lilthunder

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we have a Scouter perspective looking at how to transition Webelos. He might not know what has been happening with the parents all along. I'd like some ideas on what others are doing. We're facing many of the same issues. I also believe G2SS specifies that cubs should be under the supervision of their parents or guardians at all times and that there should be a one to two ratio of adults to cubs. There's some interpretation room. We're looking at how we going to integrate parents and webelos into the patrols, or are we going to make then another patrol. Should the parents eat with us and the boys with the scouts. Are we going to put a few webelos and parents with each patrol. Are we going to provide an advancement opportunity for the webelos or general activities for the troop. There are so many possibilities! I'd love to hear what works well in other troops rather than a specific discussion of guidelines. We usually don't have a 1-1 ratio of adult/child like we do at our Webelos camp out, and it swells the numbers.

Ok, so I had to post a reply...first of all, I've read recently that as of 2001, over 60 percent of all families are headed by a female. That's huge when we consider the numbers. For the future of scouting, please make sure you're considering all the moms in this equation and providing for them on the campouts as well. Yes, it adds more complications even above the privacy considerations, because you'll be having more moms than dads who've never camped, and you'll be having more moms than dads with no interest in camping at all, just there for their sons. The payoff in numbers will be great. Don't overlook the fact that many moms will be willing to go just to help out their boys in scouting. Just to let you know a bit about our troop: We have one mom divorced with dad out of state, mom is an ASM, dad is never involved. We have four moms divorced with dads nearby, dad is never involved, three of the moms are either are or have been committee members or active volunteers, the other is the sole contact and always supports scouting. We have a divorced dad who is an ASM, and the mom is not involved. I know another troop where the grandparents do all the scouting. As they teach in Family Life merit badge book, families can take all sizes and shapes...and we need to recognize this. As to what to do with the dads? Not a good question to ask!!