Webelos and camping

[MarkS]

From "Cub Scout Outdoor Program Guidelines for 2006"

 

Webelos Den Overnight Camping

 

Webelos den campouts serve to move the Webelos Scout to the next level of the BSA's ever-increasing challenge in the outdoors. The boy and his parent or guardian will be introduced to the basics of Boy Scout camping. A Webelos den leader who has completed position-specific training and Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders training should conduct these events.

 

Webelos dens are encouraged to participate in joint den-troop campouts, particularly in the fifth-grade year. These campouts should be conducted with an individual troop for the purpose of strengthening ties between the pack and the troop. BSA health and safety, age-appropriate guidelines for Cub Scout activities, and Youth Protection guidelines apply. When camping with a troop, Cub Scout guidelines still apply for all Cub Scout members.

 

 

Webelos dens are encouraged to visit Boy Scout camporees and Klondike derbies. The purpose of these visits should be for the boys to look ahead with anticipation to their future as Boy Scouts and observe troops they might join. Webelos Scouts should not compete or participate in activities designed for Boy Scouts. Webelos Scouts should not spend the night at the event if the program is Boy Scout-based. A separate Webelos-only event known as a Webelos-Ree should be provided by the council or district.

 

To provide leadership for this event, Webelos den leaders should complete the course, Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, No. 13-33640.

 

Reference

 

Webelos Leader Guide, No. 33853

 

Webelos-Ree

 

A Webelos-Ree is a district or council overnight camping experience for Webelos dens with den leadership present. The local council or district sponsors the event and provides the program and leadership. The location is approved by an appropriate committee, as determined by the council. The local council sets the ratio of Webelos Scouts to adults for the event. In most cases, each boy will be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In all cases, a responsible adult will be designated for each youth participant. BSA Youth Protection standards will apply regarding sleeping and bathroom arrangements.

 

This camporee-style event is intended for Webelos Scouts, with events and activities planned for their ability level, according to age-appropriate guidelines for Cub Scouts. Boy Scouts should participate only in leadership and support capacity. Key staff members should be trained in Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, No. 13-33640. A program guide, "Conducting a Webelos-Ree," is available from local councils.

 

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The question is what does separate mean? Does the separation include time and space, or just different program activities. Our council allows Troops to invite Webelos Dens to camp overnight with them at our District Camporees. The Camporees are set up so that Webelos have their own Webelos-only activities and program. The only shared activities are age appropriate, i.e., openging/closing ceremonies, the campfire, and religious service. Additionally, Webelos leadership must comply with Webelos guidelines. For meals our troop has the Webelos eat with the adults and we usually have some meals they can help with.

 

We essentially have a co-located Camporee/Webelosree.(This message has been edited by MarkS)