extra, Extra, EXTRAS!
OPENING
Thats What It Means to Be an American
Setting: 4 uniformed Cub Scouts; carrying suitable props (such as a megaphone, nightcap, church model, and a star) speak the following lines.
Cub #1: You can say anything you want to say, whoever you may be. Some things cost a lot of money, but speech is free.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Cub #2: You can write anything you want to write and dare to disagree.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Cub #3: You cant be put in prison, unless youve been fairly tried. You can choose your place of worship with your family by your side.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Cub #4: You can dream any dream you want to dream, and make it all come true. We live in a land where liberty is meant for me and you.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Red Skelton What the Pledge means to ME
This was first broadcast on The Red Skelton Hour, January 14, 1969.
"I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name. He said; 'I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word:
I--me, an individual, a committee of one.
PLEDGE--dedicate all my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
ALLEGIANCE--my love and devotion.
TO THE FLAG--our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job.
OF THE UNITED--that means that we have all come together.
STATES--individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC--a state in which sovereign power is vested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
FOR WHICH IT STANDS
ONE NATION--meaning, so blessed by God.
INDIVISIBLE--incapable of being divided.
WITH LIBERTY--which is freedom and the right of power to live one's own life without threats or fear or some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE--the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL--which means it's as much your country as it is mine.' Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance--"under God." Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That is a prayer," and that would be eliminated for schools, too?"
Honoring Our Flag
Personnel: 15 Cub Scouts, American flag bearer, Cubmaster
Equipment: American Flag, 7 red crepe paper streamers, 6 white crepe paper streamers, blue crepe paper rectangle, white cardboard five-pointed star.
(Seven Cub Scouts, each carrying a red crepe paper streamer, march in single file onto stage. In turn, each boy displays his streamer. It should reach from his head to his feet.)
7 Cub Scouts: (in unison) We are the seven red stripes in our flag. For hardiness and valor we stand.
(6 Cub Scouts enter, each carrying a white crepe paper streamer, and duplicate the actions of the first group. They stand alternating with the boys holding red stripes.)
6 Cub Scouts: We are the 6 white stripes in our flag. For innocence and purity we stand.
(A Cub Scout enters, carrying the blue crepe paper rectangle, which he holds up as he stands to the right of the first boy holding the first red stripe.)
Cub Scout: Now look at me, the field of blue. For vigilance, perseverance and justice true.
(Next Cub Scout enters carrying the large white star. He holds it against the blue field.)
Cub Scout: I am a five-pointed star shining bright. One for each state. When united, we have might.
(Flag bearer enters carrying the American Flag. He stands near group that made the crepe paper flag.)
Cubmaster: Behold the emblem of our country...the greatest flag of the greatest nation of the world. May it ever wave over free and liberty-loving people. May it ever represent the highest ideas of American boyhood and manhood.
May its stars and stripes, blessed by God and glorified by the blood of our patriots, ever support the principles of democracy in America and around the world.
Cub Scout: Would you please rise and join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Opening Prayer
We give thanks for the blessings of our country, the strong leaders of our nation, and all who exercise rightful authority in our communities. We pray that everyone who lives in our country, whatever their origins, creeds or beliefs, can be untied in the bonds of true friendship, that hatred and bigotry can, be banished; that our ideals and institutions of freedom can be strong and carried on. May this land be an example of and instrument for peace throughout the world. Amen.
CLOSING
The Flag Talks
This can be used for an impressive opening or closing.
Needed: A large U.S. Flag, a flashlight or light available to beam on the flag, a narrator.
I am what you make me, nothing more. I am your belief in yourself, the dream of what a people may become. I am all that you hope to be, have courage to try for.
I swing before your eyes a bright gleam of color, the pictured suggestion of those things that make our nation great!!!
Meaning of Our Flag Closing
MATERIALS: 1 piece of construction paper in red, blue and white
1 piece of white paper cut to be a star
1 flag
5 scouts
Each Scout uses one of the items above. Write the words each should say on the back of their items.
Leader: Today, as we leave, let's all keep in mind our flag and the meaning therein we can find.
Cub #1: The red is for blood of Americans true, who gladly would give up their lives for you.
Cub #2: The white is for purity, in both thought and deed, a rule of conduct we all might well heed.
Cub #3: The blue is for justice, for all, not one, a tenet we fought for and so dearly won.
Cub #4: The Star is a symbol of God's guiding hand, over the union and this mighty land.
Cub #5: There isn't a one our flag won't protect, don't you think we could show it greater respect?
ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES
Uncle Sam Calls on You Advancement
Equipment: Uncle Sam costumehat, mustache & name tag should be sufficient.
Cubmaster: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the efforts of some of our youngest Americans.
(In a booming voice) Uncle Sam wants YOU (points index finger at the audience and calls the scouts names) to come forward and receive your Bobcat badges. Uncle Sam wants YOUr (again pointing an index finger) parents to come forward, too.
Boys, please show that you are ready to become Bobcats by joining me in the Cub Scout Promise. (The Cubmaster leads the Promise.) Fine. I am proud of your efforts and pleased to present your Bobcat badges. (The Cubmaster gives the badges to the parents to pin on their sons shirts.)
Cubmaster: And now, Uncle Sam wants YOU (pointing and calling appropriate boys names) to come forward with YOUr parents. I am very glad that you have completed the 12 achievements to earn your Wolf badges. I youre your parents have helped a lot, so I will give them the honor of pinning on your new badges. (Presents badges to parents.)
(Continue in the same fashion for Arrow Points, Bear badges, activity badges and Webelos badges (Cubmaster may wish to literally pass the hat to the Webelos Den Leader for these latter awards).)
All of you Cub Scouts do your country great honor by your dedication to the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. And now, I want YOUALL of YOUto enjoy the rest of the meeting!
TRAINING HIGHLIGHT
"WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES"
Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the next of kin at the burial of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:
The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His
divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the
words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is
with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the
Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he,
too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen
represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen,
represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in
their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, "In God We Trust." After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
So, the next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement.
They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our Flag and our Country.
Author Unknown
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Service to Country
ARMY Be all you can be!
AIR FORCE No one comes close!
NAVY Can do!
MARINES Semper Fi!
COAST GUARD Always ready!
CUB SCOUTS (All) Do your best!
In the United States of America, we have several different branches of the military, all prepared to defend our freedom. There is the ARMY, the NAVY, the AIR FORCE, the MARINES, and the COAST GUARD.
All these different groups have mottos and slogans, just like the CUB SCOUTS. Part of the CUB SCOUT Promise includes duty to God and country, and certainly, all the men and women who serve in the ARMY, the NAVY, the AIR FORCE, the MARINES, and the COAST GUARD demonstrate their duty to country in a big way.
As CUB SCOUTS, we take pride in being good citizens, in honoring our flag, and in helping others. One day, some of you may choose to join the ARMY, the NAVY, the AIR FORCE, the MARINES, or the COAST GUARD. But, for now, we give thanks and appreciation for those who help protect and defend our county, while we learn to be the best we can be as CUB SCOUTS.
SKITS
The Outhouse Sketch
Father lines up his three sons.
Father: "One of you pushed the outhouse over the cliff, two nights ago. Which of you did it?"
1st Son: "Not me"
2nd Son: "not me!"
3rd Son: "Not me!!!"
Father: "Come on, I promise not to punish you. Who did it?"
"1st Son: "Not me"
2nd Son: "not me!"
3rd Son: "Not me!!!"
Father: "Let me tell you story of great American hero, George Washington. When he was a boy, he chopped down a cherry tree. His father came to him and asked, 'George, did you chop down that cherry tree?' 'I cannot tell a lie, father, I chopped down the cherry tree,' said little George. 'You should not have done that, but since you told the truth, I will not punish you.' And George Washington grew up to be President of the United States!"
Father: "Now I ask you. Who pushed the outhouse over the cliff?"
1st Son: "Not me"
2nd Son: "not me!"
3rd Son: "I cannot tell a lie, father, I pushed the outhouse over the cliff."
Father: "Why You!!!" (The father tries to get the son who pushed the outhouse over the cliff, while other boys hold him back.)
3rd Son: "Why are you trying to punish me? When George Washington told the truth, his father did not punish him!"
Father: "George Washington's father wasn't IN the tree when George Washington chopped it down!
The Red, White and Blue Skit
Equipment needed: Flag in stand on a table. Tablecloth to cover table so the Voice of the flag can hide underneath. Microphone for the Voice of the flag.
Cub Scout: (Walk across the stage and stops when the flag starts to speak).
Flag: Hey, Cub Scout!
Cub: Whos there?
Flag: Its me, your flag.
Cub: Whats the matter?
Flag: Well, I know I am taken a lot of places, but why am I here?
Cub: We take you everywhere with us. We carry you proudly even in our hearts.
The Scout program has taught me to respect the flag and to love my country.
Flag: But what is all this festivity? Why would you bring me here?
Cub: This, our Blue and Gold banquet. All Cub Scouts get together once a year with their families to celebrate the anniversary of Scouting.
Flag: Scouting! Yes, there is hope after all. But, why am I here tonight?
Cub: Why, you are the guest of honor! Without you and what you represent we couldnt have Scouting at all.
Flag: Thank you Scout!
Cub: (Salutes) Any time. (Walks off the stage.)
RUN-ONS
Sergeant: Why didnt you stop when I yelled, Company, halt?
Recruit: Well, Ive been here for 6 weeks, and I didnt think I was company anymore.
#1: Id like to speak to the general.
#2: Im sorry, but the general is sick today.
#1: What made him sick?
#2: Oh, things in general.
Why are American schoolchildren extremely healthy?
Because they have a good constitution.
APPLAUSES
Charge Applause: Line up both fists in front of mouth (your horn), with one fist touching your lips, sing, Da-da-da-dat-da-dah!
Star Cheer: Crouch down with hands on knees, then straighten up and extend your arms high and wide, and shout, What a star you are!
American Applause: Clap three times, yell America, America, clap three times, yell You are the greatest, clap three times. Repeat three times.
Tiger Cub Cheer: Repeat this cheer three times. The first time is spoken softly, the second a little louder, third time is yelled loudly with a big Tiger growl at the end: The wonderful thing about Tigers is the Tigers are wonderful things.
USA Cheer: Shout USA and thrust right hand with doubled fist skyward, then shout Hooray, onward and upward.
Flag Cheer: Stand at attention, salute and say Good Job!
America Cheer: A-M-E-R-I-C-A Cub Scouts, Cub Scouts U.S.A.
Liberty Bell Cheer: Ding! Dong! Let freedom ring!
Eagle: Lock thumbs and flutter fingers like wing and shout Cree, cree!
Politician Applause: Pat your self on the back.
Abe Lincoln Cheer: That was great! HONEST!
Pack Applause: (Everyone yell together) Clap your hands! (While clapping 3 times) Stomp your feet! (While stomping 3 times) Pack ____ cant be beat!
SONGS
I Love America
Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic
I love this great America,
The land that God has blessed,
Where the hope that stirs the hearts of men
Will never be suppressed.
Through the flame of faith came forth
A nation choice of rest,
This great America!
Chorus:
Glory to the land of freedom,
Glory to the land of freedom,
Glory to the land of freedom,
I love America.
I love this great America,
The land of liberty.
For I know the price of freedom
Countless others paid for me.
Do we hear their call to carry on
And serve as valiantly?
This great America!
(Chorus)
May all men be united
By the bonds of brotherhood.
May we learn to love each other,
For in every man, theres good.
Let us live in peace upon the land
Where men of valor stood!
This great America!
(Chorus)
I love Gods great America
All equal in His sight.
May we be as one in spirit
As we reach up for the right.
And may we have humility
To match our power and might,
This great America!
(Chorus)
Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle went to town, a-riding on a pony;
Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni.
Chorus
Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy,
Mind the music and the step and with the girls be handy.
Father and I went down to camp along with Captain Gooding
And there we saw the men and boys, as thick as hasty pudding.
Chorus
There was Colonel Washington, upon a strapping stallion,
A-giving orders to his men, I guess there was a million.
Chorus
And there I saw a cannon barrel as big as mother's basin,
And every time they touched it off they scampered like the nation.
Chorus
Hail to Our Flag
(Tune: Home on the Range)
Just see our Old Glory,
A flag with a story,
With its colors of red, white, and blue.
Of our flag we are proud.
Well proclaim it so loud,
And to our country well
Ever be true!
Chorus:
High, high waves the flag.
Oer the land of the free and the brave.
As we pledge in our hearts.
To eer do our part,
The freedoms of our country to save.
O beautiful for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea!
God Bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above,
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the ocean, white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
EXTRAS
Americas Symbols Quiz
- The right hand of the Statue of Liberty holds a torch. What does the left hand hold?
- Which is tallerthe Statue of Liberty or the Washington Monument?
- What words are inscribed on the ribbon held in the mouth of the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States?
- In the Great Seal, what is the bald eagle carrying in its talons?
- What denomination of currency has the Great Seat printed on it?
- How many people can fit inside the head of the Statue of Liberty?
- What is the U.S. motto?
- Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner when he saw the flag still flying over what fort?
- Name the four U.S. Presidents carved in the Mount Rushmore Memorial in South Dakota.
- The Declaration of Independence says that all men are created ____________.
Answers: 1. Book
2. The Washington Monument
3. E pluribus Unum (one out of many)
4. Arrow symbolizing war and olive branch symbolizing peace
5. The dollar bill
6. 40
7. In God We Trust
8. Fort McHenry
9. George Washington
10. Equal
WEB SITES
Time Magazine for Kids
http://www.timeforkids.com
First Gov for Kids
http://www.kids.gov
Program Helps Addendums
February 2003
Den Leader Minute: Our Flag (Wolf Den Meeting Activity)
Our countrys flag is made up of thousands of individual threads and stitches. None of them separately is anything more than a thread or stitch, but put them together and they make a flag. Just like our den is made up of individuals, our country is made up of millions of individual persons. When we join together, work together and stick together, we can accomplish great things. Im glad were working together in this den. Thank you, Cub Scouts. Good night.
Flag Relay (Bear Den Meeting Activity)
Materials: Two small flags on sticks and a mound of clay large enough to hold the flags upright. Have a picture of men helping raise the flag on Iwo Jima.
Divide den into two teams and place the clay at a distance from the starting line. Talk about why the picture is so meaningful in U.S. history.
Give each team a flag. On signal, the first boy from each team runs and places the flag into the clay. He returns and tags the next boy, who runs and picks up the flag and returns it to the line. Repeat until all boys have had a chance to raise the flag and end with the flag in the clay. The first line finished shouts Hooray, Hooray for the USA
Crossing the Delaware Game (Bear Den Meeting Activity)
Create the river by laying out two ropes parallel, about 10 feet apart. Divide den into teams. Play patriotic music as they run back and forth from one side of the river to the other. When the music stops, all who are in the river are out of play. Continue in the same manner until only one Cub Scout is left. He is granted the title of George Washington, and is first in line for a snack.
OPENING
Thats What It Means to Be an American
Setting: 4 uniformed Cub Scouts; carrying suitable props (such as a megaphone, nightcap, church model, and a star) speak the following lines.
Cub #1: You can say anything you want to say, whoever you may be. Some things cost a lot of money, but speech is free.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Cub #2: You can write anything you want to write and dare to disagree.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Cub #3: You cant be put in prison, unless youve been fairly tried. You can choose your place of worship with your family by your side.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Cub #4: You can dream any dream you want to dream, and make it all come true. We live in a land where liberty is meant for me and you.
All: Thats what it means to be an American.
Red Skelton What the Pledge means to ME
This was first broadcast on The Red Skelton Hour, January 14, 1969.
"I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name. He said; 'I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word:
I--me, an individual, a committee of one.
PLEDGE--dedicate all my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
ALLEGIANCE--my love and devotion.
TO THE FLAG--our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job.
OF THE UNITED--that means that we have all come together.
STATES--individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC--a state in which sovereign power is vested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
FOR WHICH IT STANDS
ONE NATION--meaning, so blessed by God.
INDIVISIBLE--incapable of being divided.
WITH LIBERTY--which is freedom and the right of power to live one's own life without threats or fear or some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE--the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL--which means it's as much your country as it is mine.' Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance--"under God." Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That is a prayer," and that would be eliminated for schools, too?"
Honoring Our Flag
Personnel: 15 Cub Scouts, American flag bearer, Cubmaster
Equipment: American Flag, 7 red crepe paper streamers, 6 white crepe paper streamers, blue crepe paper rectangle, white cardboard five-pointed star.
(Seven Cub Scouts, each carrying a red crepe paper streamer, march in single file onto stage. In turn, each boy displays his streamer. It should reach from his head to his feet.)
7 Cub Scouts: (in unison) We are the seven red stripes in our flag. For hardiness and valor we stand.
(6 Cub Scouts enter, each carrying a white crepe paper streamer, and duplicate the actions of the first group. They stand alternating with the boys holding red stripes.)
6 Cub Scouts: We are the 6 white stripes in our flag. For innocence and purity we stand.
(A Cub Scout enters, carrying the blue crepe paper rectangle, which he holds up as he stands to the right of the first boy holding the first red stripe.)
Cub Scout: Now look at me, the field of blue. For vigilance, perseverance and justice true.
(Next Cub Scout enters carrying the large white star. He holds it against the blue field.)
Cub Scout: I am a five-pointed star shining bright. One for each state. When united, we have might.
(Flag bearer enters carrying the American Flag. He stands near group that made the crepe paper flag.)
Cubmaster: Behold the emblem of our country...the greatest flag of the greatest nation of the world. May it ever wave over free and liberty-loving people. May it ever represent the highest ideas of American boyhood and manhood.
May its stars and stripes, blessed by God and glorified by the blood of our patriots, ever support the principles of democracy in America and around the world.
Cub Scout: Would you please rise and join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Opening Prayer
We give thanks for the blessings of our country, the strong leaders of our nation, and all who exercise rightful authority in our communities. We pray that everyone who lives in our country, whatever their origins, creeds or beliefs, can be untied in the bonds of true friendship, that hatred and bigotry can, be banished; that our ideals and institutions of freedom can be strong and carried on. May this land be an example of and instrument for peace throughout the world. Amen.
CLOSING
The Flag Talks
This can be used for an impressive opening or closing.
Needed: A large U.S. Flag, a flashlight or light available to beam on the flag, a narrator.
I am what you make me, nothing more. I am your belief in yourself, the dream of what a people may become. I am all that you hope to be, have courage to try for.
I swing before your eyes a bright gleam of color, the pictured suggestion of those things that make our nation great!!!
Meaning of Our Flag Closing
MATERIALS: 1 piece of construction paper in red, blue and white
1 piece of white paper cut to be a star
1 flag
5 scouts
Each Scout uses one of the items above. Write the words each should say on the back of their items.
Leader: Today, as we leave, let's all keep in mind our flag and the meaning therein we can find.
Cub #1: The red is for blood of Americans true, who gladly would give up their lives for you.
Cub #2: The white is for purity, in both thought and deed, a rule of conduct we all might well heed.
Cub #3: The blue is for justice, for all, not one, a tenet we fought for and so dearly won.
Cub #4: The Star is a symbol of God's guiding hand, over the union and this mighty land.
Cub #5: There isn't a one our flag won't protect, don't you think we could show it greater respect?
ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES
Uncle Sam Calls on You Advancement
Equipment: Uncle Sam costumehat, mustache & name tag should be sufficient.
Cubmaster: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the efforts of some of our youngest Americans.
(In a booming voice) Uncle Sam wants YOU (points index finger at the audience and calls the scouts names) to come forward and receive your Bobcat badges. Uncle Sam wants YOUr (again pointing an index finger) parents to come forward, too.
Boys, please show that you are ready to become Bobcats by joining me in the Cub Scout Promise. (The Cubmaster leads the Promise.) Fine. I am proud of your efforts and pleased to present your Bobcat badges. (The Cubmaster gives the badges to the parents to pin on their sons shirts.)
Cubmaster: And now, Uncle Sam wants YOU (pointing and calling appropriate boys names) to come forward with YOUr parents. I am very glad that you have completed the 12 achievements to earn your Wolf badges. I youre your parents have helped a lot, so I will give them the honor of pinning on your new badges. (Presents badges to parents.)
(Continue in the same fashion for Arrow Points, Bear badges, activity badges and Webelos badges (Cubmaster may wish to literally pass the hat to the Webelos Den Leader for these latter awards).)
All of you Cub Scouts do your country great honor by your dedication to the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. And now, I want YOUALL of YOUto enjoy the rest of the meeting!
TRAINING HIGHLIGHT
"WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES"
Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the next of kin at the burial of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:
The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His
divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the
words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is
with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the
Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he,
too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen
represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen,
represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in
their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, "In God We Trust." After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
So, the next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement.
They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our Flag and our Country.
Author Unknown
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Service to Country
ARMY Be all you can be!
AIR FORCE No one comes close!
NAVY Can do!
MARINES Semper Fi!
COAST GUARD Always ready!
CUB SCOUTS (All) Do your best!
In the United States of America, we have several different branches of the military, all prepared to defend our freedom. There is the ARMY, the NAVY, the AIR FORCE, the MARINES, and the COAST GUARD.
All these different groups have mottos and slogans, just like the CUB SCOUTS. Part of the CUB SCOUT Promise includes duty to God and country, and certainly, all the men and women who serve in the ARMY, the NAVY, the AIR FORCE, the MARINES, and the COAST GUARD demonstrate their duty to country in a big way.
As CUB SCOUTS, we take pride in being good citizens, in honoring our flag, and in helping others. One day, some of you may choose to join the ARMY, the NAVY, the AIR FORCE, the MARINES, or the COAST GUARD. But, for now, we give thanks and appreciation for those who help protect and defend our county, while we learn to be the best we can be as CUB SCOUTS.
SKITS
The Outhouse Sketch
Father lines up his three sons.
Father: "One of you pushed the outhouse over the cliff, two nights ago. Which of you did it?"
1st Son: "Not me"
2nd Son: "not me!"
3rd Son: "Not me!!!"
Father: "Come on, I promise not to punish you. Who did it?"
"1st Son: "Not me"
2nd Son: "not me!"
3rd Son: "Not me!!!"
Father: "Let me tell you story of great American hero, George Washington. When he was a boy, he chopped down a cherry tree. His father came to him and asked, 'George, did you chop down that cherry tree?' 'I cannot tell a lie, father, I chopped down the cherry tree,' said little George. 'You should not have done that, but since you told the truth, I will not punish you.' And George Washington grew up to be President of the United States!"
Father: "Now I ask you. Who pushed the outhouse over the cliff?"
1st Son: "Not me"
2nd Son: "not me!"
3rd Son: "I cannot tell a lie, father, I pushed the outhouse over the cliff."
Father: "Why You!!!" (The father tries to get the son who pushed the outhouse over the cliff, while other boys hold him back.)
3rd Son: "Why are you trying to punish me? When George Washington told the truth, his father did not punish him!"
Father: "George Washington's father wasn't IN the tree when George Washington chopped it down!
The Red, White and Blue Skit
Equipment needed: Flag in stand on a table. Tablecloth to cover table so the Voice of the flag can hide underneath. Microphone for the Voice of the flag.
Cub Scout: (Walk across the stage and stops when the flag starts to speak).
Flag: Hey, Cub Scout!
Cub: Whos there?
Flag: Its me, your flag.
Cub: Whats the matter?
Flag: Well, I know I am taken a lot of places, but why am I here?
Cub: We take you everywhere with us. We carry you proudly even in our hearts.
The Scout program has taught me to respect the flag and to love my country.
Flag: But what is all this festivity? Why would you bring me here?
Cub: This, our Blue and Gold banquet. All Cub Scouts get together once a year with their families to celebrate the anniversary of Scouting.
Flag: Scouting! Yes, there is hope after all. But, why am I here tonight?
Cub: Why, you are the guest of honor! Without you and what you represent we couldnt have Scouting at all.
Flag: Thank you Scout!
Cub: (Salutes) Any time. (Walks off the stage.)
RUN-ONS
Sergeant: Why didnt you stop when I yelled, Company, halt?
Recruit: Well, Ive been here for 6 weeks, and I didnt think I was company anymore.
#1: Id like to speak to the general.
#2: Im sorry, but the general is sick today.
#1: What made him sick?
#2: Oh, things in general.
Why are American schoolchildren extremely healthy?
Because they have a good constitution.
APPLAUSES
Charge Applause: Line up both fists in front of mouth (your horn), with one fist touching your lips, sing, Da-da-da-dat-da-dah!
Star Cheer: Crouch down with hands on knees, then straighten up and extend your arms high and wide, and shout, What a star you are!
American Applause: Clap three times, yell America, America, clap three times, yell You are the greatest, clap three times. Repeat three times.
Tiger Cub Cheer: Repeat this cheer three times. The first time is spoken softly, the second a little louder, third time is yelled loudly with a big Tiger growl at the end: The wonderful thing about Tigers is the Tigers are wonderful things.
USA Cheer: Shout USA and thrust right hand with doubled fist skyward, then shout Hooray, onward and upward.
Flag Cheer: Stand at attention, salute and say Good Job!
America Cheer: A-M-E-R-I-C-A Cub Scouts, Cub Scouts U.S.A.
Liberty Bell Cheer: Ding! Dong! Let freedom ring!
Eagle: Lock thumbs and flutter fingers like wing and shout Cree, cree!
Politician Applause: Pat your self on the back.
Abe Lincoln Cheer: That was great! HONEST!
Pack Applause: (Everyone yell together) Clap your hands! (While clapping 3 times) Stomp your feet! (While stomping 3 times) Pack ____ cant be beat!
SONGS
I Love America
Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic
I love this great America,
The land that God has blessed,
Where the hope that stirs the hearts of men
Will never be suppressed.
Through the flame of faith came forth
A nation choice of rest,
This great America!
Chorus:
Glory to the land of freedom,
Glory to the land of freedom,
Glory to the land of freedom,
I love America.
I love this great America,
The land of liberty.
For I know the price of freedom
Countless others paid for me.
Do we hear their call to carry on
And serve as valiantly?
This great America!
(Chorus)
May all men be united
By the bonds of brotherhood.
May we learn to love each other,
For in every man, theres good.
Let us live in peace upon the land
Where men of valor stood!
This great America!
(Chorus)
I love Gods great America
All equal in His sight.
May we be as one in spirit
As we reach up for the right.
And may we have humility
To match our power and might,
This great America!
(Chorus)
Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle went to town, a-riding on a pony;
Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni.
Chorus
Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy,
Mind the music and the step and with the girls be handy.
Father and I went down to camp along with Captain Gooding
And there we saw the men and boys, as thick as hasty pudding.
Chorus
There was Colonel Washington, upon a strapping stallion,
A-giving orders to his men, I guess there was a million.
Chorus
And there I saw a cannon barrel as big as mother's basin,
And every time they touched it off they scampered like the nation.
Chorus
Hail to Our Flag
(Tune: Home on the Range)
Just see our Old Glory,
A flag with a story,
With its colors of red, white, and blue.
Of our flag we are proud.
Well proclaim it so loud,
And to our country well
Ever be true!
Chorus:
High, high waves the flag.
Oer the land of the free and the brave.
As we pledge in our hearts.
To eer do our part,
The freedoms of our country to save.
O beautiful for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea!
God Bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above,
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the ocean, white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
EXTRAS
Americas Symbols Quiz
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The right hand of the Statue of Liberty holds a torch. What does the left hand hold?
-
Which is tallerthe Statue of Liberty or the Washington Monument?
-
What words are inscribed on the ribbon held in the mouth of the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States?
-
In the Great Seal, what is the bald eagle carrying in its talons?
-
What denomination of currency has the Great Seat printed on it?
-
How many people can fit inside the head of the Statue of Liberty?
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What is the U.S. motto?
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Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner when he saw the flag still flying over what fort?
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Name the four U.S. Presidents carved in the Mount Rushmore Memorial in South Dakota.
-
The Declaration of Independence says that all men are created ____________.
Answers: 1. Book
2. The Washington Monument
3. E pluribus Unum (one out of many)
4. Arrow symbolizing war and olive branch symbolizing peace
5. The dollar bill
6. 40
7. In God We Trust
8. Fort McHenry
9. George Washington
10. Equal
WEB SITES
Time Magazine for Kids http://www.timeforkids.com
First Gov for Kids http://www.kids.gov
Program Helps Addendums
February 2003
Den Leader Minute: Our Flag (Wolf Den Meeting Activity)
Our countrys flag is made up of thousands of individual threads and stitches. None of them separately is anything more than a thread or stitch, but put them together and they make a flag. Just like our den is made up of individuals, our country is made up of millions of individual persons. When we join together, work together and stick together, we can accomplish great things. Im glad were working together in this den. Thank you, Cub Scouts. Good night.
Flag Relay (Bear Den Meeting Activity)
Materials: Two small flags on sticks and a mound of clay large enough to hold the flags upright. Have a picture of men helping raise the flag on Iwo Jima.
Divide den into two teams and place the clay at a distance from the starting line. Talk about why the picture is so meaningful in U.S. history.
Give each team a flag. On signal, the first boy from each team runs and places the flag into the clay. He returns and tags the next boy, who runs and picks up the flag and returns it to the line. Repeat until all boys have had a chance to raise the flag and end with the flag in the clay. The first line finished shouts Hooray, Hooray for the USA
Crossing the Delaware Game (Bear Den Meeting Activity)
Create the river by laying out two ropes parallel, about 10 feet apart. Divide den into teams. Play patriotic music as they run back and forth from one side of the river to the other. When the music stops, all who are in the river are out of play. Continue in the same manner until only one Cub Scout is left. He is granted the title of George Washington, and is first in line for a snack.
- Design, Colors, Links, & Graphics have been altered according to the medium for which this newsletter is being presented.
- Come see & experience the difference, get your own hardcopy at any RoundTable session!
Hope to see you at our next session on February 11, 2003! A great BIG thank you to Del Johnston from Clinton Valley Council for the extra, Extra, EXTRAS! We really, really appreciate all of your great hints for enhancing our programming!
Return to our Cub Scout Leader's Home Page.
Suggestions, questions, or ideas for future AuSablians???
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