents who have just joined our pack please come forward." (Bobcat candidates with parents, come forward when their names are called.)

"I want you to repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. Give the Cub Scout sign." (They give sign and repeat Promise and Law.)

"Your parents will help you through the Cub Scout ranks--Wolf, Bear and Webelos-- just as they have helped you become Bobcats. It will be their privilege not only to share in your Cub Scouting fun but also to present your first Cub Scout badge and your registration certificate."

(Picks up cord from table.) "This cord represents the pack." (Picks up one of the branches.) "This represents all Cub Scouts joining the pack. " (He ties the cord to the top of the branch with a simple knot, stands the branch on the floor and lets go of it. It falls.) "The Cub Scout does not join the pack alone and, therefore, cannot stand alone in the pack."

(Picks up the second branch.) "This branch represents the Den Leaders." (The Cubmaster ties the two branches together at the top of the cord, stands them on the floor and addresses one of the new Bobcats.) "What happens when just you and your Den Leaders join the pack?"

BOBCAT: "They will fall over."

CUBMASTER: (Lets go of branches) "That's right." (He picks up the third branch.) "This branch represents the parents joining the pack." (He ties all three branches with the cord at the top and spreads them at the bottom to form a tripod.) "Now, when all three join the pack, each member of this family lends support to the other."

(Turning to a new Bobcat) "What happens, (name), if the parents pull away from the pack?"

(Cubmaster withdraws one of the branches from the cord.)

BOBCAT: "It will fall down."

CUBMASTER: (Picks up the two branches and asks another new Bobcat)

"What happens if the Den Leader pulls away, from the pack?"

BOBCAT: "It will fall down."

CUBMASTER: "Right you are, (name). This is exactly what happens to the fun of Cub Scouting, as it happened here in this ceremony."

"So, Cub Scouts, let's all stand together and help the pack go, and the pack will help the Cub Scout grow and give goodwill. "