Openings, Closings & Ceremonies

Openings - Openings are very important for several reasons:
1. Call the meeting to Order
2. To set the tone of the meeting
3. To recognize a special event, holiday, etc. Such as a
investiture/rededication of leaders)
4. To recognize the "Leader of the Month" if this is something your
service unit does
5. To provide ideas to take back to troop meetings

There are so many websites out there that have tons of openings, closings & ceremonies. I feel that you should visit them, instead of me re-inventing the wheel.

Below are just a few links that I use. (Hopefully they will be around a long time)

Ceremonies from Scouting Web
Opening & Closing Ceremonies from Scouting Web

There are also many song websites out there to help you find the appropriate song for that special ceremony.

Closings - Are closing always necessary?
I say a closing is not always needed, but it is a great opportunity to do
some quick thank you's, read a inspirational poem or to demonstrate
a closing that could be done with the girls.

Ceremonies - Ceremonies are tradition and so many of our values are based on traditions. Ceremonies should be special and well planned out. Ceremonies should be relevant and with reason. Try to do ceremonies that can be adapted to ceremonies that can be used with girls.

REMEMBER YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO DEMONSTRATE OR TEACH ONE NEW IDEA OR TECHNIQUE AT EVERY SERVICE UNIT MEETING. MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE SONGS & GAMES DURING YOUR MEETING.