Items Needed:
- A collection of touchstones (small rocks, marbles, or other meaningful objects) placed in a jar, bag, or container for selection
- Printed copies of the reflection passage for each scout to take home
Instructions:
- Gather scouts together in a quiet and focused setting, ensuring everyone can comfortably participate.
- Present a container filled with touchstones. Allow each scout to choose one touchstone that resonates with them.
- Once everyone has selected a touchstone, the adult volunteer reads aloud the age-appropriate speech (see below).
- Distribute a printed copy of the reflection passage to each scout to take home as a keepsake. Encourage them to look at their touchstone in the future to recall the meaning and energy of the shared experience.
Age – Level Speeches
Elementary
“Today, we’ve all come together to share a special experience as a group. Each of us is unique, with our own ideas, talents, and dreams, and that’s what makes this group so amazing. Together, we’ve learned about one another, tried new things, and worked as a team.
This touchstone is a reminder of everything we’ve done here. Just like each of us, the touchstone is special—it looks different from the others, but it’s still strong, just like we are.
Whenever you look at your touchstone, I want you to remember how incredible you are. You can do anything you set your mind to. Always believe in yourself and what makes you special. You are important, you are strong, and you are capable of great things.
Take this touchstone with you and let it remind you that the strength and fun we’ve shared here can stay with you wherever you go. Be proud of yourself and keep being YOU.”
Teens
“Each of us came here as individuals, bringing our own unique styles, perspectives, and personalities to the group. Over time, we’ve shared our experiences, ideas, and energy with each other, and in doing so, we’ve grown—not just as a group, but as individuals.
Think of yourself as a piece of a puzzle. You’re distinct, with your own thoughts, dreams, and ambitions, but together, we’ve created something larger than the sum of its parts. Every piece matters. Every one of us adds value to this group, and we’ve all learned something—not just about each other, but about ourselves.
Your touchstone is a reminder of this experience and a symbol of your individuality. Just like this touchstone, you are unique—there’s no one else in the world exactly like you. But these stones also represent the qualities we all share: hope, determination, and the ability to accomplish great things.
As you take this touchstone with you, remember the lessons you’ve learned here. You have limitless potential, and the power to achieve your goals lies within you. Be proud of who you are. Believe in yourself, and have the courage to be your true self in all you do. Whenever you look at your touchstone, think about everything you can accomplish, and challenge yourself to make it happen.”
Adult Volunteers – If Ceremony is being used after an adult volunteer training session
“We all came to this training as individuals, each bringing our own unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths. Together, we have learned, grown, and supported one another as a group. Through this process, we have discovered not only more about others but also about ourselves.
Think of us as pieces of a puzzle—each one valuable and irreplaceable, with its own shape, ideas, and purpose. When we come together, we create something much greater than any single piece could on its own. This is the beauty of what we offer to the scouts we will lead: a community built on collaboration, understanding, and shared goals.
As you take what you’ve learned here and move forward, remember the strength and confidence you bring to this role. Each of you has the potential to make a lasting impact, not just on the scouts you work with but also on the broader community.
These touchstones symbolize the journey we’ve shared in this training. Just like us, each one is unique, yet they share similarities—just as we do through our shared purpose and commitment. Keep this touchstone with you as a reminder of the energy and inspiration you’ve gained here.
Know that the power to inspire and guide lies within you. Embrace the potential you’ve discovered here, and take it forward with confidence and courage. Each of you has the ability to make a meaningful difference. Believe in yourself, believe in what you can do, and continue to build something extraordinary for the scouts you will lead.”
Ceremony Variations
- Personal Touchstones: If the location allows, let scouts search for and choose their own touchstones from the surrounding environment to create a deeper connection.
- Group Reflection: After reading the passage, invite scouts to share their thoughts about the experience or the qualities they admire about the group.
- Decorating Touchstones: Provide paint or markers for scouts to decorate their touchstones with meaningful symbols or words after the activity.
- Closing Circle: End the activity with a circle of gratitude, where each scout shares one thing they appreciated about the group or the experience.
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
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