CUB SCOUTS OF STAMFORD CONNECTICUT

One of Scouting's greatest challenges is to make the next level of Scouting readily available for a young man once he meets the joining requirements.

The Webelos (WE-BE-LOyal-Scouts) program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.

Preparation for the transition to Boy Scouts (two years later) is one goal of the program. Helping 2nd-year Webelos become Boys Scouts is a challenge which must be met by cooperation between Parents, Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters, local Scoutmasters, Unit Commissioners, and the District Webelos transition chair. Boy Scout Troops without a "feeder" Pack should identify and contact local Cubmasters to begin planning for Transition and Bridging.

Webelos Scouts should be encouraged to attend selected Boy Scout troop events including camp outs. An adult partner must accompany the Webelos Scout.

Webelos Program Goals

The Webelos program is different from the program for younger Cub Scouts. Webelos have different interests, greater physical and mental skills. There are 3 primary goals set in the Webelos program. Each has specific Requirements. Den meetings may be planned to focus on these goals.

There are several secondary goals that may be added at the discretion of the leaders:

All 20 badges completed. The Pack might present a special award.
Academics & Sports Program
World Conservation Award
Religious Emblem (optional part of Fitness badge)
Overnight Camping with Pack or Troop

Of course, the meetings must be fun and interesting for the boys or they will drop out before finishing the Webelos program.

Webelos Monthly Themes

The monthly themes for Webelos are consistent from year to year (see table below) unlike the themes for younger Cub Scouts which change in a three-year cycle. The themes are meant as a guide to assist leaders. They focus on the badges needed for the Arrow of Light. The goal is to have the Webelos achieve the Arrow of Light in 18-24 months. You may vary your own den's program, as you feel appropriate.

MONTH	1st Year	2nd Year
September	Communicator	Citizen
October	Showman	Citizen
November	Craftsman	Scientist
December	Craftsman	Scientist
January	Fitness	Readyman
February	Scholar	Engineer
March	Athlete	Engineer
April	Sportsman	Family Member
May	Outdoorsman	Handyman
June	Traveler	Artist
July	Aquanaut	Geologist
August	Naturalist	Forester

Ideas for Monthly Themes
Webelos Activity Badge Resources
Webelos 2-year Program Planning (halfway down page)
Pack 114 Webelos Helps

Webelos Uniforms

The Webelos uniform is different from other Cub Scouts uniforms. The cap, neckerchief, slide, belt buckle, and (optional) colors are the most visible signs. These are standard even for Webelos who continue wearing the blue shirt and pants.

Webelos Patrol Emblems: Another mark of distinction for Webelos is the choice of a patrol name and patrol emblem. There are 40 standard patrol emblems available. The Webelos will be known by this instead of the Den number used for younger Cub Scouts. Early selection helps establish a unique identity for the patrol.

Webelos Uniform
Webelos Colors
Webelos Badge old, new, and Factsheet (PDF format)
Arrow Of Light

Webelos Overnight Camping

Webelos Scout overnights, introduce the boy and his parent to the basics of the Boy Scout camping program. These events are conducted under the leadership of a trained Webelos den leader. In most cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each Scout is responsible to a specific adult. BSA health and safety and youth protection guidelines apply Webelos Scout dens are encourage to visit Boy Scout district camporees and Klondike derbies. The purpose of these visits should be for the boys to look ahead with anticipation to their future as Boy Scouts and observe Troops they might join.

Webelos Scout Resident Camp: Cub Scout and Webelos Scout resident camping is a council organized, theme-oriented overnight camping program. It operates for at least two nights and is conducted under certified leadership at a camp approved by the council. Resident camping typically includes the following outdoor program areas: Showmanship, Sportsmanship, Craftsmanship, Waterfront, Fitness, Campcraft, and Nature.

Virtual Cub Guide

Transition

Identify a local Boy Scout Troop. Encourage the Webelos to go to a local troop meeting, open house, or camp out with the Troop. It's never too early to get your transition plan into place!

Bridging

Bridging is an important ceremony for 2nd-year Webelos. It marks their official transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. It may or may not include presentation of the Arrow of Light or a special award for completing all 20 Webelos badges. Make your ceremony a memorable experience.

When possible, bridge an entire Webelos patrol together as a single group. Remember that the Webelos Scout isn't just a single boy, but a part of a social group of friends from school and Scouts. Take advantage of the natural association these boys have with each other and work to keep them together IN scouting.

Choosing a Troop

If you're a parent of a 2nd-year Webelos and your Scout's Pack is NOT associated with a Boy Scout Troop then you may need to do a little research. Start with the Webelos Den Leader and the Cubmaster. Ask them what they know about local Boy Scout Troops. Ask the other parents if they are thinking of a particular Troop. Your Scout may be more comfortable joining the same Troop as his friends.

Check it out! Call two or three Troops (don't overdo it) and ask to attend their weekly meeting. Perhaps the Troop will invite you on one of their outdoor events. A camp-out or overnight with older boys can be a lot of fun for a Webelos (adult partner MUST accompany) and he'll start building relationships with the older boys.. Talk to your Scout and see what HE thinks of each Troop you visit. Remember not to wait for the last minute to start. Now here's suggestions on "Picking a Boy Scout Troop" from:

Recruiting

Boy Scout Leaders must be involved in recruiting 2nd-year Webelos. Even more powerful is involving the Boy Scouts themselves. Imagine the power of the Senior Patrol Leader calling a Webelos and inviting him to join the Troop. Encourage responsible Boy Scouts to mentor, sponsor, and guide Webelos as Den Chiefs.

Also consider creating a flyer. Distribute it to Cubmasters at the local roundtable, via email, or snail-mail. Finally, a web site is a great communications, publicity, and recruitment tool.

Retention

Lowering the attrition rate must be a focus of the Pack/Troop Leadership. Several simple steps will help retain Scouts.

Resource Links

Webelos are the role models for younger Scouts in the Pack. They should run the flag ceremony at Pack meetings and be the first with skits and songs.

This site and the information it contains is not sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, but is solely the opinions and responsibility of the author. Materials found at this web site may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for programs associated with the Boy Scouts of America. No material found here may be used or reproduced for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of Cub Scout Pack 15 or other copyright holders.