Webelos Guide

A Guide for Webelos Cub Scout Leaders

We welcome all interested youth and families to join us! Please visit our Calendar and coordinate with the Scoutmaster to attend a meeting.

Troop Meetings

Scouts BSA Troop 1396 meets every Tuesday evening throughout the year at Lake Ridge Middle School. Meetings start at 7:30 pm, and we ask that visitors arrive a few minutes early. Enter through the school's main entrance (near the school office on the East side), and proceed straight down the hallway to the all-purpose room/cafetorium (3/4 of the way down on the right).

Eligibility and Joining Process

To join Troop 1396, youth must meet the age requirements: completion of 5th grade, 11 years old, or earned Arrow of Light.

Webelos-to-Scout Transition

We welcome Webelos Scouts and their families to visit and begin the transition process. To ensure a smooth transition, please coordinate with our Scoutmaster prior to your visit.

Transition Process

When you visit, we'll guide your Webelos through the transition requirements:

1. Review of the Scout Oath or Promise, Scout Law, Motto (Be Prepared!), Slogan (Do a Good Turn Daily!), and Outdoor Code.

2. Explanation of the principles they must understand and agree to live by.

Important Next Steps

• Purchase a Scouts BSA Handbook: This is essential for completing requirements and tracking progress. We'll highlight that two requirements for the Scout rank have already been met.

• Understand Scout Emblem Placement: The Scout emblem is worn above the Arrow of Light.

Additional Orientation

Time permitting, we'll cover:

• Scout Salute, Scout Sign, Scout Handshake, Scout Badge, and Square Knot.

• The importance of repeating the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Completing the Joining Process

To become a member of Troop 1396:

1. Complete and submit the Scouts BSA Application and Health and Medical Record form, signed by a parent or guardian.

2. Pay Troop fees.

3. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference to confirm all requirements have been met and ensure readiness to become a Scouts BSA member.

Advancement and Recognition

New Scouts can begin working on Scout Requirements immediately. Advancement recognition will be awarded as soon as requirements are met, unless delayed for presentation at a Troop Court of Honor.

Additional Information

• Our troop has access to experienced leaders and merit badge counselors within the troop as well as Prince William District level to support Scout advancement. Scouts should contact the Troop Merit Badge Counselor to get started.

• We encourage open communication between Scouts, parents, and leaders.

Getting Started

Please contact our Scoutmaster to arrange a visit and start your Scouting journey with Troop 1396!

The ongoing relationship of the leaders from the Pack and Troop is the key factor in improving the Webelos Transition, ensuring that Webelos Scouts become Scouts.

Transitioning Webelos Scouts to Scouts BSA Troops

Shared Goal

The Cubmaster and Webelos Den Leader should aim to graduate every Webelos Scout into a Scouts BSA Troop, promoting a seamless transition and ongoing adventure.

Early Promotion

Begin showcasing the benefits of Scouts BSA to Cub Scouts in Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Dens, highlighting the excitement of the great outdoors.

Pack Responsibilities

To ensure a smooth transition:

• Develop relationships with Troop leaders.

• Coordinate calendars for joint activities.

• Secure Den Chiefs for Webelos Dens.

• Plan Webelos overnighters with Troop leaders.

• Invite Scoutmasters to special Pack events.

• Organize a meaningful crossover ceremony.

• Encourage Webelos leaders to transition to the Troop, providing familiar faces for new Scouts.

Troop Responsibilities

To support Webelos transition:

• Appoint Den Chiefs to work with Webelos Dens.

• Provide resources for Pack overnight activities.

• Host Webelos Den/Troop campouts to demonstrate Troop experiences.

• Arrange Troop meeting visits for Webelos Dens.

• Share Troop activity calendars with Webelos Dens.

• Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences with Webelos Scouts, covering Scout Oath and Law.

• Collaborate with the Cubmaster on a meaningful crossover ceremony.

Key Outcomes

• Seamless transition from Webelos to Scouts BSA

• Familiarity with Troop leaders and activities

• Excitement for ongoing adventure and growth

• Strong foundation for continued Scouting success

By working together, Packs and Troops can ensure a smooth transition and lifelong Scouting experience.

For more details, see BSA Webelos to Scout Transition