Webelos to Scout Transition

Stanley M Krieger

April 26, 2014

How To Approach It

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are not two separate activities.– There is only one activity- SCOUTING

– Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are simply age-appropriate Scouting programs.

The 5th grade Scouting program starts in a Cub Scout Pack and continues in a Boy Scout Troop in February

Arrow of Light Dens and Boy Scout Troops work together

– Prepare both Scouts and parents for the entire year's program

– This includes the Troop's week at summer camp between the 5th and 6th grades.

Preparing Webelos for Boy Scouts

Tan Uniform Advancement Method (it's more like Troop)

Den Camping (in addition to Pack camping)

Boy Scout Sign and Salute (at Den Meetings)

Joint Activities with Troop Campout Service Project

Concept of 5th Grade Program

Working with a Troop

Packs and Troops each designate a “Webelos to Scout Transition Coordinator”

Troop presentation to Arrow of Light Den members and parents at a September Den Meeting

Arrow of Light Den mailing list shared with Troop Joint Arrow of Light Den & Troop Campout in

October Arrow of Light Den participates in a Troop service

project Troop provides a Den Chief Crossover ceremony at February Pack Meeting

FAQ 1 Q: Since some/many/most/all of the boys in my

Arrow of Light Den don't plan to join Boy Scouts, what do I do in that case? A: The 5th grade program makes this a moot point;

there are simply no Den or Pack activities for 5th graders after February (except AoL Den alumni participation in District Pinewood Derby)

5th graders joining a Troop in February is no different from boys who complete 2nd grade then moving on to Bear. We don't postpone the transition from Wolf to Bear, and we don't postpone the transition from Webelos to Scouts.

They're registered until December of 6th grade, so give Boy Scouts a try; maybe they'll have fun.

FAQ 2 Q: A boy who is not yet 11 years old didn't complete

Arrow of Light by February; what do we do since his Den no longer exists and he's too young to join Boy Scouts? A: Have him participate in Troop activities while keeping

him registered in the Pack. If possible, help him earn his Arrow of Light as he's also working on Boy Scout advancement.

On the earliest of (i) his 11th birthday, (ii) he earns the Arrow of Light, or (iii) June 1, register him as a Boy Scout.

While a Cub Scout, his (typically) father will need to accompany him on Troop overnight activities (as per Cub Scout rules).

FAQ 3 Q: Since the Webelos program includes Den

camping, what training do I need? A: As with any Cub Scout camping, there needs to be

two BALOO-trained adults present. In order to work with the boys on their outdoor-related

Activity Awards, Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills (OWLS) is highly recommended.

To kill two birds with one stone, Patriots' Path Council offers a combined OWLS/IOLS course, so you'll be trained for both Webelos and Boy Scout outdoor activities at the same time.

Remember, it's only 18 months from when you start as a Webelos Den Leader until you're an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Additional Resources

Everything you need is available from the Watchung Mountain District web page visit http://wm.ppbsa.org, then click on the Webelos

to Scout header, or go right to http://wm.ppbsa.org/WtoS/WtoS.htm

A useful summary is at http://wm.ppbsa.org/WtoS/FifthGradeProgram.htm

http://wm.ppbsa.org/WtoS/WtoS.htm

Watchung Mountain District

A Gold Journey to Excellence District

Webelos to Scout Transition

Here are links to information about the Webelos to Scout transition.

From the Patriots' Path Council and Watchung Mountain District• Patriots' Path Council Webelos to Scout Transition Plan

- Patriots' Path Council Den Chief Plan• Overview for Packs, Troops, and Unit Commissioners• Pack Responsibilities from the University of Scouting• Troop Responsibilities from the University of Scouts• Webelos Den Leader/Webelos to Scout Transition

Presentation from April 26, 2014 class

From National• Improved Webelos Transition main page• Pack Responsibilities• Troop Responsibilities• Unit Commissioner Responsibilities

Know Your Unit Commissioner

Unit Commissioner Page– http://wm.ppbsa.org/Commissioner/commissioner.htm

– Includes what a UC does for you

Who is your Unit Commissioner– The link is on the above page, or go right to– http://wm.ppbsa.org/Commissioner/WMDCommissioners.html

– Sorted by Name, Unit Number, and City/Town

Overall Objectives The Webelos Program is a Transition from Cub

Scouts to Boy Scouts Working with a Troop, Including Having a Den

Chief, Helps Prepare the Webelos Scouts for Boy Scouts

Webelos Cross Over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts in February of the 5th Grade

The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of the Cub

Scout pack(s) and the Boy Scout troop(s)..