Learning the cub scout flag ceremony commands is one of those rites of passage that every new leader—and eventually every Scout—has to tackle. It can feel a little intimidating the first time you're standing in front of a room full of parents and energetic kids, but once you get the rhythm down, it becomes second nature. These commands aren't just about following rules; they're about teaching the kids respect for the flag and giving them a sense of pride in their pack.
If you've ever watched a group of Tigers try to walk in a straight line while carrying a heavy flagpole, you know it's not always going to be perfect. And that's okay. The goal is to get the scouts familiar with the process so they can eventually lead the whole thing themselves.
The Role of the Caller and the Color Guard
Before we dive into the specific cub scout flag ceremony commands, let's talk about who's doing what. The "Caller" is the person standing at the front of the room (usually a Scout or a leader) who gives the instructions. The "Color Guard" is the team of Scouts actually carrying the flags. Usually, you'll have one person for the U.S. flag and one for the Pack flag, often with a couple of "guards" walking alongside them to make things look official.
Being the caller is a big deal for a Scout. It requires a loud, clear voice and a bit of confidence. If you're a leader helping a kid through this for the first time, remind them that they don't need to scream, but they do need to speak from their chest so the folks in the back can hear.
Opening Ceremony Commands
The opening ceremony sets the tone for the entire meeting. It moves the energy from "kids running around a gym" to "we are now in a Scout meeting." Here is the standard sequence of cub scout flag ceremony commands used for an opening.
1. "Color Guard, Attention!"
This is the signal for the Scouts carrying the flags to stand up straight and get ready. It also serves as a subtle hint to the audience that things are starting and they should probably stop talking.
2. "Color Guard, Advance!"
This is when the Scouts move toward the front of the room. Ideally, they walk at a steady pace—not a run, not a crawl. If you're indoors, they'll usually walk down a center aisle.
3. "Color Guard, Halt!"
Once the Scouts reach the flag stands at the front, the caller tells them to stop. This is a good moment for a brief pause to let everyone settle.
4. "Please Join Us in the Pledge of Allegiance."
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Everyone stands (if they aren't already), places their right hand over their heart, and recites the Pledge. As Scouts, those in uniform should give the Cub Scout salute rather than placing their hand over their heart.
5. "Two!"
This is the command that always confuses newcomers. "Two" is the signal to end the salute and drop your hand to your side. It follows the "one-two" count of a military salute. You don't say "one," you just say "two" after the Pledge (and often after the Scout Law or Oath) is finished.
6. "Post the Colors!"
The Color Guard now places the flags into their stands. There's a bit of etiquette here: the U.S. flag is always placed last or stays on the right (the observer's left) to show its seniority.
7. "Color Guard, Salute!"
The Scouts who just placed the flags step back and give a final salute to the flags. This is a nice, respectful touch that really hammers home the purpose of the ceremony.
8. "Color Guard, Dismissed!"
The Scouts in the guard walk back to their seats. Once they're clear, the meeting can officially get underway.
Closing Ceremony Commands
At the end of the night, when everyone is tired and ready to go home, the closing ceremony wraps things up with a bit of dignity. The cub scout flag ceremony commands for the closing are a bit shorter but just as important.
1. "Color Guard, Advance!"
The guard comes back to the front of the room to retrieve the flags.
2. "Color Guard, Retire the Colors!"
The Scouts take the flags out of the stands. They should hold them carefully—never letting the fabric touch the ground.
3. "Color Guard, Dismissed!"
The guard carries the flags out of the room. The audience usually stays standing and silent until the flags have completely exited the area. It's a quiet, reflective way to end the evening.
Making It Work in the Real World
While the list of cub scout flag ceremony commands looks simple on paper, the "real world" version often involves a few hiccups. Maybe the flag stand is wobbly, or a Scout forgets which hand to salute with. Here are some tips to keep things running smoothly.
Use a Script Card Even if the Scout leading the ceremony thinks they have it memorized, give them a small index card with the commands written in big, bold letters. Nerves can do funny things to a ten-year-old's memory. Having that card in their hand gives them a massive confidence boost.
Practice Makes Progress If you have five minutes before the meeting starts, grab the Color Guard and do a quick "dry run." Show them how to hold the poles and where to stand. This isn't about military precision; it's just about making sure they don't accidentally poke someone in the eye with a flagpole.
The "Two" Command Make sure the Caller knows to wait a second after the Pledge ends before saying "Two." If they say it too fast, it sounds rushed. If they wait too long, everyone is standing there awkwardly with their hands on their chests. A one-second beat is usually perfect.
Dealing with Outdoor Ceremonies
If you're at a day camp or a pack campout, using cub scout flag ceremony commands outdoors adds a new layer of complexity—mostly wind and distance. When you're outside, the Caller really needs to project. Also, if you're using a flagpole with a rope (halyard), the "Post the Colors" command is replaced by the actual hoisting of the flag.
In an outdoor setting, the command is usually "Color Guard, Hoist the Colors!" The same rules about respect apply, but you'll want to make sure the Scouts know how to clip the flag onto the rope properly so it doesn't go up upside down (it happens more often than you'd think!).
Why We Do It
It's easy to look at these commands as just another thing on the "to-do" list for a meeting, but they serve a real purpose. For the Scouts in the guard, it's a lesson in responsibility. They are literally carrying a symbol of their country. For the Scout calling the commands, it's a public speaking exercise.
And for the rest of the pack? It's a moment of stillness. Cub Scouts are notoriously high-energy, and having that three-minute window of focused, respectful silence is good for them. It teaches them that there are times to play and times to be serious.
Don't sweat it if someone trips or if the "Two" comes out as a whisper. The more often you use these cub scout flag ceremony commands, the more natural they'll feel for everyone. Just keep it light, keep it moving, and remember that the point is the effort and the respect shown, not a perfect performance.
By the time these kids move on to Scouts BSA, they'll be able to do this in their sleep. But for now, during the Cub Scout years, it's all about building that foundation—one "Attention!" and "Post the Colors!" at a time.