BuffaloSR793

Check out Camp McKee, in Jeffersonville, KY. Part of the Bluegrass Council.

http://campmckee.org/campindex.htm

Being a Webelos leader now, I try to run the den the best way possible. At the beginning of the year we had 11 Web I's and added 5 Web II's.

The Webelos II's said they wanted to make AOL before they went onto Boy Scouts. OK what do I do? First, I had a meeting with the Web II's to discuss the rank advancements and what lies ahead. I instilled to them, that they would have to work together as a team (patrol) to help each other get AOL.

I split the den into two patrols, Web I's and WebII's each patrol works at their own pace. They decide which activity badges they want to work on. They work together on some badges and separate on others. Every den meeting is not about an activity badge while they do have some "tie ins" to the activity badges. If a boy falls behind in advancement, the patrol address's it, under my watchful eye. I usually have a behind the scenes chat with the parent and scout.

The Webelos II's obviously are progressing at a faster pace, because they have less time. The Webelos I's benefit from having older boys around and see some of the activity badge info in advance. Really kinda cool.

Its February and this is how the den looks. The Web II's have worked hard, they have the Webelos badge (december) and only like the Readyman and 3 other activity badges. They should make it by late march early april. (I personally don't like the late time frame for crossover, but with first year Web II's who want AOL, I've had to accept it. My biggest problem is the lack of TROOP time before summer camp. It really worries me.)

Now for the Web I's. They are ahead of schedule. I'm trying to slow them down some, by taking more time on each activity badge.

Enough about our Den. If you have suggestions / concerns about how the den is being run. Become more involved. You can become sort of an Activity Badge counselor, take some of the boys aside and help them. If you have boys falling behind, help them.

Any Leader worth their salt, would never turn down good help.

Just remember, they boys need to earn the ranks. In Webelos, the parents do not sign off advancements. The boy has to bring his book to the WDL for sign offs. The boy can do the advancement, but if he doesn't bring the book to the WDL for review. It shouldn't be signed off on.

If you don't start this process as Webelos, you'll be in for a shock when you get to Boy Scouts.

Just some of my humble opinions.

Jeff

I really appreciate the input from others who have "been there done that".

I'm at the stage right now where our boys and parents are transitioning from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting. That the reason this topic hits such an emotional nerve.

I see good in everyones point of view. I appreciate the opportunity to share experiences. It makes us all stronger.

As a Webelos leader, I will incorporate more Boy Scout methods to ease the transition. We've already divided into patrols and are having the boys making more of the decisions. When we camp, the boys set up their tents and cook for themselves (parents and leaders closely observe for saftey.)

When I have boys come to me either to offer a suggestion or complain, I refer them to their patol leader. Our meetings start with the Cub Scout Law/Promise and end with the Boy Scout Law and Promise. At the end of each den meeting we have a meeting with the patrol leaders and seconds to discuss outings, patrol business and advancement planning.

Webelos is really a fun time. Its tough, because everyone is in transition. The boys and the parents included.

My scouting know how is expanding just as much as the boys right now. It's really fun to be able to enjoy this with the boys and parents.

Jeff

Great topic and certainly one which needs to be addressed. I'm a leader in Cub Scouts, and the short hikes

I wouldn't want to send my son on an overnight/ week long event at school either with a teacher I knew nothing about.

It's not just the overnight thing or the outdoor thing. The biggest issue is trust and knowing who he's going with.

There are all types of scouters in this forum, thats what makes it so great. This thread needs to be in the Cub Scouting section, where we can get those opinions.

You cross over from Webelos to Scouts in February, summer camp is in June or early July. The new scouts are in a "new" patrol for 30 days before they are sent to their permanent patrols. That gives them 3 months to blend in to their new patrol.

All of this is dependant how well they blend. Remember, they were used to being the big men on campus in the Cubs. Now they are at the bottom of the totem pole. That's a little stressful along with going to camp for the first time without mom or dad.

Now think about it from a parents view. Take a parent who's been active in Cub Scouting, been on almost every campout with their son, and now you've crossed into a new Troop with people you barely know. They are all telling you it will be fine and you need to stay home, but you have reservations.

I'm a Webelo parent too, and I can sympathize how they feel. We used to be a tight nit group, but now for the first time in 4yrs we are going to be part of a melting pot of mostly people we don't know.

I don't have all of the answers, but personally, I would rather my son cross over in late summer/ fall. Have several campouts under his belt before embarking to summer camp for a week. He may be better equipted to do it without me, I certainly would have more time to learn the SM, ASM's and Patrol leaders.

It's been said that scouts who don't participate in summer camp are more likely to drop out of scoutg all together. I believe that statement. But... by pushing boys to summer camp that may or may not be ready is doing more harm than good. If you strong arm the boys and parents you'll wind up loosing them.

I'm curious. Of the boys who didn't go to summer camp, what was their reason? I bet most of the boys/parents had some level of discomfort and when pushed, they get out of Scouting all together. (I realize there are many reasons boys drop out of scouting and summer camp most likely is not the biggest reason, but I just have to wonder, how many drop out because of this.)

If I were a Scoutmaster (and I may very well be one of a new Troop soon) that I would offer/allow parents of new Scouts (especially new crossovers) to come along at summer camp. Their campsites would be separate from the scouts.

Most likely this will be their last campout with the Scouts (unless they are a leader) because as their boys get older, it will be very "uncool" to have mom or dad around. It's a win, win for the Troop. You have a parent to help at camp, you have a happy parent/scout and one that will stay with the Troop. Most parents, after they have made it thru Cub Scouts want to help the Troop in some way, they just need a little more attention that first year.

Knowing how I feel now as a Cub Scout parent, when I get to a Troop, it will be very important to send some Scouts to prospective Webelos dens to make them feel more comfortable about Boy Scouts. Involve them in some Troop activites BEFORE they cross over. That does not happen in my area right now. Parents are expected to bring the Boys to the Troop and disappear. Just not the right way to do it.

Like I said before, I don't have all or just some of the answers. I just want to honestly convey how some of the Cubbers feel about the new world of Boy Scouting.

Thank you for listening to my rambling.

Buffalo (of the Woodbadge kind)

I realize this is an old thread, but I wanted to weigh in anyway.

I'm currently a Webelos Ldr. Our boys have been together since Tigers. We are looking at Troops right now. We know nothing about them, nor most of the Leaders/parents in them.

It seems that for many Scout leaders, they just don't understand when an new scout and parent are apprehensive about Camp. Remember, these kid/parents have been camping together for the past 5 years. The parents know each other and have built the element of trust with each other. Most of the time the parents have become good friends.

If there are not at least a couple of the past Webelos den parents in the Troop leadership going along, then the scout and parents don't know anyone. I won't turn my boy loose with people/boys I just met 4 months ago. And thats assuming a Feb cross-over.

Overprotective?? you bet. I just don't think that a new scout who has just crossed over (10 or 11yrs old) needs to be turned loose for a week, with people the barely know..

IMHO

JR

Its a little "old school" but Follow Me Boys is a classic.

Well, its been almost a year.

How did it go?

Jeff

Encouraging words today about the formation of a new Troop. Committee forming to begin the layout the structure and fill positions.

The initial time frame is sketchy, church is building a new family center to be completed in spring of 09. Our Webelos, due to cross over Feb 09. Seems like a perfect fit.

When should I tell Council of the plans? I know that may sound crazy so I'll explain my thought process.

1. Find a potential CO who wants to host a Boy Scout Troop.

2. Make sure canididate CO fills Troop needs and is genuinely excited about it.

3. Found our CO (co currently constructing Family center,completion is spring 09)

4. Secured "go ahead" to start forming Leadership Committee

5. Webelos are scheduled to cross over Feb 09 (seems like perfect timing, huh?)

6. If for some unforseen reason, the leadership team does not materialize, we have the option of going to an established Troop.

7. After the leadership team has been chosen, Council will be notified.

The whole reason for not letting Council in on the process earlier, is the possible pressure to form a Troop before its ready. I don't know for sure if they would try to push the process but I don't know if they wouldn't.

Thats the latest. I'll let you know how it goes.

JR

Source,

This sounds real familiar. What size Troop are you? I'm betting your a small Troop, don't recruit much and do virtually no High Adventure.

What kind of Committee do you have? I'm guessing virtually none.

Just sounds very familiar.

I apologize for missing information and being vague. I didn't realize it until I re-read my post.

I'm a Webelos Den Leader, past Assistant Cubmaster, Treasurer, Advancement Chair and just finished my ticket for Woodbadge.

My den includes 16 Webelos. Of that 16, 9 of the boys have been together since Tigers. Of the parents in the den, there are 4 past Assistant Cubmasters, 1 past Cubmaster (currently assistant cubmaster) and my wife which is a past Bear and Tiger den leader. The remaining parents contribute to activities and have various contacts for conducting fundraising events.

Here is the deal.

We live in town that has 11 Cub Scout packs and 4 Troops.

The LDS Troop is mainly for LDS kids.

One Troop in town has a great Scoutmaster. About 14 Scouts strong. Don't know too much from this Troop other than bumping into the Scoutmaster at an event here and there. We'll make a visit here.

The largest Troop in town is about 32 Scouts. They have fabulous leadership, well organized, well run. Pretty much boy led and active. I've spoken to some of the leaders about bringing in 16 boys, and the re-action has been one of hesitation/reluctance. I'm not saying they don't want us, but they are certainly not recruiting us. We will make our visits to them.

Our C/O Troop has about 6 boys. The Scoutmaster restarted the Troop a few years back and I certainly respect him for that. They are pretty much not boy led, have a general lack of enthusiasm from the Scoutmaster down to the Scouts. The C/O is a small country organization and is not involved at all. (The members of the c/o organization had boys and started the Troop as their boys grew older and aged out of Scouting, there were no replacements to keep the Troop going. So it disbanded.) The present Scoutmaster brought it back 6 or 7 years ago, if we go here there will be immediate issues about who will lead the Troop. After the "dust settles" we still have to realize we are chartered to an organization who views us as a hinderance more than an asset.

Back to present:

We have Church in town who really wants a Troop. The pastor and leadership, will provide assistance, a meeting place and support. The currently have a Pack there.

We could go to the larger Troop and most likely all will be well.

I realize it is a big task,a commitment for several years, but the thought of building something is a very exciting prospect. While we are taking our visits to the other Troops, we are also assembling a leadership team.

You know whats most intresting about all of this? If just one of those Troops would show intrest by sending a leader and a couple of Scouts to one of our den meetings, it would most likely "seal the deal". It's a shame, if only the Troops could realize how much the Cub Scouts look up to the older boys of Scouting. I can say the same about Troop Leaders and Cub Scout leaders.

The Webelos parents agree, we have a great opportunity to start something special and have vowed to remember how much the Blue tabbers look up to the Red tabbers. The outcome should result in an overall stronger Scouting presence in our town.

I hope this paints a more clearer picture.

YIS

Jeff

Our group of parents are currently investigating the possibilities of starting a new Troop.

Other than the obvious, starting out from scratch, what is the most challenging part?

Just wanted some input from the "been there and done that" members.

Thank you in advance.

Jeff

You may try publishing calendars. Sell small ads (business card size) for $25 and more for larger ads. Make sure every page has a Pack or Troop photo. Troop action photos of camping, hiking, fishing or performing community service.

Most business's will be very willing and proud to help the Scouts. You'll find most are very enthusiastic about the community knowing they are supporting Scouting.

After you sell enough ads, get them printed and give them away to the business's who purchased ads.

Jeff

I'm curious how many Scout troops are funded or partially funded by their CO. I know of a few units which are chartered to churches where they are considered an Outreach Ministry of the Church. They are given $$ and transportation.

Our unit is Chartered by a civic organization that provides a meeting place only.

Thanks

Jeff

Intresting topic. My council just re-organized districts here in Central KY.

Previously our district was 90+ miles end to end. (thats a conservative guess). The county I live in was grouped with 5 other counties. We'll have 3600 scouts and 110 units. The proximity is pretty close. And we'll have two DE's.

With that many units in realive close proximity, we should have better events and hopefully plenty of help at events.

Only time will tell.

I'm happy to say that I'm a Webelos Leader of a Super Den of 16 Webelos. 11 have been together since Tigers. They recruited 5 new boys this year. I'm blessed to have a bunch of helpful parents.

The boys and parents are friends outside of Scouts too. In my opinion, the parental friendship and continuity is the key.

The other dens in the Pack don't share the same success. Their meetings are business like and the boys/ parents just don't have the same bond. The parents don't seem to be as intrested.

I suppose every once in a while a group of boys/ parents come together and really enjoy each other. That makes it real easy to have fun events and the boys really get excited to do the activities, be it camping or fundraising.

Its all in the Chemistry.

Jeff

I don't have the website, but I rebuilt a Coleman Stove and a couple of lanterns a few months ago.

You can Google, Coleman Lanterns or How to Rebuild Coleman Lanterns. There are sites that will go step by step the disassembly and reassembly.

You can get parts from Coleman for several older items.

I had one lantern with a faulty check valve in the tank. Those can be very tough to remove and require a special tool.

Jeff

I like them, Not those prebuilt units fabricated months in advance by the leader, but the units which you can tell the boys had the idea and built preferably from onsite materials.

I prefer ones that are simple and lashed together.

Some things considered "old fashioned" are good things. Does the word Tradition mean anything?

JR

Boy does your story sound familiar. We plan on crossing in Dec 2008. In our case, it really depends on which Troop our boys select. The Troop in town is large and has several established leaders. Our CO's Troop is small and we'll be expected to play a significant role.

To be honest, we've been so involved in Cub Scouts, I can't really see us stepping back when Boy Scouts come along. We both enjoy it along with our son. Its a real family affair.

Thats the way I look at it. I want to go on the trips and outings just as much as our son does. I'm sure we'll be knee deep in what ever Troop we decide.

Jeff

Let me first say, I'm a Cub Scouter. This discussion is very intresting. In my hometown there are 3 troops. Two smaller troops where they have had the same Scoutmaster for quite some time. Both are 10 boys are less. Membership is stagnant at best.

The one Troop that is growing, has a strong leadership and strong pool of intrested parents. They change Scoutmasters every couple of years.

I know of a troop in a nearby town, that has the same Scoutmaster for the past 20 years. While, I applaud their dedication, it may be best to have some type of term limit. This would ensure "fresh" thinking and new blood at the Troop level.

I'm not saying the previous Scoutmaster has to leave the program entirely. They can be a great source of assistance to the new Scoutmaster.

Just an opinion from a Troop outsider, aka Cubber.

Buff