January 2000 Does Not Compute

Computer Closing

The theme for this month has focused on the computer. In these days, we can't imagine what life would be like without them. Computers are wonderful! But let's not forget they are only tools and they need good programming to be useful. Also we need to know how to use them.

In some ways boys are like computers. They need motivation and good guidance. With parents' help, Cub Scouting can give boys such motivation and guidance. Unlike computers, however, once set on the right path, a boy can grow to become a good, conscientious citizen. Let's give them good a program and keep them moving along the Scouting trail toward that end.

The New Millennium

Cubmaster: It's January [date], 2000! A new year, a new century, and a new millennium. Isn't it great that we have this opportunity to start anew? Tonight, as we close for the evening, let's take a moment to reflect on this opportunity, to renew our commitments to ourselves, our families and friends, our communities, and our world.

Pause for a moment of silent reflection. Then wish the Pack a good night.

Advancement Ceremony

[Note that this and other ceremonies should be reviewed and modified to suit the specific awards being giving at the meeting. This ceremony is written so that any particular award can be used or omitted without impacting the whole of the ceremony.]

CUBMASTER: There are a lot of computer games on the market today, and while I was surfing the Internet the other day, I found a really good one that I want to share with you. It's called "Advancement." Now unlike many of the games out there, this one doesn't have all the wiz-bang violence and high-speed flying and diving; it doesn't involve racking up billions of points on the scoreboard; and it can only be played by a very select group of people--Cub Scouts. This is a "game" that checks out your ability to "Do Your Best."

And as in any game, the player must first learn the rules of the game. In this program, the players start in any grade, from 2nd through 5th. They learn the rules, such as the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack; what the different signs and signals mean in the activity, like the handshake and Scout sign; and special phrases and messages used during play, like Webelos and "Do Your Best." Once they've learned these basic rules, they are ready to begin the game in earnest. And once the player has learned the rules, the computer places an icon on the screen that shows the player has completed the "rules" phase--the icon looks like this. [Cubmaster holds up a Bobcat badge.] It looks like a Bobcat!

(BOBCAT)

As a matter of fact, I think we have some Cub Scouts here tonight who also found that program and have been studying the "rules" so that they are ready to join in. [List names of Bobcat recipients and call them with their parents to the front of the room.]

As with any program, software or otherwise, we have to understand what we are getting ready to do and how we're supposed to do it before we get started. You guys have done that. Just to help remind the rest of the players, will join with me now in reciting the Cub Scout Promise?

[Hand parents the awards to present to the boys and congratulate them with the Cub Scout handshake. Offer the keyboard applause and ask them to take their seats.]

Now according to the way this "Advancement" game is played, there are four levels of play, each with its own degree of skills required. To get to the first level, the player has to get through 12 achievements. And like in other computer games, the player has to "learn" how to do things to complete these achievements. In the first level, the achievements include everything from doing physical feats of skill to learning about the flag and holding a flag ceremony to learning make the right decision in unsafe situations. And once you've completed the 12 achievements, another icon is displayed [holds up Wolf badge]. This one looks like a Wolf.