Theme Description
Rivers have been a vital part of our environment for many years. Cub Scouts can use a map to trace where their local river begins, then draw other waterways that connect to it as the water flows to the ocean. Dens can invite environmental agencies to talk about the local rivers and their resources. Scouts can also learn how early explorers used rivers, and how important rivers are in transporting people and products. Discover how rivers are used as a water irrigation source and how we harness the power of some rivers for electricity. Investigate the history, folklore or legends, songs, and types of boats that are associated with rivers. Dens can help with the cleanliness of their local river while working on their World Conservation Award or the Conservation Good Turn Award. Packs can hold a raingutter regatta using a variety of boat styles.
Ceremonies
Waterways of the USA Advancement Ceremony
In 1804 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began a journey at the request of President Thomas Jefferson to explore the west in search of a water route to the Pacific Ocean. Much of their journey was traveled on the great waterways and rivers of North America.
Tonight we honor others on their own journey of discovery. Will the following Cub Scout and their parents please come forward? (Call forward all the Cub Scouts receiving their Tiger Cub Award.) These Cub Scouts represent the trickles of water from melting snow and ice that are the headwaters of America’s rivers and waterways. These Cub Scouts have earned the Tiger Cub Badge. (Present Tiger Cub Badges)
As these trickles of water come together they form small rivulets. As Tiger Cub Scouts grow they come together in the Wolf Den. Would the following Cub Scouts please come forward with their parents? (Call those Cub Scouts forward that are receiving their Bob Cat Badges.) These boys represent those rivulets. Each of these Cub Scouts has earned the Bob Cat Badge. (Present Bob Cat Badges.)
As these rivulets grow and move forward in their flow, they become streams. Would the following Cub Scouts please come forward with their parents. (Call those boys forward that are receiving their Wolf Badges.) These boys have grown and progressed in their Scouting journey of discovery and earned the Wolf Badge. (Present Wolf Badges.)
The streams grow and join becoming the rivers that are the tributaries of America's Waterways. The Bear Den represent those tributaries. Would the following Cub Scouts please come forward with their parents. (Call forward the Cub Scouts receiving the Bear Badge.) These boys represent those tributaries in their own journey of discovery. They have earned the Bear Badge. (Present Bear Badges)
When those tributaries come together to form American’s great Waterways, the journey is almost complete. Would the following Cub Scouts please come forward with their parents? (Call forward Cub Scouts receiving the Webelos Badge.) These boys represent the Mississippi River, the great waterway of America. Each of these Cub Scouts has earned the Webelos Badge. (Present the Webelos Badge.)
Would the following Cub Scouts please come forward with their parents? (Call forward the Cub Scouts that are receiving the Arrow of Light.) The Mississippi River is greatest Waterway in America. This is the beginning and ending point of Lewis and Clark’s journey of discovery. As great as the Mississippi River is, it eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico ending its own journey which began high in the Rocky Mountains as trickles of melting snow. Tonight these Cub Scouts are ending their journey of discovery in Cub Scouting and receiving their Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting’s highest honor. (Do Arrow of Light Ceremony.)
Cheers
Skits and Run-On's
Songs
Crafts
Games
Jump the River Two parallel lines are drawn twelve inches apart to represent a river. The players line up on one side and run in a group to jump the river. Then they turn around and come back across the river with a standing jump. Then a new line is drawn to widen the river and the players repeat the running and standing jumps. Anyone who falls in the river by landing between the two widest lines is out of the game.