“A critical step in the journey of Scouting”


PLANNING

                       - PREPARATION

                                                       - PERFORMANCE

                                                                                             - SUCCESS

You must plan ahead for what you are going to do, to recruit Webelos Scouts into your Troop or (from a Webelos Leader’s point of view) what you are going to do to get the Webelos sent on to Boy Scouts. You must then prepare for this transition with activities built along this plan. You must complete all of these activities, not just part of them, in order to achieve success.



The importance of a good WEBELOS Leader

•       The leader must accept the need for a good outdoor program
•       Must have knowledge of outdoor skills, fire building, cooking, wood tools and knots, camping, sanitation, tents and equipment.
•       Should be Scoutmaster Fundamental trained (outdoor program section)

The Webelos Den Leader Role

•       Most influential in the boys’ preparation
•       Should have the Webelos function as a patrol
•       Ensure the boys attend camp
•       Verify the presence of the necessary Scout Skills
•       Attend Roundtables and get to know Scoutmasters
•       Attend troop meeting and recruit a Den Chief
•       Plan the graduation/bridging ceremony and promote Troop summer activities
•       Verify the transfer of documents (the boys’ records)

The Scoutmaster’s Role

•       Include the Webelos in summer camp reservations
•       Discuss camp and troop activity costs with the Webelos’ parents
•       Have Webelos and their parents attend troop meetings
•       Become part of the Pack graduation ceremony
•       Assist in finding Den Chiefs for Webelos Dens
•       Ensure all forms are completed
•       Invite the Webelos Den Leader to become part of the troop
•       Hold a pre-summer camp orientation for Scout skills

The Assistant Scoutmaster’s Role

•       Helps to form the new scout patrol
•       Makes sure the Webelos feel welcome and they belong to the troop
•       Works with the Troop Guide in planning instruction of scout skills and patrol learning
•       Assist with advancement up to the Star rank
•       Verify and reinforce the basic scout skills

The Den Chief’s Role

•       A resource for scout skills
•       Helps form the patrol and patrol spirit
•       Helps to operate the patrol
•       Assists in the Arrow of Light and Cross Over ceremonies
•       Counts as Leadership time

The Cubmaster’s Role
 

•       NOW –Search for Scout Troops; develop point-of-contact for the Troop; examine membership levels and activities within the Troop
•       OCTOBER—Confirm the February Graduation; invite the Scoutmaster(s) SPL(s) and ASPL(s) to the Blue and Gold Banquet; encourage visitation to Troop meetings
•       FEBRUARY TO APRIL—Conduct the Graduation; ensure the boys’ funds get transferred

The Unit Commissioner’s Role

•       Determine which Troops can accommodate more Scouts
•       Contact District Executive to start more Troops, if necessary
•       Ensure graduations are planned
•       Track graduating Scouts and ensure they get registered as Boy Scouts
•       Attend graduations
•       For those Webelos who do not join a Troop, determine why:
  
  •       Family moving?
  •       Parent problem?
  •       Scout problem?
  •       Troop problem?
  •       Transportation?
  •       Finances? (be discreet)

A good Webelos Den Leader will:

•       Train the boys to be good scouts
•       Enforce the requirements for camping and troop visitations (at least two and three best)
•       Enforce the importance of the Arrow of Light Award (it’s as important as the Eagle Award)
•       Work for February to April graduation plan (to keep them interested)
   

Continued on right side of page.