Inspiring Cross-over ceremony

[Sirjimmyg]

This year my troop recieved and retained about 8 cub scouts. After about 5 months they are now fully accepted and participating troop members. However, it took them a while to make the actual transition from a adult-led program to a boy-led program. Some had issues at first with taking directions from other boys and cooking/cleaning for the patrol on campouts. Not that they weren't capable, but because they didn't understand the responsibilities of being a patrol member and a boy scout. They still expected Boy Scouts to be a lot like Cub Scouts. I think part of this was because of a rather slow introduction to the troop. First, my ASPL made a few visits to the pack, but let his father (the SM) do most of the talking (giving the cubs the idea that adults were "in charge") Then, the cubs made visits to the troop, where I greeted them as SPL and tried to get them excited about scouting. During the actual meeting they worked on requirements for Scout. Before their cross-over they participated in our annual fun and games night, which as it sounds is all fun and games. We spend a night in our chartered church playing board games, cards etc. and eating pizza. I think this also led them to believe that adults were in charge, as they ordered and delivered the pizza. (There's not an awful lot of oppurtunity for boy-leadership outside of planning on fun and games night.) I missed the cross-over ceremony due to a family obligation, but my ASPL (the master of ceremonies for the cross-over) admitted it was a mess, where the adults had to step in periodically.

 

This year, I'd like to change all that. I will start by going to the pack personally and talking to the cubs. When they hear that they are in charge, they do get excited. So, in addition to talking up camping, I'll get them excited about the independence Scouting provides. During their visits to the troop, they will be placed with patrols temporarily and participate as a patrol member. To make the transition to Boy Scouts a more specific event, I want to plan a more formal outdoor ceremony. I have a few things in mind, but I'd like everybody on the forums ideas before I talk to my PLC.

 

[ScoutNut]

Does your Troop have any boys serving as Den Chiefs? This would be the best way to have the Cubs see the concept of "boy led" in action.

 

Some of our most impressive Crossover ceremonies have been OA Indian ceremonies. I would say that if the ceremony ran by your Troop was a "mess", than the problem was with the Boy Scouts & a lack of proper planning & practice on their part. A new, snazzy ceremony will not fix that. You need to make sure the boys take their role seriously & not just wing it.

 

What ceremony ideas do you have in mind?

 

 

 

 

[Sirjimmyg]

Our troop does have a few den chiefs, but I think the den leaders and using them more as go-fers than as leaders.

 

Practice and Planning is part of my plan. In years past, there has been minimal practice. This year, I'm considering creating a Ceremony committee and open it up to all interested. Our troop right now has more willing and capable people than patrol/troop offices, so I figured creating the committee would also be a way of involving some boys who want some more responsibility. The "committee" would also, once the ceremony is set, pick their roles and practice regularly.

 

As far as actual ceremony specifics, I have a few ideas. We have a campsite in town which I think would work pretty well for a ceremony. There is a winding path across farmland up a hill that leads into woodland. There is a stream that rushes below, so there are some good vantage points. I have a particular cliff-like landform above the stream in mind that I think would work well.

 

I've looked at a few different ceremonies, but I was thinking of basing the ceremony on building a fire. Starting with the tinder, representing the scouts, un-lit by the fire of scouting but with the potential to flame. Then with kindling, the other boys in the troop, who will keep your spirits high. Then with the smaller fuel, representing outdoor expierences which will teach you lessons that will bring scouting spirit to life. Finally, the logs, the Oath and Law, the ideals which will continue to sustain the flame throughout a scout's lifetime.

 

What do you mean OA Indian ceremonies? I'm only a ordeal member, so I've only seen the ceremonies invovled with the ordeal. I'm not sure if the OA should be a part of ceremony though. I'd like the boys to be excited about the troop and scouting first, so they can earn acceptance to the Order.

[Cubmaster Jerry]

I would also be very interested in ideas to better prepare 2nd yr Webelos for Boy Scouts. Not just through the use of a single event but a plan for the entire year. Den Chiefs are a good idea and I had planned on incorporating them more. But, as you indicate, Leaders need to be educated on how to use them.

 

Regarding ceremony ideas for graduating Cubs. We, too use a ceremony similar to what ScoutNut describes. It is very effective for the event. There are a number of Ordeal Teams, as they are called in my area, that put on a 30 - 45 minute ceremony that includes Boy Scouts dressed up in Indian Regalia. It takes place, as you suggest, in an outdoor setting and after dusk. We use an outdoor amphitheatre at the local Council Camp. The ceremony makes use of the fire pit and they start the fire by shooting a flaming arrow into the base of it. The presentation is based around indians who mature into men and become leaders of their tribe. It culminates with the boys crossing over a bridge in the center of the council ring and being greeted by their new Troop. The Troop replaces their Cub Neckerchief (which was removed by their Cub Leader before crossing the bridge) with a Troop neckerchief. It is definitely the highlight of the year as far as ceremonies go.

[ScoutNut]

OA Ceremony Teams are a part of many lodges. They are a group of OA members who are dedicated to performing inspiring crossover ceremonies as part of their cheerful service. Most are made up of extremely creative individuals with a bent for performing.

 

The crossover ceremonies are great, with lots of props, smoke, big Indians, etc. The Cubs LOVE it!!!! Especially when it is explained to them that these are Boy Scouts who have a special calling for ceremonies.

 

When you plan your ceremony do not forget the rest of the Pack. They should all be there to see the "old" guys of the Pack move on & to get a feeling for what is waiting for them when they finish Cubs.

 

You ceremony ideas sound great!

[Vicki]

Sounds like you don't have the same limitations we do - I love your idea. I would echo others in suggesting that you get OA involved and make sure it's done in front of the entire pack.

 

But, to describe ours. Our OA ceremonial team is definitely part of the crossover program! As the finale of the B&G the incoming Web2s are asked to sit in a tipi. The bridge is brought out, the lanterns on it are lit and the Boy Scout leadership and troop members in attendance are lined up on one side. Lights are dimmed (this usually takes place in a banquet hall, since it's Feb in the midwest). The OA team provides drum accompaniment and asks each scout by name if he is ready. When he replies "yes" he leaves the tent, comes forward and is given a gift by his den leader. He proceeds to the bridge where one of his parents and the Cub Master remove his blue epaulets and scarf, he is invited to cross over and the head of the team along with the SPL (caused a problem one year when they were the same person) place his red epaulets when he reaches the other side. He shakes hands with all on the Boy Scout side and is officially a Boy Scout.

 

Short but incredibly moving, especially after an evening of skits, song, dinner and awards.

 

Vicki (edited to correct a spelling error)(This message has been edited by Vicki)

[Sirjimmyg]

Thanks a lot for your ideas, keep them coming! The OA ceremonies team sounds like an option, but the OA lodge in my area is rather unorganized. The old lodge chief who kept everything running became a section chief, and then the region chief, things started falling apart. The troop has sent boys to different OA events recently. They have been chaotic at best, non-existent at worst. About 3 boys went up to the council reservation for a fellowship weekend; when they arrived there was nobody there. After calls to many people involved in the lodge, it was discovered that the event had been canceled due to a lack of planning on the lodge leadership's part. The ceremonies team which has been known to pick roles for Ordeal ceremonies minutes beforehand. Sorry for the rant, but I'm still not sure if I can trust them to even show up.

 

I can use some of the ideas though. Our ceremony happens in late March, so I might need an alternate indoors ceremony. (I'm in the Northeast, there is still the possibility, although unlikely, of snow)

 

Cubmaster Jerry, the most important thing you can do for your 2yr Webelos is prepare and excite for Boy Scouts. Point out the differences. Boy Scouts suffers from the reputation of being overgrown cub scouts; 14 year olds doing arts and crafts. We all know this is untrue, but it's important to show the boys a taste of the coming adventure. By the time the boys are 2yr Webelos, they are a little sick of Cub Scouting. If they expect Boy Scouts to be similar to Cub Scouts, why would they join the troop? Give the boys some time in the outdoors, if only for just a few hours, and tell them of all the great times they will have in Boy Scouts. Get them to join the troop after cross-over and your program has been a success.

[Sirjimmyg]

I forgot to mention that the pack does put on it's own crossover ceremony during the Blue and Gold banquet, but the ceremony is (for the lack of a better word) boring and adult-centered. I'd like to do something in front of the pack, but the Cubmaster and other adult leaders there haven't been very receptive to the troop's suggesstions before. The adult volunteers in the Cub Scout pack also tend to treat 2yr Webelos as the end of Scouting. They like to treat the pack as a independent body unattached from the troop. I could try doing something with them, but I think the affect of a boy-run ceremony around a roaring fire, on a hill beside a bubbling stream would get the boys a bit more excited about entering a boy-led troop.

[Greying Beaver]

Our OA chapter has a cross-over ceremony that leaves a real impression on the cubs crossing over and their family members. The seript is one sheet of paper, front and back. There is a lot of stage direction involved, but the different characters can learn their parts on a very short time. The best part of the ceremony is when the Chief is handed the first of the Arrows of Light, and after examining it, declares it "Unworthy!", breaks it, and throws it into the fire. That makes 'em sit up. That "unworthy" arrow is a dummy arrow that the den leader makes for the ceremony. It's one of three that the Chief finds unfit and throws into the fire. The boys get their Arrow of Light, cross over a bridge and are met by our SPL first then the SM. The rest is details. We figure a total time of 3 to 5 minutes per boy for the ceremony - after the quarter-mile hike through the woods just after sunset.

The one and only time a "good" arrow has been broken was when the parents did not follow the instructions for labelling the arrow as we asked and need for a ceremony done at night with only fire light to see. The parents were, of course, upset, but when the OA member who portrayed the Chief told us what had happened (He was in tears because he knew what he had done. He was 17 at the time and takes his ceremony work very seriously.), they understood and calmed down. Their son is now closing in of 1st Class five months after the incident.

[Vicki]

Wow, not to drag a red herring across the path, but can you imagine being either that Chief or the boy who has just been declared unworthy! Talk about scarring potential! How did you cover it, GB?

 

Glad it obviously worked out all right.

 

Vicki

[9muckraker7]

The "crossing over ceremony" almost always involves the presentations of the arrows of light. This award, the highest award offered in Cub Scouting, marks the beginning of the Cub Scout's scouting 'career' [for lack of a better word]. This is the arrow of light: a light representing the spirit of scouting [or potential thereof] that shines in each of the recipients of this award.

 

Now, the Order of the Arrow has a special place in these ceremonies. These are scouts who have kept this light shining, and who have shined their light outward to others, demonstrating in their daily lives the scouting spirit that both the arrow of light and the sash represent. Therefore, it is only logical that these exemplary scouts who wear the sash give a first impression of scouting to those who have first caught a glimpse of the arrow [of light]. It is important that each cub scout might realize his potential to put the most into his scouting experiences, and one day join those guys wearing the sash, showing others the light, the spirit of scouting.

 

Ideally (in my opinion), the OA should have such involvement in the ceremony, but if your lodge is in such a "disorganized" condition, then perhaps it is in the best interest of your troop and of the cub scouts to have something the troop organizes. You do have an extraordinary idea [the fire concept]. Just be sure to maintain the understanding of the arrow of light award throughout your ceremony; that while their crossing over is the end of their cub scouting career, it's the beginning of a much more important, challenging, and rewarding life as a boy scout.

[Vicki]

muckraker, your post brings up a question - is it appropriate for OA members to wear their sashes at either 1) a crossover ceremony where a ceremonial team is "working" or 2) at an Arrow of Light ceremony (which is separate for our pack)? Our OA folks currently only wear their sashes at OA-specific events. I have no intention of rocking the boat, just curious about how other folks do things.

 

Vicki (edited to correct a word)(This message has been edited by Vicki)

[Sirjimmyg]

As far as I know, OA sashes are usually only worn for OA events. Our troop has always handled the cross-overs, so nobody wears sashes. At least, as far as I can remember. The only situation I can think of where an arrowman would wear the sash at a non-OA function is if he was representing the OA, but I'm not sure.

[VAordeal]

Thats really a shame to hear about your OA Lodge and chapter. That kind of thing really dissapoints me as i am extremly active in OA Ceremonies...Your idea about the fire that you mentioned a few posts up was very good. That could be very impressive if you organize it well. Again that is a real shame about your lodge, OA crossover ceremonies are about as good as it gets.

[Greying Beaver]

Hi, Vicki and Sirjimmyg. To answer both of your questions.

 

Vicki - About the arrows used in the AoL ceremony: The parents are told to print - in large letters - the boy's name in black ink on a piece of white paper 2" wide and long enough to wrap around the shaft and be scotch-taped to form around the shaft. It cannot be seen more than five feet away in the low-light of a bonfire. The Medicine Man holds the arrows, including three "unworthy" arrows. He hands the arrows to the chief one at a time. When the Chief is handed an arrow by the Medicine Man, the former examines the arrow to see if it is "worthy" - straight shaft, good fletching, good point, etc. What he is really looking for it that piece of paper with the boy's name on it. No name found"? The Chief breaks the arrow and announces "Unworthy!". After giving the arrow a good looking-over, he calls out the boy's name. The boy and his parents come forward, the boy is given his arrow, and if he is going into boy scouting, is escorted to the bridge by the Guide. This is repeated for all of the boys in the den whether he is going on into boy scouting or not. If the boy is not going on into boy scouting, the chief congratulates him on completing the work for the Arrow of Light and asks them to return to their seats. That has never happened. As I said above, the only time that the "gag (a stage term)" did not work was when the parents did not follow the instructions about labelling the arrow. So . . . this year I will visit the Webelos den meeting when the arrows have been finished. Also, the current den leader is our troop's equipment committee chair and an OA member. He saw the incident and was upset as I and the boy who portrays the chief were. We got your redundancy - right here! The three of us will verify the arrows at the den meeting. The "unworthy" arrows are covered as well. Ever seen pink fletchings on an arrow before?

 

Sirjimmyg - Our OA chapter sends the ceremony team to the AoL ceremonies at the pack's requests in our district. That makes the ceremony an OA event and the actors do wear their sashes. Some packs prefer to conduct their own AoL ceremonies. Others ask for us year in and year out and feed us supper to boot. The guys in our ceremony team take pride in knowing that photographs of them are in more photograph albums than they can count ;_))).