cub scouting | transition
The cross-over from Cub Pack to Boy Scout Troop is a very important occasion in a Cub Scout’s Scouting adventures. This is when a Cub Scout moves up into the wide world of Boy Scouting. If not done properly, a Cub Scout might decide that Boy Scouting is not for him and will drop out of the program. Below are some hints and ideas on how to get it right. One thing that might help make it go more smoothly is to have Arrowmen come in and participate in the ceremony. We can make accommodations to many situations and will be glad to come and help out. This will create a much more memorable experience for Cub Scouts.
blue and gold banquet
In 1933 "Cub Leaders' Round Table" suggested Parent / Cub dinners. Soon after, Pack 1 of Michigan City started a tradition of pot-lucks where the dads were to bring utensils made of wood; whittled by the Cub with his dad. In the 1930s father / son 'bean dinners' and 'Cub family dinners' began to become commonplace. Finally, in 1943 the name "Blue and Gold Banquet" first appeared in BSA literature, and became synonymous with "celebrating the birthday of Scouting."
Today, the Blue and Gold banquet is one of the highlights of the program year. It brings together Pack families for dinner and an evening of fun. The meal is important, but even more important is the warm, friendly atmosphere created as families enjoy each other's company
blue and gold ceremonies
There are a lot of Ceremonies for Blue and Gold Banquets, Arrow of Light, and Cross-Over to Boy Scouts. Below is a link to a great ceremonies page for Blue and Gold Banquets. No particular ceremony is endorsed by Monaken Lodge, BSA. www.bluegoldceremonies.com
the first Troop meeting
The first troop meeting for new scouts can be a scary experience to new scouts if not done properly. Troops should do their best to make new scouts feel welcome and should be sure to introduce themselves. A game or icebreaker of some sort would be agreat way to start off the meeting. Remember, first impressions are the lasting ones!
troop responsibilities
The following are suggestions, from the BSA's Website, that the Boy Scouts of America suggest as ways to ease the Webelos transition to the Boy Scout Troop.
- Select Scouts to serve as den chiefs for each Webelos Scout den and Cub Scout den.
- Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of service to provide equipment, leadership, and logistics for Webelos parent-son campouts.
- Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare them for Boy Scouting.
- Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop should cook and camp by patrol, and use skills that the Webelos Scouts can participate in.
- Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This shouuld be planned several weeks in advance.
Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop's activities for the upcoming year.
- Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.
- Conduct a Scoutmaster conference under the guidance of the Scoutmaster or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster. This conference should cover the meaning of the Scout Oath and Law, the advancement program, troop camping, the patrol method, summer camp, and personal equipment.
- Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's blue and gold banquet. Coordinate the ceremony and arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive a troop neckerchief and Boy Scout Handbook along with his Arrow of Light Award. Members of the Order of the Arrow may assist in the ceremony.