MANUAL

CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 13
Opening Ceremony Options
While the Grand Howl should not be changed, there are many variations of openings,
depending on traditions of the Pack. There are some variations that are used regularly
in Canada. The first is that some Packs use the Flag of Canada as part of their opening,
after the Grand Howl is done. This gives opportunity for more Cub Scouts to be
involved in the opening.
Another option that several Cub Scout Packs use is repeat the Promise, Law and
Motto as part of the opening. This helps the Cub Scouts remember each.
If there are any investitures, this is the time when many Packs do it.
Singing “O Canada” is a practice in some Packs.
Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony is very similar to the Opening Ceremony, but adds in
celebration and recognition of Cub Scouts' accomplishments.
Toward the end of the meeting, whether outside or in, Cub Scouts often need to
gather in their Lairs to prepare to leave. Give Lairs some time to review their night’s
adventures with their Lair Scouter and gather their things together.
Make the presentation of a badge a special moment in the Cub Scout’s experience.
Some Packs have little traditions like placing the badge in the mouth of the Wolf
Totem during closing. Encourage your Cub Scouts to create their own traditions for
your Pack.
INVESTITURES
All Cub Scouts will be invested with their new “whiskers” (woggle) every year, once
they have had the opportunities to work together through the Investiture preparation
activities (see p. 153). Scouters may present the Howlers with their whiskers (woggles).
In turn, Howlers can present new Trackers with their whiskers. For the Runners and any
other new Cub Scouts, this is a very special occasion. They will receive their Group
neckers and their Group, Area and Council crests for their uniform. Runners can be
invested at any time: when they swim up from Beavers in the spring, in the fall or
throughout the year if they join partway through. Investitures can happen at the
meeting hall, outdoors or at a camp. Parents are often invited, particularly for Runner
Investitures. Each Pack may have traditions that enrich this important experience.
The same steps are followed as in the Opening Ceremony. There are some additional
options, however. These include presenting badges to Cub Scouts, giving reminders or
notes, and acknowledging the flag (if one was used).
The Grand Howl is performed after badges are presented and notes are passed out.
Some Packs say a prayer after the Grand Howl.
A long-standing Pack tradition has the Scouter closing the meeting by saying, “Good
Night, Good Hunting, Go Straight Home.”
BADGE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
Cub Scouts who achieve personal progress in Outdoor Adventure Skills or Personal
Achievement badges need to be recognized by the Pack. Badges may be presented at
any time during meetings. They can also be presented at camps and campfires. The
intent is to celebrate the accomplishment by making the badge presentation special.
One option is to present badges at the closing ceremonies. The Scouter may ask the
Cub Scout to come into the Parade Circle before the closing Grand Howl. The Cub
Scout has already reviewed with a Scouter what was done to complete the badge, but
if there is something worthy of comment, the Cub Scout or Scouter can do so.
162 SCOUTER MANUAL—A SCOUTER’S GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN PATH SCOUTER MANUAL—A SCOUTER’S GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN PATH 163