So You re a New Webelos Den Leader

Transcription

1 So You re a New Webelos Den Leader I Signed Up; What s Next? Now that you are registered as a Webelos den leader, you will receive Scouting magazine, which includes information to assist you as a leader. Ask your Cubmaster to furnish you a copy of the current Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide to use until you can obtain your own copy. These steps will get you started: 1. Complete Fast Start training for Webelos den leaders. You can complete the training online at Youth Protection training is required for all Scouting volunteers. and is also available at this website Effective June 1, 2010, Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position(s).

2 2. Begin reading the Cub Scout Leader Book. (To start right away, you may need to borrow a copy until you can get your own.) This book describes your role as a Webelos den leader and will give more information on the following steps. 3. Get acquainted with your Cubmaster and pack trainer. These leaders will see that you have the information and material you need to get started off on the right foot. 4. Obtain (or borrow temporarily) the Webelos Leader Guide and begin reading it. This book describes projects that boys can do to complete requirements for Webelos activity badges. 5. Plan your first month s den meetings. This is much easier with the help of the pack trainer, assistant Webelos den leader, den chief (an older Boy Scout or Venturer helper), the Webelos Leader Guide and Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. The key to success is KISMIF (Keep It Simple, Make It Fun). 6. Get acquainted with the families of the boys in your den. Hold a family orientation meeting. The Cub Scout Leader Book has a recommended agenda. You will be needing the families help, so get to know them early. 7. Get acquainted with the boys in your den. Establish a den code of conduct so that they will know what you expect of them. See the Cub Scout Leader Book for details. 8. Ask your Cubmaster to help you secure a Webelos den chief. Give your den chief meaningful responsibilities right away. 9. Obtain and begin wearing the Cub Scout leader uniform as soon as possible. It is comfortable and suitable for all Cub Scout meetings and activities. Wearing the uniform properly is important in setting a good example for the boys. Your Cubmaster or pack trainer can tell you where to obtain the uniform and insignia. 10. Attend the monthly planning meetings held by your pack. These meetings are led by the pack committee chair and the Cubmaster, and are where pack plans are made. 11. Attend the monthly district Cub Scout leaders roundtable. You will receive many good program ideas and become acquainted with Webelos den leaders from other packs, who will share ideas and experiences with you. Your Cubmaster or pack trainer can tell you when and where the roundtable meets. 12. Attend Cub Scout leader basic training as soon as possible. There are two components to this training: Webelos Den Leader Specific Training, a specialized session to help you successfully plan a fun and exciting den program, and This Is Scouting, which is attended by leaders in all program areas. These will give you the foundation you need to become an effective and successful leader. Every boy deserves a trained and qualified leader. These training sessions can all be taken online at Don t hesitate to ask for help. There are many people who want to help you provide the finest possible Cub Scout experience for the boys in your den. By the time you have completed these steps you will be well on your way to becoming a successful Webelos den leader. You, the Webelos Den Leader You were selected as a Webelos den leader and approved by the pack committee because of your interest in helping boys. By making the commitment to serve as a Webelos den leader, you have accepted the following responsibilities. Plan and carry out a year-round program of activities for the Webelos den to achieve the purposes of the Cub Scout program.

3 Lead the Webelos den in its participation at the monthly pack meetings. Work in harmony with the other den and pack leaders. Cooperate with the Cubmaster and pack committee in recruiting new boys. Help orient the Webelos den chief and guide him to work with the Webelos Scouts. Use Scouting and Boys Life magazines and the Webelos Leader Guide as sources of program ideas and information. Collect dues and turn them in to the pack secretary/treasurer. Encourage boys to earn the advancement awards. Keep accurate records, and see that Webelos Scouts are appropriately recognized for their achievement. Instill Scouting s spirit and moral values through personal example, ceremonies, and meaningful activities such as goodwill and conservation projects. Work with the pack committee to establish a good relationship with neighborhood Boy Scout troops. Try to graduate every Webelos Scout into a troop. Ask qualified persons, including adult family members of Webelos Scouts, to serve as activity badge counselors. Encourage adult family members to help plan and carry out Webelos den overnight campouts and other outdoor activities. Help the den earn the National Den Award. Establish good working relationships with den families, taking advantage of their skills and talents. Take part in the annual pack planning conferences and the monthly pack leaders planning meetings. Follow the policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Your Cubmaster or pack trainer will be glad to explain any of these responsibilities that you do not understand. The Webelos Den Meeting Webelos den meetings are usually held in the evening or on weekends, once each week, in a home, place of worship, or school. The meeting day, time, and location are set by the Webelos den leader and should be the same each week to prevent confusion. Den meetings last approximately one hour. Leadership responsibilities are shared by the Webelos den leader, assistant Webelos den leader, Webelos den chief, and denner (a selected member of your den.) The Webelos den meeting program includes the following: 1. Gathering. Conduct an activity to keep those who arrive early busy until time for the opening. 2. Opening. This should be a simple opening ceremony followed by den business such as attendance, dues, den plans, and uniform inspection. 3. Activity badge fun. Include instruction, practice, games, and contests related to the Webelos Scout skills. 4. Preparation. Boys will make equipment and props for the den s part in the pack meeting and make preparations for later outdoor, goodwill, or other special activities. 5. Closing. Make announcements, have a simple closing ceremony, and clean up the den meeting place.

4 Webelos Outdoor Program As the Webelos den leader, you will, with the participation of adult family members, want to arrange and organize den overnight camping experiences. This is an important part of the transition from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting. What Do You Invest in Cub Scouting? One evening or Saturday each week for a den meeting One evening each month for the pack meeting One evening each month for the Cub Scout roundtable One evening each month for a planning meeting with other pack leaders Time spent in planning and organizing the den program activities. Time spent in Cub Scout leader basic training Cost of the Webelos den leader uniform The registration fee This adds up to a small investment, compared to the dividends you will receive. And of course, the more you invest, the more you can expect to receive in return. What Do You Receive in Return? One lively, never-dull evening each week when you have the good fortune to view the world through the eyes of boys An evening each month of fun and fellowship with pack families, sharing their pride in their sons accomplishments The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families A sense of pride as you watch the Webelos Scouts receive recognition for their accomplishments An opportunity to share your ideas and experiences with other adults who share your interest in and concern for boys A chance to read about subjects that you haven t taken time for in years, and the opportunity to put your ideas into action at den meetings The privilege of getting to know boys in your neighborhood a little better and watching them all grow strong in mind and body The opportunity to help boys learn good citizenship and to help shape them into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others A growing admiration for boys, and their growing respect for you as their leader and friend A code to live by which will set a worthwhile example for both boys and adults The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and pride in being publicly identified as a part of this organization by wearing the uniform, which is a visible means of showing that you believe in and stand for its ideals and objectives You will discover many other dividends that will enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talent, and enthusiasm to Cub Scouting. All leaders bring to Cub Scouting their own talents and skills, their own backgrounds and interests. Your key to becoming an effective leader is to use your own abilities and interests, along with what you learn about Cub Scouting to plan and conduct the best possible program for the boys. What happens in the life of each boy during the formative years will determine to a great extent the kind of man he will become. What a tremendous opportunity and challenge for you, the Webelos den leader! Boy Scouts of America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box Irving, Texas Printing

5 Tiger Cub, Wolf Cub Scout, and Bear Cub Scout 20 pts. Uniform Inspection Sheet Uniform Inspection. Conduct the uniform inspection with common sense; the basic rule is neatness. General Appearance. Allow 4 points for each: n Good posture n Clean face and hands n Combed hair n Neatly dressed n Clean fingernails Notes 1 Headgear. Tiger Cub cap, Cub Scout Wolf cap, or Cub Scout Bear cap, according to den. Notes Neckerchief and Slide. Triangular. Orange with blue border for Tiger Cubs. Gold with blue border for Cub Scouts working in Wolf book. Light blue with dark blue border for Cub Scouts working in Bear book. Each is secured by a slide for that rank. Notes Shirt. Official long- or short-sleeve, navy blue. Wear with either pants or shorts. Notes 1 Pants/Shorts. Official navy blue pants or shorts, no cuffs. To be worn with official long- or short-sleeve navy blue shirt. Notes Belt. Official navy blue web belt cut to proper length with Tiger Cub or Cub Scout insignia on buckle. Notes Socks. Dark blue official socks with orange tops for Tiger Cubs and gold tops for Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts. Notes Shoes. Neat and clean. Notes Registration. Current membership card or temporary certificate on person. Notes 20 pts. Insignia. Correct placement: left pocket, 5 points; right pocket, 5 points; left sleeve, 5 points; right sleeve, 5 points. Total Uniform Inspection Score A perfect score is 100 points. For more information about insignia, see the Insignia Guide, No Total Uniform Inspection Score Name Pack No. Den Our unit inspection will be held on. Bring this form with you.

6 Tiger Cub, Wolf Cub Scout, and Bear Cub Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet Official Placement of Insignia Conduct the uniform inspection with common sense; the basic rule is neatness. Right Sleeve n Wear the U.S. flag, den numeral, and Centennial Quality Unit Award (if earned) as shown. Only the most recently earned Centennial Quality Unit Award may be worn. Notes shoulder SEAM Left Sleeve n Wear the council shoulder emblem and pack numeral as shown. n The veteran unit insignia bar (25, 50, 55, or 60 years), if worn, is centered and touching the council shoulder emblem (above) and unit numeral (below). n Denner cord or assistant denner cord is worn over left shoulder. Notes 4" Right Pocket. n Temporary insignia are not necessary in uniform inspection, but if worn, must be centered on the pocket, or hung from the button. n Progress Toward Ranks (with thong and beads) is fastened to the button under the right pocket flap with the flap rebuttoned. n The National Summertime Award is pinned centered on the right pocket flap. n The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is worn on the right pocket flap. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Notes RIGHT SLEEVE National Summertime Award pin LEFT SLEEVE 3 8" SERVICE STARS 20 pts. Left Pocket. n Cub Scouts wear badges of rank as shown: Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear. n Gold Arrow Points are worn beneath the pocket and below the badge for which they were earned. n Silver Arrow Points are worn below the Gold Arrow Points in double rows. n Wear medals just above the pocket seam, and service stars centered just above medals or knots, or 3 / 8 inch above seam if no medals are worn. n Gold background disks are worn with service stars for Cub Scouting service, including Tiger Cub service. n Not more than five medals may be worn. n Wearing sequence for medals or knots is at the wearer s discretion. n The only knots worn by Cub Scouts are the religious emblem knot and a lifesaving or meritorious award knot. n The World Crest is worn centered between the left shoulder seam and the top of the left pocket. Notes Total Insignia Score (transfer to other side) Boy Scouts of America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box Irving, Texas RIGHT pocket 3 4" 3 8" LEFT pocket Printing

7 Scout Leader Uniform Inspection Sheet Uniform Inspection. Conduct the uniform inspection with common sense; the basic rule is neatness. 1 Attendance. Presence at inspection merits 15 points. Notes Headgear. Headgear is optional. Boy Scout leaders wear the olive visor cap, campaign hat, or troop-approved headgear. Varsity Scout leaders wear the blaze visor cap. Cub Scout pack leaders wear the olive visor cap. Den leaders wear the same visored cap as the youth they serve. Notes 20 pts. 20 pts. Shirt/Blouse and Neckwear. New long or short sleeves, or official long or short sleeves with appropriate loops on epaulets. Neckwear is optional but must be worn according to specifications in the Insignia Guide. Male Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders wear the long- or short-sleeve uniform or official shirt. Female Cub Scout leaders wear either the official long- or short-sleeve yellow blouse, official long- or short-sleeve shirt, or the official long- or short-sleeve uniform blouse. Female Boy Scout leaders wear the official shirt or official long- or short sleeve uniform blouse. Notes Pants/Shorts. Units have no option to change. Male Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders wear the official pants or the official uniform shorts or pants with no cuffs. Female Cub Scout leaders wear the pants or the official navy blue shorts, skirt, or pants with the yellow blouse, or the official pants or official uniform shorts or pants with the official shirt or blouse. Notes Belt Male leaders wear the official web belt or official leather belt with the buckle of their choice. Female leaders wear the official navy blue Cub Scout or Webelos Scout buckle with navy blue pants, or the official web belt or official leather belt with the buckle of their choice with official pants or official uniform shorts or pants. Notes Socks Male Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders wear olive socks with official pants or official uniform shorts or pants. Female leaders wear the blue socks with the blue shorts or pants, or the olive socks with official pants or official uniform shorts or pants. Shoes Must be neat and clean. Notes Uniform points. Total points from above (75 possible) Insignia. Correct epaulets, 5 points. Correct placement on left sleeve, 5 points; right sleeve, 5 points; left pocket, 5 points; right pocket, 5 points. Use the checklist on the reverse of this form to help determine score. Insignia points from reverse (25 possible) Total Uniform Inspection Score Uniform and insignia points combined. A perfect score is 100 points. For more information about insignia, see the Insignia Guide, No Total Uniform Inspection Score Our unit inspection will be held on Name Address Office or position in unit Unit No. District Bring this form with you indd 1 8/18/10 10:06 AM

8 Scout Leader Uniform Inspection Sheet Official Placement of Insignia Conduct the uniform inspection with common sense; the basic rule is neatness. Shoulder Epaulets Scouters wear the color shoulder loop of the program in which they are serving: blue, Cub Scouting; green, Boy Scouting; blaze (orange), Varsity Scouting; green, Venturing; silver, council and district; gold, regional and national. Notes Right Sleeve U.S. flag emblem centered directly below shoulder seam Den or emblem numeral, if applicable, below and touching the flag Centennial Quality Unit Award (most recent only), if applicable, 4 inches below the shoulder seam Notes SHOULDER EPAULETS AND LOOPS SHOULDER SEAM 4" Left Sleeve Council shoulder patch is directly below the shoulder seam. Veteran unit bar, if worn, is centered and touching the council shoulder patch (above) and unit numeral (below). Unit numeral, if worn, is centered directly underneath and touching the council patch or veteran unit bar. On the official shirt, the badge of office is centered on the pocket, as shown. On the official uniform shirt, the badge of office is centered and touching the unit numeral, or centered 4 inches below the shoulder seam. When earned, the Trained leader strip is centered at the top of the pocket flap on the official shirt. On the official uniform shirt, it is centered as shown, touching the badge of office. Notes RIGHT SLEEVE LEFT SLEEVE (OFFICIAL UNIFORM SHIRT) LEFT SLEEVE with pocket (OFFICIAL shirt) Right Pocket Boy Scouts of America strip is centered above the pocket. Order of the Arrow lodge insignia is worn on the pocket flap. Current national Scout jamboree insignia is centered above the BSA strip and any other items above the pocket. Optional insignia, if worn, is placed in the following order, from the BSA strip upward: interpreter strip, Venture or Varsity strip, name plate. The name plate may be worn on the pocket flap if no lodge insignia is worn. Temporary insignia, including one current world Scout jamboree patch, centered on pocket. Only one temporary insignia may be worn at a time, and they are not required for correct uniforming. Cub Scout leaders and female leaders wearing the official uniform shirt or blouse may wear one temporary insignia centered above the Boy Scouts of America strip. Notes Left Pocket World Crest emblem is centered between the left shoulder seam and the top of the left pocket. Embroidered square knots are centered above the pocket in rows of three. Service stars are centered above the pocket, 3 4 inch from top point to top point and 3 8 inch from either the pocket or embroidered knots. Notes VENTURE FRANÇAIS 3 4" 3 8" 2 Total insignia score (transfer to other side) RIGHT POCKET LEFT POCKET SKU Boy Scouts of America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box Irving, Texas Printing indd 2 8/18/10 10:06 AM

9 Webelos Den Meeting Plans Den meeting plans are developed around a Scouting program year that is presumed to begin in early September and continue through May, at which time Cub Scouts would become involved in summertime Scouting activities. Two types of den meeting plans are offered for the den leader s use: Numbered plans: Programming for the program/school year (September through May), including rank advancement requirements for dens meeting twice a month Webelos Den Meeting Plans Meeting Date Den Meeting Plan No. Achievements to Complete the Webelos Badge Rank Requirements and Electives Covered Webelos Achievements: Webelos badge Compass points emblem and compass points Arrow of Light 1 Fitness and Athlete 2 Forester and Naturalist 3 Forester and Naturalist 4 Traveler and Athlete 5 Citizen 6 Citizen 7 Citizen 8 Citizen and Artist 9 Geologist 10 Geologist Do: Fitness 1 and six from 2 8 Athlete 1 7 Bobcat Review HA*: complete Fitness 2 7. Complete Athlete 4 7. Review Forester and Naturalist chapters. Verify: Fitness 2 7 (complete) Do: naturalist 1, 4, 8, and 10 Forester 3, 4, 9 HA: Review Forester and Naturalist chapters. Do: Forester 5 and 6 Naturalist 6, 7, and 9 HA: Review Traveler chapter. Verify: Athlete 4 7 Do: traveler 1, 9 12 (Geography belt loop) HA: athlete 4 7. Webelos 8, review Citizen chapter. Do: citizen 1, 3, 8 (Citizenship belt loop) HA: citizenship belt loop 1 and 3. Review Citizen chapter. Verify: Citizenship belt loop 1 Do: citizen 10, 8 (Citizenship belt loop 3) Webelos Review 3, 4, 7. Review Citizen chapter. Do: Citizen 2 7 & 9 HA: Webelos Requirement 8. Review Artist chapter. Verify: citizen 8 (Citizenship belt loop 3), Webelos 1 8 Do: citizen (make up) Webelos Review (make up) Artist 1, 4, 7, 9 HA: Review Geologist chapter. Do: Geologist 1, 2, 8 HA: Review Geologist chapter. Do: Geologist 4, 5, 6 HA: Review Engineer chapter. 254 * HA = Home/family assignment

10 11 Engineer 12 Engineer 13 Craftsman 14 Craftsman Do: Engineer 2, 5, 6 HA: Review Engineer chapter. Do: Engineer 1, 3, 4 HA: Review Craftsman chapter. Do: Craftsman 1, 2 HA: Review Craftsman, Scholar, and Artist chapters. Do: Craftsman 3, 4 HA: Scholar 11. Review Scholar and Artist chapters. 15 Scholar Do: Scholar 1, 5, 11, 12 Artist 2, 8, Showman (Puppetry) Do: Showman 2 5, 7, 11, 17, Showman (Music) Do: Showman 6, Showman (Drama) Do: Showman 3, 11, 16 18, Webelos Rank Requirements The Webelos badge is the focus of the first year of Webelos. There are three types of Webelos-level achievements, and they overlap each other and the two years of the Webelos program: The Webelos badge The compass points emblem and compass points The Arrow of Light The Webelos badge is the focus of the first year of Webelos Scouting and requires the completion of three activity badges. The goal for many boys, and the focus of Webelos second year, is the Arrow of Light (which requires five more activity badges, plus other requirements). A Scout can also earn the compass points emblem by completing additional activity badges and the Webelos Super Achiever badge by doing earning all 20 activity badges. The chart on the previous page shows the advancement plan covered by the den meeting plans in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. It is recommended that these den meeting plans be conducted in sequential order. However, the den leader may choose to alter the order to achieve the following: A. Deal with schedules of your Scouts and their other extracurricular activities. B. Follow your pack activities (for example, covering Outdoorsman elements before or at a pack campout). C. Line up with special guest volunteers who can come in to cover a topic that lines up with their occupation, hobby, or interest. D. Aligns with the den leader, assistant den leader, and parent s interests and skills as it relates to optional activity badges. If you make changes, be sure that the order and content of your meetings keeps you on track to complete your Webelos rank by the blue and gold banquet, which is likely to be held in February (check with your pack for scheduling) and that the necessary requirements for the badge of rank will be met. Note that while there are some fixed requirements and required activity badges (See the following page and pages of the Webelos Handbook.), there is more than one way to do the achievements and earn the badge you get to pick the rest of the activity badges that work for you. You should use the way that is the most fun for the Scouts, and easy to accomplish for you (the leader), especially by using other parent and community resources! Keep It Simple, Make It Fun. Certain activities are primarily done at home and signed off in the handbook by the parent or adult family member after the boy has completed each task (the parent is sometimes referred to as Akela in the handbook and the achievement tasks). The handbook is later shown to the den leader or assistant, who records the progress and also signs the boy s book 255

11 Webelos Rank Requirements Achievements Webelos Badge 1. Have an adult member of your family read the Webelos Scout Parent Guide (pages 1 22) and sign here. Den Meeting Number Webelos Meeting 8 2. Be an active member of your Webelos den for three Webelos Meeting 8 months. (Active means having good attendance, paying your den dues, and working on den projects.) 3. Know and explain the meaning of the Webelos badge. Webelos Meetings 6 and 8 4. Point out the three special parts of the Webelos Scout uniform. Tell when to wear the uniform and when not to wear it. 5. Earn the Fitness and Citizen activity badges and one other activity badge from a different activity group. 6. Plan and lead a flag ceremony in your den that includes the U.S. flag. 7. Show that you know and understand the requirements to be a Boy Scout: a. Demonstrate the Scout salute, Scout sign, and Scout handshake. Explain when you would use them. b. Explain the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. c. Explain and agree to follow the Outdoor Code. Webelos Meetings 6 and 8 Webelos Meeting 8 Webelos Meeting 8 Webelos Meetings 6 and Faith After completing the rest of requirement 8, do these (a, b, and c): a. Know: Tell what you have learned about faith. b. Commit: Tell how these faith experiences help you live your duty to God. Name one faith practice that you will continue to do in the future. c. Practice: After doing these requirements, tell what you have learned about your beliefs. And do one of these (d OR e): d. Earn the religious emblem of your faith.* e. Do two of these: Attend the mosque, church, synagogue, temple, or other religious organization of your choice; talk with your religious leader about your beliefs. Tell your family and your Webelos den leader what you learned Discuss with your family and your Webelos den leader how your religious beliefs fit in with the Scout Oath and Scout Law and what character-building traits your religious beliefs have in common with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. With your religious leader, discuss and make a plan to do two things you think will help you draw nearer to God. Do these things for a month. For at least a month, pray or meditate reverently each day as taught by your family and by your church, temple, mosque, synagogue, or religious group. Under the direction of your religious leader, do an act of service for someone else. Talk about your service with your family and your Webelos den leader. Tell them how it made you feel. List at least two ways you believe you have lived according to your religious beliefs. Webelos Meetings 4, 7, and 8

12 Webelos Rank Requirements Activity Badge Requirements Den Meeting Number Fitness (Physical Skills) 1 4 Citizen (Community) 5 8 One More From Different Activity Group Mental Skills Artist 8 and 15 Traveler 4 Scholar 15 Technology Craftsman Engineer Outdoor Forester 2 3 Naturalist 2 3 Geologist

13 Den Meeting 1 Webelos Den Meeting 1 Fitness and Athlete Before the Meeting Make final preparations with assistance from any assistant den leader or other parent helper, den chief, and/or denner. Organize the space (seating, flags, advancement charts, activity materials, handouts, etc.). If you re snacking, organize space for that and the cleanup. Gathering Welcome new and returning Scouts and parents. Get to know parents/engage them in the meeting. Have a gathering activity (games, puzzles, other) that will keep Scouts interested and busy and that others may join as they arrive. If the den desires, serve a healthy snack during this time. Collect dues, record attendance and any advancement completed over the summer (a good job for an assistant den leader). Opening Flag ceremony (rotate planning and leadership to complete Webelos requirement 6), with Pledge of Allegiance; maybe recite the Cub Scout Promise or sing a patriotic song; perhaps add a roll call, uniform recognition, or den yell. Provide index cards printed with the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack for any new boys. If you have a guest, give a formal introduction, including what the guest will do for you. Business Items This meeting will have lots of organizational and getting-to-know talk. Have each Scout (and attending parent) introduce themselves. Discuss/remind what a den is, and how it fits in with a pack. Discuss your goals for the year and highlight/promote the cool activities. Discuss a den name, den yell, and other den identity elements (could include flag, totem, or neckerchief slide). Remind boys of behavioral expectations at den meetings. This is an opportunity to create your den s code of conduct for how the den should govern itself during meetings. Use this time also to discuss participation in upcoming pack meetings or events as needed. Explain that today s meeting is to review Bobcat knowledge and requirements, plus to plan for upcoming Webelos events to work on the Fitness and Athlete activity badges because the Webelos Scouts need to help plan where to go and how to get there. Activities Review Bobcat Requirements (if needed): Cub Scout Promise; Law of the Pack; Cub Scout motto, sign, handshake, salute; meaning of Webelos. Fitness Activity Badge: Requirements are to do 1 and six from With your parent, guardian, or Webelos den leader, complete the Health and Fitness Character Connection. a. Know: Tell why it is important to be healthy, clean, and fit. b. Commit: Tell when it is difficult for you to stick with good health habits. Tell where you can go to be with others who encourage you to be healthy, clean, and fit. c. Practice: Practice good health habits while doing the requirements for this badge. Doing this in small groups helps allow each Scout to participate more fully, but you may elect to discuss as an entire den, especially in this introductory meeting. 2. With a parent or other adult family member complete a safety notebook, which is discussed in the booklet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent s Guide that comes with the handbook. This is an at home project, but you may elect to discuss this with the den as well Read the meal planning information in this chapter. With a parent or other family member, plan a week of meals. Explain what kinds of meals are best for you and why.

14 4. Keep a record of your daily meals and snacks for a week. Decide whether you have been eating foods that are good for you. Review the handouts for 3 and 4 that you will ask the Scouts to complete and return. If you have access to a computer, go to and create personal pyramids tailored to your size, age, and activity level. Den Meeting 1 5. Tell an adult member of your family about the bad effects smoking or chewing tobacco would have on your body. 6. Tell an adult member of your family four reasons why you should not use alcohol and how it could affect you. 7. Tell an adult member of your family what drugs could do to your body and how they would affect your ability to think clearly. These could be done at home, but you may elect to discuss this with the den as well. 8. Read the booklet Choose to Refuse! Take A Stand Against Drugs! Discuss it with an adult and show that you understand the material. If you do not have these booklets, this will be the extra requirement you do not do. If you have the booklet, this could be done at home and in the den as well. Note: Choose to Refuse is the standard booklet for this requirement and should be available through your council service center. This Fitness introduction is a good time, if you haven t done it yet, to have them plan what kind of snacks to have at den meetings for the rest of the year. More nutritious snack alternatives include: n Hard cheese cut into cubes and served with whole wheat crackers and/or apple slices n Celery stalks filled with cheese spread or peanut butter n Fresh vegetables served with a dip n Peanut butter on bran muffins or whole wheat bread or crackers n Chopped nuts mixed with bits of dried fruit n Any kind of fruit. If available, try some unusual ones, such as kiwi, pomegranate, or mango. Note: Check for food allergies among your boys for someone with a peanut allergy, even being around peanuts can trigger an allergy attack. Athlete Activity Badge: Requirements are to do requirements 1 5, and then two of 6 through 10. (This meeting plan starts those first five, and adds 6 and 7): 1. With your parent, guardian, or Webelos den leader, complete the Perseverance Character Connection. a. Know: Review the requirements and decide which ones might be more difficult for you to do. Make a plan to complete one of the harder requirements. b. Commit: When doing the harder requirement, did you ever feel frustrated or angry? What did perseverance have to do with that? Name another type of task for which you will need to persevere. c. Practice: Practice perseverance by following your plan to do that requirement for the Athlete activity badge. 2. Explain what it means to be physically and mentally healthy. 3. Explain what you as a Webelos Scout can do to stay physically and mentally healthy. You might cover 1, 2, and 3 as a group discussion, and then when you start the physical skills, you and other parents might then ask the Webelos Scouts to explain and demonstrate their knowledge of these. So you can do an activity, and while recovering, do the 1, 2, 3 question-and-answer signoffs. Want More Fun in Your Activities? This is a terrific day to jazz up with excitement. Consider themes like a track meet. Maybe have an MC or announcer for each event. Maybe someone with a video recorder can team up with a sideline reporter to get interviews with the contestants. 259

15 Den Meeting 1 4. Every time you work on requirement 5 below, start with at least five minutes of stretching warm-up activities. 5. Do as many as you can of the following and record your results. Show improvement in all of the activities after 30 days. a. Have another person hold your feet down while you do as many curl-ups as you can. b. Do as many pull-ups from a bar as you can. c. Do as many push-ups from the ground or floor as you can. d. Do a standing long jump as far as you can. e. Do a quarter-mile run or walk. 6. Do a vertical jump and improve your reach in 30 days. 7. Do a 50-yard dash as fast as you can, and show a decrease in time over a 30-day period. n For requirement 5, 6, and 7, record boys initial results on the Athlete progress chart. Keep those charts for use in future meetings, since doing some or all of these is a great way to add physical activity, and the Scouts may be fired up to see if they have improved each time! In the boys Webelos Handbooks, sign the requirements met (and update your records). It is possible (especially if you have a good deal of Bobcat work) that this meeting will not be completed today. If so, carry over any incomplete elements to the next meeting that has a trip involved. Closing Award (or recognize) any advancement completed today (ideally, award the activity badge or belt loop item completed today, and recognize later at the pack meeting); thank hosts, guests, helpers. Closing ceremony (rotate planning and leadership to complete Webelos requirement 6): Retire the colors; maybe with the Boy Scout Oath and/or Law, or the Law of the Pack and/or den yell. Den leader may add a den leader s minute comment. Remind the Webelos Scout who will plan and lead the next meeting s flag ceremony, and remind about home assignments (and include these in any family information letter or ). Hand out or send family information letter. Home Assignment: n Ask boys to complete Fitness activity badge requirements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 at home with their parents/guardians, who should sign the boy s handbook on completion. n Ask boys to complete Athlete activity badge requirements 4 7. Read Naturalist and Forester chapters in Webelos Handbook. After the Meeting If you ve changed the sequence of den meetings, double-check to make sure you will still advance your boys appropriately and check with the Cubmaster to make sure you stay coordinated with the pack. Refreshments: If appropriate Cleanup: Recruit enough help to do a good job. Scouts always leave an area as clean, or cleaner, than they found it. 260

16 Webelos Scouts Athlete Activity Badge Progress Record: Requirements 4 9 Chart your progress over five weeks. Den Meeting 1 Name: Week Activity / / / / / / / / / / Minutes of stretching/ warm-up activities Curl-ups (number) Pull-ups (number) Push-ups (number) Standing long jump (distance) Quarter-mile walk or run (time) Vertical jump (height) 50-yard dash (time) (Optional) One-mile bike ride (time) (Optional) Quartermile swim (time) 261

17 Den Meeting 1 Webelos Fitness Activity Badge, Requirement 3 With a parent or other family member, plan a week of meals. Name: Day Sunday Meal Breakfast Lunch Supper Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 262

18 Webelos Fitness Activity Badge, Requirement 4 Keep a record of your daily meals and snacks for a week. Den Meeting 1 Name: Day Sunday Meal Breakfast Lunch Supper Snacks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 263

19 Den Meeting 2 Webelos Den Meeting 2 Naturalist and Forester This den meeting is normally done as a field trip. Are you ready? Preparation and Materials Needed Arrange to visit a museum of natural history, nature center, or zoo. n Or you might arrange for someone to bring items that might be in a nature center. Identify any parents or other pack resources who are interested in nature (on a working or hobby basis) and could be your activity badge counselor for this meeting. Or you might see if a science teacher, parks department naturalist, or other hobbyist can visit your den meeting. n Be sure any guest speaker knows how long the presentation should run, and that you ve confirmed what can or should be covered that would be interesting and fun for the Scouts. n Show any guest speaker the Naturalist and Forester chapters in the Webelos Handbook. If you are doing this as a field trip, inform Scouts and families about when and where to meet. Materials checklist (add to your den Cub tub of U.S./den flags, paper/pencils, other supplies): n If you are not visiting a place with Naturalist resources, bring what you can (at least books or downloads of pictures of wildlife). n Tree books and materials about trees in your area. n Naturalist and Forester activity badge pins for each of your Scouts (so they can be awarded if completed today). n A slice of tree trunk showing growth rings. More, if possible, to show different growth patterns. Use cut lumber if tree trunks are not available. Before the Meeting Review After the Meeting at the end of the previous den meeting plan for necessary preparation and materials. Make final preparations with assistance from any assistant den leader or other parent helper, den chief, and/or denner. Organize the space (seating, flags, advancement charts, activity materials, handouts, etc.). If you re snacking, organize space for that and the cleanup. Gathering Have a gathering activity (games, puzzles, other) that will keep Scouts interested and busy and that others may join as they arrive. If the den desires, serve a healthy snack during this time. If you have background materials for the activity badge, Scouts may be interested in reviewing those. Collect dues, record attendance and any advancement completed at home (a good job for an assistant den leader). Assign parents to meeting roles and hand out a meeting plan to each. Opening Flag ceremony (rotate planning and leadership among the Webelos Scouts), with Pledge; maybe recite the Cub Scout Promise or sing a patriotic song; perhaps add a roll call, uniform recognition, den yell. Webelos Scouts will eventually want to incorporate the Boy Scout Oath and Boy Scout Law into ceremonies. If you have a guest, give a formal introduction, including what the guest will do for you. Business Items Use this time also to discuss participation in upcoming pack meetings or events as needed. Verify: Review boys handbooks for completion of Fitness 2 7. Sign handbooks and record on the den advancement record. Explain that today s meeting is to work on the Naturalist activity badge because we all need to increase our awareness of, and gain an appreciation for, the natural world around us. 264 Activities Naturalist Activity Badge: Requirements are to do requirement 1 and then five of 2 through 13. (This meeting plan does 1, 4, 8, and 10. Requirements 6, 7, and 9 are to be covered in the next meeting.) 1. With your parent, guardian, or Webelos den leader, complete the Respect Character Connection. a. Know: Tell what interested you most when completing the requirements for this activity badge. Tell what you learned about how you can show appreciation and respect for wildlife. b. Commit: Tell things some people have done that show a lack of respect for wildlife. Name ways you will show respect for and protect wildlife. c. Practice: Explain how completing the requirements for this activity badge gives you the opportunity to show respect.

20 4. Visit a museum of natural history, a nature center, or a zoo with your family, Webelos den, or pack. Tell what you saw. 8. Watch six wild animals (snakes, turtles, fish, birds, or mammals) in the wild. Describe the kind of place (forest, field, marsh, yard, or park) where you saw them. Tell what they were doing. 10. Identify a plant, bird, or wild animal that is found only in your area of the country. Tell why it survives only in your area. Forester Activity Badge: Requirements are to do five of This plan does requirements 3, 4, and Identify six forest trees common to the area where you live. Tell how both wildlife and humans use them. (If you don t live in a region that has forests, read about one type of forest and name six of its trees and their uses.) 4. Identify six forest plants (other than trees) that are useful to wildlife. Tell which animals use them and for what purposes. 9. Describe both the benefits and the harm wildfires can cause in a forest ecosystem. Tell how you can prevent wildfire. Activities you could do for these requirements include: n Tree Survey: Select a small area with several species of trees, like a school yard, a small park, or someone s yard. Sketch a map of the area. Divide the boys into pairs and assign each a section of the area. Have them collect a leafy twig from each tree in their area and try to identify the species (if you can t identify it, describe it, and compare it to other known types of trees). Measure the height and diameter of each tree. Collect any fallen twigs, branches and leaves for leaf print and wood samples. See how many different species were found. n Leaf Identification Contest (you might collect the supplies for this while on the hike and use for the pack): Mount about 20 different leaves on a large piece of cardboard with each properly identified. Also prepare another piece of cardboard with the same leaves in different locations. Number these leaves but don t identify them. Give the boys time to study the first display, and then put it away. Give each boy paper and pencil and ask them to identify the leaves on the second display. n Find a Tree Game: Play this game outdoors where there are plenty of trees. Pair the boys with a partner and have one of them put on a blindfold. The non-blindfolded boy leads his partner to a tree, who feels the tree s bark, limbs, and leaves. The pair returns to their starting point. The boy removes his blindfold and tries to find the tree he felt while blindfolded. Then it is the other boy s turn to find a tree. In the boys Webelos Handbooks, sign the requirements met (and update your records). Den Meeting 2 Closing Award (or recognize) any advancement completed today; thank hosts, guests, helpers. Closing ceremony (rotate planning and leadership to complete Webelos requirement 6): Retire the colors; maybe with the Boy Scout Oath and/or Law, or the Law of the Pack and/or den yell. Den leader may add a den leader s minute comment. Remind the Webelos Scout who will plan and lead the next meeting s flag ceremony, and remind about home assignments (and include these in any family information letter or ). Hand out or send family information letter. Home Assignment: Review the Forester and Naturalist chapters of the Webelos Handbook. 265

21 Den Meeting 2 After the Meeting Re-read the Naturalist and Forester chapters in the Webelos Handbook. If you ve changed the sequence of den meetings, double-check to make sure you will still advance your boys appropriately and check with the Cubmaster to make sure you stay coordinated with the pack. Refreshments: If appropriate Cleanup: Recruit enough help to do a good job. Scouts always leave an area as clean, or cleaner, than they found it. 266

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24 FAMILY TALENT SURVEY SHEET Each parent or adult family member should fill out a separate sheet and turn it in at this meeting. Pack Chartered Organization Date Welcome to the Cub Scout family of our pack. As explained to you, Cub Scouting is for parents as well as boys. We have a fine group of families who have indicated a willingness to help, according to their abilities. We invite you to add your talents and interests so that the best possible program can be developed for your boy and his friends. Den leaders are always busy with den activities. Our pack leaders and committee members know you have some talent that will help in the operation of our pack. Although your help may not be on a full-time basis, whatever you can do will be appreciated. In making this survey, your pack committee wants to uncover ways you can enjoy giving assistance. Please answer the following as completely as possible: 1. My hobbies are: 2. I can play and/or teach these sports: 3. My job, business, or profession would be of interest to Cub Scouts: 4. I am willing to help my boy and the pack as: pack committee member, Cub Scout den leader or assistant, Tiger Cub den leader, assistant Cubmaster, Webelos den leader or assistant, Cubmaster, Pack trainer. 5. My Scouting experience: Cub Scout Boy Scout Girl Scout Explorer Rank attained Adult leader 6. I can help in these areas: General Activities Special Program Assistance Carpentry Computer Skills I have an SUV or van or truck. Swimming Drawing/art I have a workshop. Games Radio/electricity I have family camping gear. Nature Dramatics/skits I can make contacts for special trips and activities. Sports Cooking/banquets I have access to a cottage or camping property Outdoor activities Sewing or a boat. Crafts Transportation I can help Webelos Scouts with Boy Scout skills. Music/songs Other I can, or know others who can, help with our Cub Bookkeeping --- Scout Academics and Sports program. I can give other help. Webelos Activity Areas Aquanaut Artist Athlete Citizen Communicator Craftsman Engineer Family Member Fitness Forester Geologist Handyman Naturalist Outdoorsman Readyman Scholar Scientist Showman Sportsman Traveler Name Home phone Street address Business phone address City State ZIP Your cooperation and help are appreciated.

25 CUB SCOUTING AND YOUR FAMILY The Cub Scout program helps to meet your boy s growth needs. As a boy develops, he has specific developmental needs such as: 1To learn new physical skills. He can do this through games, sports, and crafts. As he develops his coordination, he gains a sense of worthiness and acceptance by his peers. 2To learn to get along with boys of his same age. He needs to form friendships with other boys. He needs to learn how to balance giving and receiving affection if he is to relate well to his peers. He needs to belong to a group of boys his own age. Being a part of a Cub Scout den helps fulfill these needs. 3 To develop his mental processes. He can develop his mental process by reading, writing, and calculating. He needs opportunities to use language to express ideas and to influence others. He must move from a preoccupation with self to understanding how and what others think of him. Opportunities for observation and experimentation will help him learn self-reliance. Den activities and meetings, along with the advancement program, help him develop mentally. 4 To develop a value system. He is developing a sense of what is right and wrong and what is fair and unfair. He will do this by cooperating with other boys, by being taught, by examples of adults, and from positive reinforcement. He begins to develop democratic social attitudes. 5 To develop personal independence. He is becoming less dependent on adults. His sameage friends become important to him. In his den, and in the pack, he exercises his independence while learning to get along with others. Your son also needs to belong to a group of boys his own age. This group is a key component of the Cub Scout program. A den is like a neighborhood group of six or eight boys in which he will achieve status and recognition. As you learn more about how Cub Scouting works and what goes on in a den and a pack, you will see that the program helps your boy in these five important developmental needs. The uniqueness of Cub Scouting is that you, as his family, join the program with your boy. You will help him all along the way. To find out how you can support your boy by becoming a Cub Scout family, please turn the page and complete the Family Talent Survey Sheet*. Please turn it in at this meeting. * Also may be titled Parent and Family Talent Survey Sheet APPENDIX

26 PROGRESS RECORD FOR THE WEBELOS DEN LEADER AWARD Cut along solid lines; fold along dotted lines. Help plan and conduct a Webelos den Boy Scout troop joint activity. Take leadership in planning and conducting two Webelos overnight campouts or other outdoor den activities. Have a Webelos den chief who meets regularly with your den. Have an assistant Webelos den leader or second adult who regularly attends your den s meetings and activities. Graduate a minimum of 60 percent of the eligible members of your Webelos den into Boy Scouting. At least once, reregister a minimum of 75 percent of the eligible members of your den as a part of pack rechartering. During at least one program year, have a minimum of 50 percent of the Webelos Scouts in your den advance in rank (Webelos Badge or Arrow of Light Award). Take leadership in planning and conducting a Webelos den service project. Conduct at least three Webelos den meetings per month, 9 months per year or an optional meeting plan approved by the pack. Participate with your den in a Webelos day camp or resident camp experience. Explore three character connection activities with your den members in one year. Hold regular den meeting and activity planning sessions with your assistant den leader. Approved by Pack committee chairman or Cubmaster Date DISTRICT ACTION This progress record has been reviewed and the candidate has met the standards for the Webelos Den Leader Award. The award is approved. Approved by Do seven of the following: PERFORMANCE Pack committee chairman or Cubmaster Date Pack committee chairman or Cubmaster Date TRAINING Complete The New Webelos Den Leader Fast Start training. Complete New Leader Essentials. Complete leader-specific training. Complete Youth Protection Training. Complete outdoor leader skills for Webelos leaders. During your tenure for this award, participate in a Cub Scout leader pow wow or University of Scouting, or attend at least four roundtables. Approved by From To Approved by From To Dates of Service Complete 1 year as a registered Webelos den leader. (Dates of service used to earn this award cannot be used to earn another key or award. TENURE PROGRESS RECORD FOR THE WEBELOS DEN LEADER AWARD Name Address City Pack No. District Council BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA (Reproduce locally.) For the district Date