webelo leader

[steveh]

Hello every one, My name is Steve. I was recently asked to be the Webelos Leader for our area, and of course I accepted. However this is my first induction to Webelos (cub scout and it is really different from the 11 yr old scouts. Does any one have any extra ideas or resources other the scoutbook.

 

Thank you for all you do!

 

Steve

[ScoutNut]

Welcome Steve & congratulations on being called to serve!

 

The first thing you should do is to get trained for your new position. Cub Scout Fast Start Training is online :

 

http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/faststart/

 

This gives you a good overview of the Cub program with a bit about Webelos. Next you should take Webelos Leader Specific training from your council ASAP. Webelos Leader Outdoor training is a good idea also. It will help you with Webelos Den camping & the Outdoor Activity pins.

 

Visit your Council Scout Shop & get a copy of the Webelos Leader Guide. It will help with program & meeting ideas. I believe it also has information on Webelos as a one year program that you might find useful. The Cub Scout Leader Book might help also.

 

For another place to go for ideas & help from fellow Scouters, this Yahoo group might be good for you:

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Scouts-LDS/

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

[pamchuckm]

There is always the Webelos Leader Guide that lays out a week by week plan for the program. You can buy this at your local scout shop or order it from www.scoutstuff.org.

 

Here are some web sites that helped me spark ideas.

 

https://people.creighton.edu/~bjs74318/bluejay/pack114/library/

 

http://www.pack348.org/webhelps.html

 

http://www.wtsmith.com/rt/denprog.html

 

http://www.cubbobwhite.net/

 

http://usscouts.org/usscouts/bbugle.asp

 

http://www.macscouter.com/

 

 

[johndaigler]

Welcome, Steve!!!

 

ScoutNut is right on target. 'nuff said!

 

My $0.02 >>

The Webelos Program is ideal for "farming out" Activity Pin leadership.

That is, check your local:

>>YMCA to find "Aquanaut" programs

>>Americorps (American Red Cross) to find "Readyman" classes

>>Forest Preserves/State Parks for Naturalist, Geologist, Forester, -- ours even does Engineer

>>Schools for Artist, Athlete, Fitness, and Sportsman "teachers"

>>Scout Troops for Merit Badge Counselors who might be interested in leading the appropriate Webelos Activity Pin work

>>etc, etc

 

 

Believe me, there will be enough for you to do also, but Activity Pin advisors are a bit of a cross toward Merit Badge Counselors. Working with new adults as a Den is a great step toward working with new adults as an individual Scout pursuing a merit badge. Having the Webelos themselves make a few of these contacts is a great learning opportunity (hint -- practice with the Scout and prep the person being called!)

 

OK, here's a few more pennies of thought to consider:

>>Plan ahead and think about appropriate weather for each activity -- if your pool is indoors it doesn't matter when you do Aquanaut; if it's outdoors, . . .

>>Search for, and browse, Webelos threads here at Scouter.com

>>Ask tons of questions!

>>Check out G2SS (Guide to Safe Scouting) and notice which activities are approved for Webelos that they couldn't do as younger Cubs

>>Find out your Crossover Date and start planning backwards

>>Become best friends with some of the ASMs at the local Troop -- camp and play and learn with the Boy Scouts as often as appropriate!

>>Find out the dates for Webelos Woods and other Webelos focused activities

>>Don't always think in whole "Pins" -- Consider a bit here and bit there. It might be a record keeping burden, but your Webelos are still only 9 or 10 and wear out (physically and mentally!) sooner than you think.

>>Get a good feeling for your role in the Pack and be seen as the leaders, teachers, and exemplars that Webelos should be!

>>Pick a Den Mascot -- enough of that Den number stuff -- YOU'RE WEBELOS!!

 

Have Fun!

 

jd

 

 

 

[ScoutNut]

A couple of other ideas:

 

Readyman - The EMT unit at your local fire station.

 

Geologist - Do one of the mine tours from your council (Bingham Canyon) & also get the patch. You also have some great Dinosaur spots in your area.

 

 

[mikeb]

Hi Steve,

I'd suggest you start attending Roundtable. The folks there have likely seen and done it all so they can offer excellent advice, plus you'll get all kinds of great info and help on the months activity.