Ceremony Magic

Sean ScottCalifornia 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 ChangingWater 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