Otter Ceremonies

Search  Inquiry Net

[ Back ] [ Home ] [ Up ] [ Next ]

Introduction
Troop Meetings
Investiture Ceremonies
Court of Honor Ceremony
New Troop Ceremony
Higher Ranks Cermony
Rover Ceremonies
Otter Ceremonies
Tenderpad Investiture

Scout Books

Site Contents

The Otter Salute

This is carried out with the right hand. The thumb holds down the last two fingers across the palm and the other two fingers are held straight up.

The right hand is then used in the same way as the Military salute, i.e. touching the cap.

The Otter Salute

The fingers are held in the same position as the salute but the hand is held straight up with the elbow touching the side of the body. This position is adopted when making or renewing the Promise.

The Opening Ceremony

This should be preferably be taken by Ahmeek and should be the first event of any Pack meeting.

The first command by Ahmeek will be the shout "Council Rock". At this command the Otters will form a circle, Otters are facing inward and holding hands.

An Assistant Leader will raise the National Flag and all will salute.

The Pack will then say the opening prayer together:

O Great Spirit, how good you are. We thank you for our families and our friends and our brother and sister Otters, and for the good times we share together. Help us to have fun, and be busy and bright.

The Pack then sing (to the tune "The Old Grey Mare"):

Here we sit like Otters on a Cedar log,
Otters on a Cedar log,
Otters on a Cedar log,
Here we sit like Otters on a Cedar log,
Waiting for the fun to start,
Waiting for the fun to start,
Waiting for the fun to start,
Here we sit like Otters on a Cedar log waiting for
The fun to start. YEAH!!!!

The Pack then breaks off to their corners for uniform and paw inspection and the collection of dues.

This is a simple, but effective opening, which will not task the children too much. It is recommended that ALL Otters, invested or not, take part in the opening and closing ceremonies.

The Closing Ceremony

This should be preferably be taken by Ahmeek and should be the last event of any Pack meeting.

The first command by Ahmeek will be the shout "Council Rock". At this command the Otters will form a circle, Otters are facing inward and holding hands.

The Pack sings 'Taps":

Day is done, (stand motionless)
Gone the sun, (point Skyward)
From the lake, (Extend both arms towards floor)
From the hills, (move both arms, parallel to floor)
From the sky, (move both arms towards sky)
All is well, safely rest, (lower arms slowly)
God is near. (bow head)

The Pack then says the Closing Prayer:

Thank you, friends, for this day
For my family, and for my play.
Thank you for the good things to eat,
For eyes and ears, and hands and feet.
Thank you friends for all you do
And, I will try to help you, too.

An Assistant Leader then lowers the National Flag.

Ahmeek will now make any Pack announcements.

The Pack will then sing the Scout Vesper Song (to the tune "Oh Christmas Tree"):

Softly falls the light of day
As our meeting fades away;
Silently each Otter asks
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless rest tonight?
Have I done and have I dared
Everything to 'Be Prepared'.

The Pack is then dismissed.

The Investiture of an Otter

At the first Pack meeting a new Otter is placed in a Den, preferably with someone who is a friend. The new Otter may wear the Otter uniform with the exception of badges and neckerchief.

In order to be invested an Otter must pass the tests as outlined in the Otter Badges and Award Scheme. Ahmeek will take the investiture and this should be done at the beginning of a Pack meeting. When the Pack is in the 'Council Rock' formation, Ahmeek will ask the Den Leader of the Den concerned to bring forward the new recruit to be invested. The Otter then makes the Otter Sign and repeats the Otter Promise. 

First having given the Otter Law. The newly invested Otter is then presented with the Membership Badge and group neckerchief and is welcomed into the Worldwide Brotherhood of Scouting with the Scout Handshake. The new Otter turns and salutes the Pack and all invested Otters return the Salute.

Swimming up to Timber Wolves

This is the ultimate ceremony in the Otter Pack for the Otter, as it marks the departure for new pastures in the Timber Wolf Pack. This is a joint affair between Ahmeek and Akela who must work together to make it a success.

Before finally moving up to the Timber Wolf Pack, the Otter will have visited the Timber Wolf Pack on several occasions to meet the Old Wolves and their prospective Sixer.

The Otters are in 'Council Rock' formation and the Timber Wolves are in 'Pack Circle' Formation. The open ends of both formations will face each other.

The Otter to 'Swim Up' will face Ahmeek in the centre of the 'V' of the Council Rock formation and the Otters will do their opening ceremony. The Timber Wolves will then do their opening ceremony. The Otter concerned will then go around the Pack and shake hands for the last time as an Otter. Ahmeek will then take the Otter forward to meet Akela. The new Cub will then be formally presented to his new Sixer and the members of his new Six.

The Otters and Timber Wolves will then take part in a joint game, and refreshments before the Otters leave for home.

Otter Leaders' Handbook