July 2000

(WEBELOS)

Tonight there are several Webelos Scouts who have struggled up their own Rockies and have met the challenges offered. [List names and invite them with their parents to come forward.]

[Hand parents the awards to present to the boys and congratulate them. Offer an applause and ask them to take their seats.]

So the settlers finally crossed the Rockies. Can you imagine what it was like for those that found their way to Yosemite Valley. It was a struggle to cross the course terrain, but the sights that awaited them were beyond compare. The settlers who spent their lives crossing the country, one step at a time, received the reward they richly deserved. They saw the golden rays of the sunset along the Pacific Coast and knew that they had done it themselves.

And our Cub Scouts who grow into Webelos Scouts and advance the full trail of the Cub Scout program are also rewarded for their great accomplishments. They don't get riches of gold or silver; they don't get a life free of hard work, but they do get to know, deep down within themselves, that they have made it to the greatest reaches, for they have earned the Arrow of Light.

(ARROW OF LIGHT)

Tonight we celebrate the accomplishments of those Webelos Scouts in the Pack who have reached the summit, the top, the farthest reaches. We recognize and congratulate them for their efforts; efforts that took their greatest strength to complete. [List names and invite them with their parents to come forward.]

[Hand boys the parent's Arrow of Light pins to present to their parents. Then give parents the awards to present to the boys and congratulate them. Offer an applause and ask them to take their seats.]

Closing Ceremony-- America's Answer

America needs men with a concern for the common good -- men who have the understanding and insight to help solve her problems and those of the changing world around us. she needs citizens of integrity who value their great heritage and who are determined to pass on to others an enduring faith in the ideals and methods of our free society.

How does a boy come to know and to appreciate his heritage as a citizen of this nation? How does his sense of responsibility and his concern for others unfold?

Begin with him when he is a Cub Scout as he promises with all the solemnity of an 8-year old "to do my duty to God and my country..." Watch the pride and loving care with which he handles the flag as he is taught to fold it. He may not fully understand all that it stands for, but someday he will... with help.

Observe him later as he stands tall, alert and proud in his kaki uniform as the flag is lowered at Scout camp.He is living everyday experiences as a good citizen and showing concern for the needs of others. He is growing and practicing the fundamentals of citizenship. All of this time he is under the friendly guidance and companionship of men who care about him. Now he is grown tall.. in high school.. an Explorer. He ponders the words of the Explorer Code. There is conviction in his voice as he says: "I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it."

And so this young American comes to manhood. He has grown through his Scouting experiences and though the influences of many men and women who have helped him. He has a job and a family and is making himself count in his community. He is a citizen of a great nation. He understands his heritage and cheerfully accepts his future obligations to all men.

He has been a Scout. He is America's answer!