Ceremony Magic

Sean Scott California Inland Empire Council

Reasons for Ceremonies

• • • • To recognize Scouts for their accomplishments To inspire them on to greater achievement To motivate other Scouts To excite boys, leaders and parents

My Ceremony Philosophy

• • • • Don’t repeat ceremonies Ceremonies should be fun, exciting or surprising!

There should be meaning or significance in ceremonies Ceremonies should reflect the amount of work the boy did

Color Changing Water II

• • • • Yellow and green food coloring Water 4 clear glasses Liquid bleach

Magic Water Test

• • • • 1 Styrofoam or paper cup per boy. Do not use plastic!

Slush powder such as “Aquagel” or “Joke-Gel” for each cup, 1 teaspoon per four ounces of water poured.

Food coloring (optional) Aquagel and Joke-Gel are available at novelty and magic shops.

Steaming Cauldron Advancement

• • • • • Large plastic pot Water Dry ice Coffee can One neckerchief for each boy

Bobcat Bones Ceremony

• • • • • Clear glass or plastic cup, one per Scout Baking soda Vinegar or another mild acid Baby powder, corn starch, or other white powdery substance Bones or a bobcat skull (optional)

Glowing Rank Advancement

• • • • • • • 1 Glowstick per boy in various colors 1 Baby food jars per boy plus one for each color lightstick Eyedroppers Rubber gloves Sharp knife Needle nose pliers Paper towels

The Burning Neckerchief

• • • • • • • Alcohol Water Coat hanger or tongs Metal bowl Candle Matches Fire extinguisher

Ghost Writing

• • • • • Sodium nitrate Paintbrush Filter paper Pencil Match or taper candle

Genie in the Bottle

• • • A flask, empty wine bottle or vase with a long, thin neck, wrapped in foil, or decorated so the contents cannot be seen 1/4 Cup of 17.5% (or stronger) hydrogen peroxide 1/4 Teaspoon of manganese dioxide

How To Handle Problems

• • • • • Practice makes perfect Not all ceremonies go as planned Some problems are small Some problems are big Have a Plan B