"Tonight we are going to recognize the second highest lever of advancement in Cub Scouts: The Webelos Advancement. The highest achievement is the Arrow of Light, before they cross over to Boy Scouts. (that is if they survive tonight)."

"Would the following boys please come up and join us around the campfire with your parents behind you."

"We know that all of these boys have earned at least 3 activity pins, know the meaning of the Webelos Badge, lead flag ceremonies, know and understand the requirements to become a Boy Scout, and have completed their religious requirements. We are proud of their efforts but felt that they should probably have to pass the same test that the young Zulu boys had to pass in order to become Zulu scouts and warriors before they are given their badges."

"Let me tell you that story: Drum beat, please."

"When a Zulu boy was old enough to become a warrior, he was taken out in the woods, stripped of his clothes (pause) and covered in white paint. He was given only a small spear and shield with which he could kill small animals and provide himself a little protection. He was then left in the woods."

"Anyone seeing the boy while he was painted would hunt him down. It took about a month for the white paint to wear off his body. So for about a month the boy would have to hide in the brush and live as well as he could. he had to follow the tracks of the deer and creep near enough to animals to spear them just so he could eat and make clothes for himself. He had to be able t run long distances, climb trees and swim rivers in order to escape his pursuers. He had to be brave. Only the best among these boys would pass the test."

"After a month, when the white paint had worn off, if he survived he would be welcomed home to his tribe."

"We have a bucket of white paint here, and a spear and shield for each of you. Who would like to go first?" (Arrange set up with curtain, throw clothes over, dump white "paint".)

"We decided that you would probably get picked up by the police if you were running around naked and painted white, so we will accept the work you have done to become Webelos and paint you faces white instead."

Call names.

"As your chief, I am honored to bestow upon you the Badge of Webelos which you have rightfully earned."

Submitted by unknown in 2004