flaming neckerchief stunt

[jdtaber]

Does anyone know how to do the flaming neckerchief stunt(neckerchief is dipped in something, is lit, but doesn't burn up)? Our CC would like to use this at our outdoors Webelos cross-over in late March. Thanks.

[oldsm]

I did this a number of years ago in my Cub days. The neckerchief has to be only the neckerchief - remove any patches (like the Webelos emblem), which will burn. Be sure to use only the official neckerchief made of a cotton/polyester blend. Anything that's 100% cotton, including the Webelos patch) will most certainly burn.

 

Stretch the neckerchief across a metal frame (make one out of wire hangers) so that it's spread out flat. You can attach it with safety pins. Be sure that you have a "handle" that will keep your hands away from the flame.

 

If I recall, the mixture to dip it in is a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. The idea is that the alcohol burns, but the water keeps the fabric from igniting before the alcohol burns off.

 

When you dip the neckerchief, be sure that it ALL gets wet. Then light it quickly before the alcohol evaporates. BE SURE TO HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY - and preferably someone to use it!

 

Practice, practice, practice! I can't over-emphasize this. I thought I had it perfected. It worked well when I practiced. When I "performed", Murphy's Law came into play. The neckerchief burned. My boys still don't let me forget that one!

 

 

[Eagledad]

I've done this ceremony many times and it is always a hit with the scouts and parents. I do agree, practice, practice practice.

 

Here is a copy of the Post from where I got the ceremony from way back when forums were just starting.

 

Oh, I used a Hiking Stave with clothes pins instead of the two hangers.

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

-------------------------

 

Magic Neckerchief Graduation Ceremony Script

 

This Ceremony is written for Webelos Graduation to Boy Scouts. With slight

modification, it can be used for any level rank advancement. It is written

assuming several scouts, but with minor changes could be used for a single

scout.

 

Materials:

 

Neckerchief (if using Webelos neckerchief, the Webelos patch must be removed

- it holds too much acetone, and will result in burning the part of the

neckerchief above the patch)

2 coat hangers and 2 safety pins

1 large mouth Peanut butter jar with lid

Acetone

Water

A lighted candle or advancement log with lighted candles

Fire extinguisher

 

Setup:

 

Stretch out the hangers, attach one safety pin to each.

 

Mix the "Magic Water" in the jar. This should be done outside with good

ventilation. Keep the lid tightly closed except when dipping the

neckerchief. Magic water consists of EXACTLY 40% Acetone and 60% Water (2

parts Acetone to 3 parts Water)

 

You will need an assistant for lights, one for handling the dipping of the

neckerchief, and one off-stage with the fire extinguisher (just in case)..

 

When it is time to dip and burn the neckerchief, use the following procedure:

 

1. Attach the corners of the neckerchief to the hangers with the safety

pins.

 

2. Lightly shake the jar of Magic Water to remix the components. Tightly

wad the neckerchief and dip it completely into the jar containing the Magic

Water. The whole neckerchief must be wet or the dry part will burn.

 

3. Squeeze out the neckerchief and quickly extend it, holding the hangers.

While this is being done, the lid must be replaced for fire safety.

 

4. Pass the neckerchief over the flame. Make certain the neckerchief is

spread between the wire holders. It cannot be rolled or folded in any part.

Make certain that the neckerchief is well in front, or off to the side of

you. We used an old broom stick, with the hangars attached to it so that no

one had to be real close. If you work quick enough, the whole neckerchief

will appear to be engulfed in flames, and the flames will extend several

inches above the top of the neckerchief.

 

5. Shake gently when just the edges remain burning. This will extinguish

the flames along the hems, which hold more acetone than the body, due to the

additional fabric here.

 

You must move very quickly through steps 2, 3 and 4, or the acetone will

evaporate before it can be ignited. The jar of acetone must be kept away

from the flame, and be covered at all times except when actually dipping the

neckerchief. Acetone is highly flammable. You might want an additional

assistant or two to help with this.

 

Practice the steps above outside, before the meeting to make sure that you

can get it right when the time comes. It will be embarrassing if the wet

neckerchief doesn't burn due to evaporation of the acetone. This trick works

because the acetone burns, while the water keeps the neckerchief from

burning. Remember that the acetone will evaporate pretty quickly, or you

will miss the effect.

 

 

 

Script:

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight Webelos Scouts _____________________ are graduating to boy scouts.

Will they come forward with their parents.

 

These young men have completed their Cub Scouting activities. There remains

but one test before they may cross the bridge into Boy Scouts.

 

"Have they done everything they can to BE PREPARED?"

 

Deep in the heart of the mountains and deserts of New Mexico, there is an

Indian village along side a small stream. The village and the area around it

are very green and lush. This is very unusual, for the village is in the

middle of a very harsh desert land.

 

While hiking in the area several years ago, I came across this village and

stopped by the stream for a rest. There was an old Chief sitting in the sun

by the stream, and I asked him:

 

"Why is this area so green and your people so healthy?"

 

The old Chief replied:

 

"The waters of this stream are magical. They assist all who come, by telling

the people if they have done everything they need, to be prepared. By hard

work with the assistance of these magical waters, my people have done the

things needed to be prepared and prosper in life."

 

I thought for a while and said:

 

"I too could use these magical waters, for I know of many young men who are

working hard to be prepared for life. Could I take some of these magical

waters with me?"

 

The old Chief smiled and nodded.

 

"It is for the youth that these waters are most special."

 

"Take something special from one of the young men who are to be tested and

dip it in the water. Pass the special item over the flame, and if the

special item burns, but is not consumed, then they have done everything

needed to be prepared."

 

 

 

From one of the cub scouts before us, we take the Webelos Neckerchief.

 

 

 

And dip it in the Magic Water.

 

 

 

Then pass it over the flame of the Spirit of Scouting.

 

 

 

Scouts, you have passed the test and are prepared to cross over into Boy

Scouting. May the Great Spirit of Akela go with you throughout your scouting

days.

 

 

 

[oldsm]

Eagledad, you are of course correct with the use of acetone instead of alcohol. And yes, I recall the importance of the proportion. It's all coming back, now.

 

Thanks for checking and coming up with the correct information. I like the hiking stave idea.

[Eagledad]

>>Eagledad, you are of course correct with the use of acetone instead of alcohol