Troop Problem with Webelos Leaders

I had a problem come up this week that I have been struggling with for
several years now. Perhaps the collective wisdom here can offer some
new perspectives.

I begin recruiting Webelos in September. I started this because some
local packs do early bridging and we would miss them if we relied on
late recruiting. It has improved our recruiting by creating an earlier
bond and allowing the Webelos to spend more time getting to know us, and
there is always the situation where after they've seen us, it's hard
for another troop to look as good. But there are still some problems
that come up both with the early bridgers and with the late bridgers.

The main problem that comes up is that the Webelos Leaders aren't
thinking ahead. The second year Webelos program should be designed
for getting the Webelos thinking about joining Boy Scouts from the
start. Accordingly, the Troop plans several campouts during the
fall and winter to which we invite the Webelos. We have a spotty
attendance sometimes, a better turn-out other times. We have a
pretty good record of attracting those Webelos and their parents
if they come on those outings.

Come spring, we are getting ready for Camporee. The Troop leaders
realize that they have some work to do as patrols to be prepared. I
agree and I also feel they need time to themselves to work together.
Even with a campout every month, there are four packs that we are working
with. It would be easy to have Webelos recruiting driving the program
instead of developing the skills the patrols and their leaders need.
The Scouts recognize the need for recruiting and have been very accommodating.
I would say they have bent over backwards for the benefit of Webelos who
want to visit.

BUT

Now the Webelos Leaders recognize that it's time to pick a troop, and
they want to go on outings with us. "OK, we'll plug in a day hike for
you." "No, we want to camp with you." "You can come to Camporee as our
guests." "No, we want to bridge before Camporee." "I'm sorry, but there
isn't another camping opportunity available." "Well, if you don't want us,
we'll go elsewhere." And so on.

How can I communicate with the Webelos Leaders in the fall to explain
why our calendar is set up the way it is (and by whom), and why I can't
change it to accommodate their short-term wishes? Sometimes I can't even
get them (or the Cubmaster) to return my calls in September and October.

Thanks for listening.

Alan R. Houser ** Scoutmaster, Berkeley Troop 24 ** troop24@emf.net
** WWW page ** http://www.emf.net/~troop24/t24.html **

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