"Compass" Tenderfoot Investiture Ceremony
Introduction
THIS CEREMONY blends the symbolism of the council fire and the Scout Compass, and
provides for participation in the ceremony of the Troop Committee, the Scoutmaster and his
staff, all Scouts, and the parents of Scouts and candidates.
The ceremony is well adapted to an outdoor council fire investiture at
a summer camp or Scout rally or an indoor improvised council fire investiture at the
installation of a new Troop. The major part is carried on by Scouts themselves. The
purpose is to impress the Scouts, parents and parent institutions with the high
educational value of Scouting.
Eighteen to twenty-four Scouts, including Patrol Leaders, the Senior
Patrol Leader, one to six escorts, and twelve Scouts to cover the twelve points of the
Law, are required for this ceremony. The Scoutmaster and the Chairman of the Troop
Committee, or his substitute, without the help of the entire Committee, or the presence of
parents, may conduct the ceremony. But the ceremony takes on greater dignity, and the
impression upon the candidates is far better, when their parents sit in the audience and
the entire Troop Committee is present.
In the formation of a new Troop, the first candidates may be initiated
by a Troop from a neighboring institution, which would come to the home of the newly
organized Troop and put on the ceremony.
Location
This ceremony may be conducted indoors, in a large room with open
floor, or in the outdoors around the council fire. If indoors, candles may be used; if
outdoors, torches are better. A gust of wind will not extinguish them.
Torches may be made by wrapping a strip of burlap and six laps of
absorbent paper, 4 inches wide by 4 feet long, tightly around the end of a six foot staff,
tied with wire, and thoroughly saturated with gasoline. These staves may be driven into
the ground so as to stand about the height of a boy. Green staves one inch thick will not
burn, otherwise use iron pipe. For the indoor ceremony candle-sticks of similar height
should be improvised.
Audience
This is not a secret initiation. It may be advisable, however, to
dignify the occasion by having guests on invitation only; and the invitations should
include the parents of the Scouts, with an urgent request that the parents of candidates
be present. Parents, Scouts, candidates, all members of the Troop Committee, the
Scoutmaster and his staff, and the entire Troop should attend.
Guests may be seated around the room outside of the council circle, if
an indoor meeting is held. If it is an outdoor meeting, guests may be arranged so as to
fringe the council ring at a distance of 8 feet.
The place of honor for this occasion is at a point just outside the
circle of Scouts, back of the "north pole." The chairman of the Troop Committee
should be stationed in this position, with the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader, and
the chaplain or pastor of the church at his left, and on either side of these the members
of the Troop Committee, Bugler, Assistant Scoutmaster and Patrol Leaders. Continuing this
line around the circle will be stationed the Scouts of the Troop.
The Setting
Sixteen Scouts in uniform are deployed in a circle, 20 to 30 feet in
diameter, with the council fire at the center, and a torch above the center of the council
fire. For the ceremony the torches give sufficient light. The council fire is lighted at
the close of the ceremony to provide light for the remainder of the program. Inside a log
cabin, a tepee fire, constructed of soft wood that will send forth a bright blaze, is
best. If indoors, the council fire may be laid up in log-cabin fashion, with a red
electric light concealed in the center. On top of the log-cabin construction a large
lighted candle may be securely mounted.
Four Patrol Leaders stand at the four cardinal points of the
Compass,--north, east, south and west; and directly in front of each Scout is mounted a
candle or torch at an elevation of five feet. Twelve Scouts are stationed at the
twelve intervening points. completing the sixteen points of the compass; and before
each of these stands a candle or torch at an elevation of four feet.
The Flag of the United States of America in charge of a color guard of
two Scouts, is raised upon a staff at a point between north and north-northwest.
The Troop Flag, in the charge of a color guard, is raised upon a staff between the
point north and north-northeast.
The Senior Patrol Leader, who usually acts as master of ceremonies, is
stationed at the right of the Scoutmaster behind the Colors.
The candidate, or candidates are brought to the point of admittance,
just outside the council ring, between south and south-east. Any number of
candidates up to eight, may be conducted as a unit through the ceremony. Each
candidate is attended by an escort, --a Scout in Uniform, who walks on the candidate's
left and guides him by the left arm. The escort should be a member of the Patrol
which will receive the new member.
Vestments
The candidates my be required to enter the circle barefoot. A sash of blue silk
or bunting, similar to the Merit Badge sash in design may be over the right shoulder of
each candidate. A sash cord of red terminating in large tassels, is tied around the
waist.
Ceremony
(The Scouts being stationed at the 16 points of the compass around the council fire,
the candidates, each one blindfolded with the Troop neckerchief of his escort, are
arranged in single file at the point of admittance outside the council circle, with
escorts at their left.)
Lighting the Council Fire
The Chairman of the Troop Committee, as Council Chief, rising in his position at the
seat of honor, addresses the group as follows:
Council Chief: "My friends I welcome you to our Council.
To prove our joy at your presence we shall make fire to symbolize the light of
Scouting.
(One of the Scouts with fire-by-friction set in hand, proceeds to make fire with which
the central torch on a staff rising out of the council fire in the outdoors, or the candle
mounted on the improvised indoor circle fire is lighted.)
Council Chief: Friends and brother Scouts, we are now in
solemn council. Is there any important matter to come before us? (The
Scoutmaster in his position at the right hand of the Council Chief salutes. Chief
returns salute.)
Scoutmaster: Oh Chief, it is our pleasure to perform
here at this council fire so auspiciously opened. I have word there are certain
candidates without the circle of our fire seeking admission to our Council. If is
your desire, Oh Chief, may I suggest that we have and now heed their humble request and
initiate these candidates, who I am informed have already been properly instructed and
wait even now to be admitted to the membership of this Troop of Boy Scouts of America as
Tenderfoot Scouts.
Council Chief: These are glad tidings indeed. By all
means proceed with the initiation.
Scoutmaster: (Addressing Senior Patrol Leader at his right):
Senior Patrol Leader assume charge of our ceremony then as is the custom of this Troop and
initiate the candidates if indeed they be worthy. (The Senior Patrol Leader
salutes
the Scoutmaster and enters the council ring at the north pole and proceeds to a position
near the center with the council fire at his right.)
(At this point the escorts, conducting the first three candidates, give the animal call
of their Patrol three times.)
Senior Patrol Leader (as a master of ceremonies with right
hand upraised, palm outward): Scouts! What word have you for the august council?
Leading Escort: Scout (gives his name) and other of our
worthy Scouts have come to this council accompanied by candidates (gives names of
candidates), who are eagerly waiting to be invested as Tenderfoot Scouts in the Boy Scouts
of America.
Master of Ceremonies (Senior Patrol Leader): This is
interesting new by what right do these candidates seek admission to this Troop?
Leading Escort: By the right of every boy seeks to be a
worthy citizen and a true Scout; and by the further right of their nomination to
membership in the (Black Bear, Panther, Buffalo and Beaver Patrols, members of these
Patrols assembled.) (It is assumed that each boy has been voted acceptable by some Patrol
of the Troop and that as a result of said nomination the various Patrols have named an
escort to conduct their candidate through the investiture ceremony.)
Master of Ceremonies: Have all of f these candidates
satisfactorily passed the Tenderfoot tests?
Leading Escort: They have, sir; and have
proved themselves after careful consideration worthy to be admitted to our Troop.
Master of Ceremonies (Facing about and
saluting the Chief) : Oh Chief and members of the Council, seeking admission to this
Troop. What is your pleasure?
Council Chief: What is the will of the council?
The Scout at Point East salutes the Chief and
says: Oh Chief I move that the candidates be admitted.
Scout at Point West salutes the Chief and
says, Oh Chief, I second the motion. All in favor say "How."
(Responses; loud chorus of HOWS from all Scouts and Scout officials
present.)
Council Chief: Let the candidates be admitted
for further examination and instruction.
Master of Ceremonies (Facing about and
addressing the escort) : Escorts, conduct the candidates to a place within the council
ring. (Escorts, with candidates, proceed in double column from the door of admission near
the point south, and halt directly in front of the Master of Ceremonies, who is standing
at the Council fire.)
Master of Ceremonies: Candidates, you are
standing within the sacred council ring. You have already learned many things in your
preparation for the rank of Tenderfoot Scout, and you will now be further instructed in
the obligations and privileges of a Scout. Escorts, remove the blindfolds from the eyes of
the candidates.
(Blindfolds are removed.)
Master of Ceremonies: Candidates you have
entered this council ring in your bare feet and it is well, for all candidates must
forever so enter. You will enter Scouting on the same level, for Scouting is a world
brotherhood. Its privileges and benefits are open alike to the boys of all nations,
classes, creeds and colors.
Over your right shoulder you wear a sash of pure white. This is the
symbol of the purity of your desire to become a true Scout. Over your left shoulder you
wear a sash of blue, which is the symbol of your loyalty of our Scout ideals. You are
girded about the waist with a cord of red, which signifies the sacrifices you will be
called upon to make in your daily life as a Scout, and your service as a citizen. You will
always perform at least one Good Turn each day. These are also the colors of our Flag, to
which we shall now and ever pledge our solemn allegiance.
(The entire audience stands at attention as the bugler plays TO THE
COLORS. Scouts, if covered, stand at salute. Immediately thereafter the Master of
Ceremonies leads the Troop and candidates in the Pledge to The Flag as follows:
"I Pledge allegiance to The Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands; one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all."
Master of Ceremonies: (Lighting his candle or
torch from the council fire, addresses the candidates as follows) :
My comrades you have already noted that this council, in its every
detail is arranged in accordance with the Scout compass with which every true Tenderfoot
is perfectly familiar. As every compass has a central point upon which rests a resistive
needle responding ever to the outside pull, so at the heart of this council is a heart of
fire symbolizing through the lighted torch, the awakening of your desire to be a real
Scout, and it is well for first a boy must be a Scout at heart. The mere wearing of a
uniform cannot make him a Scout any more than the mere wearing of a cap and gown can make
of him a college graduate. Let us think of this pivotal point as your sacred pledge to do
your best.
Upon this pivotal point rests an ever responsive needle, which is the
Scout's sense of "duty and honor," and as this needle ever points to the
"North Pole" there you will be further instructed in your duties as a Scout.
(Master of Ceremonies does "about face," leads the double
column of candidates and escorts them along the line of imaginary needle to the North
Pole, and halts the column with the leading candidate one place in front of the torch at
the north pole. With his own lighted torch he lights the torch at the north pole, and
takes his position at the left of the leading escort.)
(The lighting of each torch in turn is the signal for the guardian of
the same to proceed with his lines.)
Scout North (Standing at attention and giving
Scout Sign) : On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God. The north pole of the
Scout Compass represents one's DUTY TO GOD. This is the first, last and eternal obligation
of a Scout. All other duties rest upon this one. It is the first and greatest Commandment.
I admonish you therefore, every candidate among you to consider well this sacred
obligation before proceeding further. (A definite pause with bowed heads.)
Master of Ceremonies: You will then, my
comrades, be conducted by way of the council fire to the point East.
(The double column of candidates and escorts do a "column left
about," following the Master of Ceremonies, who does "about face ace," and
conducts the double column by way of the council fire, which he passes on his left,
proceeding along the line West-East, and halting the column with the leading candidate one
pace in front of the torch, stationed at the point East. He lights the torch and steps one
pace to the left.)
Scout East (giving the Scout Sign) : "On
my honor I will do my best; to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout
Law.
My comrades the point East on the Scout Compass represents your DUTY TO
YOUR COUNTRY. Everything that a Boy Scout learns to do, from the Tenderfoot knots to the
requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout, is designed to increase his knowledge and skill
for service. To live for one's country should be the worthy ambition of every Scout.
BE PREPARED is our motto, and this leads to the Daily Good Turn and
spirit of service, which are the essence of good Scouting. A good Scout ever gives
whole-hearted devotion to patriotic service wherever he may find himself. He is a
true-blue under all circumstances. He gives his best to his country. (Cornet plays one verse of
America.)
Master of Ceremonies: "Shall we journey
then by way of the council fire to the South Pole of the Scout Compass."
(Doing "about face," the Master of Ceremonies conducts the
double column, which again does "column left about"-passes the torch at the
South Pole. Here he lights the torch at the council fire on his left, and halts at a point
one pace in front South Pole and steps one pace to the left.) (A standard is here with
numerous flags of foreign nations all at a lower height than the big Flag in the room.)
Scout South (giving the Scout Sign) : On my
honor I will do my best: to do my duty to God and my Country, and to obey the Scout Law;
to help other people at all times.
My comrades have still other obligations. The South Pole of the Scout
Compass represents one's DUTY TO OTHERS. This obligation includes all mankind. The Scout
Movement is much more than our local Troop. It is a world brotherhood of boys which
reaches beyond our Mother Land and grips the hands of thousands upon thousands of other
Scouts in the Brother Lands of all nations. The sun never ceases to shine upon the banner
of Scouting throughout the world. Let it be your aim to every way possible promote the
spirit of peace and good will, to the end that wars may cease and all men live as brother
Scouts.
Master of Ceremonies: You will now be
conducted by way of the Council Fire to the Point West.
(Master of Ceremonies does "about face" and conducts the
double column--which does "column left about"--passes the council fire on his
left, and halts the column with the leading candidates one pace in front of the candle at
point West. He lights the candle and steps one pace to the left.)
Scout West (giving Scout Sign): *Welcome, my.
comrades, to the West, and now give heed. On my honor I will do my best; to do my duty to
God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times: to keep
myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The point West on the Scout Compass, the point of the setting of the
sun, symbolizes your DUTY TO YOURSELF. When you come to the evening of life, when your
years are spent and you stand finally on the brink of the Great Divide, we hope that you
will look back upon these boyhood years as the hours of the morning which, because you
have spent it well, led to the noon day sun, happy in the realization that you have put
into your daily life, all along life's journey, the very best that you could give in
service and self-improvement. Remember always that life is not lived years alone but in
deeds done; in character achieved.
Master of Ceremonies: Comrades, let us
journey yet further to the point of the North North-east. (Master of Ceremonies takes his
position at the head of the column. The column does "column right" and proceeds
along the line just inside the circle of torches to a point half way between North and
East and takes his position in front of the torch at North-Northeast.)
Master of Ceremonies (addressing
candidates)--Here ponder carefully my comrades between "DUTY TO GOD" AND
"DUTY TO COUNTRY" we emphasize three Scout Laws: "A Scout is
trustworthy," "A Scout is loyal," "A Scout is helpful," which are
plotted upon three points of the Compass between North and East. (Indicates with a wave of
his torch and then hands his lighted torch to Scout North-Northeast.)
Scout North-Northeast (lights his torch and
gives Scout Sign) : North-Northeast represents the first Scout Law, "I Scout is
Trustworthy. A Scout's honor is to be trusted. If he were to violate his honor by telling
a lie, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, when trusted on his honor, he
may be directed to hand over his Scout Badge." (Hands the Master of Ceremonies' torch
to Scout Northeast.)
Scout Northeast (lights his torch, gives Scout Sign) : Northeast
represents the Second Scout Law--"A Scout is loyal. He is loyal to all to whom
loyalty is due; his Scout Leader, his home, and his parents and country." (Hands the
Master of Ceremonies' torch to Scout East-Northeast.)
Scout East-Northeast (lights his torch, hands
lighter back to Master of Ceremonies, giving Scout Sign) : East-Northeast represents the
Third Scout Law--"A Scout is helpful. He must be prepared at any time to save life,
help injured persons, and share the home duties. He must do at least one Good Turn to
somebody every day."
(Master of Ceremonies then conducts the
column to the point half way between East-South and says:)
Here is yet further food for thought: Between DUTY TO GOD AND DUTY TO
OTHERS, we are bound by three Scout Laws: "A Scout is friendly," "A Scout
is courteous," "A Scout is kind," which are plotted upon three points of
the Compass between East and South. (Indicates these points with a wave of his torch, then
hands his torch to Scout East-Southeast, who lights his torch and gives Scout Sign.)
Scout East-Southeast: East-Southeast
represents the Fourth Scout Law: "A Scout is friendly. He is a friend to all and a
brother to every other Scout." (Hands the lighting torch to Scout Southeast.)
Scout Southeast (lights his torch, gives
Scout Sign): Southeast represents the Fifth Scout Law--"A Scout is courteous. He is
polite to all, especially women, children and old people, and the weak and helpless. He
must not take pay for being helpful or courteous." (Hands the lighting torch to Scout
South-Southeast ).
Scout South-Southeast (lights torch, gives
Scout Sign) : South-Southeast represents the Sixth Scout Law--"A Scout is Kind. He is
a friend to animals. He will not kill nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but will
strive to save and protect all harmless life." (Hands lighting torch back to Master
of Ceremonies.)
(Master of ceremonies conducts the column to the point South-Southwest
and says:)
Master of Ceremonies--Still there is much for
every Scout to know. Between DUTY TO OTHERS AND DUTY TO SELF, we have yet three other
Scout Laws: "A Scout is Obedient ... .. A Scout is
Cheerful," "A Scout is Thrifty," which are plotted upon three points of the
Compass between South and West. (Indicates with a wave of his torch, then hands it to
Scout South-Southwest.)
Scout South-Southwest (lights his torch and
gives Scout Sign) : South-Southwest represents the seventh Scout Law--"A Scout is
Obedient. He obeys his parents, Scoutmaster, authorities, Patrol Leader, and all other
duly constituted (Hands the lighting torch to Scout Southwest.)
Scout Southwest (lights his torch and gives Scout Sign)-.
Southwest represents the Eighth Scout Law--"A Scout is Cheerful. He smiles whenever
he can. His obedience to orders is prompt and cheery. He never shirks nor grumbles at
hardships." (Hands the lighting torch to Scout West-Southwest.)
Scout West-Southwest (lights his own torch, gives Scout Sign)
-. West-Southwest represents the Ninth Scout Law--"A Scout is Thrifty. He does not
wantonly destroy property. He works faithfully, wastes nothing, and makes the best use of
his opportunities. He saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those
in need and helpful to worthy objects. He may work for pay, but must not receive tips for
courtesies or Good Turns." (Hands lighting torch to Scout West-Northwest.)
(Master of Ceremonies conducts the column to the point Northwest and says:)
Master of Ceremonies: And now between DUTY TO
SELF AND DUTY TO GOD, we are obligated to three final Scout Laws which are again plotted
upon the last three points of the compass between West and North: "A Scout is
Brave," "A Scout is Clean," "A Scout is Reverent." (Hands his
torch to Scout West-Northwest.)
Scout West Northwest (lights his torch, makes
Scout Sign): West Northwest represents the Tenth Scout Law--"A Scout is Brave. He has
the courage to face danger in spite of fear and to stand up for the right against the
coaxing of friends or the jeers or threats of enemies, and defeat does not down
him." (Hands lighting torch to Scout Northwest.)
Scout Northwest (lights his torch, gives
Scout Sign.) Northwest represents the Eleventh Scout Law--"A Scout is Clean. He keeps
clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and travels
with a clean crowd." (Hands the lighting torch to Scout North-Northwest.)
Scout North-Northwest (lights his torch and makes Scout
Sign): North-Northwest represents the Twelfth Scout Law: "A Scout is Reverent. He is
reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties, and respects the convictions
of others in matters of custom and religion." (Hands torch back to Master of
Ceremonies.)
Master of Ceremonies (brings his column up so
that it faces the seat of honor, salutes the Chief): Oh Chief, the worthy candidates have
now completed a double circuit of our Scout Compass and a complete review of the Scout
Oath and Law. What further instructions would you give them?
Council Chief: The Scoutmaster will further
examine and instruct the candidates; and if he finds them qualified, he will in due time
award the Tenderfoot Badges.
(The Scoutmaster salutes the Chief, Chief returns the salute. Scoutmaster enters
the circle at the North Pole and halts, facing the candidates, at a point one pace in
front of the column.)
Scoutmaster: Boys, you have learned that, The
beginning and the end of the Scout Obligation is DUTY TO GOD. It is the first point of the
Oath and the last point of the Law. We measure a Scout as we measure a man, by the
eleventh Law--"A Scout is Clean" in body and thought. The secret of a noble life
is found in the Twelfth Scout Law. It is the spirit of God in your heart and life. So here
we end, where we began--A Scout is first made a Scout in his heart. You may repeat that
with me. If the Oath and the Law are written deeply in your heart, you will always be a
true Scout. (If time permits, the Scoutmaster may well at this point explain: The Scout
Sign, Scout Salute, Scout Handclasp, Scout Motto, "Be Prepared," and the Scout
habit, "Do a Good Turn Daily." Or if time is short these points may be left to a
subsequent meeting..)
Scoutmaster: As your final test in the
requirements of a Tenderfoot, I shall ask you to give me the Scout Sign and repeat in
unison the Scout Oath.
(At the command "Scout Sign," candidates come smartly to the
position of the Scout Sign and repeat in unison the Scout Oath: "On my honor I will
do my best; to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law; to help other
people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally
straight."
Scoutmaster: In token of your having been
duly examined and properly initiated in the obligation and requirements of the Tenderfoot
Scout, I shall now, on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, present you with your
Tenderfoot Badges.
(Beginning with the leading candidate and continuing down the line, the
Scoutmaster pins the metal Tenderfoot Badge on each candidate, saying to each boy, as he
calls his name and shakes his hand:)
Scoutmaster: I congratulate you upon now
becoming a Tenderfoot Scout. You are assigned to (gives name of Patrol).
(Following the presentation, the Scoutmaster says to the group:)
Scoutmaster: Scouts, one and all, I am sure
that you will wear these badges with credit to yourself and honor to the great Boy Scout
Movement, of which you are an important part.
Scoutmaster (saluting the Council Chief): Oh,
Chief, the investiture ceremony is completed. The candidates have been duly instructed in
the requirements of a Tenderfoot Scout; and in token thereof I have presented the
Tenderfoot Badges and have assigned them to Patrols. What further instructions have you?
Council Chief: Scoutmaster, you will now
conduct the closing ceremonies and dismiss the Council.
(Scoutmaster, or one he designates, leads the council in singing the
Scout prayer to the tune of "Marcheta.")
"Our Father in Heaven
Above us we ask thee
For guidance in our daily task,
May virtue and manhood
Stand strongly among us,
To Thee we give all of our thanks.
The Scout Oath-the Scout Law,
Their lessons unfolding;
Our youth in numbers untold:
Our motto-our Good Turn
May we live and teach it
Great Spirit of Scouting, we pray."
(Words by Talman H. Trask and Oscar B. Matthews.)
Scoutmaster then leads in the Scout benediction:
"May the Great Scoutmaster of all good Scouts watch between us and guide us along
the trail which leads to Him."
After which the Council Chief, accompanied by the Scoutmaster and
followed by the Troop Committee, proceed in double column through the council ring,
entering at the point North. The Color Guard and the Troop Flag Bearers leading the way.
Scouts on the east half of the circle, bearing candles or torches, face
right, those on the west half of the circle face left. All march toward the North Pole,
forming a double column behind the color guard. The minor officials and other Scouts
follow the torch bearers in double column, and the escorts and candidates complete the
procession.
The Council Chief and Scoutmaster, preceded by the Colors, lead the
column in silence from the council fire to a convenient point of dispersal.
The above ceremony is designed to accommodate a Troop which follows
the plan of having prospective Scouts admitted to the Patrol and Troop activity at any
time, but withholding their membership and formal initiation until a sufficient number
have qualified in the Tenderfoot Tests to make a dignified and impressive investiture
ceremony possible.
This ceremony could be presented in each Troop possibly four times
during the year. For this number of occasions it would not be impossible or difficult to
secure the attendance of the Troop Committee, and a large percentage of the parents of the
candidates and Scouts. The ceremony should be very thoroughly learned and rehearsed--with
regular Scouts serving as candidates so as to take more of the thrill from the boy about
to be initiated. If conducted with dispatch and not allowed to drag at any point it will
make a delightful evening. Rather than allow it to drag, better use a shorter and more
simple investiture, for the sake of the candidates.
See Also:
Advancement Ceremonies
