Painted Paws

Props:
Black water-based paint, brush, badges

When a boy joins our Cub Scout Pack, he earns the Bobcat badge and starts on an upward trail. This trail will lead him through the ranks of Wolf, Bear, Webelos and on to the highest award of Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Tonight we are honoring boys who have made significant advancement along this journey. Would the following boys and their parents please come forward?

(Read names and wait till all are present.) I understand that you seek the rank of Wolf, is that so?

(Response) Please recite the Cub Scout Promise.

I, ______, promise to do my best to do my duty,
to God and my Country, to help other people,
and to obey the Laws of the Pack.

I can see by your knowledge of the Cub Scout Promise and the achievements that you have completed that you have worked hard along with your parents. These achievements are very important as they helped you gain a deeper appreciation of many things. You are now ready to become a Wolf-cub.

(With paint draw on the back of the Cubs hands the 1^st toe) The first toe of the Wolf paw is for your growth through feats of skill and having fun with your family.

(Draw 2nd toe) The second toe of the Wolf paw represent that you have learned about your home, community, country and your religious beliefs.

(Draw 3^rd toe) The third toe stands for the skills you have gained in handling tools, trying new things, and making collections.

(Draw 4^th toe) The fourth toe represents your new appreciation for conservation and safety.

(Draw the footpad) The pad of the Wolf paw represents your growth as a Cub and the increased responsibility you are now capable of handling. Wolf Cubs, remember the inscription of this paw. It shows you are ready to move along the upward trail of Scouting.

(Present parents with badges and have them pin them to their sons. Shake hands with boys.)

Would the following boys and their parents please come forward.

(Read names and wait.) You are climbing even higher on the tail to the Arrow of Light. Do you seek the rank of Bear?

(Response) Then recite the Law of the Pack.

The Cub Scout follows Akela,
The Cub Scout helps the Pack go,
The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow,
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

I see that you have worked hard with your parents and Den Leaders to achieve your rank. You are ready to become Bear-cubs.

(Draw the first toe on the back of the Cubs hands) The first toe symbolizes your increased understanding of God.

(Draw 2^nd toe) The second toe of the Bear paw symbolizes your new knowledge of your country, its folklore and heritage.

(Draw 3^rd toe) The third toe shows your increased appreciation of your family.

(Draw 4^th toe) The fourth toe stands for your increased understanding of your own self worth.

(Draw footpad) The palm of the Bear paw represents your growth as a Cub, and the increased responsibility you are now capable of carrying. The climb up the Scouting trail is getting shorter, but steeper. Not everyone will finish. Follow the Promise and the Law so that no harm will come to you along the trail.

(Present badges to the parents and have them pin them to their sons. Shake hands with the boys.)

---- Source: 1997 WLACC Pow Wow Book

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