Webelos --> Scouts Transition - Timing and the Troop Program

Apropos the current discussions on transition, I would be interested
in learning how BSA troops who use the "new Scout patrol" - or for
that matter, those who don't - deal with groups of transitioning
Webelos who want to come in at different times of the year.

More to the point, do any troops limit group transitions to specific
months - for example, March/April and Sept/Oct? And do any limit the
times that other new, young Scouts (not transfers) may join the
troop?

We have encountered training problems in trying to accommodate the
wishes of young Scouts to join when we did not expect them. For
instance, bringing new Scouts up to speed for winter camping before
they have experienced the basics is a bit scary. Then there is the
issue how to deal with the problem of small groups filtering in over
six months or so, when your program is geared to having all the new
Scouts in more or less one "box" at a time. It seems so unfair to
refuse them participation when they have met the age or other
requirements (e.g., AoL); yet integrating them on demand, so to
speak, is highly disruptive to the planned troop program.

I speak from both sides of the issue - a group of boys from my pack,
including my younger son, transitioned to my older son's troop in
December, to the surprise and consternation of the Scoutmaster. The
troop did not have a "policy" then, but clearly was not prepared <g>
for the influx. Probably because I am active (and vocal) the troop
made no waves, but the new boys have not been very well integrated so
far, and they are not very happy.

Now there is talk of establishing a troop policy. At first I was
opposed altogether, but that was "Dad" - and the old Cubmaster -
thinking. Now I am wondering how to do it fairly - whether it should
apply only to transitioning Webelos or to all new Scouts who wish to
join the troop. Or, is there a way to accommodate both the needs of
the new Scouts AND the annual program - in other words, is there a
good way to handle unexpected new scouts or small groups (4-5) of
them coming at different times?

Appreciate input . . .

Kim

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