"Ten Commandments" for Successful Ceremonies -- Scouting Magazine, September 2000

"Ten Commandments" for Successful Ceremonies

Small but significant differences often separate successful ceremonies from not-so-successful ones. BSA leaders offer the following "Ten Commandments" for planning effective ceremonies and keeping them on track:

1. Have a clear plan and goal. Write down the reasons for the ceremony, who will attend, what awards or recognition will be given, and what the ceremony should accomplish. (See No. 8 below.)
2. Pick the location carefully. A good setting is one key to success, so choose one that limits disturbances by others, fits the mood of the occasion, and has sufficient space and accommodations for the group.
3. Make sure all participants know what to do. The people who have roles to play or lines to say should be totally familiar with them. Allowing enough rehearsal time can make a huge difference.
4. Practice the "hard stuff" thoroughly. If possible, go to the actual site and practice there. If you plan a difficult stunt, such as remotely lighting a fire, do it repeatedly, until you are certain it will work without fail.
5. Use variety. Repeating the same routines over and over may be the easiest way, but eventually it can also make ceremonies uninspiring, even boring. To keep things interesting, consider adding some music, a bit of color or drama, even a touch of humor.
6. Keep it simple, dignified, and sincere. While scripts are appropriate for some ceremonies, long-winded speeches should be avoided. Know the difference between sentiment and sentimentality.
7. Keep a smooth flow. Every ceremony needs a definite (but inconspicuous) structure. The master of ceremonies needs to be well organized to avoid awkward pauses, overlaps, or "dead time."
8. Remember the purpose. Ceremonies are designed to foster an attitude of learning, growth, inspiration, and togetherness in those taking part. The tone may be serious or funny, happy or sober, but there must be a definite purpose. (See No. 1 above.)
9. Never underestimate the value of props. Good props add immeasurably to ceremony realism. A "pretend campfire" is unlikely to inspire anyone, and a makeshift bridge of plywood and cinder blocks is far less effective in a Webelos crossover ceremony than one utilizing tree branches and other rustic materials, as recommended in BSA literature.
10. Have everything you need on hand. A checklist of necessary materials helps avoid problems. Pay special attention to safety concerns, such as having the required supply of water available in ceremonies in which fire is used.

Where to Find Ideas And Information

Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs (BSA Supply No. 33212B) contains detailed descriptions of all types of ceremonies, plus valuable tips on how to conduct them effectively.

Troop Program Resources (Supply No. 33588) features a full chapter on ceremonies, including sample ceremonies for every possible occasion. (The book includes a CD-ROM containing all the book's content.)

Both books are available at local council service centers and from BSA Supply distributors.

The 'Most-Important' Ceremonies List

The opportunity for staging ceremonies of all varieties occurs throughout the Scouting program. Troop, pack, and den meetings typically open with brief, theme-related ceremonies and end with simple, inspirational moments.

Flag ceremonies, at meetings and in camp, demonstrate the proper handling and display of, and respect for, the U.S. flag. Unit junior leaders are honored at installation ceremonies, while campfires provide the ideal setting for special occasions, such as an Order of the Arrow calling-out ceremony.

But certain ceremonies assume landmark status for a boy as he steadily advances in Scouting. They recognize and reward his accomplishments and celebrate the major steps in his march toward maturity. These include the following:

Cub Scouts

• Induction ceremonies welcome new boys and their families to the pack.
• Advancement ceremonies celebrate the completion of requirements for Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos ranks. Older Cub Scouts can pass along their neckerchiefs to younger boys advancing behind them.
• Arrow of Light ceremonies present Cub Scouting's highest award, often in conjunction with a boy's transition from Webelos Scout to Boy Scout. Many are conducted with an Indian theme.
• Crossover ceremonies, the high point toward which each Webelos Scout works, feature a symbolic bridge which the boy crosses as he leaves Cub Scouting and becomes a Boy Scout.

Boy Scouts

• Investiture ceremonies are conducted by Scoutmasters and troop leaders to receive into the troop new candidates who have completed their initial Scout work.
• Webelos-to-Scout transition (same as crossover, above) is held in conjunction with a Cub Scout pack and conducted by both the Webelos den leader and Scoutmaster to welcome the graduating Webelos Scouts. Ceremonies may be held indoors with artificial campfires or outdoors with real ones.
• Courts of honor are convened every two to three months to recognize boys who have met requirements to advance to the next highest rank, from Tenderfoot through Life Scout. A specific ceremony is conducted for each rank.
• Eagle courts of honor are more elaborate ceremonies that celebrate the attainment of Scouting's highest rank by one or more individuals.
• Order of the Arrow induction ceremonies utilize Indian themes to welcome Scouts who have been voted by their units as candidates for membership.