Re: Blue and Gold Continued
Colin Mc. (colinm@RUST.NET)
Tue, 7 Sep 1999 23:40:32 -0400
-----Original Message-----
From: James E. Zotta <ESDA2@AOL.COM>
To: SCOUTS-L@LISTSERV.TCU.EDU <SCOUTS-L@LISTSERV.TCU.EDU>
Date: Monday, September 06, 1999 11:52 PM
Subject: Blue and Gold Continued
>My pack uses the Blue and Gold dinner to graduate 2nd year Webelos and
the
>Tiger Cubs.. the problem with doing this is that since Blue and Gold is
held
>in February, it makes for some very unsettled times as Scouts rush to
>complete requirements before February and then have a lull in
activities for
>March thru May... Further.. graduating Tiger Cubs in Feb really
confuses the
>Tigers since they cannot move on to Wolf until they meet the age
>requirements, etc....
>
>My recommendation to my pack is that we move Blue and Gold to April or
May
>which would coincide better with the advancement path.. or if we keep
it in
>February, not to let the focus be the advancement but focus on the real
>purpose of the blue and gold dinner.. which is what my purpose in
asking the
>question really is...
I've seen a number of posts about running out of program and when to
graduate Webelos. BUT what I didn't see is the working relationship
between the packs & troop. Let's remember that the troop has to have a
program that is ready to accept the newly graduated Webelos.
Troops working with packs is a YEAR ROUND PROGRAM. I'd suggest the BSA
publication, "Webelos-to-Scout Transition". In it you will find some
excellent ideas that will enhance both the pack & troop programs. While
Scoutmaster, I had an ASM who functioned as the "liaison" with Cub
Packs.
Working together with the packs provided:
* more Den Chiefs for the packs
* the troop formed a ceremonial crossover team that still provides this
service to any pack in the District that requests them.
* the troop got to know the Webelos better, and vice-versa.
* the annual troop "Webelos Weekend" is an event that Webelos AND
parent/guardian look forward to.
* ASM & Scouts have assisted WDL's in program & campout preparation.
* and many, many other positive results
This has resulted in the number of Webelos coming into the troop being a
low of 14 and a high of 32.
IMHO the B&G is a time to celebrate the birthday of Scouting, recognize
the Cub Advancement and recognize the adult volunteers but NOT crossover
the Webelos. Save that for March. I've attended a few <grin> B&G and the
ones that tried to do everything in one evening were not, politely
stating, the best. The program typically had the Webelos crossover last
and by that time it was almost a non-event. It's late, people are tired,
kids fidgety, and everyone want to rush things and go home. This lessens
the importance and significance of the Webelos Crossover. With March
Pack Meeting having the Webelos crossover, it becomes a much more
focused and significant ceremony.
We still have time to have the new scouts on a couple of campouts, still
time for parent's night, and better yet we have a Court of Honor in May.
Now we have the newly crossed over Webelos in uniform, most all
receiving their Tenderfoot rank and ready to attend summer camp. FYI,
we have an open invitation for all 2nd year Webelos to come to any of
our CoH. It does make a difference!
YiS,
Colin M. McConnell colinm@rust.net
Having so much fun I can Bearrrrrly stand it
||<|-success-is-making-a-difference-in-the-life-of-one-young-man-<<||
District Advancement Chair, Northridge District, Detroit Area Council
Troop 1707 Committee Member, Troy, MI (Scoutmaster Emeritus)
