THE ASSOCIATION QUALITY TRAINING FOR QUALITY OF MALTA

Scout Skills

- Ceremonies

Ceremonies are used in Scouting to inspire what is meant by the words he is saying in the person with a high purpose of Scout front of his Section. ideals, to make the person realize the serious but enjoyable aspects of Scouting. There should be only two or maximum three To be effective, Scout ceremonies should be members to be invested in the ceremony dignified and short, simple and sincere, and and each member must be invested follow an established pattern so that individually. individuals know what to expect and do. They include the Investiture, Flag Break and It is expected that the parents of the Flag Down, Going Up Ceremony and members to be invested are present and Inspections. Many Troops and Groups have given a vantage place amongst the guests evolved their own particular way of doing present. things but it is important to ensure that any ceremony does not become complex, Members of Scout age who were invested overlong, or, indeed, intimidating for those as Cub Scouts will perform only part of the involved. Ceremonies are usually more ceremony as indicated. important to adults than to young people and as such, we have no right to impose what Venture Scouts who were invested as Cub we want on them if it has no real value! Scouts or Scouts will also perform part of Perhaps you could discuss them with the the ceremony as indicated. Troop Forum to check that they are still relevant. A should make his promise to the Cub only and not to any other Purpose of Ceremonies Scouter or visiting dignitary. The same applies to a Scout and a Venture Scout. In Scouting, whilst many ceremonies may have quite a history to them, they still play The Ceremony should be held in a language an important part today. They provide the of the person’s choice BUT Maltese citizens opportunity to welcome people into are to give the Maltese language preference Scouting, into another Section, recognise (P.O.R. – 1980 Rule 80 – 83). someone’s achievements, and at the same time encourage self-discipline and mark a Preparations clear beginning or end to events. Before the Occasion: Investiture Rehearsals by all concerned Hand-outs of ceremony Investiture is the first and most important Invitation to parents of persons to be step in the life of the Movement. It is at this invested on the occasion moment that the investor is now a member of the Scout Movement and as the saying On the Occasion: goes, “Once a Scout, always a Scout”. This Group flags ceremony is to be treated with the greatest Small table at one side with dignity and respect. investing badge, headgear and scarf – each item taped with the name of The full ceremony as indicated, is only held the person to be invested once to any member of the Scout Movement Rope or spars for the Going Up and the member to be invested must know Ceremony

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Coloured woggle for Cub Scout : Inti lest biex tghid il-weghda? Investiture Are you ready to make your Patrol colours/shoulder patches for Promise? Scouts Investitures Cub: Iva/Yes

The Ceremony is in three parts: The Group Flag is lowered horizontally 1. Introduction without the flag touching the ground. Both 2. Investiture Akela and the new Cub Scout hold the Flag 3. Acceptance and presentation with their left hand, and with their right hand make the Scout sign. The new Cub Scout Cub Scout Investiture on his/her own free will then recites the Promise. The flag is raised and Stand at The Pack forms a horseshoe; the leaders of Ease is called for all the other cubs. the pack form a straight line in between the ends of the horseshoe. The Cub Scout Akela then gives the Membership Badge Leader is two paces in front of the other to the new cub. leaders. The Group Scout Leader is also present for this ceremony and he/she stands Akela: Nafdak li ser taghmel l-ahjar tieghek one step behind, on the right hand side of biex izzom din il-weghda. Int issa the Cub Scout Leader. sirt Cub Scout. Merhba fil- Moviment Dinji ta’ l-Iscouts. The Group Flag is on the left-hand side of the Cub Scout Leader. I trust you to do your best to keep this promise. You are now a Cub An Assistant Cub Scout Leader calls “Alert”, Scout. Welcome to the Worldwide and the sixer whose new cub/s is making Brotherhood of Scouts. the Promise brings forward the new cub/s in front of Akela. The sixer introduces the new The Group Scout Leader (GSL) then puts cub/s to Akela and the Pack, and takes one the group scarf around the cub’s neck. step backwards. (The new cub does not have a membership badge sewn on his GSL: Dan huwa l-Maktur tal-Grup, ilbsu bi uniform, nor is he/she wearing a scarf and bzulija w ghaqal cap). This is your Group Scarf, wear it Akela: Inti tixtieq tidhol fil-Movement ta’ l- with pride and never do anything to Iscouts? disgrace it. Would you like to become a Cub Scout? During an investiture ceremony, only one cub at a time makes the Promise and recites Cub: Iva rrid/ Yes I do the Law (if you cannot do otherwise, no more than two (2) cubs should recite their Akela: Tafhom il-Ligi u l-weghda tal-Cub Promise and Law simultaneously). Avoid Scouts? mass promises. Do you know the Cub Scout Law and Promise? Akela and the cub then salute each other and the cub rejoins the others. Cub: Iva nafhom/Yes I do Leaders should always take into Akela: Ghid il-ligi – u l-cub jghid il-ligi consideration the cub’s nervousness at Please recite the Law – and the cub speaking aloud. Their memory of this recites the Law special occasion should be a happy one.

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The Cub Scout Investiture horseshoe formation

SL John Borg inti tixtieq isir Scout? John Borg do you wish to become a Scout? JB: Iva rrid/Yes I do

SL: Inti taf il-Ligi ta’ l-Iscouts? Do you know the Scout Law?

JB: Iva naf/Yes I do

SL: Inti lest li taghmel il-Weghda ta’ l- Iscouts? Are you ready to recite the Scout Promise?

JB: Iva lest/Yes I am

ASL: Troop Alert

The Group Flag is lowered horizontally without the flag touching the ground. Both the Scout Leader and the new Scout hold the Flag with their left hand, and with their right hand make the Scout sign. The new Scout, on his/her own free will then recites Scout Investiture the Promise.

The Troop forms a horseshoe and the JB: Fuq l-unur tieghi inwieghed li Assistant Scout Leaders form a straight line naghmel hilti in between the ends of the horseshoe. The Biex naqdi dmiri lejn Alla w Art Scout Leader is two paces in front of the Twelidi other leaders. The Group Flag is held by Biex nghin lill haddiehor kull hin the Senior Patrol Leader who stands on the U nobdi l-Ligi ta’ l-Iscouts left-hand side of the Scout Leader. The Group Scout Leader is also present and On my honour, I promise that I will stands one pace behind, on the right-hand do my best side of the Scout Leader. To do my duty to God and to my Country The formation is at “Stand at Ease”. To help other people at all times And to obey the Scout Law The Patrol Leader brings forward the new member to be invested in front of the Scout The flag is raised and “Stand at Ease” is Leader. called for all present except for the Scout being invested. P.L.: Dan hu John Borg li jixtieq isir Scout This is John Borg who wishes to The Scout Leader places the Membership become a Scout. Badge over the left-hand side pocket of the new Scout’s shirt. The Patrol Leader takes one step back.

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SL Nafdak li ser taghmel l-ahjar tieghek The Scout Investiture horseshoe biex izzom din il-weghda. Int issa formation sirt Scout. Merhba fil-Moviment Dinji ta’ l-Iscouts.

I trust you to do your best to keep this promise. You are now a Scout. Welcome to the Worldwide Brotherhood of Scouts.

The Group Scout Leader (GSL) then puts the group scarf around the Scout’s neck.

GSL: Dan huwa l-Maktur tal-Grup, ilbsu bi bzulija w ghaqal

This is your Group Scarf, wear it with pride and never do anything to disgrace it.

The Group Scout Leader and the new Scout shake hands.

The Patrol Leader fixes the Patrol Flash on the left-hand sleeve of the new Scout’s shirt as a member of that Patrol and they shake hands.

The Scout Leader then presents him with the beret. Venture Scout Investiture

SL: Inlibbislek din il-beret b’turija li The Unit is called by the Chairperson of the niggwidak Venture Unit executive Committee to form a I place this beret on your head as a semi-circle and the order of “Alert” is given. sign of guidance The Chairperson calls the person to be The new Scout takes one step back and invested to come forward in front of the salutes all the leaders. Venture Scout Leader.

The Patrol Leader and the new Scout then Chairperson: Nikkonferma li John Borg march back to their Patrol and the Patrol ghamel dak kollu mehtieg Leader introduces the new Scout to the biex ikun jista jigi accettat Patrol members. membru f’dan il-Unit

I confirm that John Borg has done all that is required in order to be accepted as a member of this Unit.

VSL: John Borg inti tixtieq tkun Venture Scout? John Borg do you wish to become a Venture Scout?

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VSL Nafdak li ser taghmel l-ahjar tieghek JB: Iva rrid/Yes I do biex izzom din il-weghda. Int issa VSL: Int konvint li bhala Venture Scout, sirt Venture Scout. Merhba fil- mistenni minnek li taghti ezempju Moviment Dinji ta’ l-Iscouts. tajjeb u zzomm il-Ligi w il-Weghda ta’ l-Iscouts? I trust you to do your best to keep this promise. You are now a As a Venture Scout are you Venture Scout. Welcome to the prepared to give a good example Worldwide Brotherhood of Scouts. and to keep the Scout Promise and Law? The Group Scout Leader (GSL) then puts the group scarf around the Venture Scout’s JB: Iva/Yes neck.

VSL: Inti lest li taghmel il-Weghda ta’ l- GSL: Dan huwa l-Maktur tal-Grup, ilbsu bi Iscout? bzulija w ghaqal Are you ready to recite the Scout Promise? This is your Group Scarf, wear it with pride and never do anything to JB: Iva/Yes disgrace it.

The Group Flag is lowered horizontally The Group Scout Leader and the new without the flag touching the ground. Both Venture Scout shake hands. the Venture Scout Leader and the new Venture Scout hold the Flag with their left (N.B. The formation for the Venture Scout hand, and with their right hand make the Investiture Ceremony is exactly the same as Scout sign. The new Venture Scout, on for the Scout Investiture Formation) his/her own free will, then recites the Promise. Rover Scout Investiture JB: Fuq l-unur tieghi inwieghed li naghmel hilti For the Rover Scout Investiture Biex naqdi dmiri lejn Alla w Art Ceremony all procedure, formation and Twelidi reciting of the Promise is exactly the Biex nghin lill haddiehor kull hin same as for the Scout and Venture U nobdi l-Ligi ta’ l-Iscouts Investiture Ceremony.

On my honour, I promise that I will Scouter Investiture do my best To do my duty to God and to my Where there is an adult person who has Country never been a member of the Scout To help other people at all times Movement, and wishes to join the Scout And to obey the Scout Law Movement as a leader in a Group, the following procedure will take place: The flag is raised and “Stand at Ease” is called for all present except for the Venture In agreement with the new Scouter, the Scout being invested. respective Section Leader and the Group Scout Leader, it is up to the new Scouter The Venture Scout Leader places the whether the investiture ceremony takes Membership Badge over the left-hand side place in front of the Group or as a private pocket of the new Venture Scout’s shirt. ceremony with only all the Group Leaders present.

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In both circumstances, whether private or a the Group Scout Leader and the new Scout group ceremony, the formation for this Leader hold the Flag with their left hand, and Investiture Ceremony should always be in a with their right hand make the Scout sign. horse-shoe formation. The new Scout Leader, on his/her own free will, then recites the Promise. In a private ceremony, all the Group’s Leaders are present for this investiture and GSL: Nafdak fuq l-unur tieghek li zzomm all form a horse-shoe. din il-Weghda. Inti issa membru tal- Muviment Dinji ta’ l-Iscouts. In a Group Ceremony, it is the members of Nifrahlek u nitieqlek success. the Section (eg cubs, scouts, ventures) in which the new Adult Leader serves, that On your honour, I trust you to keep forms this horse-shoe formation. this promise. You are now a member of the World Scout GSL: Scouters, nixtieq ngharafkom li John Movement. I congratulate you and Borg ser jilbes l-Uniformi ta’ wish you success. Scouter, lest li jaghmel il-Weghda ta’ l-Iscout u li ser ikun parti mit-team ta’ Scouters fi …(e.g. Troop)……. Reaffirmation of the Scout Promise Section biex jghin lill …(e.g.Scout Leader)………… Reaffirmation of the Scout Promise takes Leader fit-tahrig tas-Section. place when:

Scouters, I wish to announce that • A member has moved on from one John Borg wishes to don the Section to the other, i.e. cub to Scout, Scouter’s Uniform and is ready to Scout to Venture etc. recite the Scout Promise and Law, • A member has left the Movement and and to form part of the team of returns after an absence of a number of Leaders in the …………… Section years of our Group. The Reaffirmation of the Scout Promise is The Group Scout Leader calls the new done using the same procedures as member forward. described above, according to the Section

GSL: John Borg inti lest li taghmel hiltek biex taqdi dmirek, tkun responsabbli Going Up Ceremony flimkien ma shabek fi ……………… Section u li tkun ta’ ezempju tajjeb This is an important ceremony for the older ghal haddiehor kullimkien?” cubs who have done their cubbing years within their pack. It is important that each John Borg, are you willing to carry cub should gain his/her link badge and has out your duties to the best of your done all the requirements to gain it. This is ability, to be responsible together the time when these ‘older’ cubs bid farewell with your colleagues in the ……… to all the leaders who have helped them Section and to be a good example throughout their cubbing years and their to others at all times? fellow cubs.

JB: Iva jiena lest/Yes I am willing Both Pack and Troop sections form a double horseshoe facing each other from GSL: Alert one end to another. The sections flags stand next to each other at one end, with the The Group Flag is lowered horizontally G.S.L in between. A log (or rope) is to be without the flag touching the ground. Both laid between both ends of the horseshoe.

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Inside both horseshoes the Section Leaders final goodbye to their fellow cubs. Akela stand facing each other at the ends of each shakes hands with the cubs, says the last semicircle, accompanied by the Assistant few words and bids farewell. Then all the Section Leaders. The G.S.L calls the group leaders will help the cubs to ‘jump’ over the to the “Alert” and briefly explains the log (or rope). purpose of the ceremony. The SL greets the new comers in the Troop Akela calls the cub/s who are going to cross and then calls the Patrol Leaders with whom over, shake the ACSL’s hands. Then they the cubs are already acquainted. (having walk up to the log (or rope), where they find met them during their link badge period). the SL waiting for them. The Akela asks the After the new cubs are introduced to their cubs concerned to turn around and wave the respective PLs they will walk to their patrols.

Grand Howl The Grand Howl is led by Akela (but any The Grand Howl is a way of reminding leader may lead) who starts off by shouting everyone about the Cub Scout Promise. Its ‘Pack, Pack, Pack” while holding the arms origin ‘dates’ from the meetings of the out straight. The cubs respond by forming a Seeonee Wolf Pack at the Council Rock of circle with Akela in the middle (other leaders . and cubs who have not yet been invested

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THE scout ASSOCIATION QUALITY TRAINING FOR QUALITY SCOUTING OF MALTA stay outside the circle and watch) with the Cubs leap to their feet and duty sixer facing Akela. stand at alert

The Grand Howl starts when Akela’s hands Duty Cub: “Cubs, intom ser taghmlu are lowered. hilitkhom!” “Cubs , do your best” As Akela’s arms go down Cubs squat and start the Howl immediately. The finger Pack: “Iva, ahna ser naghmlu hilitna” should just touch the ground between the “We will do our best” knees forming the scout sign.

Important to note: The phrasing of the Howl is as Follows: Within the pack, the Grand Howl can be said either in Maltese or in English. For National Pack: “Akela, ahna ser naghmlu Activities, the Grand Howl is to be said in hilitna” Maltese. Therefore, the Maltese Grand “Akela! We will do our best.” Howl must be known by all Cubs.

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Flag Break and Flag Down.

These are part of all section meetings, and it is very valuable to have it practised folding, hosting the flag and breaking it so that no embarrassing situations arise on such ceremonies.

Start rolling the flag from the free end (red Here are some steps to be taken: part)

Full flag

Finish rolling the flag like so

Fold flag top half onto bottom half

Refold flag again top part onto bottom part

Turn over flag; make sure that cross is inside the folds and the top toggle is under the halyard (long part of the rope)

Make a round turn with the halyard and tuck a loop underneath. Make sure that it is tight before hoisting the flag otherwise it will become loose.

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(This ceremony is carried out within all everyone to be dressed in camp kit at this Sections of the Scout Association. When time rather than have to change into there is a reference to ‘section’ it refers to uniform. cubs, scouts, venture scouts or rover crew). For Flag down, which should be at a fixed • The members of the Section are asked time before sunset, two pre-selected to fall in and form a horseshoe facing Scouts go to the flagpole. A long blast on a the flag and standing at ease (any whistle or ring of a bell is given and Leaders present stand on either side of everyone stops where they are, what they the flag-pole). are doing, and stands to attention and faces • The Section is brought to the alert and the flag. The flag is then lowered. Then all those not directly facing the flag (the another signal, such as two short blasts on Leaders for example) should do so at the whistle, is given as the signal to 'carry this point. on'. The Scouts then attend to the flag by • A Scout (briefed beforehand) walks up folding it and preparing it for the next day. to the flag and pulls on the halyard or 'breaking' rope to 'break' or let the flag Although Flag break and Flag down are not unfold. normally undertaken by a Leader, it is • Once it has unfolded, the Section obviously important that he or she knows salutes in time with the Scout. what happens and how to help if something • The Scout then returns to his or her goes wrong! place and the Section is stood 'at ease'.

Notices or information are often given out at this point before the Section is brought back Inspections to the alert and then instructed to fall out, that is, move away from the horseshoe. Inspections may be used at Section meetings or at camp. Inspections on a Flag down ceremony is undertaken in a Section night tend to be about a Scout's similar way: personal appearance whereas at camp, an inspection is based on more practical • The Section is assembled again in the aspects of the camp itself. horseshoe shape and brought to the 'alert'. You must decide what is going to be • The Scout walks to the flag, unties the included in your Section inspection and rope holding it in position and lowers the ensure that the Scouts know as well. It might flag slowly, ensuring that it does not include; smartness, personal cleanliness, touch the ground, which is considered correct uniform and so on. disrespectful. This, of course will mean you will need to be • The Scout then stands back, still facing aware of correct uniform and the placing of the flag, and at the alert for a few badges. At camp, you might be looking at seconds. No salute is given at this time. the tidiness of personal kit, sleeping gear, He or she then returns to their place tents, Patrol/Six areas and so on. Once you before the Section is dismissed. have worked out what you are looking for, • The flag may then be folded and you should also consider what the standards prepared for the next time. This will should be. Again, you should inform the depend upon each Section's own Scouts of what they are. They will not gain situation. anything from Inspections if they do not

know what they are supposed to achieve. At camp, the procedure is much the same with Flag break at the start of the day being It is also important to think about how you carried out in the same manner as for an might supportively help a Scout to improve indoor meeting. It is quite appropriate for

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THE scout ASSOCIATION QUALITY TRAINING FOR QUALITY SCOUTING OF MALTA standards. Inspections have to be they can be improved upon. The final word constructive; offer suggestions of how to is that 'practice makes perfect' and with improve, and encourage the Scout to these ceremonies that are happening consider ways in which they might help constantly throughout Section life, a Leader themselves. This should include a time limit is sure to become more experienced and by when something will be re-checked. confident.

Here are some steps that might be considered: HOW TO TRAIN OTHERS

• List the areas that are to be inspected This section is designed to give you some (such as uniform, cleanliness and so practical ideas about how you can help other on). Consider the standards that are/are young people to learn about ceremonies in not acceptable. the Section. This might be Leaders or • Inform the Scouts of these standards. Scouts either in an informal way on a Troop • Consider constructive ways in which to / Pack night or more formally on a skills help the Scouts improve. workshop, training course or something • Implement any points system or similar. competition that you said you would!

Can I do it?

When you feel confident about ceremonies, Objectives see how many of these questions you can answer: By the end of this session, the participants will be able to: • Can I state the purpose for, and describe the following ceremonies? I. State the reason for ceremonies in the Section; The Investiture II. Demonstrate the following ceremonies: Going Up Ceremony III. Investiture Flag break IV. Going Up ceremony Flag down V. Flag break and Flag down VI. State the purpose and methods of • Have I observed and assisted at another inspection in the Section. Section's ceremonies as listed above?

• Have I been responsible for the following within the Section meeting?

Investiture Going Up Ceremony Flag break Flag down Inspections

Sometimes it is useful to have a more experienced Leader in the Section, perhaps the District Commissioner or someone from the Training Department, to come and give you an unbiased view of the ceremonies within your Sections and, if possible, how

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