Webelos to Scout Transition

BSA Mission Statement To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The mission statement is the most basic explanation for the existence of BSA. The aims of Scouting explore the three areas in the lives of young people where Scouting programs can have the greatest effect. Why the emphasis on ‘Boy Scouting’, rather than ‘Cub Scouting’?. Remember, Boy Scouting in the US began in 1910, and was oriented toward older boys. With the early success of the Boy Scouts for boys 12 and over, there was popular demand for a "younger boy program" for the younger brothers of Scouts. Because of concerns that a younger boy program might have a negative effect on the fledgling Boy Scouts program, the BSA was very careful in their building a program for younger boys. In 1916, Sir Robert Baden-Powell introduced the "Wolf Cub" program. The “Wolf Cub” program soon found its way to numerous communities in the Americas. There were also other 'younger boy' organizations such as the "Little Lodge" of the "Woodcraft Indians," the "Boy Pioneers," and the "Boy Rangers." Some BSA Boy Scout Troops were also sponsoring unofficial "Junior Troops" and "Cadet Corps." After 20 years of Boy Scouting in America, the "Cubbing Program " was officially introduced on February, 1930.

The Boy Scout Oath The Cub Scout Promise On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight The Cub Scout Promise I promise to do my best, To do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack

The Scout Law A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. The Cub Scout Law The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill. Distribute Appendix A—Aims/Methods of Scouting Closely connected with its mission statement are the aims of Boy Scouts of America: Character Development, Citizenship Training Mental and Physical Fitness.

10 Purposes of Cub Scouting Purposes map to points of Scout Oath and Law Character development Spiritual growth Good citizenship Sportsmanship and fitness Family understanding Respectful relationships Personal achievement Friendly service Fun and adventure Preparation for Boy Scouting Cub Scouting purposes are focused in the Tiger, Wolf and Bear programs. In Tigers, we begin building the sense of unity and team simply by asking boys to wear the uniform. At each level, skills and activities, and the recognition for ‘doing your best’ are recognized.

Webelos Program Boys are preparing for Boy Scouts Activity Badges earned in den setting Webelos Leader Guide—fantastic resource Use parent resources for activity badges Webelos 1 - goal is Webelos Badge and Compass Points Webelos 2 - goal is Arrow of Light and transition into Boy Scouts

Arrow Of Light The “Eagle” of Cub Scouting This rank merits a special ceremony Once the Webelos Badge is earned, the scout can begin work on the Arrow of Light Badge This is one of only two Cub Scout awards that may be worn into Boy Scouting--the other is the Religious Emblem Read statement on slide: What do you think Citizenship Training means?

Arrow Of Light Requirements 1.  Be active in the Webelos den for at least six months, and earn the Webelos badge 2.  Show knowledge of the requirements to become a Boy Scout : Repeat from memory and explain the Scout Oath or Promise and the 12 points of the Scout Law.  Tell how they have practiced them in everyday life Give and explain the Scout motto, slogan, sign, salute and handshake Understand the significance of the First Class Scout badge.  Describe its parts and tell what each stands for.  Tell how a Boy Scout uniform is different from a Webelos Scout uniform Tie the joining knot (square knot)

Arrow Of Light Requirements (cont) 3. Earn five more activity badges in addition to the three earned for the Webelos badge.  Must include Fitness, Citizen, Readyman, Outdoorsman, at least one from Mental Skllls and Technology groups, and one of his choice. 4. With the Webelos den, visit a Boy Scout troop meeting and a Boy Scout-oriented outdoor activity. 5. Participate in a Webelos overnight campout or day hike. 6. Arrange to visit, with parent or guardian, a meeting of a Boy Scout troop the boy thinks he might like to join.  Have a conference with the Scoutmaster. 7. Complete the Honesty Character Connection. Read statement on slide: What do you think Mental & Physical Fitness Training means?

Webelos to Scout Transition Webelos and Arrow of Light are not an ‘end’ in Scouting The Scout is now ready to join the Boy Scout Troop Cub Leaders should encourage Webelos to visit nearby troop to find a good “fit” Webelos Leaders should plan many outings with Boy Scout Troops so the boys have a sense of continuation in scouting Go over above. Scouting motivates all youth members and adult leaders to work towards these goals. Each of the three Scouting programs uses a set of fundamental methods to meet its member’s hopes for fun and adventure, to achieve Scouting’s aims of encouraging character development, citizenship, and mental and physical fitness.

A successful transition involves…. Cubmasters Develop relationships with Scoutmasters Coordinate activities with troops Work with Troops to secure Den Chiefs Work with Troop leaders to plan overnight camps and other activities Scoutmasters Develop relationships with Cub Leaders Select Den Chiefs Offer equipment assistance to Webelos Conduct Webelos orientation meetings/campouts Provides Troop Activity calendar to each Webelo

A successful transition involves…. Commissioners Facilitates good relationships between Packs and Troops Through the Pack leadership, encourages each Webelo to fill out Boy Scout Application Promote ‘First Class in the First Year’ program Work with Troop leaders to plan overnight camps and other activities District Webelos Transition Coordinator Work with Packs to identify fifth-grade scouts Coach Pack and Troop leadership on transition process Reporting to Membership and District Committee Work with Commissioner staff to follow-up on Scouts who don’t join a troop Goal is 100% Webelos transition

First Class in the First Year Why this is important…. Facilitates the Webelos to Boy Scout conversion activity. Teaches new Scouts the skills needed to function as a patrol during a weekend camping trip. Provides a model for new Scout patrols to follow when planning for future camping trips. Many ‘cool’ activities depend on age and / or rank Age 13 or 14 First Class Rank Boys who are not challenged / engaged in activities are more likely to drop in the first year.

First Class in the First Year   'Scout' rank is the first advancement earned:       1. Meet the age requirement of fifth grade or 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light   2.  Complete a Boy Scout application Requirement Arrow of Light Scout Rank Pledge of Allegiance Yes Scout sign, salute, handshake Square knot (joining knot) Scout Oath, Law, motto, slogan and Outdoor Code Describe Scout badge Pamphlet Guide Scoutmaster’s Conference No

First Class in the First Year Webelos Skills Tenderfoot 2nd Class 1st Class Proper dress / gear for activity X Camping / proper tent setup Camp Cooking Citizenship / American Flag handling Fuse rope, knot tying Scout Oath, Law, motto, slogan, Outdoor Code Hiking / hiking safety / swimming safety Physical Fitness tests Plant / animal identification First Aid Ax / knife safety

Activity Badges vs. Merit Badges Aquanaut Swimming, Lifesaving Artist Art, Graphic Arts Athlete Athletics Citizen Community, Nation, World Communicator Communications Craftsman Wood Carving, Woodwork Engineer Engineering Family Member Family Life Fitness Personal Fitness Forester Forestry Activity Badge Merit Badge Geologist Geology Handyman Home Repair, Electricity Naturalist Nature Outdoorsman Camping, Hiking Readyman First Aid Scholar Scholarship Scientist Nuclear Science, Space Exploration, Weather Showman Music, Theater Sportsman Cycling, Golf, Sports Traveler Aviation, Railroading

Keys to a successful transition Webelos Leader Training Train for your position Baloo / Web Outdoor Training Complete required activity badges early in Web 1 year Fitness, Citizen, Readyman, Outdoorsman Engage with your Boy Scout Troops Not just ‘feeder’ troops Webelos are the ‘lifeblood’ of every troop! Partner with the Scoutmaster Get the boys outdoors ! Engage with your Cub Packs Webelos Coordinator Den Chiefs Activity Calendar to each prospective scout ‘First Class in the First Year’ Key to retention

First Class in the First Year Introduce bridging to Boy Scouts in Web 1 Strong connection in Web 2 Late August Letters to Cubmasters & Webelos Parents & Leaders Plan Joint Activities October Visit Troops –’Shop for best price’ November Parent / Webelos Leader Introduction Troop Activity / Overnighter

First Class in the First Year January Letters to Webelos Parents Transition Process / Dates / Requirements February Blue & Gold / Crossover Ceremony Create New Scout Patrol Assign Experienced ASMs and Guides March – April Teach Scout Skills Tenderfoot/Second Class Camping Weekends

First Class in the First Year June / July Summer Camp – a ‘must do’ experience for youth September - February Target First Class Additional Skills Training Additional Camping

BSA Mission Statement To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The mission statement is the most basic explanation for the existence of BSA. The aims of Scouting explore the three areas in the lives of young people where Scouting programs can have the greatest effect. Why the emphasis on ‘Boy Scouting’, rather than ‘Cub Scouting’?. Remember, Boy Scouting in the US began in 1910, and was oriented toward older boys. With the early success of the Boy Scouts for boys 12 and over, there was popular demand for a "younger boy program" for the younger brothers of Scouts. Because of concerns that a younger boy program might have a negative effect on the fledgling Boy Scouts program, the BSA was very careful in their building a program for younger boys. In 1916, Sir Robert Baden-Powell introduced the "Wolf Cub" program. The “Wolf Cub” program soon found its way to numerous communities in the Americas. There were also other 'younger boy' organizations such as the "Little Lodge" of the "Woodcraft Indians," the "Boy Pioneers," and the "Boy Rangers." Some BSA Boy Scout Troops were also sponsoring unofficial "Junior Troops" and "Cadet Corps." After 20 years of Boy Scouting in America, the "Cubbing Program " was officially introduced on February, 1930.

Questions ? Gary Brueningsen gbruenin@fast.net 610-865-5380