Bear Rank - Chipmunk's Stripes Ceremony

This Ceremony is meant for Bear scouts.

Akela: Long ago, the animals had tribes just like the people. One night, Porcupine sent out a message requesting all the animals to come together for a great council of the tribes. At the Council meeting, Porcupine stood up. His quills quivered and gleamed in the firelight. 'We must decide,' he said, 'whether we shall have night or daylight all the time.'

Baloo: All the animals began giving their ideas all at once. It was deafening. Bear rocked to and fro on his hind legs, trying to drown out the others by rumbling in a big deep voice, 'Always night! Always night! Always night!'

Akela: A little chipmunk who had been sitting on the outskirts of the Council meeting became annoyed. (Chipmunks hate to sit still for any time.) 'You can talk all you like,' he shrilled out in his tiny, squeaky voice, 'but the light will come whether you want it or not. The light will come.'

Akela: The other animals did not pay any attention to him, but went on roaring and growling until they were hoarse. Finally, they agreed that night all the time would be better. And, so it was decided. Chipmunk danced with excitement on the outskirts of the Council meeting shrieking, 'The Light Will Come! The Light Will Come!'

Baloo: But, Bear, who was close to him, growled, 'Quiet, little one! It is decided.'

Akela: But, as the council was ending, a faint flush had crept up in the sky, and the golden disc of the sun rose above the tree-tops. Could it be possible that it was daylight whether they wished it or not? A shrill voice suddenly piped up from the edge of the assembly. 'What did I tell you?...'

Baloo: 'Roooooar!' Bear slashed at the bothersome Chipmunk with his huge paw. Luckily, Chipmunk was very fast and Bear's claws barely scratched his little back. He was gone like a flash through the trees and into a hole in a tree before Bear could catch him. But, the black stripes that run down the chipmunk's sides today show where Bear's claws hit him long ago at that Council meeting when the animals tried to decide whether they should have darkness or daylight all the time.

Akela: Just as Bear left his mark on Chipmunk, we are here to honor Cub Scouts who have left their mark on this pack. On their way to learning about their self, their family, their country, and God, they have taken part in many activities in the pack.

Akela: Call these new Bear Scouts and their parents forward so I may honor them.

Baloo: Will the following Cub Scouts come forward with their parents?

(Baloo names the scouts who are to receive the Bear badge.)

(Akela hands the badge to the parents.)

Akela: Parents, present the Bear badge to your child. As is our custom, please attach the badge to his uniform upside down, with the tape. Once he performs a good deed, the badge may be permanently attached right side up. The pin is worn by the parents as an indication that Cub Scouting continues to be a family activity.

Baloo: These scouts deserve a cheer for their hard work. What could be more appropriate than a Bear growl?