Re: Welcoming New Scouts from Webelos
Susan Best (s.best@SWE.ORG)
Sun, 24 May 1998 21:21:32 -0500
Our Troop has been bringing in the Webelos in the spring as long as I've
been with the Troop, and probably for many years before. In previous
years, they were formed into a new scout patrol (or two, depending upon how
many). While they at times followed the regular program with the Troop,
they sometimes worked on the Tenderfoot to First Class requirements with
the ASM for the new scout patrol, while the others were working on more
advanced things. Depending upon just when they started and what the
program was, they went on some of the camping trips, but not all (for
example, this year they didn't go on the backpacking trip in March, as they
had just joined and did not have any of the skills required.)
Some trips have several levels. One year, we did a canoeing trip in April.
The older Scouts did a dry run for the canoe trip they were going to take
during summer camp, the middle group of Scouts canoed most of the day,
while the new Scouts spent most of the day in camp learning skills, but did
do about 1-2 hours of canoeing.
This year, we did a repeat of a trip from two years ago, where the new
Scouts stayed in camp learning skills, while the older Scouts went
whitewater rafting. A number of the Scouts who went rafting this year had
been new Scouts two years ago and have been looking forward to this trip
since then.
You mentioned summer high adventure - does everyone do that? I would think
that some of the younger Scouts (1-2 years in the program) might not be
ready for that and would be going to Summer Camp. The new Scouts can still
attend summer camp, which will also help them get to First Class and to
feel part of the Troop.
This year we tried something new (as suggested by some of the older Scouts
and approved by the PLC). In March, the patrols were reorganized and
completely age-integrated, from new Scouts to former SPL. Given that this
was a month before the Camporee, we were concerned that maybe these new
patrols wouldn't do as well. However, out of 11 patrols in the Camporee,
our 3 patrols came in 2nd, 4th, and 5th. They learned from and helped each
other.
WHether or not the Scouts are integrated into the existing patrols or
placed in a new Scout patrol, they can work on separate programs during the
Troop meeting. They won't be ready for some of the activities, but should
be made to fell welcomed. Seeing the older scouts prepare for different
programs can give them something to look forward to in a few years, and may
help to keep them in the program. Seeing Scouts advance may also help give
them incentives. We haven't sensed that any of the new Scouts are
discouraged because they can't do everything the older ones do.
Good luck.
Susan Best
Troop 296 Committee and new Advancement Chair
I used to be an Eagle
At 06:34 AM 5/24/98 -0700, Doug Gentry wrote:
>Hi, folks -
>
>With a bit of trepidation our area troops are finally starting to bring in
>Arrow of Light recipients in the Spring of their 5th grade, rather than
>waiting until the Summer or the following Fall. We've been reluctant to do
>this before but we understand the importance of making the Webelos to Scout
>transition go smoothly and keeping as many of these boys as possible in
>Scouting.
>
>Can any of you share some tips on how to integrate these new boys into the
>troop program - even though they're still in elementary school and the
>troop is in high gear to prepare for the Spring Camporee, summer high
>adventure, end of the school year advancement, etc.?
>
>Thanks.
>
>...Doug Gentry
>__________________________________
>Doug Gentry - mailto:dwgentry@polarconsult.com
>510-654-1837 fax: 510-654-3706
>Council Commissioner - Piedmont Council, California
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>
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