Litter to Glitter (or Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Capital Area Council
Adapted from a ceremony by Circle Ten Council
Although not specified here, you may wish to break this ceremony up and assign different parts to appropriate Den Leaders or other Leaders
Narrator (Cubmaster) - This month our Cub Scouts have been learning about their environment and how to be part of the solution to pollution rather than contributors to the problem. They have learned to re-use, reduce, and recycle products in their home by making “Litter to Glitter Projects and learned to think about the “second life” of items we often throw away. Tonight we honor some of those service minded Scouts who have completed requirements for their rank advancements.
The Bobcat Trail is the beginning of the Cub Scout adventure. The boys attaining this rank have just begun to learn the meaning of service to others as they learned the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. (Call boys and parents forward.)
In attaining the rank of Wolf, boys learn about our "Living World" and how to protect it. They have made observations about how their neighborhoods get dirty, then gone into action to help be part of the solution to the problem. (Call boys and parents forward.)
The Big Bear Trail is full of choices, and some of those choices deal with "Taking Care of Your Planet" and "Sharing Your World With Wildlife." Boys attaining this rank have learned something of the interdependence of life on Planet Earth, that all living things need each other. (Call boys and parents forward.)
Learning the Outdoor Code is one of the requirements for attaining the Webelos Rank. In preparing for Boy Scouts, these boys will be spending more and more time outdoors, and their conduct toward the environment could impact generations to come. (Call boys and parents forward.)
The outdoor program is an important part of the Scouting movement. Be a leader in your school, your home, and your neighborhood to preserve this precious environment for our future and always think, “Litter to Glitter” before you throw something away.
RECYCLE LITTER INTO GLITTER
An Arrow of Light Ceremony
Scouter Jim
Great Salt Lake Council
Props:
Garbage bag or recycling container to put:
- boy’s 4-6 surprise items obtained about Cub(s) ahead of time,
- Webelos book,
- picture, emblem, or colors for Arrow of Light award,
- three papers.
Apparel needed for a person to dress up as a garbage collector.
Ceremony:
The garbage collector comes in from the back very excited because he has some new litter that he wants to recycle and show everyone. He knows it will be useful and that it will “glitter.”
First, he pulls out the Webelos book and wonders if that can be recycled into “glitter?” The Cubmaster then reviews the requirements for the Arrow of Light. Then the garbage collector pulls out the Arrow of Light item and wonders about it. The Cubmaster then reviews the meaning of the Arrow of Light because it definitely will “glitter.”
The garbage collector pulls out, unwraps the display items for the Cub Scout and the Cubmaster describes their importance. The garbage collector is very excited about the way his garbage has been recycled to something that “glitters.”
Oh, wait a minute; there are three more papers in the garbage bag. Each paper can pretend to be read by the Webelos den leader, parents, and boy as they relate an activity/service that the boy did to earn the Arrow of Light. The Cub Scout quotes either the Scout Oath or Law.
Cubmaster then shows the Arrow of Light award. The Cub Scout then gives the pin to his mother, after which, the Father can present the award with the Cub Scout or Scout handshake. The Cub Scout leads everyone in his favorite cheer!
RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE
Sam Houston Area Council
Set Up -
Make award cards out of recycled paper or card stock.
Print the recycle logo on the award card along with the boy’s name.
Hang all the award cards on a display board divided into “Paper” “Plastic” “Cans” “Glass” and “Electronics.”
Place all of the Bobcats, Tigers, Wolfs, Bears, and Webelos under separate headings.
Ceremony -
Talk about the need to recycle the items we use and how manufacturers use the products we recycle to make other useful products. When we recycle, we conserve natural resources like trees and water. As each boy and his parents are called up, let him know that he is a resource that can be recycled, in a manner of speaking, because the things he learns as he advances in Scouting will be and should be used over and over in his life.
Explanation Advancement Ceremony for all Ranks
Capital Area Council
This ceremony is not theme related but you may want to use it sometime when you can’t find a theme-related advancement ceremony that you like.
CM: Have you ever wondered why most of the ranks in Cub Scouting are named tier animals? Think about the animals Bobcat, Wolf and Bear for a moment. What images come to mind? The Bobcat is a little smaller than most of his cousins in the wildcat family, but his features, especially his ever-alert ears, make him very distinctive and his movements are sleek and swift. We have several Bobcat Cubs here tonight who swiftly tracked the seven steps of what it takes to be a Cub Scout. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward? (Call the names of the boys who are to be awarded the Bobcat rank)
Wolf DL: The Wolf is a very intelligent animal and is known for his loyalty to the pack. He is quick to defend his territory much like a Cub Scout who is quick to stand up for what he believes is right. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward to accept the rank of wolf? (Call the names of the Cubs advancing.)
Bear DL: The Bear is one of the largest animals on our continent and for that reason is often feared, his strength is legendary and his senses are keen, but if you watch him closely you will probably see he has a sense of humor and likes to play. He also knows how to plan ahead as we see in his preparations for winter. We have some Cubs here tonight who have proven their strength and sharpened their senses and are now ready to be awarded the Rank of Bear. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward? (Call the names of the boys who are to be awarded the Rank of Bear.)
Webelos DL: The Webelos rank may not be named after an animal, but it does stand for something special. Who can tell me what Webelos means? (Pause for response.) Right! WE’ll BELOyal Scouts. Part of being a Scout is being a friend to animals--a protector of their homes and their right to survive. Webelos are apprentice outdoorsmen, foresters and naturalists and they are learning what it means to be a Boy Scout. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward to be awarded the Rank of Webelos? (Call the names of the new Webelos.)
Webelos DL: Boys who have attained the Arrow of Light have made a commitment to live their lives by the Scout Oath. This commitment makes them the living of the Forest, the Ruler of the Roost, and the Leader of the Pack. Would the following candidates and their parents please come forward for the presentation of the Arrow of Light awards. (Call the names of the boys who are to be presented their Arrows of Light.)
