Re: Welcoming New Scouts from Webelos
John Cross (jpcross@PHOENIX.NET)
Sun, 24 May 1998 10:40:23 -6
> 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: We bring our Webelos in during March. That way they go to a campout
or two before summer camp. I think the transition should be ASAP. Get them
into the troop with a spiffy new uniform, lots of camping fun ahead and the
promise of a really great trip to summer camp. Set the hook. Muddling
around to summer or (even worse) the fall will lose them for sure. The Boy
Scout age requirements weren't made to keep them out, but rather get them in.
Age 10 1/2 with AOL is there for a prupose.
Whether your troop uses green scout patrols or other methods, I think the
most important thing is to integrate them quickly so they can be part of the
gang, not the funny new kids. Kids want to belong, and we need to keep that
in mind.
The webelos to scout transition is overworked. It is not a post
webelos-prior to Boy Scouts thing, at least is shouldn't be. That
transition should be happening for both the Webelos years. Lots of contact
with the local troops, troop visits in 5th grade, participation in troop
sponsored webelos activities, participation in several camping trips each
year, participating in Webelos show and do (or whatever). By the time the
last blue and gold rolls around the Webelos should be chomping at the bit to
advance to Boy Scouts.
YIS
John Cross, Ass't Scoutmaster
Troop 870, Houston, TX
Check out the Troop 870 Web Site:
http://www.phoenix.net/~jpcross/
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