Leaderboard

I dont think those who have issues with wB believe the scouters who have taken the course are not dedicated, or do not have the desire to be better scouters. I percieve the issue to stem from the idea that wB training is the pinnacle of all scouter training. For me, this is where the disconnect arises. wB is good training, but it in no way meets the standard that it aspires to be. This is not necessarily the wB program, but the inexperienced folks taking the course. Most just don't have the pre-requisite experience and training to fully benefit from a top level training. Hence my suggestion for training levels. If the concept of levels was too much like "rank" then ditch it. The main point is that too many scouters are basically starting and ending with wB. There needs to be significant training and experience for a scouter leading up to what is claimed to be the pinnacle of training. If not, we are putting the whipped cream and cherry on top of nothing.

It sounds like a good course for a summer camp to offer for scout masters.

I agree that more training, not less is better. However all training should be incremental. At one time, as has been pointed out, WB was for experienced scouters. It was the highest level after having demonstrated skill at the other levels. The last few iterations are using WB as the introductory training. Which is ok, if it is marketed as such and there exists follow-up advanced trainings. However these do not exist. Imagine a scouter training regimen which has levels and required trainings to be completed to advance in each level. They can be called whatever we wish, but for the reqs could be something like: Scouter: YPT Scouter basic: YPT, troop committee training, patrol method module (which should be created) Scouter 2nd class: basic plus SM specific, and IOLS. etc... later levels might have "options" like mB training, or safety afloat, or A-IOLS. Cubbers could have a similar track.

A new Webelos leader, yay! Welcome to the club; we have the most fun position in all of Scouting! I may be biased of course. There are a few things I suggest you read as soon as you can; fortunately much of it is online. First of all, read the entire Webelos Handbook start to finish. Of all the books for you to be familiar with, that is the most important. Then there is the Cub Scout Leader Book, which goes over all the basics of the Cub Scout program. The print copy can be found at your local Scout Shop or here https://www.scoutshop.org/cub-scout-leader-guide-646725.html and the digital copy can be procured here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HM7JVHT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_aqrTBbCZM688E The Webelos Den Leader Guide will have everything you need to plan and execute your weekly den meetings, and it is also full of useful information and aids for the program in its extensive appendices. Print copy available at your local Scout Shop or here https://www.scoutshop.org/webelos-den-leader-guide-646724.html or you can get a digital copy here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HMFF853/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_VprTBb72MZ4P8 These last ones will go pretty deep into all the rules and regulations, but they DO matter, so you'll want to be somewhat familiar with them at least as you begin, with the hope being you'll have a solid grasp of their content as soon as you can invest some time in reading them thoroughly. And fortunately, they are all available for free online. They are the Guide to Safe Scouting https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/toc/ the Guide to Advancement https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf and the Guide to Awards and Insignia https://www.scouting.org/resources/info-center/insignia-guide/ There is even a full webpage on the Scouting site dedicated to Den Meeting resources. Find it here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/den-meeting-resources/ Obviously you don't have to read all of this TODAY, but whenever you have the time, try to work your way through them all. If you can be comfortably familiar with all of these resources, you will be miles ahead of many other leaders. Good luck to you!