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. This is a tradition with
Troop 1; every one of us was inducted into the troop with this same ceremony.
“Some joining may be new to Scouting. Some are already experienced in Cub
Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, or Venturing, or in a combination of
these programs. 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 and district or
council. This occurs by patrol.)
Senior Patrol Leader: (After all patrols have been introduced, picks up lighted candle
from table or candleholder) “This candle represents the spirit of Scouting. As we
welcome you into the fellowship of Troop 1, 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 Scout 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 1. Now listen to the meaning of
the Scout Law.”
(Staff members who are not troop guides are stationed near the table. Each will recite
one point of the Scout Law and light one of the candles. If there are fewer than 12 staff
available, each staff member can light candles for two or more points 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 manners 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 to 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.”