Many times, the fact that a Webelos Scout does not make the transition from Webelos into Boy Scouting is overlooked. But in fact, those transitions could be the difference between a Boy Scout Troop staying alive or folding up, and probably the end of a boy’s Scouting career. Helping boys and parents overcome the obstacles of finding and joining a Boy Scout Troop can usually be accomplished with a small amount of effort, effort which is very well spent.
Webelos is designed as an 18 month program culminating in a grand ceremony to cross the Webelos over to a Boy Scout Troop, usually in February at the Pack’s Blue and Gold dinner. This will give the new Scout time to be part of the summer plans with the Troop (Early bird summer camp reservations are due by May 16th). To help a Webelos Scout in this transition, Packs and Troops are encouraged to hold activities together to make the Webelos Scout comfortable.
Packs should plan to visit one or more Troop, ask for Den Chiefs and invite the Troop(s) to participate in the crossing over ceremony at the Blue and Gold. Troops should appoint good Den Chiefs to help Webelos with their Arrow of Light requirements, invite Webelos to as many Troop activities as possible and attend the February crossing over ceremony.
To help in the transition process, the district has launched a new Webelos to Scout program. By following all the guidelines both Packs and Troops can earn a yearly award for their unit. Details will be forthcoming via your Unit Commissioner, roundtables, and the Two Mountains District email list.
