To: Troop 210 Patrol Leaders

Re: Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The information below contains numerous opening and closing ceremonies that should be implemented immediately. This is a sample list only. Take some of the ideas and expand upon them or change them to satisfy your needs. In addition, any individual that leads an opening or closing must know exactly what they are doing. They must know the sequence of events. Opening and closings are the most serious part of the meeting and therefore deserve the most respect. Please relay this to your patrol members so they will be on their best behavior during the openings and closings. If you have any questions, please see me.

• Scout Law Ceremonies
  • The Scout Law itself is 12 separate ceremonies. One ceremony could be devoted to the first point, with a reading of the explanation. For example: A Scout is trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises… Eleven meetings later, the subject of the ceremony would be, "A Scout is Reverent."
  • The Scout Law is recited by all new Scouts. Note: Make sure they are prepared and informed before the opening ceremony in order to avoid embarrassment.
  • The newest and oldest Scout lead the Troop in reciting the Scout Law. (see above note)
  • One point of the Scout Law is assigned to each of the 12 boys. Each boy, in turn, takes a step forward, salutes, gives his point of the law, and steps back in line.
• Scout Oath Ceremonies
  • Call the Troop to attention. All Scouts give the Scout sign and repeat together the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Or, after the Scout Oath, read the points of the Scout Law with the Scouts repeating each point. For example, you say, "A Scout is Trustworthy." The Scouts repeat together, "A Scout is trustworthy."
  • Call the Troop to attention. Repeat the Scout Oath. After repeating the oath, briefly summarize the three points in your own words.
• Flag Ceremonies
  • The Troop is in single-rank formation. The flag is paraded in to the front; the patrol leader of the Program patrol leads the Troop in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • The Troop is formed by patrols in two lines facing each other. The flag is marched up the aisle between the lines, with Scouts saluting. The Flag bearers halt at the head of the lines and march about, whereupon the Troop gives the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • The Troop is in horseshoe formation, with the flag in the center. Each Scout in turn steps forward one step, salutes, and steps back - or all salute together.
  • Troop is in single rank. Bring Scouts to attention and turn out all lights except a single spot or flashlight focused on the flag. A Scout from the program patrol recites (doesn’t sing) the first verse of the "Star-Spangled Banner". The Troop then sings the verse and lights are turned on.
  • In your words, explain the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Then call the Troop to attention and recite the Pledge.
  • Call the Troop to attention. Say "salute" and give the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Scout Oath or Law. Pause after each part and in your own words, give the meaning of it.
  • The Scouts salute the Troop flag and repeat after the senior patrol leader, "As a member of Troop 67, I pledge that I shall always strive to be a good member of my patrol. I will take part in all scout activities, advance in Scoutcraft, and act as a Scout at all times."

• Close the meeting with the Troop singing "Taps," with the lights dimmed or a candle lit ceremony. Each boy slowly raises his outstretched hands in front of him during the first two lines, then lowers them as the song is being sung.
• Troop formation: "May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until we meet again."
• Form a circle. Have each boy make the Scout sign and with the left hand grasp the lifted right wrist of his left neighbor. Recite the Scout Law or Oath.
• Form a brotherhood circle, arms around each others shoulders or inter-lock arms. Program patrol leads the Troop in "Scout Vespers".
• In Formation, all Scouts repeat the Scout Oath or Law.
• Have all Scouts hum "Taps" while one boys recites the Scout Oath.