Change of Scoutmaster Ceremony (Scout Ceremony)

Setup

The troop sits by patrol facing the front, with guests and families behind them. The troop flag is posted at the front or held by a flag bearer. The outgoing and incoming Scoutmasters sit together at the front. Brief every participant on their lines and cues beforehand.

Participants

• Master of Ceremonies (MC) - Senior Patrol Leader
• Committee Chair - or the chartered organization representative
• Outgoing Scoutmaster
• Incoming Scoutmaster
• Flag Bearer - a Scout who holds the troop flag
• Patrol Representative - presents the recognition gift

Opening

MC: 'Troop [TROOP NUMBER], attention. Please join me in the Scout Oath.'

(Troop recites the Scout Oath, then the Scout Law.)

MC: 'At ease. Please be seated. Tonight, Troop [TROOP NUMBER] changes Scoutmasters. [COMMITTEE CHAIR NAME], our Committee Chair, will begin.'

The Committee's Word

(Committee Chair thanks the outgoing Scoutmaster, introduces the incoming Scoutmaster, and speaks to the parents. See New Scoutmaster - A Word from the Committee for suggested wording.)

Recognition of the Outgoing Scoutmaster

MC: '[OUTGOING NAME], please come forward.'

(Patrol Representative presents the recognition gift on behalf of the troop with a short word of thanks. If the outgoing Scoutmaster is staying on in another role, the Committee Chair presents the new position patch here.)

MC: '[OUTGOING NAME], the troop would like to hear from you.'

(Outgoing Scoutmaster addresses the troop. See New Scoutmaster - Passing It On for suggested wording.)

The Troop Flag

MC: 'Flag Bearer, present the troop flag.'

(Flag Bearer brings the troop flag forward and hands it to the MC. The MC hands it to the outgoing Scoutmaster.)

Outgoing Scoutmaster: 'When I became Scoutmaster, this troop was placed in my care. I've done my best to keep it strong. [INCOMING NAME], I place it in yours.'

(Outgoing Scoutmaster hands the flag to the incoming Scoutmaster. They exchange the Scout handshake.)

Incoming Scoutmaster: 'I accept this troop into my care. But a Scoutmaster doesn't carry the troop. The Scouts do.'

(Incoming Scoutmaster hands the flag to the MC.)

Incoming Scoutmaster: 'This is your troop. I'm here to help you carry it.'

(MC returns the flag to the Flag Bearer, who posts it or returns to their place.)

The Commitment

Committee Chair: '[INCOMING NAME], please answer before the troop. Will you live by the Scout Oath and Law and set an example for every Scout in this troop?'

Incoming Scoutmaster: 'I will.'

Committee Chair: 'Will you keep these Scouts safe, and let them lead?'

Incoming Scoutmaster: 'I will.'

Committee Chair: 'Will you listen to the Patrol Leaders' Council, and help these Scouts become the leaders they're meant to be?'

Incoming Scoutmaster: 'I will.'

Committee Chair: 'Scouts of Troop [TROOP NUMBER], will you support your new Scoutmaster?'

All Scouts: 'We will.'

Committee Chair: 'Parents, leaders, and friends of Troop [TROOP NUMBER], will you support them too?'

Families and Leaders: 'We will.'

(If using one, the Committee Chair presents the Scoutmaster position patch.)

The New Scoutmaster's Words

MC: 'Troop [TROOP NUMBER], your new Scoutmaster, [INCOMING NAME].'

(Incoming Scoutmaster addresses the troop. See New Scoutmaster - First Words for suggested wording.)

The Senior Patrol Leader's Words

(Optional. The MC speaks for the Scouts. See New Scoutmaster - Whose Troop Is It? for suggested wording.)

Closing

MC: 'Troop [TROOP NUMBER], attention.'

(Troop comes to attention. The outgoing and incoming Scoutmasters stand side by side.)

MC: '[INCOMING NAME], the troop is yours to dismiss.'

Incoming Scoutmaster: 'Troop [TROOP NUMBER] - dismissed.'

(Applause. Dismissing the troop is the new Scoutmaster's first official act.)