ScoutNut

We do banners rather than regular flags. Easier to make & you can vary the size to fit the number of scouts you have. A large piece of felt, fleece, or even a sheet can be used. Cut into a large rectangle with one end flat & one either flat or pointed. You then put some kind of picture in the center (Wolf head?), your Pack & den info at the top. You then have each boy write his name in fabric paint around the center picture. You can have each boy do a handprint (or wolf print) by his name too. Sew or glue a pocket at the top, slip a nice tree branch thru the pocket, attach a cord, rope, lashing or whatever to each end of the branch to hang the flag. You can decorate the ends of the branch with more cord with beads, feathers, etc on it. Fill a large popcorn tin with sand, stick a long branch with lots of knobbie parts at the top into the sand. Hang your flag from a knob on the branch (or if you want, screw in a cup hook).

Shared Leadership can be G-R-R-E-A-T! For paperwork, there are some spreadsheets out there that might help. I found one and modified for me. I try to keep it updated on my PC, but usually find it is easier to simply use the hard copy and write on it. One of my spreadsheets is a calendar showing what we did for each meeting and who was there. That makes it easier to sign off on den things in their books & figure out who gets what award at Pack meetings. I collect & take home all handbooks the meeting before Pack meeting so I can sign & update all records for accurate awards. Consider making a Den Flag and/or Den Totem where the boys can see where they are on their Tiger Trail. I have an orange flag with a black paw for each boy that he can attach beads to. Kind of similar to their pocket Totem. KISMIF !! BTW - I currently have 10 Tigers (1 set of triplets!) our first meeting is this Sat!

A few things to keep in mind. While, as I said, what the leaders are comfortable with doing has a big impact on what a Troop does, always keep in mind that it is the GIRLS Troop. We should not be pushing our agenda on them, we should be letting them make their Troop into what THEY want it to be. At the Junior level they are still learning how to put things together on their own. So, go slow, give them input, give them options. Also, don't be disappointed if they don't go along with what you (& your daughter) want all of the time. If you are planning on starting a brand new Troop, consider letting prospective girls know before they register with you, that the Troop will have a focus on the outdoors. Try your darnedest not to look at the GSUSA program thru BSA eyes. The GSUSA program has a lot to offer the girls. Don't just dump it, or discount it. Last & BIGGEST thing - The program is CHANGING in TWO years. We currently have no idea what the new level programing will look like. We don't know what will stay, what will go, or what will stay in a revised form. I will assume that your daughter is in 4th grade. That means that you should work under the concept that they will only be in Juniors for 2 years & will bridge to the new Cadette program at 6th grade. There is a LOT to do in the Junior book. There are awards for them to earn like leadership & the GS Bronze Award. The Bronze is the first of the "big" awards they can earn. If any of your girls decide to go for the Bronze they should probably start fairly soon. Juniors is also a good time to work on Religious Emblems if they are so inclined. BTW - Good luck on the head-to-toe uniforming 100% of the time! Although my girls were still pretty good with it as Juniors. When they went to Cadettes (7th grade) they voted to use only the vest. If they absolutely HAD to go formal, they voted on white top & black bottoms with their blue vest. Hmmm, maybe that's why National decided on their uniform change! I sure wish they would dump the sash though. It is REALLY irritating because it keeps falling off & it holds next to nothing in the way of patches!

There are many different kinds of folklore. Tall Tales Songs Ghost Stories Myths Legends (including Urban) Fairy Tales Poetry Superstitions To name just a few. The story of Nessie would fit right in. Personally, I always liked the work of the Brothers Grimm, Greek Mythology and the folk songs of Steve Goodman. There are some pretty cool American Indian stories out there too!

"I do think that GSUSA is less open to family participation (though I hear that this policy is officially changing)" I have not heard that one. Unless this new go-round includes a significant change on family involvement, Girl Scouts has never been as "family friendly" as say, Cub Scouts. GS is focused on the girl gaining independence and usually limits parent involvement to drivers or needed extra adult bodies. My Troop was always pretty heavy on parent involvement. At least 1 parent (usually Mom) from each family was registered. Of course part of this was because we had a VERY overprotective mom who would do her DD's chore for her, who wanted to come on every camping trip. We squelched this for a while by telling parents you had to be a registered leader to go on trips. When she eventually registered her DD was old enough to tell he to back off (& we did too!). "I have to work hard to encourage some of the girls to try new or dirty or outdoors activities." OMG I hear you! The DD of the Mom above was Miss Fashion Plate! We had one other girl in our years that was almost as bad (although no one could match Miss Fashion Plate!) and others who were not real keen on the outdoors. "I don't know why so many dads who support their sons won't also support their daughters." THANK YOU!! They are NOT alien beings they are their daughters for goodness sakes! They refuse to register because they don't want to be known as a "Girl Scout". GET OVER IT!!!! If your council gives you a hard time, do it anyway & give them (& all of the crazy ladies who think that an involved Dad will corrupt their poor little dear Princess) a hard time right back! Sheesh! OK, Can you tell that is one of my hot buttons? You make choices. Are you going to be involved in your daughters life, or aren't you. Pretty simple. And the various different brands of research tend to tell us that the more BOTH parents are involved, the better the child does.

FYI - From another GS list : ************************************************************************* Statement from Girl Scouts of the USA : Important Information - Please Read The weekend of August 25, 2006, Girl Scouts of the USA's National Board of Directors endorsed momentous decisions that will guide the future of the Girl Scout Movement For nearly two years, the Movement has been undergoing a thorough internal review process, evaluating its business strategy and the way it provides Girl Scouting to girls. Many of the exciting changes you'll read about below, which will begin to take effect in October 2008, were a direct result of that work. The board discussions that took place were highly thoughtful and utilized all data and research available including volunteer, girl and council input and the work of the past two years. That work, which kicked off at the 50th National Convention/Council Session, included countless focus groups, strategy cafes, teleconferences, work sessions, polls, and formal and informal conversations with thousands of girls, volunteers and staff; as well as discussions with academic and youth experts. In particular, volunteers by the scores participated in these various forums to discuss the important decisions that were to be made. The generosity of time from volunteers across the country made the final recommendations to the National Board true representations of the needs of our girls and those we will serve into the future. The National Board and indeed all of us thank you for your time and passion Before their official vote, several board members expressed deeply passionate and personal remarks that chronicled the journey to the decisions; many of their comments echoed your input from the field. These were not easy decisions; they are life changing and every single board member was highly aware of this. The process to get to these decisions has been highly participatory and transparent throughout. The national organization has read every letter, every e-mail and responded to every call, and as a result, these decisions have been made in partnership with us. As a result, Girl Scouting is being held as an example of how to manage change in the public benefit sector. The decisions focus on the organization's desired impact on the lives of girls and the structure that gives the capacity to have this impact. All changes will begin to be phased in as of October 1, 2008 , and councils will transition based on their individual readiness. Between now and then, GSUSA will work with councils to provide program, human resources, marketing, council services and volunteer development support. A new volunteer model/ training system and Girl Scout curricula are being developed, and everyone will be given ample time and support to transition to these new models. During this period of transition, GSUSA continues to welcome input from our field on recommendations for a volunteer system that works for our volunteers and guarantees a consistent Girl Scout experience for all girls. Please send your feedback to : programideas@girlscouts.org Decisions of GSUSA's National Board of Directors: New Nationwide Map of Council Jurisdictions The National Board approved a new Girl Scout council map that features 109 Girl Scout councils, which will create the infrastructure with which the organization will have the greatest impact on girls' lives nationwide. Program Model Endorsement The National Board endorsed a Girl Scout Leadership Development Program, which will develop girls' leadership skills by engaging them in activity cycles based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the vision expressed in the Girl Scout Mission Statement: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. This leadership philosophy enables us as one national Movement to speak consistently about the impact of Girl Scouting on girls' lives. Transitioning Changes will be phased in beginning in October 2008. The organization is committed to supporting volunteers so that you fully understand the leadership experience and the exciting opportunities that exist for you and girls. As part of our journey ahead, the national organization is committed to: Providing tools and support to councils, to educate volunteers on the strengths of the new plans for age differentiation. Providing clear transition guidance to councils and tips for volunteers during the two year prep period. Providing girls with a two year transition period, which enables them to carry out plans and projects they have begun in the current system. Ensuring time to fully educate adults about the program curricula. GSUSA continues to rely on your feedback as we move forward into the next phase of this process. Please share with us samples of badges, awards and activities that have been developed locally and are embraced by girls, as well as your favorite sections from existing Girl Scout materials. We also want to hear what your favorite activities for girls of all ages are related to leadership, community service and action. We look forward to receiving your ideas, which can be emailed to GSUSA at : programideas@girlscouts.org by December 15th, 2006

Girl Scouts are not generally into shooting sports. I have never heard of a shooting range on any GSUSA camp facility. Horses, swimming, boat, maybe sometimes archery, but never BB's or rifles. For training, GSUSA councils (like BSA councils) will usually list the info on their website. What you have to understand is that GSUSA is NOT BSA in any way shape or form. To expect the same activites and the same sort of program is setting yourself & your daughter up for a fall. Also, even more so than in Cubs, what the Girl Scout Troop does, even in a older, more girl run Troop, depends on what their adult leaders are comfortable with. If the leaders are not campers, they are not going to take the girls out in a tent, much less down a river in a canoe. If their local GSUSA council does not provide some kind of outdoor stuff many of the leaders will not do it on their own. Most councils do NOT provide programing for their members. Or, if they do it is usually VERY expensive. Programing is left up to the area groups to do on their own, usually with the older girls running it.

OK, Yesterday Scout Stuff had Wolf & Bear, Den Meeting in a Box for Zoo Adventures. Today all the have is the Tiger one (which they did NOT have yesterday). It's under their "NEW" tab. http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/default.aspx?ctgy=PRODUCTS&C2=NEW&C3=&C4=&LV=2

Actually, it's not such a change. Even though uniforms are not technically required, girls now are supposed to wear their uniform any time they are participating in something in view of the public. Some of these would be a flag ceremony for your PTA, town, or whoever; Girl Scout Sunday; Destinations; any photo op; etc.

FireKat, just a comment on something that you mentioned - "one adult is trying to change our troop form one with an excellent reputation of high expectations and produce eagles" Your Troop does realize that making Eagle Rank is NOT a Purpose or Aim of the BSA, right? Advancement is simply ONE of the methods that we use. Maybe this adult feels that your Troop is more of an Eagle mill? Just something to consider. "these are the type that are pushing 10yos to go thru the Citizenship MB series" I don't see the problem with new Scouts doing a Citizenship merit badge. What merit badges a boy chooses to work on & when he chooses to do them is HIS choice ONLY. It is not up to the parent, committee or SM to tell the boys what/when they can work on. When a boy comes up to the SM to request a blue card, if the SM feels the merit badge might be a bit over his head he can discuss it with the Scout. However, in the end it is up to the SCOUT to decide. If a 10 year old new Scout is really keen on doing a Citizenship merit badge, why kill his interest?

Studio 2B - This crazy thing was never "supposed" to be a GS level. It is a type of programing for "Girl Scouts 11-17". Since GSUSA has dumped tons of $$ into this, I doubt it will be scrapped. It will most likely be part (all? ) of the programing for Cadette, Senior & Ambassador Girl Scouts. GSUSA is now taking program ideas for all levels. Send them an e-mail with your comments & ideas. They do seem to be listening somewhat. Campus GS - They are not youth members. Campus GS are considered adult volunteers. I am sure GSUSA will get to the volunteers eventually, but for now Campus GS are not changing, except for the uniform thing.

"In my council BALOO training is a day and a half, including an overnight campout." BALOO is a 1-day training course per the syllabus. If your council is making it into an overnight it might be including Webelos Outdoor with the BALOO training. Or, it might simply be offering the convenience of staying overnight if your location is a distance from your council area.

From your Flint River Council - http://www.flintrivercouncil.org/index.php?pr=BALOO This describes what is involved in the training and gives your council's dates. You are lucky that you have 5 opportunities this Fall to take BALOO. We have 1 in the Fall & 1 in the Spring. Our BALOO is usually from 8am to 4pm. We do our best to stay on shedule and get finished on time. We hold ours at our council's local Cub Camp so folks can get a feel for what camping there is like. We start with a gathering and a flag ceremony and finish with certificate presentations. In between there is some indoor classroom type stuff and outdoor hands-on type stuff. Hopefully there will be a sample campsite set up for you to see. You will be making foil packs for your lunch & participating in a mock campfire. If you are REALLY lucky you might have an energetic Scout or Scouter prepare a DO Cobbler for your dessert! Even if you camp regularly as a family, it is not the same as taking your Cub Pack on an overnighter. BSA has rules & regulations that they expect to be followed. BALOO will show you how to do all of that. It should be a long, fun, productive day. ENJOY!! PS - When you fill out your feedback form at the end, make sure you let your staff know what a GREAT job they did!!

The family has filed suit on behalf of their son before. I don't know, it just seems like an excuse for publicity to me. Parents said they did not need to attend with & refused to attend with their son. Then sued because the Troop would not allow him to attend activities on his own & would not advance him. I can understand trying to give their son the room to do things on his own, but I think a better way would have been to attend activities with their son until the Troop leaders became comfortable with the situation. I am sure there are many sides to this story, but I can't help feeling this family handled the situation inappropriately. http://www.prweb.com/releases/disabilities/autism/prweb426197.htm Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 24, 2006 - Lawyers for a young boy with autism announced today that they have filed a complaint against the Western Los Angeles County Council of Boy Scouts of America and Pacific Palisades, CA-based Troop 223 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit seeks injunctive relief and damages for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiff C.R., an 11-year-old boy with high-functioning autism, and his parents Michael Reilly and N. Jane DuBovy claim the defendants denied the plaintiff and others with autism equal access to and full participation in the Boy Scouts facilities and services because of their disabilities, which is discriminatory and violates state and federal law. The ADA was enacted to provide relief for people just like C.R., who because of their disabilities and the misunderstanding surrounding their disabilities are considered unable to fully participate in activities others take for granted, said Shawna Parks, Director of Litigation for the Disability Rights Legal Center. Although we have tremendous respect for the Boy Scouts, the organization still must comply with the law and make their programs available to all boys. C.R. joined the Cub Scouts in September 2000. With the help of his parents he flourished for five years and met scouting requirements for promotion to the Webelos and then to Boy Scouts Troop 223 in 2005. Around that time, a scout leader advised the family that C.R. would only be allowed to attend meetings and an overnight camping trip when accompanied by his father. No other child in the troop was subjected to similar restrictions. Because participating in the camping trip was mandatory for moving to the next scouting level, the scouts actions precluded C.R. from moving to the next level. This penalized C.R. through no fault of his own. Because of these restrictions, C.R. was excluded from the camping trip and feels humiliated and rejected by the entire troop. Worse yet, the scouts e-mailed C.R.s parents and actually advised them that they were excluding C.R. from advancing in the scouts because of his autistic disability. We understand the scout leaders concerns, but we have a track record with C.R. and his troop. We feel we have addressed the concerns more than adequately during our years of involvement with Troop 223, said Ms. DuBovy. Based on C.R.s experiences, we know that our child is capable of handling the rigors of scouting with minor accommodations. In fact, he successfully attended an overnight event this year with his 6th grade class without incident. What happened with the Boy Scouts has had a profound impact on our son. We want to fix this going forward so that he can participate just like any other child and so that no other child in our community will be ostracized because of a disability. In addition to a preliminary and permanent injunction that will allow C.R. to be reinstated in Troop 223 at the level he would have achieved before the controversy, C.R. and his parents are requesting a jury trial that would settle any disagreement regarding the Boy Scouts responsibility to welcome and accommodate boys with disabilities into the organization. The plaintiffs are represented by Los Angeles lawyers Barak Lurie, Christopher Knauf and the Disability Rights Legal Center. The case number is CV 06-5171 SJO. Barak Lurie has practiced in the federal and state courts since 1989. His offices focus predominantly in general civil litigation. Mr. Lurie will serve as lead counsel in the litigation.

"Why on earth does Chicagoland need 7 councils?" "One media market, one council, period. That should be the rule." Unlike you, I'm from one of those Chicagoland councils. I happen to like the way it is set up now. I like a council where you know the folks who work there and boys and volunteers are not just names and numbers on a spreadsheet to them. Bigger does not necessarialy mean better. If you want to see giant, mega councils at work, check out GSUSA in the next few years.

Personally, I think it is a hoot that after all of their posturing and going on about their great in-depth research on Studio-2B, the going away from level names to simply Girls Scouts 11-17, and girls preferring to name their own "clubs", that we are once again back to Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts! I guess they finally realized that the "Hot Pants Club" might not be such a good name for a Girl Scout Troop. I think it also helped that the GIRLS were VERY vocal about their dislike of the whole thing. I REALLY hope that their "in-depth research" this time was done better and more "in-depth" than their last go around. It does look better and sounds promising, but we shall see what kind of programing they come up with to go along with the new levels. It looks like the Junior level will see the least change. They have basically always been grades 4-6 and with the Junior program being pretty new, GSUSA might not change much at all. The Brownie program the way it is now can be done in 2 years. Making it grades 2-3 would start the girls off with better reading, writing & communication skills. Having Cadette be just 2 years, grades 7-8, is not bad. My girls did Cadette in that time frame & got a LOT accomplished. They earned one of their religious emblems along with their Girls Scout Silver Award (old way). The Senior/Ambassador levels could be interesting based on the programing involved. I wonder if this means YET ANOTHER rewrite for the GS Silver & Gold Awards? The level that is the most problematic in my mind is Daisy in grades K-1. That program will have to be completely redone. I can NOT see doing the current Daisy program for 2 years. Well, GSUSA has 2 years to whip a program together. Of course they will also be dealing with the merging councils and all of the changes that will entail. I guess the only thing we can do is ride it out with our fingers crossed that they do a decent job of it. Unfortunately, based on past experience, I have my doubts. Please GSUSA, surprise me!!

Adopted by National Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of the USA at meeting held August 26, 2006. PROGRAM MODEL ENDORSEMENT MOVED by Sharon Matthews, and seconded, RESOLVED, That the National Board endorses a Girl Scout Leadership Development Program whose purpose is to build leadership skills by engaging girls in activity cycles based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the vision expressed in the Girl Scout mission statement: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place; and further RESOLVED, That this action be effective October 1, 2008, and supersede and rescind all previous National Board action on the Girl Scout Program Model - 4 program goals. Adopted AMENDMENT OF MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS MOVED by Mrs. Matthews, and seconded, WHEREAS, To meet the needs of girls, it is necessary to differentiate groups by grade level, thereby requiring a realignment of membership age groups and the addition of a new identifying name; and WHEREAS, To strengthen the Girl Scout brand, the words Girl Scout will be included and emphasized at the beginning of each identifying name; RESOLVED, That the following membership age groups and identifying names be effective October 1, 2008: Grades Names K-1 Girl Scout Daisy 2-3 Girl Scout Brownie 4-5 Girl Scout Junior 6-8 Girl Scout Cadette 9-10 Girl Scout Senior 11-12 Girl Scout Ambassador and further RESOLVED, That this action supersede and rescind all previous National Board action on membership standards. Adopted GIRL SCOUT UNIFORM MOVED by Sharon Matthews, and seconded, WHEREAS, It is necessary to update Girl Scout uniform requirements; RESOLVED, That the Girl Scout uniform shall be such that The following elements are required: Girl Scouts at each level will have one official uniform item (e.g. tunic, vest, sash) for the display of official pins and awards. This uniform item will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement. The official dress code will unite girls as Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts will wear solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts with their official uniform item, which will be required when they participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement. The adult uniforms will be a scarf worn with the membership pins for women and a tie for men. The scarf/tie and membership pins will be worn with navy blue business attire. The following elements are available: Girl Scouts at the Daisy and Brownie levels will continue to have a full uniform ensemble available. Girl Scouts in high school will also have a scarf, uniting them in the WAGGGS tradition. Girl Scouts of the USA will continue to develop and offer a range of appealing casual wear for girls and adults. And further RESOLVED, That this action be effective October 1, 2008, and supersede and rescind all previous National Board action taken on Girl Scout uniforms. Adopted

Although most of our dens meet at our CO, we have had some who prefer to meet at their homes for one reason or another. It seems to work out well for them. Check out community rooms at your library, park district & police/fire stations. Also, try working with your CO on your meeting area. If they can let you know far enough in advance that the room will be used, you can shedule your meeting elsewhere, or do an outing on that particular day. Hopefully they are not just calling you the day before to say the room is unavailable. That would be just down right rude. If that is the case, you might have to remind them that part of what they agree to as a CO is to provide meeting space.

WDLMom, it seems your council has not been following National policy on BS Camporees. For a number of years now it has been BSA National policy that Webelos are NOT to camp at or participate in Boy Scout Camporees. Their thinking is that the activities are for Boy Scouts only and are not age appropriate to Webelos Cub Scouts. Webelos can visit & see what goes on, but should not participate. BSA encourages Webelos dens to camp with Boy Scout Troops at Troop camping events that are planned with the Webelos needs (& CUB YP & CUB G2SS) rules in mind. Joint Webelos den / BS Troop campouts let the Webelos see specific Troops in "action" and strengthens the ties between the Troop & the Pack. If it is to much trouble for your local BS Troop to plan a campout for your Webelos then maybe that Troop is not a good fit for your families. Talk to other Troops, I am sure that there are some in your area that would be thrilled to take your Webelos on a campout. BTW, I am sure that your council is planning on using Boy Scouts as Youth Staff at the Webelos Woods, but the Boys Scouts should NOT participate as campers.

From BSA's Webelos-Ree (current name for Webelos Woods) info - http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/resources/13-238/scope.html "The local council sets the Webelos Scout-adult ratio for the event. In most cases, a parent or guardian will accompany each boy. In all cases, a responsible adult will be designated for each youth participant." That means that if your council has set the ratio at 5-1, there has to be at LEAST 1 adult for every 5 scouts. You can have more adults, but not less. Usually there is also a minimum of 2 adults to satisfy the 2-deep YP rules. National Stardards for Council-Organized Family Camps are what is usually used. Den camping on your own is a bit different than den camping at a council event. Camping on your own, the den leader is responsible for the entire campout - program, site, food, equipment, etc. That is why it is a good idea for the den leader not to be in charge of boys other than their own. They simply have to much other stuff to attend to. Camping at a council event however, the council handles all of that. Council provides food, staff, program and just about everything else. The den adults are only responsible for only their Webelos & a den leader can be responsible for more than just their own boy. "Parent or Guardian Responsibilities - The participation of the parent or guardian is critical to the Webelos Scout's safety and well-being. In most cases, a parent or guardian will accompany each boy. In all cases, a responsible adult will be designated for each youth participant and must be present at the Webelos-ree at all times. Taking part in the various activities, events, and stations provides an opportunity for the Webelos Scout and his parent or guardian to spend quality time together."

"The All of Us" sounds like a GREAT name to me! Hopefully your District will get their Day, or Twilight Camp stuff together better for next year. Or maybe you will give the regular Summer Camp a try (think BB's & Archery)! Most of the Packs & Troops around here do not meet weekly during the summer months. With everyone on vacation & all of the summer activities, it is just unrealistic for us. We do plan 1 or 2 activities per month for our Pack. In June we had our Family Campout. July was Parent/Pal Summer Camp Weekend & a minor league baseball game. August is District Day Camp, Pack picnic & a rocket shoot. One of my new Tigers will have attended all 6 of our summer activities & has earned his National Summertime Award!

From one who has tried to attend SM outdoor & ended up on staff for BALOO instead, what can I say! I know how hard it is to get staff volunteers. I also know that without volunteers to staff the training, the training can not take place. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you ask!) my district/council training chairs know I am a sucker for this. If asked, I will do what I can to rearrange my Pack responsibilities so that I can I can help other leaders get the training they need, or to help the boys get the programing they deserve. I do occasionally draw the line, but I then feel REAL bad if the event gets canceled. As I said, I'm a sucker!

"He most likely will be a bit lost in Boy Scouts because he is not really prepared." "Preparation for what? There are no prerequisites to join Boy Scouts other than the age/grade requriement. Imposing other requirements is improper." I am not sure how you get "imposing requirements" out of being "prepared" for Boy Scouts. One of the 10 Purposes of Cub Scouting is Preparation for Boy Scouts. As I am sure you know, Cub Scouting is VERY different from Boy Scouting. They are 2 completely different programs. Preparation for Boy Scouting is what the Webelos to Scout Transition is all about. From the BSA National - Webelos to Scout Transition : "By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to cross over, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure." Pargolf stated that the boy is a 4th grade Webelos, but would most likely not participate in any Webelos activities at all, just simply show up for cross-over in February. This is why I stated that he might not be really prepared for Boy Scouts & might feel a bit lost in a program that is so totally different from Cubs. However, that decision is up to the boy, his family, & the BS Troop he wants to join - not the Pack.

The Program Helps will give you lots of ideas. Songs / Skits / Run-ons Games Demonstrations Special programs (first aid by fire dept, wildlife center, police dogs, etc) Getting the parents involved is simple - just do it. All activities, including games, songs & skits, are for EVERYBODY, parents & sibs too. If you need someone to be in charge of something, go up to a likely looking parent & ask them to do it. Have dens responsible for (host) each Pack meeting.

Once the boy is 11 years old, barring special circumstances, I do not think that he can be rechartered as a Cub Scout anyway. Scoutnet will not accept the registration at the Cub level. The dad can register him with any Troop at any time after he turns 11 years old. He does not need the permission of the Pack, does not need to earn AOL, & it really does not matter if he knows anyone in the Troop either. If the SM accepts his application he is in the Troop. After that it is up to the Troop how they want to handle him. It is a shame he has not participated more. Hopefully his den can get a den camping trip in before February. He most likely will be a bit lost in Boy Scouts because he is not really prepared. Then again, he has 2 older brothers in the Troop so he wil know someone & maybe he has been doing stuff at home with them. If he manages to earn the Webelos badge that would be great. He can receive that before he crosses over. I would make a point, however, to have completely separate AOL & crossover ceremonies. Also, unless your Pack's program was unusually bad, there is really no need to feel upset about being "forced" to be a member for a year more than this other boy. The other boy is the one who is being shortchanged, not your son.