Pack Resource Sheet October 2018

Scout Law: Loyal

A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

Theme: Scout Salute

Cub Scouts will show their loyalty during this meeting by participating in several activities such as honoring the American flag, creating a pack banner, and hearing about loyalty from a guest speaker or demonstrating loyalty to a team through a pack game.

Preopening Activity: Loyalty Synonyms

Hide slips of paper with synonyms for loyal/loyalty throughout the room. Give participants a numbered list as they arrive and invite them to find and write down all the synonyms they find. Some synonyms are: devoted, steadfast, trustworthy, patriotic, ardent, staunch, dutiful, allegiant, attached, believing, constant, firm, resolute, steady, trusty, unfailing, unswerving, unwavering.

Opening Ceremony: We Salute You

Preparation: 6 Cub Scouts, picture illustrating each part, with lines on back.

#1: Some who we salute are obvious, local heroes like a police officer who risk their life to protect us from violence or the fireman who pulls people out of burning buildings.

#2: Others we salute are the ambulance drivers, para-medics, doctors, and nurses who save lives every day.

#3: Some people around us seem like regular people, but we salute them because they were soldiers in the military and served our country to keep us free.

#4: A hero is someone who does the right thing even when they are afraid of failure. They do it because it should be done. And we salute them.

#5: Some who should be saluted are harder to spot, but they are still there. These include blood donors, teachers who spend their time and energy helping kids, and kids who say “No” to drugs.

#6: Heroes are all around us. Please join in saluting all the heroes of our country by saying with me the Pledge of Allegiance.

Opening Ceremony: I Made a Promise

#1: I made a promise... I said that whatever I did I would do the best I could.

#2: I made a promise... to serve my God and my country the best I could.

#3: I made a promise... to help other people at all times the best I could.

#4: I made a promise... to obey the Scout Oath and Law the best I could.

#5: I have done my best, and I will do my best because I am the best... I am a Cub Scout.

#6: Will everyone now join us in repeating the Scout Oath.

Song: America! That's My Home!

Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic

Mine eyes have seen the beauty of this country where I live.

They have seen the generosity so many freely give.

There is not a better country in the world than where I live.

America! That's my home!

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, I'm American.

Never a better place that I have been.

Glory, glory, I'm American.

America! That's my home!

The freedoms that we share help to make us who we are.

I can live my dreams at home or be free to travel far.

I can set my sights upon the very farthest shining star.

'Cause America! That's my home!

(Chorus)

Advancement Ceremony: Salute to Our Heroes

Preparation: “Medals of Honor” made from construction paper or juice can lids and attached to loops of ribbon to be hung around the Cub Scouts' necks. Label the medals “HERO.”

CM: We salute our heroes. They are people who are not afraid to do what they believe is right. They are people who want to make things better for others. They are usually prepared and trained to do the job. And they will do their best even if they are afraid because it is important to them to do what is right.

The following Scouts are the heroes that we salute today. They have chosen to work hard and prepare themselves in life by learning Cub Scouting ideals. They are learning to be independent and successful, and happen to have a lot of fun along the way.

Please join me in congratulating the heroes who have earned their Bobcat rank. (Call out names of new Bobcats and their parents, present rank awards, and place medals around the boys' necks. Continue in a similar manner for each additional rank.)

Advancement Ceremony: Freedom Symbols

Materials: Awards attached to models or posters of the Statue of Liberty, the US flag (not an actual flag), the Declaration of Independence, Liberty Bell, Bald Eagle

CM: There are many symbols that have special meaning to American citizens. Tonight I would like to tell you a little about some of the symbols as we honor the boys who are advancing along the Cub Scout trail.

The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor welcoming people to our country. The inscription at the base of this statue reads in part, “I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” There is a golden door in Cub Scouting, and it is open to all boys. By walking through that door, each boy has an opportunity to learn about citizenship and to grow in character and fitness. The boys who receive the Bobcat badge tonight have just entered that door. (Call boys and parents forward,present awards)

Another symbol of our freedom is the American flag. It has been with our country from the beginning and stands for the past, the present, and the future of our country. The boys who have earned the Tiger badge are starting in Cub Scouting from the beginning. If they continue to advance, they will be the past, present, and future of Cub Scouting in our pack. (Call boys and parents forward, present awards)

The Declaration of Independence is one of many documents that established freedom in America. It was signed on July 4, 1776. The Wolf Cub Scouts are showing their independence and learning many new skills. (Call boys and parents forward, present awards)

One of the most beloved of our freedom symbols is the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell was rung in July 1776 calling the people of Philadelphia to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It is inscribed with these words: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land.” With their goodwill, the Bear Cub Scouts proclaim the spirit of Cub Scouting. (Call boys and parents forward, present awards)

I have one last symbol of freedom to talk about, the American eagle. The Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem of our country because of its long life, great strength, and majestic looks. It represents a country that offers to its people freedom and opportunity. Our Webelos Scouts are soon to be Boy Scouts. They are the future of Scouting. They have the opportunity to continue a long life in Scouting, and they may aspire to advance in Scouting, to grow in strength and knowledge, and one day to receive the Eagle Scout Award. (Call boys and parents forward,present awards)

Congratulations! I am proud of each of you and your accomplishments. Continue to work hard as Cub Scouts and as citizens of our great country.

Cheers

Heart & Soul Applause: Pat one hand on your heart and the other on the soul of your shoe.

Constitution Cheer: “We the people, APPROVE!”

George Washington Cheer: “I cannot tell a lie; that was great!”

Superhero Cheer: “Up, up, and away!”

Fireworks Cheer: Look up, make a whistling noise and say, “Ooooh, Ahhh, Ooooh!”

Sparkler Cheer: Wave your sparkler around until it gets too close to your hand. Dance around and yell, “Ooo, eee, ohhhh, OUCH!”

Skit: Fireworks

#1 (stands looking up into the sky): Oooh, ahhh!

#2 (walks up to #1, looks up): What are you looking at?

#1: Fireworks! Want to watch with me?

#2: Yeah

#1 & 2 (looking up): Oooh, ahhh!

#3 (walks up to #1 & 2, looks up): What are you looking at?

#2: Fireworks! Want to watch with us?

#1, 2, &3 (looking up): Oooh, ahhh!

(Repeat with as many boys as you'd like)

Last boy (joining group): What are you all looking at?

All: Fireworks!

Last boy: Those aren't fireworks. They're fireflies!

#1: Oh! I just thought the fireworks were really far away! (walks off)

Cubmaster's Minute: Our Flag

Our flag stands for freedom and equality. It is the banner of a people who are still willing to lay down their lives in defense of right, justice, and freedom. It is the emblem by which we proclaim to the world that this is “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Our flag is an emblem of true patriotism- the patriotism of men and women who have lived and died, not for themselves, but for their country.

When we look at our flag- its stars and stripes, its vivid red, white, and blue- and read its story and hear its message, when we contemplate what our flag means and what it stands for, and when we consider the sacrifices made and the lives given so that our flag could still be flying over us today, we are quietly reminded to cherish, to protect, and to defend it.

Closing Ceremony: I Will Use

#1: This is my country. I will use my eyes to see the beauty of this land.

#2: I will use my ears to hear its sounds.

#3: I will use my mind to think of what I can do to make it more beautiful.

#4: I will use my hands to serve and care for it.

#5: And with all my heart, I will honor it.

#6: Please stand for the retrieving of the colors.

Cub Grub: Cub Salute Snack

Ingredients: graham crackers, white icing, blue sprinkles, red rope licorice, white chocolate chips

Frost graham crackers with white icing. Sprinkle blue sprinkles in a square in one corner. Place white chocolate chips in the blue square. Cut red licorice into thin strips and short pieces, place to create “stripes” in white icing to resemble flag.

Activity: Patriotic Caroling and Pack Parade

Instead of Christmas songs, take your den or pack caroling patriotic songs. Better yet, hold a pack parade. Participants can dress up in patriotic colors and march down the street singing patriotic songs, carrying flags and other symbols of America.

Game: Stars Relay

Place a bunch of paper stars, spread out, on one table. Place an empty bowl at the other end of the room. Divide players into teams and give each player a straw. Players suck up a star using their straw, run to the bowl, and deposit the star, then run back and tag the next player.

American Flag and Flag Etiquette handout

The Flag of the United States of America

THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

After the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Americans realized they needed a national flag to take the place of all the individual banners carried by the various regiments—a flag that would symbolize the newly created union of states. Finally, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following brief resolution: “RESOLVED, that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: That the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” 

Captain Samuel C. Reid, U.S. Navy, who commanded the General Armstrong during the War of 1812, suggested to Congress that the stripes be fixed at 13 to represent the original colonies and that a star be added to the blue field for every state coming into the union. Congress passed this into law on July 4, 1818; one star for each new state would be added to the flag on the next Fourth of July following the state’s admission. 

DISPLAYING THE FLAG 

When the national flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field) should be at the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag. When displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony, or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be at the staff’s peak (unless the flag is at half-staff). When displayed on a stage or platform, the national flag should be to the speaker’s right. Any other flag is on the speaker’s left. When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the union to the north over an east–west street, and to the east over a north–south street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first. Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed on the inside of motor vehicle side windows. 

FLAG CARE 

Be sure flags are dry before storing them. Colors affixed to staffs should be carefully furled, placed in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic—and then stored upright, preferably in a cool, dry, dark place. Iron-on patches make rips and holes easy to repair. They can be bought in fabric departments in colors and various materials to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric package. Outdoor flags should be correctly folded and sealed in plastic bags that are moisture- and bug-proof. Store in a safe, cool, and dry place. 

WEARING THE FLAG 

• A flag patch may be attached to such uniforms as those of athletes, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. The national flag should not be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

• Flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. 

• Reproductions of the national flag in any medium such as jewelry, pins, buttons, or printed materials must show the union (blue field) on the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag. 

FLYING THE FLAG AT HALF-STAFF 

When flown at half-staff, the flag is hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-staff position (half the distance from the top to the bottom of the staff). Before the flag is lowered for the day, it is raised again to the top, then lowered. 

If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to drape a purple and black mourning ribbon across the flag. 

The flag is flown at half-staff all day on the following days: 

• December 7—Pearl Harbor Day 

• May 15—Peace Officers Memorial Day 

• July 27—Korean War Veterans Armistice Day 

On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff only until noon. Then it is raised to the top to be flown until sunset. 

The U.S. president may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff following the death of someone important to the government, or a state governor. State governors can declare that the flag be flown at half-staff in their state when a former governor of that state dies. 

FLAG HOLIDAYS 

You are encouraged to fly the flag on the following holidays: 

New Year's Day	Inauguration Day	Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day	Easter Sunday	Patriots Day
National Day of Prayer	Mother's Day	Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)	Flag Day	Father's Day
Independence Day	Labor Day	Constitution Day
Columbus Day	Navy Day	Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day	Christmas Day	Election days

DESTROYING WORNOUT FLAGS 

When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest but blazing fire. This should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former flag. 

CUB SCOUT FLAG CEREMONY PROTOCOL 

*Flag Bearer(s):  Cub Scouts who carry the flag(s)—one flag per boy. Hold the staff at a slight angle in front of the body. The bearer of the United States flag marches at the front right of the column (if marching in single file). A flag bearer stands silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and does not say the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the national anthem. 

*Color guard: These Cub Scouts guard the honor of the flag and watch to see that the flag does not touch the ground. They stand behind the flag bearer, or to each side if in a line of more than one flag. Two per flag is traditional, but any number may be used. They stand silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and do not say the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the national anthem.

*Color guard commander (or Caller): This designated Cub Scout “calls out” the parts of the ceremony. He stands in front and to one side of audience.

*Flag placement: The United States flag is placed to the speaker’s right when on the stage (or to the audience’s left). The second flag (if used) is placed on the opposite side. 

SUGGESTED COLOR GUARD COMMANDER SCRIPT— OPENING CEREMONY 

• Color guard, attention! Will the audience please rise? 

• Hand salute! (Cub Scout salute if in uniform, hand on heart if not in uniform.) 

• Color guard, advance! (Wait for color guard to reach the front and face the audience.) 

• Everyone, please join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Recite the pledge together.) 

• Two! (This is the signal that everyone may put their hands down.)

• Cub Scout sign! (All raise their right hands, making the Cub Scout sign.) 

• Cub Scouts, please join me in saying the Scout Oath. (Recite the Oath together)

• Two! 

• Color guard, post the colors! Color guard, dismissed. The audience may be seated.

 COLOR GUARD COMMANDER SCRIPT— CLOSING CEREMONY 

• Will the audience please rise? 

• Color guard, advance. 

• Color guard, retrieve the colors.* 

• Audience, salute. (Wait until flags leave the area)  Two.

• Color Guard dismissed.  Audience dismissed.

* Note that the word is “retrieve,” not “retire.” 

HOW TO FOLD A FLAG 

• Fold the flag in half lengthwise. 

• Fold in half lengthwise again, being careful that the blue field is on the outside. 

• As one person holds the flag by the blue field, another makes a triangular fold in the opposite end and continues to make triangular folds until the entire flag is in a triangle. 

• Tuck the loose edge of the flag into the pocket formed by the folds so that only the blue field and white stars are visible.