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Index
    Webelos Graduation Ceremony
    Flag Retirement Ceremony - 1
    Flag Retirement Ceremony - 2
    Skits
       A Day in the Restaurant 
       The Radio Show
       Murphy Munchkin

SPL welcomes everyone to campfire and crossover ceremony.

SPL presents the Cubmaster of the Pack.

Cubmaster makes appropriate comments and calls forward graduating Webelos and Adult leaders who will be making the transition to Boy Scouts. They move to the far side of the bridge with the Webelos in front.

SPL relates the story of the Cub Scout Trail (patterned after the Trail to Eagle).

At six, you began your adventure down the Scouting Trail. You were a Tiger Cub. With a partner guiding you, you began to learn. You lived by the motto "Search, Discover, and Share." You were taught the basic skills that you would continue to use throughout your Cub career. It was an easy path, and many lingered, but you continued.

The next stop along the way was Wolf. Your partners were replaced as guides by Akela. Here you began your learning of crafts and skills, which you will continue to build. The trail steepens, but you go on.

Now you ventured on to Bear. With Akela guiding you, you continued working on the skills started in Wolf. Here you also experimented with a skill called leadership. You were prepared to train for Boy Scouts as a Webelos.

In Webelos, another joined your den representing Akela, a Den Chief from Boy Scouts became your guide. Here you learned basic Boy Scout skills and the importance of Citizenship. You were almost ready.

The next place was Fifth Grade Webelos. Here you finished your preparations for Boy Scouts. You had all the skills you needed to travel where boys lead other boys in place of the Den Leader or the Den Chief. You were ready to enter Boy Scouts. They dropped you off in a grassy meadow as you began your climb to Eagle.

Webelos Leaders remove blue epaulets, cub hat, and neckerchief.

Webelos leaders present a Compass as a gift from the Pack.

ASPL calls out each Cub’s name, he crosses bridge to other side where SPL greets him. Designated Scout fires flaming arrow into lake. (The latter is done by notching arrow, putting in fire to catch cloth, holding the notched arrow for 3-5 seconds (for effect), and firing out into lake in a long lazy arc.)

ASPL calls out adult leader’s names who are greeted by the SM. (No arrows for the adults.)

Presentations are made to the Scouts: (as each item is presented by a different Scout, the significance of the item is briefly explained and then presented to the new Scouts)

1. Epaulets: The red epaulets of Boy Scouts replace the blue of Cubs.
2. Neckerchief and slide: Troop neckerchief, which identifies the Scout as a member of our Troop, is secured around the neck with a BSA slide
3. Troop numerals: given to Scout to be sewn on sleeve, to identify the unit he now belongs to (if does not already have them)
4. Troop t-shirt: Our Troop’s Class B uniform
5. 30 inch long 3/8" diameter nylon rope: worn on the belt, part of the uniform: for knot practice, emergencies, and many other uses. It will become an invaluable part of their equipment
6. Patrol patch: to identify their patrol
7. Scout handbook: their guide and record
8. Hat: to replace the Cub Scout hat
9. Arrow (a second arrow kept aside): to remember their experiences in Cub Scouts

The adults are then inducted into Boy Scouting with presentations:

1. Epaulets
2. Neckerchief and slide
3. Troop numerals
4. Troop t-shirt
5. Rope
6. Patrol patch
7. Coffee mug

The now graduated Webelos presented a gift to their Den Leaders

[The Den Chief, Troop Guide, and SM had worked with new Scouts during the day so they were ready for their Boy Scout Rank.]

Adult Webelos Leaders sit down.

Parents join new Boy Scouts

Present badge of rank to new Scouts by SM

Campfire was closed with a flag retirement ceremony.

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[Stage is set with blazing campfire. Flag to be retired is carried by Honor Guard of FIVE Scouts standing off to one side of the stage area. One Scout should have a sharp knife.]

[We feel it is important in this ceremony to let everyone know what you are going to do before you do it. Once the ceremony has started, there are no explanations or comments about what is being done. At all times, Scouts should show proper respect. Also, the SPL will conduct the ceremony, but we have found an adult giving the preceremony explanation sits better with adults watching the proceedings. A responsible, older Scout could also do this part.]

        SM comes front and center.

Tonight we are going to conduct a very special ceremony - the retirement of a Flag of the United States of America. The Flag Code of the United States does not specify the procedure for the retirement of the Flag, however, it is said that a flag unfit for use should be removed from service and destroyed, preferably by burning. The question presents itself as to how this should be done. If you search the library or internet, there are several procedures that are written by Scout Troops. They differ slightly in detail, but they all have one thing in common - RESPECT.

Tonight's Flag retirement will proceed as follows. After the assembly is quiet, the SPL will conduct the ceremony. He will call the camp to attention. The color guard will present the colors. The SPL will then lead the camp in a final Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. At that time, the camp will remain in silence at attention. The Flag will then be cut into four pieces. At that time, the Flag is no longer an American Flag. The four pieces will be burned, one at a time, with respect. As the last piece is burned, we will sing TAPS. The SPL will then dismiss the camp. You should continue to hum TAPS as you leave.

SM leaves. SPL comes forward.

Camp - Please rise. ATTENTION.

Color Guard, present the colors. [Color guard, on command, proceeds to center stage.]

Color Guard, display the colors. [Color guard unfolds the Flag (be careful on handling if Flag is badly worn). One Scout holds each corner. Flag is held aloft for all to see. Fifth Scout stands to side.]

Camp, Hand Salute, Pledge [SPL leads Pledge of Allegiance.]

Two

Color Guard, Retire the Colors. [The Flag is held by the four Scouts while the fifth Scout cuts the Flag into quarters. First a vertical cut right next to the field of blue all the way down. Second, a cut to slit the stripes half in two. Finally, a cut to separate the field of blue from the stripes below it. Each of the four Scouts is now holding a quarter of the Flag. The Scouts will be facing each other, two by two.]

Fire

Scout     Scout

Scout     Scout

Audience

[Each Scout, one at a time, now lays his piece of the flag on the fire, and returns to his place. The piece should be well ablaze and almost consumed before the next Scout proceeds. The field of blue is burned last. On completion, the Scouts reassemble as shown. As the field of blue is consumed, the SPL and Color Guard start singing TAPS.]

Day is done, Gone the sun

From the lakes, from the fields, from the sky,

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh

Camp, Dismissed

Color Guard, Parade Rest

[The color guard remains at parade rest guarding the fire until all have left. They insure the fire is completely out and that all pieces are completely burned.]

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Flag Retirement Ceremony - 2

(This ceremony was used at Bert Adams Scout Reservation, June 29, 2001)

(Starting at the activity field, at the flag plaza)

"Campers, it is our honor this evening to conduct a flag retirement ceremony. This is a solemn and meaningful ceremony, which places some expectations upon you as an audience and as scouts. At the conclusion of the Flag Retreat Ceremony, a staff usher will dismiss your troop to fall in behind staff and march silently to our campfire circle. It is there that we will conclude the Flag Retirement Ceremony. I would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation in lending the dignity that this occasion has earned."

"The following is a direct quotation from the beginning of Title 36, Section 176, Criminal Code of the United States of America, 'No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.' Furthermore, Paragraph K of this same title, Section 176, states, 'The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.'"

(Flags are taken down or suitably displayed. The American Flag is dismembered. For this particular ceremony we had a 30' by 18' flag with a large troop (40 scouts) holding it. A senior scout slit one stripe off, then slit the remaining 5 stripes from the field of stars, then slit the field from the remaining stripes. This produce 4 bundles which were carried by three veterans and the camp director. Once the flag retirement crew is ready, the following commands are given.)

"Color guard, forward march."
"Staff, left face."
"Staff, forward march."

(The staff ushers then dismiss the troops to fall in behind the staff and march to the campfire. Leave an usher at the top of the campfire entrance. His job will be to alert the narrator when the last troop has been seated. Cue the music. A good song to use it track 11 from the soundtrack of the movie, "Glory." The flag carriers were on stage to one side of the fire.)

"Our flag is the symbol of our country. Have you ever stopped to think what the flag really means? The blue in our flag stands for valor which our ancestors selflessly displayed as they fought and died in defense of the flag and the ideals for which it stands."

"The white stands for the purity in all of our hearts. It also represents the honor that each of us should show in all that we do in our everyday lives."

"The red stands for all of the men and women who have died in the service of our country, both as members of the armed forces and as everyday citizens."

"Our flag has gone into every battle in which there have been United States citizens. From the American Revolution to the Civil War. World Wars One and Two. From the Korean Conflict to Vietnam. Grenada, Panama City, and Desert Storm."

"It has flown over some battles that were never declared, such as the terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut and the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City."

"In all of these, we the American people have stayed true to the values that the Flag represents. We should always value the sacrifices that have been made for our flag and the country which it represents."

"We have an old friend here who has fulfilled his duty to our country. He has become worn and tattered and we are here tonight to retire him with honor."

"We shouldn't be sad about the retirement of our friend. We are not burning him in anger, we are only releasing his spirit so that it can continue to serve us in our thoughts."

(Pause for a moment.)

"Would all the veterans we have in the audience please come down and stand in a line behind the flag."

(There was applause for the veterans at this point. If veterans are used to carry the flag, announce each name and their service branch. This is their cue to place their flag bundle in the fire. Do this slowly. On the last one.)

"I now call upon our camp director to place the red stripe upon the fire (the single stripe). That stripe represents the 13th colony of the United States, now the great state of Georgia."

(As the fourth and final portion of the flag is placed upon the fire, the call is:)

"Scouts, Attention."

(Taps is played on the bugle.)

"Ready, Two."

"Veterans, with our appreciation, please return to your seats. Audience, you may be seated."

(Following the directions of the color guard commander, march out with the color guard.)

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Skits

A DAY IN THE RESTAURANT

Props: towel for waiters arm, hat & coat for customer, 2 bowls, 3 glasses, towel for tablecloth, a mushroom waiter hat, container of water, menu, spoon

NOTE: This skit is designed to embarrass a single person. This skit can be done by ONE person who knows what he is doing. All of the roles can be prompted by the main character as everything goes along. If you have all of the roles preset, you will have all the parts filled EXCEPT the table. I have written the skit as if you are by yourself. Make the appropriate adjustments if you have a staff helping. You should introduce all of the parts and then the only thing you will need to do is "But wait!, I am missing a table. I need a volunteer" I have done it with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and adults. Everything should be done with much flair and fanfare. I have decided the comedy is not just in the punch line but also in how you get there. 

[The waiter with towel over arm (the main character) comes down front]

W: Welcome all to my new restaurant! My name is *** and I am your waiter this evening. [Looks around questioningly] But wait, my restaurant is missing some items. I need some volunteers. 

W: (with first two volunteers) You two will be the entrance to my restaurant. (Place them appropriately near the front and off to the side.) You are swinging doors! and as someone walks through you will swing back and forth just like a real door. (Demonstrate by walking through several times and make sure they do their part properly.) EXCELLENT!

W: Now I need a hat rack. (Get volunteer) You will be here and your arms will be up so that you may hold hats and coats. (Position him properly, to side behind doors.) EXCELLENT!

W: My restaurant is starting to shape up! Now I need a serving area! I need two volunteers. (Take these two near the back, facing each other, and have them hold their hands out bent at the elbows so that their hands slightly overlap.) You two are my serving area. Remember to keep your arms flat for the serving table. EXCELLENT!

W: My restaurant needs a cook. I need another volunteer. (Pick a responsible person. Give them the hat.) You are my cook. Come back to the kitchen (behind the serving area). These are your kitchen utensils (show water, bowls, glasses). When I ask you for something, you need to prepare it and hand it to me in the serving area. EXCELLENT! 

W: Now I need a table! (This is the person you will embarrass, choose him carefully. Bring him center stage.) You need to be down on your hands and knees. Try to keep your back flat, remember, you are a table! And now for your tablecloth. (Cover his back with the towel.) EXCELLENT! (By doing him here, it is not so obvious he is about to get embarrassed.) 

W: Now I need a chair! (Pick someone, bring the chair center stage and show how to "sit", one knee down, the other leg out in front to form the seat, one arm out to form the back of the chair: sit in it to make sure it works for you - remember - flair and fanfare) EXCELLENT! 

W: And finally, I need a customer! (Pick a very animated and responsible person for this. You may want this role precast with a member from your patrol, i.e. the two of you come down at the start. It can be done with an audience member if needed. Give him the hat and coat, and have him stand just outside the doors. Instruct the customer to be upset, demanding, basically always unhappy.) EXCELLENT! NOW MY RESTAURANT IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! 

[From this point on, you can quickly prompt all roles with their lines by whispering to them and then having them repeat out loud. Lots of fanfare and flair!!! The skit will be written with the actor lines and actions only - remember to prompt them quickly and quietly if needed. As you place items on the table, do it semi-carefully. Big fat bottomed glasses and wide based shallow bowls work best. You want everything to stand up!]

[Customer comes in through swinging doors - doors swing a lot] 

C: I want to eat. 

W: [Hurries over] Welcome, welcome to my restaurant. I am sure you will enjoy your meal. Here, let me take your hat and coat. [put hat and coat on hat rack] 

W: Come sit over here at our finest table in the house. [While customer sits down, waiter hurries back to serving table] Chef - quickly, water for our customer. [Chef pours water in glass, fairly full, and hands it to waiter, waiter hurries over to table sloshing water around, and sets it on the table] Here is your water sir. 

C: [sips water] UGH! I hope your food is better than your water! 

W: It will be!! Here, look at our menu [hand menu, customer peruses it]

C: What do you recommend? 

W: Well, our soup is excellent! And we have a fine wine to go with it! 

C: Very well, bring them to me. [Waiter goes back to serving area] 

W: CHEF, quickly!. I need a bowl of soup and a glass of our finest wine! [Chef pours water in glass and bowl] 

W: [Hurries out with items and sets them on table] Here you are sir! [Customer tastes wine, makes horrible face. Then tastes soup] 

C: THIS IS TERRIBLE. YOU CALL THIS SOUP. AND THIS IS NO MORE THAN GRAPE JUICE. 

W: I am terribly sorry sir. Let me please try again! 

C: Alright, one more chance. [leave everything on the table]  

W: [back at serving area] CHEF! More soup, more wine! [Chef prepares and hands to waiter; waiter hurries out with items and places on table - table will be crowded, be careful] 

C: [Tastes wine and soup with same grimace as before] THIS IS AWFUL. I WILL NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN!!! [Customer gets up, gets hat and coat, and leaves]  

W: [Goes back to serving area, yelling at chef] WHAT ARE YOU SERVING!!! 

C: No one likes anything I do. I QUIT! [throws down hat and leaves through swinging doors] Serving area: [look at each other] #1: You thinking what I'm thinking? #2: Yea, we get the rest of the day off! [Jubilantly run out through swing doors]

Chair: What am I sitting around here for!! [leaves through swinging doors] 

Hat Rack: No use hanging around here anymore!! [leaves through swinging doors] 

Waiter: This is disastrous!! Everyone is leaving. I'm giving up the restaurant business. [Throw down towel and leave through swinging doors] 

Doors: [in unison] This place just isn't swinging anymore!! [Swinging doors leave] 

[Waiter comes back to front] 

We hope you enjoyed our skit!!! [Lead applause, and go sit down] 

[The table is now left on stage with glasses and bowls of water on his back. DON'T GET UP TO HELP, JUST LEAVE HIM THERE]

Carl Wust
Scoutmaster, Troop 410, Conyers, GA
4/7/98


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The Radio Show

Props: One set is required. It must be large enough for five people to hide behind. The picture should be that of the front of an old fashioned radio. This is most easily done by drawing a picture on a large piece of newsprint or brown paper. We have also done this by having the main character sitting in front with a "boombox" radio and the five people are scattered behind the audience.

Six people take part in this skit. Five are behind the set, each with a copy of the script. Assign a part to each of the actors. They simply read their lines as shown. They must practice so that there is a smooth flow from one line to another (this is the best way to make this skit humorous). Each actor should also have a distinctive voice style.

The scene opens with a person in front of the radio, playing with the dials. Throughout the skit, the person simply sits in front of the set playing with the dials.

Master of Ceremonies: Our scene opens with ____ about to listen to the hockey game on tonight's radio show. There seems to be some interference, however. Let's listen to what happens.

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Murphy Munchkin

Used at the Blue and Gold Banquet, 2003, Pack 410.

This skit requires 6 people to run effectively. The MC and the "Old" Murphy are off to one side and do all of the talking. They observe "Young" Murphy as if watching old silent movies.

"Young" Murphy is made by having one actor's head and torso, a second actor's arms, and a third actor's "legs." We did this by cutting slits in a sheet, held up on the corners by two volunteers, a shirt worn by the main actor and cut so the second actor could slide his arms in (the first actor tucks his arms by his sides), and pants worn (sort of) by the first actor and cut so the third actor's arms become Murphy's legs. Wear socks on the hands for "feet. These three should practice together - it is amazing what Murphy can do! We also spread a drop cloth on the ground to make it easier to clean up.

The last person is a "prop" person. He keeps the action running with the "young" Murphy.

Props: Proper props can really make this skit. See items in the skit itself.

Intro:

MC: Ladies and Gentlemen, as part of out 25th Anniversary, a team of highly qualified expert investigators were dispatched to find past Cub Scouts. After scouring the country side, they were able to find a very unique alumni by the name of Mr. Murphy Munchkin. Could you please give a warm welcome to Mr. Munchkin (lead applause as "Old" Murphy comes in).

MC: Mr. Munchkin, I understand that you were able to bring with you some old home movies of your early scouting days.

MM: Oh yes indeed

MC: Let's take a look at them

MM: OK, but I must tell you that I looked a little bit different before I hit my final growth spurt, and because of that I was able to do some amazing things.

"Young" Murphy can either be there from the start or uncovered at this point.

MM: Here I am getting ready to go to Camp Bert Adams.

MC: You weren't kidding about looking different.

MM: Well here I am at Opening Flag Ceremony, and here I am as part of the Color Guard.

(props: flag and rope - Murphy displays the flag and salutes)

MC: How wonderful that you were able to raise the flag and salute at the same time.

MM: Here I am running over to the rifle and archery range. The instructors were scared when I could do both at the same time.

(props: "gun" and bow and arrow, hand them both to Murphy)

MC: I would be too.

MM: Now here I am at the waterfront. 

(go through the motions as the MC talks)

MC: Look how fast you could swim.

(props: hand Murphy two paddles)

MC: and you must have been very fast at canoeing and rowing.

(take paddles back, have a half glass of water ready)

MM: Ya, but the best time was free swim where I could show off all my dives, like the double jackknife or the half gainer

(Murphy shows off some dives, with one, spray the crowd with the water)

MM: One night I was walking through the woods and came across a bear! So I ran quickly, and I jumped over a log and I ran and ran and I jumped over another log, and then I ran and ran and finally jumped up into a tree.

(props: a piece of log about 3-4 feet long. At each jump, the prop man runs across the stage with the log horizontal and Murphy jumps. When Murphy jumps into the tree, present the log vertically so all of Murphy's limbs can grab it.)

MC: Well, I'm glad to see you make it out of that safely, but what was your favorite part of camp?

MM: Oh, the best part of the entire camp was eating at the dining hall. I loved the big juicy hamburgers and of course you have to have lots and lots of ketchup with that.

(props: hamburger and ketchup bottle. Give both to Murphy, let him put ketchup on the burger, and then try to eat it.)

MM: But the best part of any meal was dessert.

MC: Dessert? Like what?

MM: Pies of course

MC: Did you say PIE?

(props: put empty pie tin, in one of Murphy's hands and start filling with whipped cream)

MM: Yes big big pies with lots of whipped cream. My favorite pie was apple.

MC: You did say PIE!

(props: a second pie tin, with more whipped cream)

MM: Yes, I loved my pies.

MC: PIE!

(props: a third pie tin - if Murphy can handle it. Continue with a fourth if you want)

MM: And then of course I ate them all!!

(we did not tell the head and torso actor that this was going to happen - but everyone had a good laugh)

MC: Well sir, you are truly amazing. It has been a pleasure to meet with you. Please come back and visit again.

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