Strengths of Our Ceremonies

The ceremonies are intended to be self-explanatory for the candidates and members. They should be able to understand the meaning of what is said, as it is said. But this page is intended for those creating or editing their ceremonies to understand why it says what it says so that their decisions will be consistent and well-informed.

1. We use stories to explain the experiences encountered by the candidates and to teach ethical principles. Stories are more engaging and more likely to be remembered.
2. Each story is either historically accurate or clearly hypothetical. None imply falsehoods.
3. Each story describes conduct which candidates and members can actually follow in their lives.
4. We avoid flowery language
5. We avoid complicated movements.
6. We avoid complicated symbolism.
7. We avoid complicated wording.
8. We prefer positive terminology over negative. For example, “Ways” rather than “tests”, “embracing” rather than “without flinching”, and “Quest” rather than “Ordeal”.
9. Likewise, if you are doing your true life work, your burdens are light, even those which are heavy for others.
10. The power of the Ways (tests) encountered by the candidates arises out of their physical characteristics and universal character. And different candidates, being at different points in their life journeys, have different “meanings” for them. Thus, we avoid supplying meanings to avoid labeling their personal thoughts as invalid.
11. Scouts are best served by encouraging them to establish goals in life. Thus we speak of shooting arrows at far off targets rather than climbing ever upward.
12. Our principle of “Brotherhood” isn’t limited to our ties together, but extends to all mankind.
13. Ceremonial parts should not be acting. They should be delivered with sincerity, not pretense.
14. We combine the two membership rituals into a single ceremony.  Those who just became members see, but do not participate in, the second half which seals existing members as Fletchers (historically called Brotherhood).  This encourages them to seal themselves in the future, and also teaches those additional lessons (in story and action) to the new members.
15. We emphasize the importance of the role of Elangomat.  We tell the story of the first Elangomat, thank the day’s Elangomats, thank all prior Elangomats that are present, and require service as an Elangomat to become a Fletcher.

Click here for a downloadable copy of the above principles.