Strengths of ACA Ceremonies

This document discusses the reasons for the unique characteristics of the ceremonies of the Ancient Circle of the Arrow. It helps those molding their own ceremonies for their Scout associations to understand so that their decisions will be consistent and well-informed.

The ceremonies are intended to be self-explanatory for the candidates and members. They should understand the meaning of what is said. This document is intended for those presenting, creating or editing their ceremonies to understand why it says what it says.

1. We use stories to teach ethical values.

1. • Stories are more engaging and more likely to be remembered.

   • Our stories describe ethical and spiritual concepts in concrete relatable terms, without verbose moralizing that hinders genuine inspiration.

   • Each story is either historically accurate or clearly hypothetical, with no implications of falsehoods

   • Each story depicts conduct which Scouts can realistically follow in their lives.

2. We prefer simplicity and clarity.

1. • We avoid flowery language.

   • We avoid complicated movements.

   • We avoid complicated symbolism.

   • We avoid complicated wording.

   • We use only words in the spoken language of the candidates, with these few exceptions in the Delaware language:

     1. The Admonition to emphasize its special and universal character.

     2. The word “Elangomat” as a unique name for a title and program.

     3. “Wimachtendienk Wingolauchsik Witahemui” in an historical reference.

• • In particular, using titles in an unknown language for the four ceremonial figures severely blocks understanding by candidates.

3. We prefer positive terminology over negative. Negative terminology is not only unscoutlike; it is untrue and can falsely imply that the candidates are being judged.

1. • “Ways” (Ways of Life) rather than “tests”.

   • “Embracing” rather than “without flinching”.

   • “Ancient Quest” rather than “Ordeal”.

4. Likewise, if you are doing your true life work, your burdens are light, even those which are heavy for others.

5. The power of the Ancient Hunter Ways of Life (inaptly called tests) encountered by the candidates arises out of their physical characteristics and universal character. And different candidates, being at different points in their life journeys, have different “meanings” for them. Thus, we avoid supplying meanings to avoid labeling their personal thoughts as invalid.

6. Scouts are best served by encouraging them to establish goals in life. Thus we speak of shooting arrows at far off targets rather than climbing ever upward. As did Dr. Goodman.

7. Our principle of “Brotherhood” isn’t limited to our ties together, but extends to all mankind.

8. None of the ceremonial roles is identified or dressed as a religious figure of any religion, past or present.

9. We combine the two membership rituals into a single ceremony. Those who just became members view, but do not participate in, the second half which seals first-time Elangomats as Fletchers (inaptly called Brotherhood).

1. • Encourages new members to seal themselves in the future.

   • Teaches additional lessons (in story and action) to the new members.

   • There are no entrance challenges for Fletcher candidates.

   • There is no going a second time around the fire.

10. We encourage and honor Elangomats.

    • We tell the story of the first Elangomat.

    • We thank the day’s Elangomats.

    • We encourage Assistant Elangomats, who do not need training.

    • We require service as an Elangomat to become a Fletcher.

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