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From Scout to Life:A compilation of Boy Scout

Rank Advancement Ceremonies

Compiled by:Roger Field

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SCOUT CEREMONIES

Scout Ceremony #1(Could we please have the new Scoutsup front). You have now left the Rankof Webelos scout and have learned theBoy Scout oath, promise and law. You

have learned the sign, salute and handshake. As we welcome you to ourtroop, we want you to understand that

you are special in that you are willing tostrive for higher goals and achievements.

Good Luck on your trail to become anEagle Scout. Please accept the Scoutbadge as your first step toward yourgoals. I present to you, the newest

members of the (name) patrol. Pleaseplace your name on our advancement

board.

Scout Ceremony #2You have entered Boy Scouts via adifferent path than most. You havelearned the Scout Oath, Scout Law,Scout Motto, Scout Sign, Salute and

handshake. You have a clear goal andare taking the right path toward this goal. The scout Badge represents the first step

to achieving your goals.

Scout Ceremony #3________, you have joined Boy Scouts

and have learned the Basics of Scouting:The Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout

Motto, Scout Sign, Salute andhandshake. As you continue in Scouting,you will be striving for higher goals andachievements. Good lick on your trail in

scouting.

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TENDERFOOT CEREMONIES

Tenderfoot Ceremony #1Scout Presenter :(Lights large Tenderfoot candle)

As a past Tenderfoot Scout, I lightthis candle to symbolize the light you havefollowed in achieving the rank ofTenderfoot Scout.

Scout: It is true that I have been guidedby the light of the Tenderfoot Scouts whohave gone before me.(Scout lights small Tenderfoot candle)

I light this candle to represent myaccomplishments and as a promise that Itoo will give light and guidance to thosescouts who will come after me.

Scout Presenter: Congratulations onreceiving your Tenderfoot Rank.(Shakes Scouts hand, and presents anadvancement certificate if that iscustomary for the troop.)

Please accept this certificate, thecongratulations of our audience and moveyour name up on the Troop AdvancementBoard. (if the troop uses one)(Applause)Scout:(Shake hands with Adult leaders, andplaces his name on the AdvancementBoard.)

Tenderfoot Ceremony #2The term Tenderfoot means “an

inexperienced beginner”. You are indeedan inexperienced beginner who has takenthat first step on the scouting trail by

earning the Tenderfoot rank. The way waswell trodden by the boys who have comebefore you but it was your effort andenthusiasm that brought you here. Youhave started to build a foundation of BoyScout principles and now is a time toexperience the fun and satisfaction oflearning new skills and sharing good timeswith the Scouts. Congratulations andbefore you go be sure to light the candlefor the Tenderfoot rank so the boys whoare new to the Scouting experience see thebeginning of the Trail to Eagle.

Tenderfoot Ceremony #3The Chinese have a saying: “A

journey of a thousand miles must beginwith a single step.” There’s a lesson forus in that saying.

In Scouting as in life, the rewardsdo not come to those who sit back andwait but to those who continually takesteps both large and small towards theirultimate goals. You have taken your firststep on the Boy Scout journey by earningyour Tenderfoot rank.

If your look over your Boy ScoutHandbook during the week, ask how toaccomplish a certain skill or who to seeabout a merit badge, you are taking smallsteps towards your next big step in thejourney, Second class.I would like to seeevery one of you set the Eagle ScoutAward as your goal in scouting. We havetonight one boy who is taking that firstimportant step by earning his Tenderfootrank and we congratulate him

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.Tenderfoot Ceremony #4Presenter:

_______________, you haveearned the rank of Tenderfoot Scout. Thisrank represents a first step in yourScouting trail. You have earned the rankof Tenderfoot by learning the skills ofScouting.

The trail of scouting that you arefollowing may seem long at times and alsofrustrating. If you stay focused on yourgoals, the trail becomes easier to follow.Your guideposts on the Scouting Trail arethe fundamental ideals of Scouting, whichare the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Byfollowing these ideals, you can clear thefog from the Trail of Scouting.

As you receive your Tenderfootbadge, you have found your way throughthe fog and are on the way done the Trail.

_______________, are you willingto accept the badge of the TenderfootScout as well continue on the Trail ofScouting?Scout:

I amPresenter:

Please light the candle representingyour attainment of the Tenderfoot Rankand to light the way towards your nextrank.Scout:

Scout lights the candle.Presenter:

Please advance your name on theBoard and accept the congratulations ofthe leaders of the Troop and therecognition of our guests.

Tenderfoot Ceremony #5Since joining Scouts, you have

started to build on the foundation of BoyScout principles. You have built the partthat is the basis for the tenderfoot scout“an inexperienced beginner.” Are youwilling to accept the Tenderfoot badge andalso continue on the Trail of Scouting?Scout: Yes.

Tenderfoot Ceremony #6Source: US Scouting Service

(This assumes there was a Scoutpresentation prior to this one and that theactual badge of rank was presentedpreviously, when the rank was achieved. Ifnot, this needs to be modified.)

Leader:Since the last Court of Honor,

_______has completed the requirementfor the rank of Tenderfoot. I now call_____ and his (their) parents to comeforward.

Leader:You have just heard our new

Scout(s) pledge himself (themselves) tothe Scout Oath. Since you first joined thisTroop, you have said these words manytimes. You have learned various skillswhich will serve as a basis as you travelon your Trail to Eagle. You have learnedsome basic first aid, how to tie knots andyou have improved your physical fitness.But these skills are only the beginning. Asyou advance into other ranks, you willlearn more knots, more first aid skills,how to use a compass, how to cook andmany other life skills. The activities youparticipate in will become morechallenging and more rewarding.

When you passed your Board of

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Review, you were presented with yournew badge of rank. I now present to youyour rank advancement cards, whichdocument this achievement. Keep thesecards, and all other cards you receive inScouting, in a safe place. As you advancein Scouting, these can become invaluablein documenting your achievements whenyou submit your Eagle application or ifyou move to a new location.

Congratulations on the exampleyou have set and the achievements youhave accomplished.

Tenderfoot Ceremony #7Source: Troop Program Resources BSAFor Troops who use rank pins and/ormother’s pins.

The chairperson asks the seniorpatrol leader to call the names of the newTenderfoot Scouts. As he calls the names,two Scouts place a large Tenderfoot badgecutout on the wall. This should be placedso that the spotlight, when trained on theScout receiving the award, will cast hisshadow on the badge.

The Scouts who have been called,line up at one side of the room or stage.The member of the court of honor who ispresenting the Tenderfoot Scout badgessteps forward and makes a few appropriateremarks about this rank. The Scoutmastercalls the name of the first Scout to berecognized. He steps forward onto the boxor raised platform. The house lights go outand the spotlight comes on. This is a greatmoment for this Scout. Every eye is on

him as he faces the audience. The senior patrol leader or scribe

helps the Scoutmaster who makes thepresentations by having the badges handy.The Scoutmaster pins the Tenderfootbadge on the left pocket and gives theScout handshake with the left hand. TheScout salutes, the Scoutmaster returns thesalute, and the Scout steps down andproceeds to the opposite side of the roomor stage, where he stands at attention untilall awards for this rank have been made.The house lights go on. The audience thengives a rousing round of applause.

Mothers of these Boy Scouts arenow called to the stage, and each Scoutpresents his mother with the miniatureTenderfoot badge. Everyone applauds asmothers and Scouts return to their seats.This same procedure is repeated for otherranks, with the appropriate badge placedon the wall.

Tenderfoot Ceremony #8Source: BSA Rank Advancement card

Now that you have had your firsttaste of Scouting skills and the fun ofScout activities and are earning your firstrank—Tenderfoot— you can really planfor the future. With more merit badgesand rank advancements to earn, you’llhave a busy time in Scouting. I, as yourScoutmaster and the other leaders willhelp you work toward the next step,Second Class, with Eagle as your goal.

Congratulations and keep up thegood work.

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SECOND CLASS CEREMONIES

Second Class Ceremony #1You have earned the rank of

Second Class. The ends of your scroll areturned up as a reminder of the willingsmile of the Scout. On the face is ourmotto “Be Prepared” and suspended fromme is the knot tied there to remind you ofthe slogan of the Boy Scouts, “Do a goodturn daily.” You have remembered thesethings and deserve to be acknowledged forthat. Continue to follow these guidelinesand you will be an inspiration for thosewho are to follow you.

Congratulations, please light thecandle symbolizing the rank of SecondClass, move your name up theadvancement board, and accept thecongratulations of all who have joined ustoday, and be sure to help those who comeafter you see their way.

Second Class Ceremony #2Presenter:

_______________, you haveearned the rank of Second Class Scout.This rank represents a second step in yourScouting experience. You have earned therank of Second Class by gaining a betteridea of the skills you need for Scoutingand your life beyond Scouting.

The experience of Scouting canlead you in many different directions.Only you can decide on the direction youare want to take. Your compasses forfinding these directions are the Scout Oathand the Scout Law. By following this

compass you can chart your way up thepath of Scouting experiences.

As you receive your Second Class,you have started charting your coursethrough Scouting and you need to followthis path.

____________, are you willing toaccept the badge of the Second Class aswell continue in the experience ofScouting?Scout:

I am.Presenter:

Please light the candle representingthe ideals of a Second Class Scout.Scout:

The Scout lights the candle.Presenter:

Please advance your name on theBoard and accept the congratulations ofthe leaders of the Troop and therecognition of our guests.

Second Class Ceremony #3You have earned the rank of

Second Class. The ends of your scroll areturned up as a reminder of the willingsmile of the Scout. Suspended from thescroll is a square knot to remind you of theslogan “Do a good turn Daily.” Inscribedon the scroll is the Scout Motto “BePrepared”

As you have been advancing inScouts, you have shown that youunderstand what these mean. As youcontinue to advance, the Scout Oath,

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Motto, and Law become even moreimportant. The skills that you havelearned and continue to learn will serveyou well in your life.Are you willing to accept the badge of theSecond Class Scout and what it standsfor?

Scout: Yes.Presenter:

Please light the candle representingthe ideals of a Second Class Scout.Scout:

The Scout lights the candle.Presenter:

Congratulations, please light thecandle symbolizing the rank of SecondClass, move your name up theadvancement board, and accept thecongratulations of the leaders of the Troopand the recognition of our guests, and besure to help those who come after you seetheir way.

Second Class Ceremony #4Source: US Scouting Service

Call Second Class Scouts and parents tothe front

Leader:Once before, you stood before this

court and became (a) Tenderfoot Scout(s).Time has passed since then. You haveused that time well in pursuing Scoutactivities and knowledge and havedistinguished yourselves by qualifying forSecond Class rank.

This rank of Second Classrepresents to you the opportunities forservice to others. By living according tothe Scout Oath and Law, you are addingyour bit to the fires of good citizenship

and world brotherhood.

I know that you will wear the SecondClass badge with honor and distinction.To prove that you know the rules, bywhich this award may be worn honorably,I ask you to lead the Troop in the ScoutLaw. Will the members of the Troopplease stand and give the Scout sign.

Scouts:A Scout is trustworthy, loyal,

helpful, friendly, courteous, kind,obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean,and reverent.

Leader:I present to you the badge and rank

advancement card, documenting yourachievement.

Second Class Ceremony #5Source: Troop Program Resources BSALeader:

When the Indian boy prepared formanhood, he was required to go through astern ordeal testing his worthiness and hisfitness for a place among the braves of thetribe. If he passed through the ordealsuccessfully, he appeared before the chiefat the council fire to receive the eaglefeather of the brave. As the chief placed inhis hands the weapons of his rank, hepledged the new brave to an oath, hebound the brave in honor never to use hisweapons in any way that would bringdiscredit to his tribe or himself.

Just as the Indian youth wentthrough his ordeal to prove himself, soyou have fulfilled your Second Class rankrequirements to prove yourself as someonewho can care for himself in the outdoors.Just as the Indian youth pledged himself to

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his tribe, so should you pledge yourself toScouting and maintaining the Scout Oathand Law. In your growth toward becominga Second Class Scout, do you feel that theScout Oath and Law have become moremeaningful to you personally? Scout: I do.

Leader:This rank of Second Class

represents to you the opportunities forservice to others, as the weapons did to theIndian youth. We place no weapons inyour hands, but the honor of all Scoutingrests as surely on your shoulders. (Theleader presents the Second Class badgeand congratulates the Scout and hisparents.)

Second Class Ceremony #6Scoutmaster: (to the candidates):

Once before, you stood before thiscourt and became Tenderfoot Scouts.Time has passed since then. You haveused that time well in pursuing Scoutactivities and knowledge. You are nowqualified to assume the title and duties ofSecond Class Scout. I know that you willwear this Second Class badge as a shieldwith honor and distinction. To prove thatyou know the rules by which this awardmay be worn honorably, you will recitethe Scout Law. Scout sign!

Candidates: A Scout is trustworthy . . .(They recite the Scout Law.)

Scoutmaster:Please face the audience, (name) . I present you with this badge. May youbring only credit and honor to it and toyour troop.

Second Class Ceremony #7Source: Greg GoughMC: Will Scouts ________ and theirparents please enter the semi-circle. (Formed by the Assistant Scoutmastersand/or PLC)

Scoutmaster: Like the braves of long ago who

first learned how to build a fire beforelearning how to hunt and cook. You alsohave learned many things that serve as afoundation in your Scouting career. Forgetnot these lessons but take them, teachthem and apply them. They will serve youwell along the trail to Eagle and yet theywill follow you further as you travelthrough life.

Present the Parent with the rank to bepinned on the boy and the boy theMother's pin to be pinned on her ribbon ifapplicable to your Troop.

Second Class Ceremony #7Source: (Lonesome Pine Council, BSA)

Materials needed:

Second Class Patch and Card (per SecondClass Scout)Second Class Poster (available fromCouncil Office)Flashlight

Participants: Second Class Scouts to behonoredScoutmasterSenior Patrol LeaderOne other Scout to hold Poster andFlashlight

(at this part of the Court of Honor, the

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lights are dimmed and the Scout holdingthe Second Class Scout poster andflashlight takes his place to the right of theSenior Patrol Leader.) Scoutmaster:

At this time, I will turn this part ofthe Court over to _____________, SeniorPatrol Leader, for an advancementpresentation.(or MC can turn it over to Scoutmaster)

Senior Patrol Leader:Will the following Scout(s) come

forward, face the audience, and form a lineto the right of the Scoutmaster.(Calls names of Scouts).

These are Scouts that have beenwith us for at least three months. Theyhave learned much about our Troop andabout Scouting. They have learned how totake care of themselves and others, havelearned how to use a map and compass tofind their way, and most of all have seenfirsthand how much fun it is to be a Scout.

(at this time, Scout holding Second ClassPoster shines flashlight on poster toilluminate the poster)

It gives me great honor to officially

recognize these Scouts as Second ClassBoy Scouts. May the scroll of your newrank remind you of the fun and enjoymentthat you have had so far in your Scoutingexperience. May it also spur you onwardto complete the requirements and tobecome First Class Boy Scouts.

(Scoutmaster presents rank patch to eachScout, shaking hands with each using theScout handshake. The Senior PatrolLeader follows behind, presenting theSecond Class Rank card to each Scout.)

Congratulations to each one of you,Scouts. Mr.(Ms.) Scoutmaster, I nowreturn the Court to you.

Second Class Ceremony #8Source: BSA Rank Advancement card

Nice going— you have worked hard andearned the right to wear the badge thatshows you know what it means to “BePrepared”. As a Second Class Scoutyou’ll have a chance to really participateas a veteran of your troop and to share thefun, thrills and know-how of your skillsand merit badges with your patrol andtroop members. Next step— First Class!

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FIRST CLASS CEREMONIES

First Class Ceremony #1Presenter:

The Chinese have a saying: “Ajourney of a thousand miles begins with asingle step”. _____________(namesomeone who received Scout tonight) hastaken that first step. But you, by fulfillingthe requirements for First Class, are wellinto your journey through Scouting. Ateach step in your journey from Scout toFirst Class rank, you have become moreexperienced in the skills of scouting. Asyou continue along the journey towardsEagle, you will grow in your knowledge ofscouting and in serving your community.There are times that you will find thejourney a difficult one. Look to the ScoutOath and Law for understanding andguidance during these times. Byunderstanding and applying the ScoutOath and Law you will be helped in notonly scouting but in all areas of your life.As a First Class Scout, you have earnedthe right to demonstrate and abide by thecode to which a Scout is forever bound,the Scout Oath and Law.Do you accept this greater responsibilityof the First Class Scout?Scout:

I do.Presenter:

As we present you with your FirstClass badge, I charge you to continue yourjourney through Scouting, so that you maybetter serve your community, family, andScouting. Congratulations.

First Class Ceremony #2Presenter:

_______________, you haveearned the rank of First Class Scout. Thisrank represents a significant step inScouting. You have advanced from Scoutto First Class by learning the outdoorskills of Scouting.

In your next steps in Scouting youwill start learning the skills that will helpyou guide others along the path ofScouting. You will earn the next ranks inscouting by learning from the members ofyour community. Merit badges will teachyou various areas of knowledge that thecommunity has. Community service willhelp in developing your pride andconfidence in what you do. Juniorleadership will help you with taking onresponsibility as you grow. The guideposts for your next steps in Scouting arethe Scout Oath and Law.

As you receive your First Classbadge, you will be asking the communityfor help in your advancement and youneed to provide the community with yourhelp as well.

_________________, are youwilling to accept the responsibilities aswell as the privileges that accompany theFirst Class Scout rank?Scout:

I amPresenter:Please light the candle representing yourachievement and goals for First ClassRank.

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Scout:Scout lights the candle.

Presenter:Please advance your name on the

Board and accept the congratulations ofthe leaders of the Troop and therecognition of our guests.

First Class Ceremony #3Source: US Scouting Service

Leader:The First Class rank represents a

significant step in Scouting. It representsthe "complete Scout."I now ask First ClassScout(s) ______ and his (their) parent(s)to come forward.

Leader: As a First Class Scout, you have

earned the opportunity and right todemonstrate and abide by the code towhich a true and mature Scout is foreverbound by his Scout Oath and Law. Do youaccept this greater responsibility of FirstClass Scout? If so answer "I do."

In qualifying for First Class rank,you have advanced from Scout hiker tomore skillful living in the outdoors forlonger periods of time. In this experience,you have become a Scout camper, betterable to take care of yourself and others. Aswe present you with your First Classbadge and rank advancement card, Icharge you to continue your developmentas a Scout camper, so that you may betterserve others.

First Class Ceremony #4Source: Troop Program Resources BSA

The First Class rank represents asignificant step in Scouting. It represents

the "complete Scout." Special attentionshould be given to the Scout earning theaward. Leader:

In the days of chivalry, after asquire had earned the right to carry thesword and shield, it was customary toretire to the privacy of the chapel on theevening before he was to be made aknight. There, surrounded by his weapons,he prayed that he might live worthy of thehonor that was his, and that he mightnever bring disgrace on his knighthood,either in thought or in deed. Just as highlyas the knights of old, we who are theScouts of today value the distinction thatis ours. As a First Class Scout, you haveearned the right to demonstrate and abideby the code to which a true and matureScout is forever bound, the Scout Oathand Law. Do you accept this greaterresponsibility of First Class Scout in thespirit of service of the knights of old?

Scout: I do.

Leader:In qualifying for First Class rank,

you have advanced from Second Class tomore skillful living and to a betterpreparation for service to others, as did theknights of old. As we present you with your First Classbadge, I charge you to continue yourdevelopment so that you may better serveyour fellowman in the spirit of chivalry.(The leader presents the First Class badgeand congratulates the Scout and hisparents.)

First Class Ceremony #5<Scout>, one of the things that you

have learned while earning the First class

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Rank is how to find Polaris, the NorthStar, because we know it will help us findour way in the wilderness. For centuriesman has known that the North Star isfixed in the heavens, and it has be used asa navigational aid by sailors ever since thefirst adventurers sailed away from thesight of land. The North Star is still usedthat way by mariners and space explorers.So in learning how to find it, you arejoining a very long line of adventurers.There are some "North Stars" in oureveryday lives, too.

One of them is your conscience. Ifyou listen your conscience, you can besure to steer your life in the right direction.The other North Stars are the Scout Oathand Law. They are North Stars becausethey give us excellent guidance in how tobehave and what we owe to God, country,our fellow human beings, and ourselves.When you're lost at night, look for theNorth Star. The rest of the time, steer yourlife with those other North Stars - yourconscience and the Scout Oath and Law.

First Class Ceremony #6

<Scout> On your path to First ClassScout, you have learned to rely on yourcompass. You know that the needle pointsNorth and will guide you in thewilderness, but you have also seen what

happens when a magnet is brought nearthe compass. The magnet is an outsideinfluence on the character of the compass.

Now that you have attained therank of First Class Scout, I present youwith another type of compass, a Scoutcoin. This compass does not have anymoving parts, and is not influenced byoutside forces. This compass is for yourmind and soul. The Scout oath and ScoutLaw that are inscribed on the coin pointyou towards the ideals that scouting isbased on. There are temptations difficultto overcome - temptations to get bywithout working, to lie, to cheat, to followthe coaxing of friends, and the jeers orthreats of enemies. When the temptationsarise, use your new compass to help leadyou down the correct path. If you do this,you will continue to be physically strong,mentally awake and morally straight

First Class Ceremony #7 Source: BSA Rank Advancement card

Now that you have become a First ClassScout, you are ready to learn to be a leaderin your troop. You will have the chance toteach skills and share your skills and meritbadge know-how with others. You willbegin working on the first of severalservice projects, leading to Eagle. Goodluck in leadership and service..

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STAR CEREMONIES

Star Ceremony #1Presenter:( SPL or any previous or currentStar)

(Lighting large Star candle). As apast Star Scout, I light this candle tosymbolize the light you have followed inachieving your Star Rank.Scout:

It is true that I have been guided bythe light of the Star Scouts who have gonebefore me. (Lighting the smaller Starcandle) I light this candle to represent myaccomplishments and as a promise that Itoo will give light and guidance to thoseScouts who will come after me.Presenter:

Congratulations on receiving yourStar Rank. (Shaking hands, and handingcertificate) Please accept this certificate,the congratulations of our audience andmove your name up on the TroopAdvancement Board (Start clapping)Scout:

Take certificate, shake hands withScoutmasters, move name up on Board,leave.

Star Ceremony #2:Presenter:

_________________, you are nolonger a First Class Scout. Whether or notyou realize it, by meeting your Star ScoutRequirements, you have left the group ofthose who merely receive in Scouting.Tonight you will join a smaller and moresignificant group – those whose duty andprivilege it is to give Scouting to others.

You have started learning aboutservice, leadership, and responsibility.Before you, stretches a trail that leads to aworthier, more mature part of Scouting,that of giving. By following the ScoutOath and Law, you can follow this trail. Ifyou follow the trail far enough, the highestScouting goal will be yours.

As you receive your Star Scoutbadge, it must be with full realization thatyou will be giving guidance andinspiration to younger Scouts.

____________, are you willing toaccept the responsibilities as well as theprivileges that accompany the Star Scoutrank?Scout:

I amPresenter:

Please light the candle representingyour achievement and goals for Star rank.Scout:

Scout lights the candle.Presenter:

Please advance your name on theBoard and accept the congratulations of theleaders of the troop and the recognition of ourguests.

Star Ceremony #3Presenter:

You are the Star. Even though youhave the support of your parents, you nowcan stand alone. You have earned the rightto improve on your own. To you goes the

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honor of choosing your field. Before youlays the horizon of endless opportunity.The Star on your new badge will guideyou like the stars in the sky and lead youto your next step, that of Life Scout. TheStar you have earned should also guidethose that come after you as they shall belooking to you for leadership andencouragement . Accep t ou rcongratulations and move your name upon the advancement board. Before you golight the Star candle to help those whocome after you see their way.

Star Ceremony #4Source: US Scouting Service

Since the last Court of Honor,____ Scouts have advanced to Star Scout.I ask ______ and their parents to comeforward.

Scouts, in receiving your Star ranktonight, you are taking a long step towardEagle. You have advanced in a way thatobligates you to give younger Scouts theservice and experiences you havereceived. Tonight, you are leaving thatgroup which receives Scouting..You arenow admitted to a smaller group whoseprivilege and duty it is to give Scouting -to give leadership, guidance, andinspiration to younger Scouts who willfollow your lead. Your willingness to doso will be a pledge of service and a signthat your understanding of the ideals ofScouting is growing. May this Star Scoutbadge be a constant reminder of the star ofservice that will shine as a guide to leadyou on the trail to manhood.

Star Ceremony #5Source: Troop Program Resources BSA

Star Scout:Scouts Name ,

Name , and Name youare no longer First Class Scouts. Whetheror not you realize it, by meeting your StarScout requirements, you have left thegroup of those who merely receiveScouting. Tonight you will join a smallerand more significant group - those whoseduty and privilege it is to give Scouting toothers. As you receive your Star Scoutbadge, it must be with full realization thatyou accept with that badge the giving ofleadership, guidance, and inspiration toyounger Scouts. (He turns to address theScouter.) These Scouts are prepared totake the service pledge with the ScoutOath.

Scouter:Fellow Scouts, you have left

behind what may have been the receivingend of Scouting. Before you stretches aworthier, more mature, part of yourScouting experience - the giving part. Themerit badge trail holds much for a Scoutwho is earnest and courageous. If youfollow this trail far enough, the highestScouting goal will be yours. Somewherealong the trail you will find manhood in itsfinest form. Are you willing to accept theresponsibilities as well as the privilegesthat accompany the Star Scout rank?Candidates:

I am.Scouter:

Then retake the Scout Oath. Asyou utter the words, let your heart repeat apledge of service to the Scouts who followwhere you lead. Scouts, attention! Scoutsign. Recite the Scout Oath. Candidates:

On my honor I will do my best ....

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Scouter:Two! Your fellow Scouts

congratulate you. You will now face ouraudience. (The Scouter pins on thebadges.) The star I pin on you will alwaysbe a reminder of the star of service thatwill shine as a guide to lead you onward.(The Scouter gives the Scout hand- shaketo each.) Congratulations.

Star Ceremony #6Source: BSA Rank Advancement card

The Scout participation, spirit, and serviceyou completed to earn this award willguide you and others like a star to furtheradvancement. As you complete meritbadges for the next step— Life Scout—you’ll be a constant source of help to yourfellow Scouts. They’ll be counting on youfor leadership and guidance to show themthe way!

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LIFE SCOUT CEREMONIES

Life Ceremony #1Presenter:

Could we have (Scout) comeforward?

As his parents were present thefirst time (Scout) got life, we ask them tocome up and be part of his getting Lifeagain.

(Scout) you are the Life. As theheart on your new Rank badge indicates,you have shown the other boys in thistroop and the rest of the people youassociate with that Scouting is in yourheart and will be forever. You havemastered the knowledge of subjects thatwill not only benefit you, but your fellowscouts, your community, and the world.

I ask you now to consider thesequestions.

Are you ready to share those skillswhich have brought you so far along theScouting trail with those around you? Scout:

I am.Presenter:

Are you ready to take on an Eagleproject to not only prove your leadershipskills to all, but to better the world aroundyou?Scout:

I am.Presenter:

Are you ready to give even greaterimportance than you already have to theideals of scouting by exemplifying all thatis good in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto andSlogan?

Scout:I am.

Presenter:Are you ready to accept graciously

the guidance of your parents, yourscoutmasters and counselors just as youwill give guidance to those to come afteryou?Scout:

I am.Presenter:

__________ are you ready to reachfor your wings to fly?Scout:

I am.Presenter:

I congratulate you, Troop ___newest Life Scout, please move your nameup on our Advancement Board. Beforeyou leave, please light the Life candle tolight the way for the scouts to follow youon the trail towards Eagle.

Life Ceremony #2Presenter:

(Lighting large Life candle). As apast Life Scout, I light this candle tosymbolize the light you have followed inachieving your Life Rank.Scout:

It is true that I have been guided bythe light of the Life Scouts who have gonebefore me.(Lighting the smaller Lifecandle) I light this candle to represent myaccomplishments and as a promise that Itoo will give light and guidance to thosescouts who will come after me.

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Presenter:Congratulations on receiving your

Life Rank. (Shaking hands, and handingcertificate) Please accept this certificate,the congratulations of our audience andmove your name up on the TroopAdvancement Board (Start clapping)Scout:

(Take certificate, shake hands withScoutmasters, move name up on Board,leave)

Life Ceremony #3:_________, you have attained the

rank of the rank of Life Scout, a rank thatfew scouts in the troop have made. Youhave done this by showing that your hearthas the spirit of scouting. You havemastered the outdoor skills required toobtain the rank of First Class. Youstarted learning more about Scout Spiritand service to others on your path to StarScout. By continuing to learn aboutservice to others, and gaining a deeperunderstanding of Scout Spirit, you haveearned the rank of Life Scout. The paththat you are going down now, the pathtowards eagle, will require a deeperunderstanding of scout Spirit and serviceto others. What you will learn as youcontinue along the path towards EagleScout is that badges have no substancewithout the spirit and service that youshow.___________ Are you willing to acceptthe challenges that are ahead of you as aLife Scout?

Please light the candle that represents thespirit of a Life Scout.

Scout: Yes.

Presenter:Could we have (Scout) and his

parents come forward?(Scout) you have become Life

Scout. As the heart on your new Rankbadge indicates, you have proven thatScouting is in your heart and will beforever. You have mastered theknowledge of subjects that will not onlybenefit you, but your fellow scouts, yourcommunity, and the world.

I ask you now to consider thesequestions.

Are you ready to share those skillswhich have brought you so far along theScouting trail with those around you? Scout

I am.Presenter:

Are you ready to prove yourleadership by completing an Eagle projectthat benefits the community around you?Scout:

I am.Presenter:

Are you ready to give even greaterimportance than you already have to theideals of scouting by exemplifying all thatis good in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto andSlogan? Scout:

I am.Presenter:

Are you ready to accept graciouslythe guidance of your parents, yourscoutmasters and counselors just as youwill give guidance to those to come afteryou?Scout:

I am.Presenter:

Parents, will you signify yourwillingness to help guide Steve to his

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goals by lighting the candle representingLife scouts from the candle that representsDuty to God, Country and Self.Parents:

Light life candle from the topcandle of the tripod.Presenter:

Steve, please light the candle thatrepresents your attainment of life scoutfrom the candle that your parents lit.Scout:

Light life candle from center lifecandle.Presenter:

(Scout), I congratulate you, TheTroop's newest Life Scout. Please moveyour name up on our Advancement Boardand accept the congratulations of theleaders of the Troop and the recognition ofour guests.

Life Scout Ceremony #4Source: US Scouting Service

Since the last Court of Honor,____ Scouts have advanced to Life Scout.I ask ______ and their parents to comeforward.

Scouts, in receiving your Life ranktonight, you are approaching your last steptoward Eagle. You have shown that youcan lead your troop in service and share inthe Scouting experiences you havereceived. Tonight, you are entering thatselect group who will directly worktowards their Eagle rank..In doing so, youmust not only give service, you must alsolead others in performing a service projectof your choosing. Your willingness to doso will be a pledge of service and a signthat your understanding of the ideals ofScouting. When you are finished with therequirements we will give you, you will,indeed, be worthy to join those few who

are Eagle Scouts. May this Life Scoutbadge be a constant reminder of the life ofservice that will shine as a guide to leadyou on the trail to manhood.

Life Scout Ceremony #5Source: Troop Program Resources BSA

Scoutmaster. Scout Name , you have

traveled far on the trail to Eagle. Beforeyou, two lit candles shed their radiance onthe heart - shaped Life Scout badge. I amproud of the effort you have put forth andof your accomplishments in Scouting.(7he Scoutmaster adds any personaldetails that apply.) The heart shape of thebadge is symbolic of life and courage. Foryou, now, the Scout Oath and the ScoutLaw will mean more than ever before.You will ever strive to make them thekeynotes of your conduct. The spirit ofhelpfulness and alertness of mind, and themastery of those Scout skills that make"Be Prepared" really mean something-these are the inner qualities of the Scoutwho wears the Life Scout badge. This miniature badge is for your mother inrecognition of her love, comradeship,encouragement, and faith in you. Take itand pin it on her proudly! (The Scout pinsthe badge on his mother's dress, thenturns and faces the audience.) Mr. Name will you pin the Life Scoutbadge on your son's uniform? (The badgeis pinned.) Attention! Scout salute! Two!Dismissed!

Life Scout Ceremony#6Source: BSA Rank Advancement card

As a Life Scout, you’ve demonstrated youractive participation, service and troop

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leadership. The shape of your new badgesymbolizes life and growth. You mustcontinue to grow in Scouting, but at thesame time share your knowledge and

skills with others. Ahead of you is therank of Eagle Scout. You are challengedto attain the highest rank in Boy Scouting.

Rank_Ceremonies_Final.wpd