FS315073 - Scout Skills - Ceremonies - ScoutBase UK

page 2 of 7A prayer or an opportunity for quiet reflection maybe used either at the beginning or end of ameeting.InspectionsThese are one way of encouraging a highstandard at meetings and at camp. They are alsoabout encouraging young people to takeresponsibility for themselves. They should beshort, friendly and helpful. Scouts should beaware that they might be inspected onattendance, uniform, general smartness, personalcleanliness and on certain occasions, onindividual items, such as handkerchiefs. Adversecomments should be constructive and given in afriendly manner, not as a negative criticism whichmay be resented.It may well be that the Troop wishes to introduce acompetitive edge and encourage Scouts to dotheir best, by giving points for inspection. It isvery important that these are allocated on a fairsystem and if it is part of an inter-Patrolcompetition, the system needs to be monitored toensure that it doesn't become all-important. It iswhat underlies inspection that is important, notwhether one Scout is essentially cleaner and tidierthan another.Further information and resourcesChapter 3 of Troop Essentials “Organising theScout Troop” outlines the details of ceremoniesand other aspects such as Badge, Award or otherpresentations.Speak with experienced Scout Leaders about theceremonies undertaken in your Troop and otherTroops in the District. They may have some hintsand tips which will help you.TEACH YOURSELFCeremonies have an important and traditionalplace in the Scout Troop and there may be someslight variations in how these are performed fromTroop to Troop. The essential factors are thatthey are short, simple and sincere. Simple so thateveryone can understand what is going on; shortbecause if it is too long, Scouts become boredand fidget; sincere because unless takenseriously and the Scouts appreciate their value,there is no point in having them.TimeThis is variable because some ceremonies, likeFlag Break, are relatively simple and usedregularly in the Troop. Others, like Investituresare a little more complicated and not used asoften. However, an hour would allow you tobecome familiar with the basic principles.EquipmentTroop, National and Union flags.Learning all about itBefore having a go, you will need to read theInformation Sheet section at the start of thisfactsheet if you have not already done so.Being proficient and responsible for ceremonies inthe Troop comes with practice and experience,and unfortunately it is difficult to practise as suchand set up false situations in which to teachyourself. It may be a case of watching or'shadowing' experienced Leaders during variousceremonies and perhaps taking the opportunitybefore or after a Troop meeting or a quiet momentat camp, to practise a few aspects.It is worthwhile taking time for the properpreparation for all ceremonies since atmosphereand 'stage management' are important to theoverall effectiveness. Everyone who is taking partshould know what to do and when to do it.Wherever and whenever possible ceremoniesshould be conducted outdoors.Scout InvestitureThis is the most important Scout ceremony and isone that should be treated with dignity andrespect. All of your Scouts need to be aware that