Installation of Youth Leaders
| Category: | Scout Ceremonies |
|---|---|
| Props: | Position patches for each new youth leader |
| Props: | Troop flag |
| Props: | Patrol flags |
| Props: | Candle for each patrol, plus one for the troop (optional, for an evening ceremony) |
| Notes: | For installing the Senior Patrol Leader, patrol leaders, and other youth leaders after a troop election, at the start of a new term. Hold it at a troop meeting or a campfire within a week or two of the vote. The outgoing SPL hands off to the new one; an adult only speaks once, at the end. Replace [TROOP NUMBER], [OUTGOING SPL], [NEW SPL], and the patrol and position names. List only the positions your troop uses. Pairs with the after-the-vote minute; for an adult leadership change, see the Change of Scoutmaster Ceremony. |
Setup
The troop stands in patrols in a horseshoe. The outgoing SPL stands at the open end holding the troop flag. Each outgoing patrol leader holds their patrol's flag. New leaders stand with their patrols.
Participants
- Outgoing Senior Patrol Leader - runs the ceremony
- New Senior Patrol Leader
- Outgoing and new Patrol Leaders
- Other new youth leaders - ASPL, Troop Guide, Scribe, Quartermaster, and so on
- Scoutmaster - closes with a short charge
The Ceremony
Outgoing SPL: 'Troop, attention. A troop is led by its Scouts. Tonight the job changes hands. Will the new youth leaders of Troop [TROOP NUMBER] please come forward.'
(New leaders step into the horseshoe, facing the troop.)Outgoing SPL: 'A position patch is not a reward. It is a promise to the people you lead. Before you wear it, you say that promise out loud. Repeat after me.'
Outgoing SPL: 'I promise to do my best -'
New Leaders: 'I promise to do my best -'
Outgoing SPL: 'to serve my patrol and my troop,'
New Leaders: 'to serve my patrol and my troop,'
Outgoing SPL: 'to set the example,'
New Leaders: 'to set the example,'
Outgoing SPL: 'to listen before I lead,'
New Leaders: 'to listen before I lead,'
Outgoing SPL: 'and to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.'
New Leaders: 'and to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.'
Patrol Leaders
Outgoing SPL: 'Patrol leaders, the patrol flag goes where the patrol goes. Carry it well.'
(Each outgoing patrol leader hands the patrol flag to the new patrol leader and gives them their position patch. If an outgoing patrol leader was re-elected, the SPL presents the patch instead.)Other Youth Leaders
Outgoing SPL: '[POSITION]: [SCOUT NAME].'
(The outgoing SPL presents each position patch with a handshake. Keep it to one sentence of what the job is: "Quartermaster: the gear is yours to keep ready." Repeat for each.)Senior Patrol Leader
Outgoing SPL: '[NEW SPL], I have carried this troop as far as I could. It is yours now.'
(Outgoing SPL hands the troop flag to the new SPL, presents the SPL patch, and shakes hands. The outgoing SPL then steps back and joins their patrol.)New SPL: 'Thank you, [OUTGOING SPL]. Troop [TROOP NUMBER], I will do my best for you. I am going to need all of you to do the same.'
Scoutmaster's Charge
Scoutmaster: 'Leaders, you will make mistakes this term. Everybody does. What matters is what you do next. Ask your patrols what they need, and then go get it for them. I am here when you want help - but this is your troop. Lead it.'
New SPL: 'Troop, give a hand to the leaders who just finished their term.'
(Applause for the outgoing leaders.)New SPL: 'Dismissed.'