Tigers and Webelo Retention

Hi all

Reading all the post about Webelos and Tigers, I notice some
difference in opinions from post giving ideas for programs that keeps
a boys interest in Scouting to post that explain the importance of
giving awards to keep the boys interest.

I agree awards are a very important part of Scouting because they
publicly recognize the Scout achievements. But if the award is the
highlight of the boys year, then I think we miss the boat and will
eventually loose the boy.

I have some great awards presentations that make every Scout stand in
his deserved moment of glory. But when I go back to those Scouts and
ask what was the best part of Scouting for them that year, I don't
want to hear "When I got my Arrow of Light". I want to hear about the
fun activities that help him earn the Arrow of Light.

Sure those beads and Tigers Paws are very important, and I know all
the packs will figure out the best way to award these guys in a most
honorable manner, but pay attention to the program. Those first
graders better be having a great time or you will lose them and their
parents. And our Pack learned several years ago that you better give
the Webelos more responsibility in their Den and Pack or you lose them
fast.

I was involved in starting a dead Troop two years ago. With the
Scouts, we planned a program that was designed to be fun and
challenging. We had 15 boys in the Troop and was hoping for another 6
to 8 new boys to continue the growth. We ended up with almost 30 in
three months. A good problem I think. They said they joined because of
the summer camp trip to Colorado and the canoeing trip, and the
Repelling trip and so on.

Give the boys the award they deserve in a wonderful ceremony, but
don't program to much emphasis on the awards. Put the emphasis on a
program with fun and exciting activities.

I am always looking for new ideas to improve our programs. Scout L is
one of best places for that. I enjoy reading some of the post from
leaders like Kim and others who are focused on programs that creates a
fun adventure for the boys. I am a new Webelo leader this year and I
will be watching Scout L.

Thanks

Barry Runnels
"Mighty" Pack 339
Troop 386
Edmond OK

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