A Ceremony used in closing campfires at Camp Chris Dobbins
Many winters ago, after the white man had conquered the plains and peoples of this land, a human being across the great waters fanned this flame into light again. A brotherhood of Scouting was the thought, and peace was the flame. And like the original light, the spirit of Scouting soon shined bright upon the four corners of our Mother the Earth.
The flame that I hold now is that of the spirit of Scouting. Its warmth draws others nearer to us, its light shows the ways of Scouting and the Great Spirit. Yet, it is only a symbol, a symbol of our hearts, a symbols of our minds, a symbol of our souls. And, like all symbols, it is meaningless unless we live these things and understand them.
(To the Scoutmasters)
My frinds, I thank you for the time you have givent his past week to guide these
young men up the trail of Scouting. The leadership, lessons, and love you have given this
week and throughout the year will remain with these young men all their lives. You may
never see the fruits of your time and labor, but rest assured my friends that the flame of Scouting you have
passed to these Scouts will continue to burn and light the way of future generations.
My friends, as I light your candles, I ask that you return to your troops and symbbolically pass the flame of Scouting to all those Scouts around you, both in and out of your troop.
My brothers, look deep into that flame you hold in front of you, burning upon the candle of life. For this indeed is the spirit of Scouting. Look deep, my brothers, and remember that time long ago when you stood at the beginning of the trail of Scouting, waiting for someone to light your flame, waiting for someone to show you the trail. REmemberthat time long ago, that moment which is now only a memory when you raised your hand for the first time in the scout sign and promised, on your honor, to obey the Scout law. And now, ask yourself whether your deeds of this past week have brought you honor. Think back, my brothers. For at this moment there stands a boy at the beginning of the trail, waiting for someone to show him the way, waiting for someone to light his candle. It is up to you to take his hand, show him the trail, and pass the flame. Jst as someone did for you so long ago. But, be cautiiousmy friends. For just as easily as the flame can be lit, it can also be extinguished. (The lead candle is blown out) For the flames that led you to this council hoop have grown dark. Each of you must now light this trail. Bot witht he flame you hold in front of you, for it is only a symbol. You must light this trail of Scouting with the flame you hold deep in your heart. For this is where the true spirit of Scouting lives.
My brothers in Scouting, thiroughout this week I have been with you, watching at your every footstep, watching as you grew tall and strong like the mighty pine. I have seen deeds that would earn you great honor within your own bands. And I have seens deeds that only you can live with the shame of. Yet my heart soars like and eagle when I see that the good deeds far outweigh the bad. I therefore invite each of you to return to this valley of peace, and ask that you carry and share the things you learned this past week to all your brothers. And remember aleays, he who stands at the beginning of the trail, waiting.
Grandfarther, Great Spirit, You who have been with us throughout this week, continue to guide and guard us until the morning light and throughout the rest of our lives. Grant that twe may remember this candle and flame and let us remember the trail and feinds which have brought us here. Lean close to the Earth, Great Father, and touch us with your spirit.
I Changachook, have spoken. It is finished. Hetchtu welo. (It is good)
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