by Peter Van Houten
PARTICIPANTS: Akela, Scoutmaster, SPL, White Eagle, tom-tom drummer, candidates, and Boy Scouts (one for each crossover candidate)
SETUP: Council fire (simulated or real), Crossover bridge or arch, Indian costume, tom-tom, peace pipe, and twig for each crossover Candidate.
[The lights are turned down, if indoors]
AKELA: [Akela calls for the Council fire to light]
"GREAT SPIRIT LIGHT OUR FIRE"
[The council fire is lit]
[Akela signals for the drums to begin. Waves staff in direction of drummer]
[White Eagle Enters Ceremonial area. He cradles a peace pipe in his arms. He slowly walks to the center, facing North lifts the peace pipe to the sky, and says in a loud voice:]
"To live and help live".
[He turns to the East lifting the peace pipe to the sky, and says in a loud voice:]
"To live and help live".
[He turns to the West lifting the peace pipe to the sky, and says in a
loud voice:]
"To live and help live".
[He turns to the South lifting the peace pipe to the sky and says in a loud voice:]
"To live and help live".
[He moves to the back of the Ceremonial area to observe the bridge crossing. When WHITE EAGLE stops, the tom-tom stops]
AKELA: Will the following crossover candidates come forward and stand before the council fire:
[READ NAMES]
AKELA: You have climbed the Cub Scouting trail, completing ever more difficult achievements. These ceremonies mark the completion of your Cub Scouting adventures. Now as you travel to the land of Boy Scouting, place your twig on the fire, symbolizing your desire to help, as you have been helped.
[Candidates place twigs on the fire]
It is now time for you to cross the bridge (or walk under the arch). Before you begin your journey, please remove your neckerchief. You will give it to me before you embark onto the bridge.