New SM investiture ceremony

[Trevorum]

Rather than reinventing the wheel, does anyone have ideas for a new SM investiture ceremony?

[OldGreyEagle]

Induction Of a Scoutmaster

 

Materials:

 

Scoutmaster Handbook

Scoutmaster badge of office

 

Participants:

 

Senior Patrol Leader

Outgoing Scoutmaster (called Scoutmaster)

Incoming Scoutmaster (called Scoutmaster Candidate)

Chartered Organizational Representative or Head

Troop Committee Chair

 

(Special setup: Present Scoutmaster should have his or her badge of office loosely sewn on the left shoulder sleeve or attached using tape)

 

The Troop Committee Chair asks for all members of the Troop to stand behind him or her. The Troop stands in a semi-circle behind the Troop Committee Chair.

 

Troop Committee Chair: This evening marks another significant mark in the history of our Troop and this community; for tonight, as you are aware, we install a new Scoutmaster and say so long to our present Scoutmaster, (name of Scoutmaster).

Before I ask (name of Scoutmaster) to come forward, I would like to review what a Scoutmaster does. To provide this explanation, I now call upon the Leader of this Troop, (name of Senior Patrol Leader), the Senior Patrol Leader of our Troop.

 

(Troop Committee Chair stands to side and allows Senior Patrol Leader to come center)

 

Senior Patrol Leader: (name of Scoutmaster) works closely with me as I lead the Troop. As Scoutmaster, (name of Scoutmaster) and I manage the program and he (she) insures that I get the training and coaching I need to do my job and to lead other boys in our Troop. (Name of Scoutmaster) also works with the Troop Committee Chair and members of our Troop Committee to insure that the proper support is given to whatever we as Troop leaders plan -- a campout, a day trip, or just a regular Troop meeting. The Scoutmaster is also the visual example for all of us here and works hard to insure that each Scout is guided in the direction toward Eagle and is making good progress toward his goal.

 

(Senior Patrol Leader may address specific comments about Scoutmaster and wishes him or her well).

 

Troop Committee Chair: At this time, I wish to call upon our Scoutmaster, (name of Scoutmaster) to come forward. (Scoutmaster comes forward). We have enjoyed working with you over the period you have given to Scouting as Scoutmaster of this Troop. (at this time, various plaques, certificates or other items may be presented to the outgoing Scoutmaster and the Scoutmaster may make some remarks and comments about his or her service.) It now becomes time for us to appoint your successor and to induct him (her) as our new Scoutmaster. It gives me great honor to introduce (name of Scoutmaster candidate),our candidate for the position of Scoutmaster.

 

(Scoutmaster candidate comes forward and stands on one side of Troop Committee Chair)

 

Troop Committee Chair: It is the desire of this Troop's Committee to appoint and commission you as Scoutmaster of Troop (number). As you have heard from our Senior Patrol Leader, you main job is to advise the Troop officers and assist in their training and coaching as they develop the Troop's program. We are placing the confidence of our families and our Scouts onto your shoulders as you continue to provide a quality program for our Scouts and this community. Will you accept our nomination and serve as Scoutmaster of this Troop?

 

Scoutmaster Candidate: Yes, I will do my best.

 

(The Senior Patrol Leader brings the Troop's flag forward and in front of the Troop Committee Chair. He then hands the flag to the Scoutmaster and then leaves. The Chartered Organizational Representative or Head comes forward and takes the place of the Senior Patrol Leader. The Scoutmaster then gives the flag to the Chartered Organizational Representative or Head as

 

Troop Committee Chair states:

The Scouting program is a part of the community service mission of (name of chartered organization). It is highly appropriate that the symbol of the Troop, the Troop's flag, be returned to the representative (head) of (name of chartered organization), because it is this organization that gives final approval to adults working with our youth.

The Scoutmaster then removes his or her badge of office and hands it to the Chartered Organizational Representative (Head).

 

The Chartered Organizational Representative or Head then invites the Scoutmaster candidate to place his or her left hand on the pole of the Troop's flag, above that of the Chartered Organizational Representative's hand.

 

Chartered Organizational Representative or Head: Please raise your hand in the Sign of the Scout and repeat after the Troop Committee Chair.

(Scoutmaster Candidate does so)

 

Troop Committee Chair: (said to allow for repeating by Scoutmaster Candidate) I promise to do my best ---to be worthy of my office as Scoutmaster --- for the sake of my Scouts --- This Troop --- and the World Brotherhood of Scouting

 

[Trevorum]

Thanks OGE. There are some good elements in there.

[frank10]

Old SM tags new SM and yells "no backsies"

[SSScout]

I distinctly remember all the SMs I had in my STroop. We had 5 in the 7 years I was in Scouts. I seem to remember that the 'passing of the flag' occurred at the end of a CoH. It was always the last thing . The retiring SM did all the opening ceremonial stuff and the awards (candles, Scout Promise, Scout Law, etc.). Then some other adult type person ( the CC? the CRep?) came up and said some good things about the retiring SM and the passing of time, etc. The SPL and sometimes some other senior Scouts also came up and thanked the RSM, placques and souvenirs were handed out. Something tearjerking, something funny. Then the new SM was invited forward. The SPL handed the Troop flag to the RSM, who handed it to the NSM, with appropriate words about taking good care of the Troop, etc. Somewhere along the way, the flag is replaced in its stand (?SPL?) and the Troop circled up for the closing. The NSM gave the closing SM minute and the "may the Great Scoutmaster..." closing.

 

I seem to remember that the flags were retired BEFORE the closing circle.

 

*sigh*

 

YiS

 

(This message has been edited by SSScout)