The idea of a Cub-o-Matic or a Scout-o-Matic is not a new one. I know of at least two other Cub Scout packs in our area who use it as part of their rank advancement ceremony. I had the privilege of seeing one of the ceremonies last year and I thought it would be a nice addition to our Pack’s activities.
With the new Cub Scout curriculum that went into affect in 2015, we now emphasize the 12 points of the Scout Law: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” So, my big value add for this version of the Scout-o-Matic, is to incorporate several gears, with the 12 points of the Scout Law, that are tied to the movement of and integral to the Scout’s progress through the ranks.
I ran out of time while building this Scout-o-Matic. It had to be ready for our big event last Friday. As a result, I had to limit some of the features. In addition to the backlit sign and gears, I intend to add some dry ice and fan to the exhaust port as well as some addtional lights and sound effects for the device next year.