A Brotherhood of Scouting

A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY

BLUE AND GOLD SKIT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKIT

DO YOUR BEST

DO YOU HAVE A CUB SCOUT GARDEN?

HOW BIG

MAKING A CUB SCOUT

Mr Boyce and the Good Turn

RIP VAN CUB SCOUT

SANTA'S BIG SECRET

SINGING TELEGRAM

TEN LITTLE SETTLERS

The Blue and Gold Banquet

The Story of a Pack -- Like Ours

The Would-be Den Leader

WATER SAFETY SEALS

WHAT ARE CUB SCOUTS MADE OF?

CAST: 6; Old Man with a Staff, Spirit of the Beaver, Spirit of the Wolf Cub, Spirit of the Scout, Spirit of Adventure, Spirit of the Rover

5 For BSA; Old Man with a Staff, Spirit of the Wolf Cub, Spirit of the Scout, Spirit of Adventure, Spirit of the Explorer. Adapt script accordingly. SETUP: The Old Man is inside the campfire circle, walking slowly with his staff. He is slightly hunched over with age and leans on the staff heavily.

The Scouting Spirits are evenly spaced outside the campfire circle, just far enough back not to be seen.

Index cards can be used by the Spirits if there isn't time to memorize each role. (Small Flashlight recommended!)

Note: When the Old Man stops each time and looks into the fire, there should be 2-3 seconds of silence before the Spirits speak.

The memories that the Old Man says aloud should be specific to the group, so they have relevance to the audience and can feel the full impact of the skit. Consult with other leaders/ youth for ideas.THE SKIT:

Old Man: (Shuffling slowly around the campfire) My life has been long, too long, and my Scouting years are behind me. My friends are all gone and I am going to die alone. Old and Alone. (Stops and stares into the fire)

All Spirits: "SHARING"

Spirit Of The Beaver: I am the Spirit of the Beaver. When you were young, I taught you Sharing and Caring for the World.

Old Man: (Resumes shuffling slowly around the campfire) [Beaver Memory: e.g. "Beavers. I remember Beavers. Riverbanks and the Beaver Pond, making crafts to take home to Mom...", etc.] (The Old Man stops again and stares into the fire.)

All Spirits: "A-Ke-Lah"

Spirit Of The Wolf Cub: I am the Spirit of the Wolf Cub. I taught you to do your best, I led your Pack through the forest and you lived by My Law.

Old Man: (Resumes shuffling around the campfire) [Cub Memory: e.g. "Cubs. I remember Cubs. Hot Dog roasts in the bush, my first real camp-out, and of course the Kub Kar races...", etc.] (The Old Man stops again and stares into the fire.)

All Spirits: "On My Honor"

Spirit Of The Scout: I am the Spirit of the Scout. I taught you knots and how to camp without a trace, and together we explored the land.

Old Man: (Resumes shuffling around the circle) [Scout Memory: e.g. "Scouts. I remember Scouts. Long hikes and long camps, breaking lake ice for water in the winter. And then there was Jamboree...", etc.] (Stops and stares into the fire.)

All Spirits: "Challenge"

Spirit Of Adventure: I am the Spirit of Adventure. I taught you leadership and set you free, to test your limits to the skies.

Old Man: (Resumes shuffling around the fire) [Venture Memory: e.g. "Oh, yes, Venturers. Attending Jamboree as a Hikemaster, leading people from around the world into the Rockies. Getting my drivers license and trying to date Rangers...", etc.] (Stops and stares into the fire)

All Spirits: "Service"

Spirit Of The Rover: I am the Spirit of the Rover. I led you to adulthood and self-destiny. We chose to give back the love we were given through Service.

Old Man: (Resumes shuffling) [Rover Memory: e.g. "Rovers. I could never forget Rovers. Helping out at Dream-On, putting on District campfires. And then there were the Moots and Road trips. And camps, camps, camps.", etc.] (Slows down and begins to sink to the ground. He is dying.)

All Spirits: (Walk straight into the campfire circle from where they stand, if possible. They should all arrive at the Old Man's body at the same time. Wait a moment or two.) "We are the brotherhood of Scouting". (Each section says its name in order - BEAVERS, CUBS, SCOUTS, VENTURERS, ROVERS.) "If you grow up with Scouting you are NEVER alone."

DEN LEADER--"OH BOY"; CUB DEN 1--"OH BOY, OH BOY"; BIRTHDAY CAKE--"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU" (SUNG); BIRTHDAY PARTY--"YIPPEE".

This is a story of a DEN LEADER..., CUB DEN 1..., and a BIRTHDAY CAKE... One Thursday afternoon, as CUB DEN 1... was meeting at the home of their DEN LEADER..., Mrs. Reid, the boys overheard her on the phone, say "It will be a very special BIRTHDAY PARTY..."

BIRTHDAY PARTY?...they said, to each other, whose BIRTHDAY PARTY...is it? each asked the other---not mine, said Jimmy. Nor mine, said Johnny. Or mine, said Billy. Maybe, said Mike and Ike, it's Mrs. Reid's, our DEN LEADER....!

Yeah, they chorused. I know, said Jimmy. Why don't we give her a BIRTHDAY PARTY... That's a neat idea, said Johnny. Let's have a BIRTHDAY CAKE..., said Mike and Ike. Swell, they all said.

So each went home and made special plans for the next den meeting and the special BIRTHDAY PARTY...for their DEN LEADER.

Den Meeting day dawned bright and sunny. At 3:30 all five boys arrived at their DEN LEADER'S...house. Mike and Ike brought a BIRTHDAY CAKE... Jimmy brought paper hats. Johnny brought balloons and Billy brought ice creams for the BIRTHDAY PARTY...

As they trooped in the door, they all yelled surprise! We're having a BIRTHDAY PARTY...Mrs. Reid, their DEN LEADER....looked shocked. My BIRTHDAY PARTY?...... Why it's not my birthday.

But we heard you talking about a special BIRTHDAY PARTY...on the phone last week, said Jimmy. Oh, said their DEN LEADER..., and smiled. It's Cub Scouting's birthday, she said. Cub Scouting is 64 years old, this month. But I think this is a wonderful idea. We'll just celebrate a little early.

And so they did. And that is how CUB DEN 1...and their DEN LEADER...had a very special BIRTHDAY PARTY!.....

Narrator: I represent the spirit of Lord Baden-Powell. The founder of Boy Scouting. I am also the spirit of Boy Scouting past and present. Here is our future...the Cub Scouts of America.

(First boy enters in complete uniform.)

The two colors of the Cub Scout uniform have a meaning. Blue stands for truth and loyalty; gold for good cheer and happiness.

(Second boy enters carrying Wolf Book and Kipling's "Jungle Book.")

Early Cub Scout ceremonies were based on Kipling's Jungle Tales. When Cub Scouting was organized in America in 1930. Indian themes were used.

(Third boy enters with a craft project of wood.)

Cub Scouting means fun. We have lots of fun. But most boys like making things...real boy projects...things they can play with or that follow the monthly theme.

(Fourth boy enters carrying a nature collection.)

Cub Scouts like to go on hikes and collect things for their nature collection or the den museum. They like the outdoors.

(Fifth boy enters carrying a buddy burner.)

Most Cub Scouts like to go on picnics. All boys like to eat. It is even more fun when they can cook their own food.

(Sixth boy enters - the smallest Cub Scout - holding the American Flag.)

Cub Scouts are proud to be Americans. They are proud of their Flag. They are also proud of their pack flag (points to it) because it reminds them they are part of years of Scouting. They belong!

Yes, I represent the past and the present. These boys, Cub Scouts now, are the men of tomorrow. They will be the preservers of our American heritage. Please stand and join us in singing "God Bless America".

Props: A 'birthday cake' large enough for the small boy to hide inside.

Cub 1: Well, here we are. But where is Ed?

Cub 2: I don't know. It's just like Ed to invite us over for the surprise party and then not be here.

Cub 3: Does anyone know who's birthday we're celebrating?

Cub 4: It isn't mine. Mine's in April.

Cub 5: Who cares?

Cub 4: I do! Besides, now that you know when it is, you can save your money and buy me a super present!

Cub 1: Boy! Will you look at that cake?

Cub 2: Man, that's big enough to feed an army!

Cub 3: Not with Jack around. You know how he is with our den snacks. He eats everything in sight!

Cub 4: I can't help it. I'm just a growing boy...just like the Law of the Pack says we should.

Cub 5: Yeah, but we're to grow up...not out!

Cub 1: Look, here's a note.

Cub 2: Read it. Maybe it will explain what this is all about.

Cub 1: Okay, okay! (Reads from note.) We're a gang that's really true, Here to celebrate our , Our organization rates an "A" plus, so let's all sing...

Small Cub: (Jumps out of cake and yells Happy Birthday to us!)

CUB 1: This is a great time of year!

CUB 2: It sure is! Snow … Santa Claus … presents … it’s all just great.

CUB 3: Well, here comes Charlie Brown and Linus.

3 CUBS: Hi Linus. Hi Charlie Brown.

CUB 4: What’s the matter Charlie Brown?

CHARLIE: I was just thinking. All I will probably get for Christmas is rocks! That’s all I got at Halloween.

CUB 5: That’s not all there is at Christmas.

CUB 6: There’s snow.

CHARLIE: That means Lucy will throw snowballs at me!

CUB 7: How about Christmas trees?

CHARLIE: Snoopy knocked mine down!

CUB 8: There’s also mistletoe and bells and Christmas carols . . .

CHARLIE: Bells hurt my ears, only my mother wants to kiss me and I can’t sing. If that’s all Christmas is about, I guess I don’t like it much. I wonder if that’s all there really is?

LINUS: No, Charlie Brown, there is much more. Let me tell you what Christmas is all about. "… And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’"

And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

HERE IS HOW TO PLANT A THRIVING, PRODUCTIVE CUB SCOUT GARDEN. ONE THAT ALL PARENTS WANT THEIR SONS TO GROW UP IN.

FIRST: Plant five rows of peas

1. Preparedness 2. promptness 3. Perseverance 4. Politeness 5. praise

SECOND: Plant five rows of lettuce

1. Let us be faithful 2. Let us be unselfish 3. Let us be loyal 4. Let us be truthful 5. Let us help one another

THIRD: Plant three rows of squash

1. Squash impatience 2. Squash criticism 3. Squash indifference

TO COMPLETE YOUR GARDEN: Plant three rows of turnips

1. Turn up for pack meetings 2. Turn up with a new idea 3. Turn up with determination

BUT WITHOUT MANY HOURS OF WORK AND CARE, YOUR GARDEN WILL NOT GROW, SO…

1. Don’t wait to be asked — Volunteer! 2. Don’t say "I can’t" — Do it! 3. Don’t wait for someone else — Be first!

WITHOUT THE HELP OF EVERY PERSON IN YOUR PACK, YOUR GARDEN WILL TURN TO WEEDS. SO HELP BUILD THE BACKGROUND, WORK THE SOIL, PULL THE WEEDS, AND SPREAD THE SUNSHINE OF "I HAVE DONE MY BEST."

Setting: Den Leader is standing on stage. If desired, a decorated Christmas tree may be used as backdrop. Boys enter one at a time.

First boy: Merry Christmas, Mrs. ____________. I brought you something. (Hands her a box.)

Den Leader: That's very nice, Bill, but there was no need....

Second Boy: Hi, Mrs. ______________, look at the present I brought you. (Hands her a bigger box.)

Den Leader: Well, Bob.....

Third Boy: (Rushes in) Here's a present, Mrs. ________________. Boy, it's heavy!

Den Leader: Well, Tom ... what a surprise. You really didn't have to...

Fourth Boy: (Rushes in carrying box almost too large to handle) Look what I have! Boy, are you going to like it!

Den Leader: Oh dear! Boys...

Fifth Boy: (Pushing box across floor...too heavy to carry) Here's a Christmas gift from me, Mrs. __________ It's really neat!

Den Leader: My Godness...

Sixth Boy: (Pulling a wagon on which is a box much too large to carry.) Wait till you see this one! I really spent a lot of money!

Den Leader: Boys, you are all very kind. But I think we should have a talk about all this. Where's Jim?

First Boy: He's coming. I don't know what is taking him so long. He doesn't have a very big gift. In fact, I didn't see him carrying anything.

Second Boy: Here he is now. (Jim enters.)

Jim: Sorry I'm late for the meeting, Mrs. _______. I stayed after school to finish your Christmas present.

Third Boy: I don't see a present. Look at all the BIG presents we brought. I can't even see yours. (Smirks.)

Jim: Mine isn't very large, Mrs. ________, but I hope you'll like it. It's a poem.

All: What a present! (Lots of Laughing.)

Den Leader: May I see it, Jim. (He hands her the paper and she reads:)

I have no money, so I guess I'm poor But I have friends, that is for sure.

I have no money so I couldn't buy The things I'd like, though Christmas is nigh.

I have no money, but I don't care Cause I have you, with whom to share

A happy Christmas Season.

I have no money, so I was sad; But I looked around, and I was glad.

The things I have are worth a lot; Some kids don't have the things I got.

I have my dad, I have my mom, I have my dog--he loves me some.

And in my den I've learned to share. Not things or money, but love and care.

For each of you I wish as much, That you'll each know the work of such,

As family, friends and all the things That last when Christmas gifts are gone.

CHARACTERS: Child Two Leaders Two Parents

PROPS: You will need a large table for the child to lie on during the "operation." The "doctor" can carry a large cardboard knife. Props to be "removed" are tacked to back of table, out of sight. Those to be "put in" can be placed nearby. (Props are listed where used.)

NARRATOR: We are about to instruct you in the method of making a Cub Scout. To complete this project, you will need one small eager boy, two interested parents, one patient Den Leader, and one courageous Cubmaster.

(Each character enters as his name is spoken. Boy wears uniform under a large loose-fitting shirt and climbs up on the table. Others don surgical masks. As the narrator continues, the operation proceeds, with Cubmaster acting as doctor. Den Leader and parents hand him the things to be put in and take the things removed. When the boy is hidden under a sheet, he removes his shirt.)

NARRATOR: Cover him with fun and good times (Hold up posters labeled "FUN" and "GOOD TIMES" and cover boy)

We use laughing gas for anesthetic. (Use a tire pump labeled "Laughing Gas.")

Take out hate and put in Love. (Hate - lump of paper, so labeled. Love - big paper heart, labeled).

Take out selfishness, put in cooperation. (Sign "I," sign "WE).

Take out idle hands, put in busy fingers. (Idle - empty rubber gloves. Busy - glove full of flour.)

Take out laziness, put in ambition. (Laziness - rag; Ambition - blown up balloon.)

After this pleasant operation, we have a "CUB SCOUT." (Remove the sheet. Boy, in uniform, stands up and gives the Cub Scout sign.)

Businessman: (Mr. William Boyce dressed in top coat, carrying brief case and umbrella. He wonders around the stage looking for a house number.) I don't think I can find my way tonight.

(A Scout comes on stage.)

Scout: May I help you sir?

Businessman: I am looking for this address. Can you tell me how to find it?

Scout: I sure can. I'll take you there.

(They walk to a certain spot on stage.)

Scout: Here you are, Sir!

Businessman: Thank you, and here you are (gives him some money) for helping me.

Scout: Thank you, but I can't accept anything. I am a Scout and this is my Good Turn for the day.

Narrator: Mr. Boyce was so impressed with this action that he looked up the Scouting movement in England. He brought back to America a suitcase full of pamphlets. He incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.

The Boy Scouts of America grew by leaps and bounds. A Federal Charter was granted to it by Congress in 1916, an honor given to few organizations.

Today it is a world brotherhood bound together by common ideals and a common oath or promise.

PROPS: Tree Long white beard "Press" badge Paper and pencil Stack of papers for President Notebook and pencil for scientist Helmet for astronaut

COSTUMES MAKE-UP: Characters may wear appropriate costumes or signs identifying them. To age Rip, powder hair with talcum powder and draw facial wrinkles with eyebrow pencil

RIP: (Comes on stage wearing Cub uniform. He lays down under tree.) Someday, I’m really going to do things … be important … (He dozes off to sleep)

(House lights off. President, Astronaut, Scientist and Reporter come on stage. The first three stand apart from each other. Flashlight is shined on reporter as he talks with each character.

REPORTER: (To President) Mr. President, you’re the youngest man to ever hold office. You’ve solved the unemployment problem. The United States is at peace with the rest of the world. You’ve done so much for us. I’ll bet your parents are really proud of you!

(President looks pleased with himself. He shuffles through his papers.)

REPORTER: (To Astronaut) Colonel, you’ve been the first to fly to Mars. You’ve discovered a new planet; new race of people and learned to communicate with them. What’s next?

(Astronaut holds helmet, looks proud.)

REPORTER: (To Scientist) Dr., you’ve discovered a fertilizer that has solved the world ‘s food shortage. You have helped solve the world’s energy crisis. We understand that you have just won the Nobel Prize for scientific achievement.

(Dr. writes busily in notebook.)

(Flashlight is turned off. Boys leave stage. While reporter was interviewing the others, Rip has been aged and his beard is added.)

BOY: Rip Van (use boy’s last name)! You’ve just dreamed your life away. While you were asleep, the world really got itself into trouble. You never even got your Wolf (or Bear) badge in Cub Scouting. Great deeds need a lot of work and they start with small ones! Let’s get busy. It’s not too late!

Scene: Elves are in background working making toys or putting toys in sacks. Santa is directing them when reporter comes out with microphone.

Reporter: This is Scoop Smith the roving reporter for radio station KCUB, on the scene here at Santa's workshop. Santa, may we have a word with you please?

Santa: Oh sure, we're real busy getting ready for our deliveries. What can I do for you?

Reporter: All of our listeners want to know how you got into the gift- giving business. Did your father give gifts or what?

Santa: Well, it all began when I was eight years old...I just started doing good deeds, you know, helping people and such...and it just became a habit.

Reporter: Good deeds, huh, that sounds familiar. Say, what is that under your jacket?

Santa: That's my best kept secret...(Opens jacket)

Reporter: A Cub Scout Uniform!!!!!! You're a Cub Scout?

Santa: Yes, well, no. I was a Cub Scout, then a Boy Scout, and then an Explorer. I wear this uniform to remind me of where it all started...way back years and years ago. I just loved helping other people and doing good things.

Reporter: Well, that explains your involvement, but how do you get all of these elves to help you?

Santa: Show the man.....(Elves open jackets to show Cub Scout Uniforms.)

Setting: Stage is bare as skit begins. Telegram Scout walks out first and is joined one by one by the other scouts.

(Telegram Scout walks to center stage and begins to sing "Happy Birthday", but is interrupted after the first few words by Scout #1.)

T. Scout: Happy Birthday to....

Scout #1: Hey, what are you doing? What's going on here?

T. Scout: I'm delivering this singing telegram.

Scout #1: Who to?

T. Scout: If you'd stop interrupting me you'd find out. Happy Birthday to...

Scout #2: What's all the noise, what's going on?

Scout #1: He says he's delivering a singing telegram to somebody but he won't tell me who.

T. Scout: Just be patient and you will find out. Happy Birthday to...

Scout #3: Who's having a birthday...I heard the noise, who is it?

Scout #1: He won't tell us...he says we have to wait...

Scout #2: It's not my birthday, is it one of yours?

Scout #3: Not me!

Scout #1: Not me!

T. Scout: If you'd just wait, you'd find out...Happy Birthday to...

Scout #4: I heard a lot of noise, what's going on?

Scout #1: It's somebody's singing telegram...

Scout #2: And they're having a birthday...

Scout #3: And he won't tell us who it is...

Scout #4: And it's not any of our birthdays.

T. Scout: All right! All right! I'll tell you. (Scouts gather round and whisper.)

(All Scouts then turn around and shout Happy Birthday Cub Scouting, it is _______ years old.)

CAST: 10 SETTLERS (the play opens with the 1st settler on stage) INDIANS (on stage, in the background.) TURKEY (keeps wandering back and forth on stage.)

(Settlers read their own parts or a NARRATOR can read their parts as the settlers enter.)

1ST SETTLER: 1 little settler Discovering the land. Along came another To offer a hand.

(2nd Settler enters and shakes hand of 1st settler.) 2ND SETTLER: 2 little settlers Happy and free. One came to build a home Then there were 3.

(3rd Settler enters with hammer and nails.) 3RD SETTLER: 3 little settlers Clearing the shore. 1 came to till the soil, Then there were 4.

(4th Settler enters with a shovel.) 4TH SETTLER: 4, through the winter Fight to survive; Share with a brother. Then there were 5.

(5th Settler enters with a blanket.) 5TH SETTLER: 5 In the spring, Tending fields and chicks, Make friends with another. Then there were 6.

(6th Settler enters carrying a brown bag that says grain.) 6TH SETTLER: 6 In the summer’s heat, Pray now to Heaven For the land’s bounty. Then there were 7.

(7th Settler enters with bag of potatoes.) 7TH SETTLER: 7 little settlers Glean a harvest great. A farmer came to offer help, Than there were 8.

(8th Settler enters with a rake or hoe.) 8TH SETTLER: 8 little settlers, Resting by the pine. In came the hunter, And then there were 9.

(9th Settler enters with the turkey.) 9TH SETTLER: 9 little settlers Home from the glen Called for the cook; Then there were 10.

(10th Settler enters in white apron.) 10TH SETTLER: 10 little settlers Hungry all day... Ready to enjoy The first Thanksgiving Day! (All settlers are sitting in a circle. Turkey is in the middle. While the settlers are talking, the turkey gets up and runs away!)

Narrator: It is the annual Blue Gold banquet at Pack 999. Every year, the Cub Scouts at Pack 999 serve as waiters and cooked for their parents. The boys try very hard to do a good job, but every year a few little things seem to go wrong. Let's see what is happening this year....

Parent #1: Excuse me, Johnny. Is this coffee or tea? It tasted like kerosene.

Cub waiter: Then it's coffee. The tea tastes like gasoline.

Parent #2: I hope you'll hurry and bring my food. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

Cub waiter: Then you've come to the right place!

Parent #3: Why do you have your fingers on top of my food?

Cub waiter: (serving plate with his hand all over it) So it won't fall on the floor again.

Parent #4: Why are you stomping on my steak?

Cub waiter: (stomping something on floor) Because when you told me to bring you your food, you said to "step on it."

Parent #5: I'm afraid there's a fly in my soup.

Cub waiter: Don't worry. There's no extra charge.

Parent #5: There really is a fly in my soup.

Cub waiter: What did you expect at a Blue and Gold banquet -- a humming bird?

Narrator: Ah, yes. Another Blue and Gold banquet at Pack 999. Good eating, everyone.

Once upon a time there was a pretty good PACK who did a lot of things and had a lot of fun. The PACK has a few new BOBCATS who had just joined the PACK. There were also a few WOLF Cub Scouts, who were eight years old. Most of the Cub Scouts in the PACK were BEARS, who were 9 years old and some of these BEARS were almost 10 years old.

After a Cub has been a BOBCAT, WOLF, or BEAR, and has turned 10 years old, he becomes a WEBELOS. WEBELOS means, "We'll be loyal Scouts". The WEBELOS program differs from the BOBCAT, WOLF, and BEAR because WEBELOS prepares the WEBELOS Scout to be a Boy Scout. The WEBELOS uniform is different too.

The WOLF and BEAR Cub Scouts work on achievements and electives for gold and silver arrows with their PARENTS. The WEBELOS work toward activity pins. These awards are presented at the PACK meeting for all the PARENTS to see.

The PACK was going along real well until summer came and a few PARENTS moved. The PACK is now in great need for PARENTS of the BOBCAT, WOLVES, BEARS, and WEBELOS to help the PACK.

The PACK needs the help from the PARENTS so the PACK can grow and continue to provide lots of fun for the BOBCATS, WOLF and BEAR Cub Scouts and the WEBELOS Scouts too! The PACK can't do a good job with only a few PARENTS doing everything, so PARENTS help your BOBCAT, WOLF and BEAR Cub Scouts and your WEBELOS Scouts get a better program of fun and adventure in our PACK. PARENTS help us now. What do you say PARENTS?

"Ms. Den Leader Coach. Oh, Ms. Den Leader Coach."

"Yes, what do you want?"

"I wanna be a Den Leader, I wanna be a Den Leader. What do I have to do to be a Den Leader?" Ham this up a lot. Be bouncy and enthusiastic.

"Well....OK, so you want to be a Den Leader." Hesitantly.

"Yea, Yea!! I wanna be a Den Leader, I wanna be a Den Leader. What do I have to do to be a Den Leader?" Ham this up. Turn and nod to the audience.

"Well...OK. But you first have to answer three questions in order to be a Den Leader."

"OK, OK. What are the questions? What are the questions?" With great enthusiasm.

"OK, here is the first question. Are you ready?"

"Yea, yea. What is it?"

"Here we go. How many days of the week begin with the letter 'T'?"

At this point the prospective Den Leader begins to mumble, might say a thing or two to the audience, particularly if there are Scouts in the front row, counts on his fingers, then says... "I have it, I have it!!"

"OK, so how many days of the week begin with the letter 'T'?"

"Well, lets see. There's 'Today' (pausing) and 'Tomorrow'. How's that, huh, huh?"

"Well, thats certainly a different answer but I guess that IS correct."

"What's the next question, whats the next question?"

"OK, here's the next question. How many seconds are there in a year?"

"Oooh, that's a real tough one. Let me think." At this point, the dweeb really ponders this, counts on fingers, mumbles, maybe says something to the audience, and counts on his fingers some more, then says... "I have it, I have it!!"

"OK, so how many seconds are there in a year?"

"Twelve!!!"

"Twelve? How did you arrive at that number?"

"It's easy." Starts counting out on his fingers, "Theres January Second, February Second, March Second. See, twelve!"

"Arrrrgh! Well, once again you have a pretty creative answer and we certainly need creativity in our Den Leaders."

"So whats the third question, whats the third question?" "OK, here it is. How may 'D's are there in the song, 'Rudolf, the Red Nosed Reindeer'?"

"Oooh, that's the toughest one yet. Let me think." At this point, the dweeb really ponders this, counts on fingers, scratches figures in the air, mumbles, maybe says something to the audience, and counts on his fingers some more, then says... "I have it, I have it!!"

"So, how may 'D's are there in the song, 'Rudolf, the Red Nosed Reindeer'?"

"Seven hundred forty-three."

"Seven hundred forty-three. That's incredible. How did you arrive at that figure."

"It's easy... DE-DE DE-DE-DE-DEE-DEEEE DE-DE-DE-DE-DE-DE-DEEEE..." Sing about that much of it, that way, and leave the stage.

-- Thanks to Kyna and Gary Hendra, The MacScouters, skits@macscouter.com.

Scene: A cardboard ring, about 2' high, large enough for all seals to stand inside. Paint it to resemble a pool. As the curtain opens, seals are in the pool, flapping their arms.

Ringmaster: And now, ladies and gentlemen, we present those barking aquanauts, those super swimmers of the sea, our very own Water Safety Seals!

Seals: (Flapping arms and singing to the tune of Clementime.)

In the ocean, in a home pool, In a lake or in a tub; Where there's water there is danger, Even in a shower scrub. If you plunge down to the bottom Of the ocean, cool and green, You must take some swimming lessons, For you're not a submarine.

Seal 1: (Clapping flippers) Arf! Arf! You'll get a glad hand from us seals if you'll only swim where there is a lifeguard.

Seal 2: Arf! Arf! We'll applaud you is you always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone! (Claps flippers.)

Seal 3: Arf! Arf! Encore! Encore! Learn to swim well, then learn some simple reaching rescues. Learn to give artificial respiration.

Seal 4: We seals say, by all means, enjoy your swim!

Seal 5: But, be a smart seal. Stay out of water during thunderstorms!

Seal 6: Stay out of water when you have just eaten.

All: When you're in trouble, call for help, but only if you need it.

(Seals flap arms and sing:)

If you plunge down to the bottom of the ocean, cool and green, You must take some swimming lessons, For you're not a submarine.

(During the chorus the clown crosses the stage carrying a sign that says: "Don't be wet behind the ears!" At mid-stage he turns the sign over so it reads: "Don't clown in the water!")

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts are made of 8, 9, and 10 year old boys. (Enter 3 Cubs, one saying "I’m 8," one saying "I’m 9," and one Saying "I’m 10.")

NARRATOR: Some are solemn and wide-eyed. (Enter 2 Cubs, one saying "I’m Solemn," one saying "I’m wide-eyed.")

NARRATOR. Some are wiggly and giggly (Enter 2 Cubs, one saying, "I’m wiggly," and one saying "I’m giggly.")

NARRATOR: They come in two varieties, Cubs and Webelos. (Enter 2 Cubs enter saying, "I’m a Cub," one saying "I’m a Webelos.")

(You may vary the number of Cubs by having more than one come in and say the line together.)

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts love… Making noise: (Cubs do Grand Howl) Competition: (Cubs pair up, arm wrestle, leg wrestle) Getting Awards: (Cubs point proudly to badges on uniforms) Singing silly songs: (Cubs sing one verse of favorite song) Games: (Cubs do a crab race) Making things: (Cubs pantomime hammering and sawing) And just getting together: (Cubs huddle around each other)

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts dislike… People who forget the refreshments: (Cubs make a crying face) Being still: (Cubs all wiggle) Lining up: (Cubs attempt to line up but mainly mill around) And being called sweet: (All Cubs make faces)

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts are fastest at… Voting for field trips: (Raise hands and Shout "yea, yea") Eating refreshments: (All pantomime stuffing refreshments into mouth) And getting to the head of the line: (All try to be the first in line)

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts are quietest at… A flag ceremony: (All salute and repeat pledge). And waiting for the Cubby announcement.

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts are most important… While doing good deeds: (Cubs show Scouting-for-Food bags) And doing community service: (Show a poster)

NARRATOR: Cub Scouts are the basic ingredients for two special things. They are what justifies the time a volunteer leader gives… And Cub Scouts are what Boy Scouts are made of.