Erupting Volcano Opening

Note: MUST be performed outdoors in fire-safe area (see below)

Props:
Modeling clay OR paper-mache volcano. Prepare volcano beforehand so that it will erupt when you are ready for it. Base is a sheet of plywood about 2 feet square. Using modeling clay of various colors, build a small "mountain" in the center; make it about 8 inches in diameter and 4 or 5 inches high. Make a crate on top with a hole large enough to insert a small metal can. In the can put a few crystals of ammonium dichromate (available at drug stores and hobby shops.) Mix in a few match heads with the chemical and drop in a burning match. When the dichromate burns, it forms a dark green ash which tumbles over the cone in the same way as lava flows in a real volcano.

CM:
You see before you a volcano. Volcanoes are among the oldest and most powerful forces known to man. This one is small, but even the world’s largest volcanoes began as small hills or mounds of earth, and grew larger over long periods of time until they erupted! In the beginning, volcanoes helped to shape and form the surface of the earth, and were a force for good. There are probably many mountains in the world today that conceal volcanoes beneath their surfaces. Someday they will surprise the nearby inhabitants, like Mount St. Helens did in the State of Washington, and explode with the force of several atom bombs.

As Cub Scouts, you started small like this volcano, and are growing into mature adults. Beneath your surfaces lie many powerful forces. The purpose of this Cub Scout Program is to shape you and help you learn how to understand and control those powers within you so that you will be a force for good in the world as the early volcanoes were, instead of for destruction as the volcanoes of today. Many of you will become leaders of your fellow men, successful businessmen, and men with great influence in the world. Remember the volcano, and the skills and the teachings of this great Scouting program you are learning. Be a mountain of strength, instead of a volcano of destruction." (Ignite the volcano---watch until the reaction ceases.)

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