October 2000

Akela's Eyes Advancement

Adaptation of a Native American story

[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. You can add some theatrics to this one by having several "players" help out with the different lines.]

Many, many moons ago, before the dawn of the great tribes, the old time being were gathered together. They begin acting in different ways and showing different qualities and talents. The "Akela Eyes" (for there was not an Akela chief yet) observed them. Some were running in all directions, but they were very curious and eager to learn.

Someone asked, "What sort of beings are those, that they are curious and search in all directions?"

Another answered, "They are like Bobcats."

"Then they shall go about and be called Bobcats," said Akela Eyes.

(BOBCAT)

[List names of Bobcat recipients and call them with their parents to the front of the room.]

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

Then they noticed some who were running and leaping together and they were learning to hunt the trails as a team.

Again, someone asked, "What are those like?"

And someone answered, "They are like wolves in a pack."

"Akela Eyes declared, "Henceforth, they shall be known as wolves."

(WOLF)

[List names and invite them with their parents to come forward.]

[Hand out badges to parents to give to the boys. Congratulate them and offer a suitable applause. Have them sit down.]

Then again, they came upon some who were big and sure-footed and walked the trails with confidence and a loud noise.

Again someone asked, "What are those beings like?"

And they answered, "They are like bears.

"Then they shall be called bears," said Akela Eyes.

(BEAR)

[List off Bear candidate names and invite them and their parents to the front of the room.]

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

Later, they came upon others who were different yet. They were curious like the Bobcat, hunted as teams like the wolves, and walked proudly with confidence lie the bears. But they were also learning new skills like the braves.

"What kind will they be like?" someone asked.

But no one could answer. So they turned to Akela Eyes and said, "What shall we call these for they are like no other animal we know?"

Akela Eyes glistened. "These are the ones who have traveled the trails and continue to grow. One day they will be Scouts, but for now they will be called Webelos."