The first step in a successful Webelos (Webelos-to-Scout) transition is finding the right Scouts BSA troop to join. Some packs, like those sponsored by many churches, are already “feeder” packs for specific troops, which makes this step easy. Parents and Webelos Scouts, with help from their pack leaders, should do some homework in preparation for the move by learning about all of the options available in their local area.
First Impressions
A key factor in deciding on a troop is the location and time of meetings. Make sure both of these fit your needs. But finding a good troop goes deeper than just schedule considerations.
“The key is getting the Webelos Scouts introduced to the Scouts in the troop,” says Bob Scott, the BSA’s Cub Scout experience manager. “It’s a relationships business.”
Meeting with potential troops — either during a formal visit or at an activity — allows parents and Scouts to interact and decide if the troop is a good fit. Visits can be scheduled by parents, packs or even with help from the district. Some districts also sponsor activities designed to bring Webelos Scouts and Scouts BSA members together, such as a Webelos Woods campout, daytime activity or troop open house.
“Visit at least three troops on two different occasions,” suggests Katie Bradeen, committee chair for Pack 51 in Schertz, Texas. “Talk with other parents and leaders and ask questions about fundraising, communication styles, advancement, troop gear, committee needs, types of activities and other troop functions.”
Works on Many Levels
If possible, look for a good age mix in a prospective troop.
“It is helpful to join a troop which has Scouts at each grade level, so that when you join there are still some older Scouts in the troop,” explains Sue Miller, a former Webelos Scout parent in Portland, Ore. “Make sure to join a troop that is Scout-led.”
Some troops have a new-Scouts BSA patrol designed specifically to welcome and include younger boys and girls in a comfortable setting. Or, if a Webelos Scout has special needs, such as a learning disability, search for a troop with knowledge on how to deal with his particular situation.
Boys and girls can talk to current Scouts BSA memebrs to find out what they like best and what they would change in their troop. Then, parents and Webelos Scouts should compare notes and discuss their choice together.
Shop Around
Cathy Burks, a Webelos II leader from Texas, took her den to visit a different troop every month from August through January.
“The boys and their parents used a chart to track the differences and similarities between each troop,” she says. “Then they compared the troops and decided which factors were most important to them.”
In addition to visiting and participating with local troops at their events, Salt Lake City Scouter Kathi Robertson says, “We also invited Scouts to attend a few of our monthly Webelos outings. The Scouts were excited to come, and they all became friends, so the transition to the troop was much easier.”
Find a Fit
How do you know when you’ve found the right troop?
Bradeen remembers: “I could hear it in my son’s voice and the way his face lit up when he talked about the experience he had. It felt like the troop fit.”
“Fit” is a good description regarding the BSA’s official advice on the subject. Webelos Scouts and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop and feel excited about beginning this new adventure.
Webelos Scouts in Burks’ Pack 177 transferred into three different troops.
“One boy chose the troop where his brother already attended, while another Scout chose a troop in a neighboring town,” she says. Her son intentionally chose a smaller troop “where he could have more personal attention and early leadership opportunities.”
One caution from Bradeen: “Remember that even if the troop chosen turns out not to be the right one initially, don’t leave Scouting. Instead, change troops!”
Find troops near you at http://beascout.org.
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I strongly encourage the parents in my pack to mostly stay out of the decision. Troops are Scout-led, and we consider the selection of a troop the first big decision our Scouts will make as they move onto the next step of their journey. Parents should be there for their children to talk to, to help them make the decision without prejudice, but should not try to influence the decision. If there are major scheduling or location issues, or a strong family history in a troop, that can be an important factor. However, allowing our youth to make this important decision (while reminding them that they can change troops in the future) gives them ownership of their program from the start. They are more likely to stick with it if they feel like it is truly their “thing.”
My youngest son is in his first Webelos year now and will make this decision next year. Based on his personality and the personalities of the two local troops, I expect that he will choose the same unit his brother is in. If he doesn’t, we will make it work. But that will be his decision.
It should be suggested that the Webelos and a parent attend a Troop camp out. A monthly meeting don’t expose you to how the Troop actually runs. As they say, you don’t truly know someone until you’ve camped with them.
I would also suggest that the Webelos’ parent(s) get to know the other adults in the Troop. Scout lead units still have adult involvement. If a parent doesn’t get along with the other adults, they won’t be apt to help their scout stick with it.
I am not a fan of the first paragraph. It all but says that your Webelos are going to go to the troop for which your Pack is a “feeder”. What if that Troop isn’t nearly as good as other local Troops? What if they don’t work at all to recruit from your Pack while other Troops periodically reach out to work with your Pack? There are tons of stories of youth who don’t stick with Scouting because this bogus arrangement forced them into a unit where they didn’t enjoy themselves.
agree 100% – no such thing as a feeder. One troop does not fit all scouts. Some scouts need a large troop with lots of activity options and other scouts need a small troop so they keep engaged and do not get lost in a big troop.
Is there a master list of Troops that accept girls?