This is the second most important ceremony in the life of a Cub. The Advancement Ceremony is designed to help Cubs make the transition from one section to another as smoothly as possible. Because you, as their new Scouter, will lead them on this path, you want to make their introduction to Scouts impressive and stress-free.

You will face a variety of situations related to advancement. Several Cubs may be ready to advance to the troop at one time and might form a new patrol. Cubs from a group without a troop may wish to join you. Here are a few suggestions to smooth the way.

1. Introduce Cubs to their new Scouters before advancement. Invite them to visit the

Troop. Before their visit, arrange to visit the pack with your patrol leaders to meet

them.

2. Plan appealing, enjoyable activities for the Cub’s first visit to the troop. This might

Include a hike, a camp, or similar activity with a patrol or the troop.

3. Make the Cubs feel welcome and at home. You want their first impression of their

new Scouters and fellow Scouts to be positive.

Preparation

Get together with the Pack Scouters to devise an Advancement suited to your situation. You can hold it during any pack or troop activity that brings the two sections together, but the best situation is to have the pack attend a troop activity.

This enables prospective Scouts to stay with their new section for the whole meeting. A pack/troop wiener roast night might be a good setting.

If possible, hold a special meeting before the ceremony so the Cubs and the Court of Honour can decide which patrol the new members will join.

Procedure

The pack forms a parade circle at the end of the hall or outdoor area, and the troop forms a horseshoe a short distance away. The open end of the horseshoe should face the pack.

Akela stands in the center of the circle and the Old Wolves on the outside at maximum distance from the troop. The Troop Scouter stands in the opening of the horseshoe with the Scoput Counsellors in a line alongside the horseshoe.

Akela makes a few brief comments on the progress made by the Cubs who are going up, and expresses pleasure that they are continuing with their Scouting.

The pack does the Grand Howl, during which the troop comes to the alert. The Cubs who are going up fall out in front of Akela, who wishes them “Good Hunting” in the name of the pack. The Cubs, in turn, repeat their Promise after Akela, then return to shake hands with the Cubs in their sixes and the other Old Wolves, before returning to the centre of the circle.

The pack gives them three cheers and then squats.

Akela and the Cubs go to the opening of the horseshoe where Akela formally presents

The Cubs to the Troop Scouter. The Troop Scouter welcomes the Cubs to the troop and introduces them to their Scout Counsellor , who takes them to their place in the patrol or troop. The ceremony closes with the troop yell or three cheers for the new recruits.

You can readily adapt this outline to advancement from troop to Venturer company, as well.