New Scout Induction Ceremony

Procedure

Scoutmaster: “Scouts, we have a special ceremony to conduct at this time. The circle of our troop is about to enlarge to welcome new members. Some joining may be new to scouting. Some are already experienced in Cub scouting. Senior patrol Leader, will you begin the ceremony?”

Senior patrol leader: “ Troop guides, will you present those who are ready to be received into the fellowship of our troop?”

(The troop guides ask patrol members to stand one at a time and introduce them to the rest of the troop by name, school. This occurs by patrol.)

Senior patrol leader: (After all patrols have been introduced, pick up Lighted candle from table)

This candle represents the spirit of scouting. As we welcome you into the fellowship of troop 453, we want you to think about what it means to be a Boy Scout.

“Sure, it’s lots of fun, but more than that, it’s about getting along with other people. It’s doing your part, helping others all the time, and learning to lead. It’s about living up to the Scout Oath and Law not just while you are in the troop or in uniforms or at scout meetings, but all the time—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It’s about doing a Good Turn every day and being prepared. That is what the spirit of scouting means to us in Troop 453. Now listen to the meaning of the Scout Law.”

(Troop Staff members who are not troop guides. ASPLs, JASMs, PLs stand behind the table each will recite one point of the Scout Law and light one of the candle. If there are fewer than 12 available, each member can light candle for two or more point of the Scout Law.)

Staff member 1: “A Scout is trustworthy.”

Reader: “ A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.”

Staff member 2: “A Scout is Loyal.”

Reader: “A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, School, and nation.”

Staff member 3: “A Scout is helpful.”

Reader: ‘A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.”

Staff member 4:”A Scout is friendly.”

Reader: “A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other scouts.”

Staff member 5:”A Scout is courteous.”

Reader: “A scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manner makes it easier for people to get along.”

Staff member 6:” A Scout is kind.”

Reader: “A scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.”

Staff member 7:”A Scout is obedient.”

Reader: “A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks the rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying.”

Staff member 8: “A Scout is cheerful.”

Reader: “ A scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.”

Staff member 9: “ A Scout is thrifty.”

Reader: “A Scout works to pay his way and help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.”

Staff member 10: “A scout is brave.”

Reader: “A scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.”

Staff member 11: “A scout is clean.”

Reader: “A scout keeps his body and mind fit. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.”

Staff member 12: “A scout is reverent.”

Reader: “ A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.”

Senior Patrol Leader: “Friends, you have heard the Scout Law. Will you do your best to live up to it? If so, please say, ‘I will.’”

Candidates: (Together) “I will.”

Assistant Senior patrol Leader: “ As a final step in becoming a member of troop 453, I ask each of you to raise your right hand in the Scout sign and repeat the scout Oath with me. Don’t just say the words—mean them, because it is your oath, your promise to live the life of a Scout as a member of Troop 453 now and always.

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

(As the Assistant patrol leader recites the Scout Oath with the candidates, the Senior Patrol leader lights the three remaining candles.)

Scoutmaster: ”As you have committed yourselves to the Scout oath and Law, I now declare that each of you is an official member of Troop 453.

“Let us now welcome the new members.”

(The troop guides welcome the members of their patrols. The troop staffs and scoutmaster circulate through the patrols to welcome the new scouts to the troop with Scout handshakes. The ceremony is concluded when every new scouts has been welcomed.)