revised 03-16-2007
Set-up: All in ceremonial costume including OA Sash, lights are lowered, candles or a spot light are used if available. All movements are slow and purposeful. The crossover bridge is positioned slightly left of stage center. Each WEBELOS crossing over wears a name tag showing his full name. All recipients must have read the Scout Oath, Law, and Motto.
Drummer: Flute music begins. Drummer starts with 1 beat per 5 seconds. After 3rd beat Soaring Eagle enters. When Soaring Eagle is in first position, Drummer ends with two quick beats.
Soaring Eagle: (enters from behind audience or off-stage carrying list of recipients. Just inside entry he stops raises arm and bellows, "Behold and remain silent for the mighty chief Akela comes and with him the wise medicine man Running Deer." He lowers his arm.
Drummer: Resumes the original beat ending with a double beat when Soaring Eagle is in final position.
Soaring Eagle. Stops at center stage and lays the blanket on the floor. The list is placed on the blanket at center of edge closest to audience. He steps between the blanket and audience (1) and calls forth the other two players. "I am Soaring Eagle, Guide of the WEBELOS." (slowly spreads arms and looks upward) "I call to the Spirit of the Mountains to bring forth our Medicine Man, Running Deer." (slowly drops arms).
Drummer: Begins 5 second beat and again stops with two quick beats when Running Deer is in position.
Running Deer: (enters and stands at stage right).
Soaring Eagle: (slowly spreads arms and looks upward) "I call to the Spirit of the Plains to bring forth the great Chief Akela." (slowly lowers arms and takes his position at stage left)
Drummer: Begins 5 second beat and again stops with two quick beats when Akela is in position. There is no more drumming during ceremony. Music plays softly.
Note: Running Deer, Akela, and Soaring Eagle should be nor more than one foot apart. And directly centered in flood light
Akela: (enters, stands at center of flood light facing audience). "I am Akela, chief of the WEBELOS. I am the spirit of Cub Scouting and the keeper of the Arrow of Light. I am here to help some of our brothers cross the bridge into Scouting. Before they make their Crossing, they should be reminded of the purpose of Cub Scouting and their accomplishments."
Soaring Eagle: "Cub Scouting influences the development of character and encourages spiritual growth. It develops habits and attitudes of good citizenship, sportsmanship, and growing strong in mind and body. It improves understanding within the family, and it strengthens the ability to get along with others. It teaches how to be helpful and to do one’s best. First you were a Bobcat, a beginner. You learned to abide by the Cub Scout Oath, Motto, and the Law of the Pack. You were a Tiger, and for the first time, you and your parents ventured outside your world. Next came the Wolf, where you learned to set goals and achieve them. Then you were a Bear. You honed your skills and improved your knowledge so you could become a WEBELOS. For the past 2 years you have climbed the rugged, Eagle trail, and you have reached the first of many peaks."
Akela: "As Medicine Man of our people Running Deer will remind you of our purpose tonight."
Running Deer: "We are here tonight to celebrate an end and a beginning; for reward and rededication. Many winters ago in the days of the first Sioux there were many young braves who were ready to leave the constant guidance of their teachers, to walk on their own, to carry with them the trust of their people, to achieve, to fail, and to learn. But, there was no way to distinguish these braves from their younger brothers. The great chief thought on this for many moons, and it came to him. These braves who are ready will receive a gold arrow, an arrow of light which will guide them on their chosen path. We have come to award those who have been found ready."
Akela: "Soaring Eagle, read the names of those who are ready." (To audience) "Stand when your name is called so that you may be recognized. Parents, please come forth with your son. Representatives of Scouting, please take your places at the Scouting end of the bridge (motions to one end, normally Akela’s left, audience right, of bridge)."
Soaring Eagle picks up list and calls the names of the first recipient. When the recipient stands, Running Deer goes into the audience and escorts him to a position in front of Akela. Running Deer positions the parents directly behind the recipient.
Akela: (receives one Arrow of Light award and card from Soaring Eagle, gives the paper clip and the badge to the father, and asks the father to pin the badge on his son's shirt. If there are Mother's pins, Akela takes one apart, gives both pieces to the Webelos, and directs him to pin it on his mother's collar. AKELA gives the card to the boy’s mother and directs her to put it in safe keeping with the rest of his Scout rank advancements until he attains Eagle Scout. Finally, Akela stands facing WEBELOS, places his hands flat upon his shoulders.) "NAME, you have been shown the Scout Law, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Motto. Are you prepared to live by them and to set the example for the younger braves who will follow you?"
WEBELOS: "Yes."
Akela: "Then you are ready to seek the mysteries of the world. Cross the bridge!" Then Akela turns and guides the youth, accompanied by his parents, across the bridge and toward the Scout leader who welcomes him into Scouting.
Soaring Eagle reads the name of the next recipient. Process repeats.
When last Webelos is crossed, all depart quietly. Remain in regalia for photos