Opening Ceremony (adapted from Woods Wisdom, Special Opening 4)
(The audience faces a draped Boy Scout table that holds a candelabra with twelve candles, which stand for the twelve parts of the Scout Law, and three larger candles, which stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath. The United States flag is in place. John McCarthy comes forward to lead the opening ceremony. John McCarthy takes the large green Troop 316 pillar candle from the Girl Scout table, places it on the Boy Scout table, and lights it, if necessary, for lighting the other candles during the opening ceremony. He then stands behind the table to conduct the opening ceremony.)
Scoutmaster John McCarthy: Honored guests, ladies and gentlemen, as Boy Scouts, we are all members of the world's largest brotherhood of boys and men. We believe earnestly in the Scout motto, "Be Prepared", and in the ideals of service as given in the Scout slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily". We meet here regularly to practice the skills of Scouting and to have fun. From time to time we go hiking and camping so we might learn more of the great outdoors and at the same time develop qualities of health and self-realiance. In Scouting, as in the game of football or any other sport or activity, we must have rules. The rules of Scouting are found in the twelve points of the Scout Law. As I light the twelve candles in front of me, representing the twelve points of the Scout Law. I would like to have the troop repeat them after me. Troop, attention! Scout sign!
(The troop stands at attention at their places in the audience, demonstrating the Scout sign.)
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights first candle): A Scout is trustworthy.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is trustworthy.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights second candle): A Scout is loyal.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is loyal.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights third candle): A Scout is helpful.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is helpful.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights fourth candle): A Scout is friendly.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is friendly.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights fifth candle): A Scout is courteous.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is courteous.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights sixth candle): A Scout is kind.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is kind.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights seventh candle): A Scout is obedient.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is obedient.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights eighth candle): A Scout is cheerful.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is cheerful.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights ninth candle): A Scout is thrifty.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is thrifty.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights tenth candle): A Scout is brave.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is brave.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights eleventh candle): A Scout is clean.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is clean.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (lights twelfth candle): A Scout is reverent.
Troop (repeats after John McCarthy): A Scout is reverent.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy: Scouts, stand at ease!
(The troop remains standing at their places in the audience, no longer demonstrating the Scout sign.)
Scoutmaster John McCarthy: Another important part of the Scout's obligation is explained in the Scout Oath. Here he promises to do his best to live up to the Scout Law; he recognizes also that he has an obligation to God, to his country, to others, and to himself. A Scout takes this oath when he joins the troop and we repeat it from time to time, so it will always be fresh in our minds. As I light the three remaining candles, which stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath, the troop will repeat the Scout Oath with me. Scout sign!
(John McCarthy then leads the troop in the Scout Oath, lighting a candle before each of the three parts.)
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (while lighting first candle) and troop: On my honor I will do my best, To do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law;
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (while lighting second candle) and troop: To help other people at all times;
Scoutmaster John McCarthy (while lighting third candle) and troop: To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scoutmaster John McCarthy: Scouts, stand at ease!
First Class Court of Honor (adapted from Woods Wisdom, Courts of Honor, First Class Rank, Ceremony 2)
(John McCarthy moves to the front of the table and requests the members of the Court of Honor to come forward as their names are read.)
Scoutmaster John McCarthy: The members of the Court of Honor have all contributed to the CCP Scouting Program by giving freely of their time and talents. Would the members of the Court of Honor please come forward, as your names are read, to receive your service pins, and take your places:
Court of Honor: Donna Cunningham, Gary Cunningham, Earlene Esters,
Linda Smiertka, and Cathy McCarthy.
(Donna Cunningham, Gary Cunningham, Earlene Esters and Linda Smiertka, will join John McCarthy behind the table. Cathy McCarthy will stand in front of the table, to the left end as facing the audience, to call the troop forward.)
Committee Chairperson Cathy McCarthy: Scouts of Troop 316, we are gathered here to honor you for your achievement of First Class rank. Please come forward, as your names are read, and stand in front of the table on your left:
Anaconda Patrol: Chris Cunningham, Jon Cunningham, Alex Esters,
David Irvine, Steven McCarthy, Jeff Smiertka, Tim Smiertka
(The scouts come forward and stand in front of the Girl Scout table, at the opposite end of the front table from Cathy McCarthy. John McCarthy comes forward, from behind the table, and stands in front of the table.)
Scoutmaster John McCarthy: The Scoutmaster's greatest reward is seeing young men advance through the ranks of Scouting and grow into stout-heared, clean-thinking men. I have been privileged to work with you as you have traveled this trail to First Class. I am proud of each one of you.
(John McCarthy turns to his left and stands at the right hand of Cathy McCarthy. Donna Cunningham comes forward, from behind the table, and stands in front of the table.)
Assistant Scoutmaster Donna Cunningham: When you became Scouts, you gave the Scout sign (gives sign) and took the Scout Oath or Promise - "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 ...". This is what we mean by Scouting spirit. The first-aid kit I hold in my hands is a reminder that as a First Class Scout you must "be prepared" to serve others at all times.
(Donna Cunningham turns to her left and stands at the right hand of John McCarthy.
Earlene Esters comes forward, from behind the table, and stands in front of the table.)
Assistant Scoutmaster Earlene Esters: I hold in my hand a compass. It has helped you find your way on hikes and in camp. It is symbolic of Scout participation in the activities of your patrol and our troop. Scouting is a compass, too. It will help you find your way along the trail of life.
(Earlene Esters turns to her left and stands at the right hand of Donna Cunningham. Linda Smiertka comes forward, from behind the table, and stands in front of the table.)
Assistant Scoutmaster Linda Smiertka: I hold an ax. It is the tool that helped our forefather build America. It stands for Scoutcraft skills, which you learned in achieving First Class rank. It also represents physical fitness. May you always use your strength and skills to better serve God, your country, and others.
(Linda Smiertka turns to her left and stands at the right hand of Earlene Esters. Gary Cunningham comes forward, from behind the table, and stands in front of the table.)
Committee Member Gary Cunningham: I charge you to continue on the trail of Scouting spirit and participation until you reach Eagle rank. Keep the spirit of service alive in your daily life, for your sake and for the sake of the Scouts who follow where you lead. I congratulate you on having reached the rank of First Class Scout. Please pass by the members of the Court of Honor and receive their congratulations as you return to your seats.
(The scouts file past the six members of the Court of Honor, shake each of their hands, and return to their seats. The members of the Court of Honor extinguish the candles on the front table and return to their seats as Dave Holderread comes forward to lead the Cub Scout ceremony.)