Investiture

One of the most important ceremonies in Scouting is the Investiture Ceremony, where new Scouts first make the Scout Promise. When you have completed the training for the Membership Badge, arrangements will be made for your investiture. Each Troop has its own traditions for this ceremony, and may include all or most of the following.

The Troop “Falls in”, often in “horse-shoe” formation, with the WLs in front of their Watches, and the Leaders at the open end of the horseshoe. The Skipper calls the Troop to “Alert” and a colour party (flag bearer and 2 escorts) march in with the Troop flag.

Your WL will bring you, and other new Scouts in your Watch, forward to the Skipper, who will formally ask if you wish to become a Scout and if you are ready to make the Scout Promise. When you answer yes, the flag will be lowered in front of you, on which you put your left hand and make the Scout Sign with the right hand. Repeat the Scout Promise after the Skipper. If you have been in the Cub Scouts, you will already have your Group scarf; if not it will be presented to you now, together with your first set of badges. The Skipper will shake hands with you and welcome you as a Sea Scout to the Worldwide Association of Scouting. You salute the Skipper, about turn and return to your Watch.