PURPOSE OF THE AKELA PROGRAM The AKELA Adventure is a program designed to assist Webelos Scouts in their transition to Boy Scouts. The main purpose of this program is to enhance the Scouting experience, while increasing youth commitment to continued participation in the Scouting movement. This program has been specially developed for use throughout the Grand Canyon Council and is available to all Webelos Scouts. AKELA Adventure requirements occur in two stages. The first stage is completed as a Webelos Scout, and the second stage as a Boy Scout. After completion of all the requirements the Boy Scout receives the AKELA Award. The Award should be presented at a meeting of the Scout s former pack, where he stands as an example of the successful transition into Boy Scouting and the adventure it offers. The Webelos Scout not only learns basic Boy Scout knowledge while earning his Arrow of Light, he also has the opportunity to use these skills in troop activities. The AKELA Adventure helps the Webelos Scout bond with a troop and provides a head start on his Boy Scout experience. He stays involved in the advancement program through enhanced commitment, and does not lose heart or interest. The boy benefits by advancing within the Webelos program. His participation in Troop activities helps him make friends with Scouts and their leaders. He also benefits through involvement in the Scouting program, which furthers his physical, mental, and moral growth. The pack benefits by having a program that helps guide the boy through his Webelos experience, providing goals beyond Cub Scouting. When the boy returns to the pack to receive his AKELA award, he helps build enthusiasm in the pack for both the AKELA Adventure program and eventual Scout Adventures. The troop benefits through increased membership: gaining boys who have already learned basic Scouting skills and are eager to join the troop. These new Scouts will quickly become valuable, active members. As a Boy Scout visiting the pack and sharing his troop activities, he further promotes interest in the troop. Leaders in both the pack and the troop benefit by having another arrow of interest and fun in their quiver of program helps. Scouting benefits by retaining youth in the Scouting Program, rather than losing them to other activities or interests.
HOW THE AKELA PROGRAM WORKS The AKELA Adventure in Webelos Scouting (Stage One): 1. Each boy receives an AKELA Adventure Trail record card after he earns his Webelos badge. He should receive his card at least 6 months prior to his graduation from the Webelos program. 2. The Webelos Scout submits his card to be initialed by an adult leader when he completes an AKELA Adventure requirement. The Webelos Leader also maintains an AKELA progress record for each boy. 3. The Webelos Leader develops a program to assist the Scout in earning the AKELA award. This program can be developed for an individual, or an entire Webelos den. 4. Upon completion of stage one requirements, the Webelos Scout graduates into a Boy Scout troop. Graduation should take place ideally no later than March or April. This enables the boy to have enough time with the Troop to prepare for summer camp. The AKELA Adventure in Boy Scouting (Stage Two): 1. When a boy graduates into a Boy Scout Troop, he beings his AKELA Adventure Trail record card with him. The Webelos Leader forwards the AKELA progress record to the Scoutmaster. 2. The AKELA Adventure Boy Scout requirements do not call for any activities outside the regular Scouting program. Requirements must be completed within six months of the date the boy graduates from Webelos. 3. The Scoutmaster, other Scouters, and parents should offer continuing direction and encouragement to the boy. 4. Upon completion, requirements are confirmed by the Scoutmaster. Once the progress record has been completed, it is submitted to the Council Office by the troop committee. The troop is then authorized to purchase the AKELA Award. 5. The AKELA Award is presented to the boy by the Cubmaster and the Scoutmaster together at a special ceremony during a meeting of the boy s original cub pack. NOT at a troop meeting.
As a WEBELOS SCOUT: Help select and learn you den name and yell. Describe your den flag, wear your den medallion. Attend both a troop meeting and a troop court of honor. Earn the Arrow of Light Award plus three additional activity badges. Work at least 3 hours on a troop service project. Have a progress review with your Webelos Leader. Graduate into a Scout Troop of your choice. Date of Graduation / / Webelos Leader Signature As a BOY SCOUT: Be active in your troop and patrol for 6 months. Work at least three hours on a troop service project. Earn your Tenderfoot badge. Participate in one of the following outdoor activities: A. Attend a week at summer camp with your troop. B. Three outings of which two must be overnight camping. C. One day hike, one overnight hike, and three additional hours of outdoor service. (This three hour service may be combined with the other three hour Boy Scout service project for a six hour service project. Visit your former pack with your Scout Leader to tell them about your troop activities. Have a Progress Review meeting with your Scout Leader. AKELA Adventure Award Completion Date / / As a WEBELOS SCOUT: Help select and learn you den name and yell. Describe your den flag, wear your den medallion. Attend both a troop meeting and a troop court of honor. Earn the Arrow of Light Award plus three additional activity badges. Work at least 3 hours on a troop service project. Have a progress review with your Webelos Leader. Graduate into a Scout Troop of your choice. Date of Graduation / / Webelos Leader Signature As a BOY SCOUT: Be active in your troop and patrol for 6 months. Work at least three hours on a troop service project. Earn your Tenderfoot badge. Participate in one of the following outdoor activities: D. Attend a week at summer camp with your troop. E. Three outings of which two must be overnight camping. F. One day hike, one overnight hike, and three additional hours of outdoor service. (This three hour service may be combined with the other three hour Boy Scout service project for a six hour service project. Visit your former pack with your Scout Leader to tell them about your troop activities. Have a Progress Review meeting with your Scout Leader. AKELA Adventure Award Completion Date / /
I certify that, of Troop has completed the AKELA Webelos Akela Adventure Adventure Trail on / / Scoutmaster / / Date Requirements & Progress Record I certify that, of Troop has completed the AKELA Webelos Akela Adventure Adventure Trail on / / Scoutmaster / / Date Requirements & Progress Record
Grand Canyon Council Boy Scouts of America AKELA REQUIREMENTS Adult Leader Requirements WEBELOS Leader Requirements: 1. Meet with parents to explain the AKELA Adventure Program. 2. If one does not exist, establish a Webelos den with medallion, flag and yell. 3. Supervise Webelos Den Leader selection. 4. Keep AKELA progress records current for all boys enrolled in the AKELA program. 5. Conduct one or more progress review meetings with boys enrolled in the AKELA program. 6. Complete Webelos Leader Specific Training. 7. With your Cubmaster and the troop s Scoutmaster, conduct a formal Webelos graduation into the troop. Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Requirements: 1. Conduct a parents meeting before Webelos graduation to explain the Boy Scout program and troop policies. 2. Work with the Webelos Leaders to coordinate Webelos graduation. 3. Participate in a formal Webelos graduation into the troop. 4. Assign a Troop Guide to the graduated patrol. 5. Monitor progress. Keep AKELA progress records current and guide a minimum of three Boy Scouts through completion of requirements for the AKELA Award. 6. Review progress with the boys and initial their AKELA Adventure cards, as requirements for the AKELA Award are completed. 7. Arrange for the presentation by the Cubmaster and Scoutmaster of the AKELA Award (at a meeting of the boy s home pack) to each Boy Scout who has earned it. Award Requirements Completed: / / Your Signature