3 October 2008
My First Poll Question
Posted by admin under: ceremony .
I’m taking a chance on a very humbling experience. As I scanned through the news and blogs today nothing really piqued my interest and I think it’s because I’ve got a couple things on my mind. First, I’m doing an outing tomorrow and I’m working out the logistics in my head. Mrs. Admin has been invaluable making sure it has a proper level of planning and forethought.
The other thing is my Cub Scout pack meeting at the end of the month. I kind of obsess about ceremonies. The Boy Scouts in my troop have been handling theirs for a while and I’d like to raise the game there, but ultimately I have to let them handle it. In Cubs, though, it’s a whole different scene. So, I worry about the proper mix of solemnity and fun. I tend to prefer fun ceremonies that involve humor and activity, but I understand the good role instilling a sense of the weight of an occasion like an induction or rank advancement can have. I also like having the ceremony match the monthly theme so the entire pack meeting can feel unified for all the dens.
So, I wanted to ask you guys. What do you think of ceremonies for small kids? I’ve seen about a billion online and I can always adjust them to fit my situation, but I wanted to ask in a more general sense. What do your kids or your experiences tell you a good ceremony should have? Feel free to leave a comment or send an e-mail to admin@boyandgirlscouts.com.
Thanks!
- BSA’s Advancement Path
- Nifty Cub Software – Spreadsheets
- Cubs: Dad and Me Time
- BSA & Cubs: Hot Steaming Bowl of Fun
- A Themeless Transition
2 Comments so far...
Todd Says:
3 October 2008 at 6:11 pm.
I tend to follow a format for pack meetings, and include any skits, jokes or run-ons that they have, in addition to trying to give each Scout his moment of glory if he is getting an award.
Fun is the name of the game. I think a lot of the serious presentations are missed by the younger ones, but I might do something more serious for Webelos.
All levels enjoy the “Painted (Rank)” ceremonies, and never seem to tire of them.
For our crossover ceremony at the end of May (move everyone to their new den level), I do like to call up any boys who will become Tigers the following week. The parents are clued in, but not the boys.
They are called up and run through whatever bridge/gauntlet they have watched all the other boys go through. A very big hit. And they are really pumped to come back the following week (we meet year-round).
Thanks for the question,
Todd
Cici Says:
4 October 2008 at 9:23 pm.
I also think the fun theme-related ceremonies are a great way to entertain the boys and families alike. I think it’s good for the boys to get used to being creative and thinking outside of the box. They also get to “perform” which is something that so many people can’t do. If they get used to being in front of an audience and being silly or expressive then they may have an easier time with public speaking later in life. (or at least I hope so!)
