Re: 5th graders
Gary A. Musselman (Gaalmus@AOL.COM)
Wed, 14 Apr 1999 15:54:43 EDT
In a message dated 4/14/99 10:38:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
cbkeyes@JUNO.COM writes:
<< am interested in hearing what Packs do to prepare their 5th graders and
what Troops do in working with their new boys. >>
I, too, have seen the gamut from Packs that cross Webelos over just after
January to those who hold on until much later. The latter say they want to
give the Webelos time to earn all the stuff. My observation is that too
intensive a drive to "get 'em all" may lead to Webelos burn-out and failure
to crossover. Many Webelos are ready and anxious to cross and benefit
little, if at all, from delay.
A second wrinkle we have seen (we crossed at least 15 both of the last two
years) is that the variation in cross over dates puts the overall new Scout
group out of synch with each other. The first crossovers are well into the
skills learning and Troop activiites by the time the last come in.
Our troop crosses Webelos into a new Scout patrol (the "Newts"), led by the
Troop Guide and his assistant. The TG explains Troop procedures and
ceremonies and ensures that the new boys never wonder "what's up." The TG
plans a schedule for Newt skills training and enlists the help of instructors
to teach the various skills.
Our TG (and the ASM (NewScouts)) works with the Packs, Den Chiefs, and
Webelos Dens all year.
YIS,
Gary M.
