Webelos-to-Scout Transition

• Approximately 90 out of every 100 Boy Scouts joined a troop directly out of a Webelos Den.
• Approximately 9 of the remaining 10 had at least some Cub Scout experience.
• Left to chance (without an intentional Webelos-to-Scout transition plan in place), only about 1 out of 8 Webelos will move into a troop.
• When Webelos who DID NOT join a Boy Scout troop were asked, "Why they didn't move on," do you know what the #1 reason was? Click HERE for the answer (it may surprise you).

Webelos to Scout transition is critical to the health of our Boy Scout troops but also for the long-term benefits of the Scout. Remember, the longer he stays in Scouting, the deeper the impact of our program in helping to shape his values and character. But, whose job is it? Consider these roles for starters:

Cubmaster-needs to make sure there is a good relationship with a troop or troops in the area. He should invite the Scoutmaster and a few youth leaders to be visible at pack meetings so the families and Cub Scouts get to know them.

Webelos Leader-he or she will have a great impact on the entire Webelos Den. If the Webelos Leader's son goes to troop "A" and his parents go with him, chances are most of the Webelos Den will join troop "A" as well. Conversely, if the Webelos Leader's son does not go into Boy Scouting, most of the den will not go either.

Webelos Den Chief-The troop that provides a good Webelos Den Chief has an automatic "IN" with most of those Scouts because they already know one of the Boy Scouts in that troop and they will be much more comfortable with joining.

Scoutmaster-The Scoutmaster should do everything in his (or her) power to keep the lines of communication open with the pack, the pack leadership and the Webelos themselves. Each 5th Grade Webelo should be invited to attend several troop meetings and activities and should be encouraged to finish up the Arrow of Light so that they can graduate into the troop by late-winter, early spring and go to summer camp right away.

Assistant Scoutmaster-Wise troops have an Assistant Scoutmaster assigned to Webelos Transition. He or she may visit the pack or the Webelos den often throughout the year and will make sure each of the Scouts and his family knows they are welcome in the troop.

The Unit Committees-These groups must work together to coordinate activities with the pack and troop, to keep the relationship strong and to make sure that both the pack and troop are providing the best program possible for the greatest number of Scouts.

The Unit Commissioner-This district-level volunteer is interested in unit health and in keeping the programs strong. The UC can be of great assistance in the Webelos Transition process.

There are others who also should play a role in the Webelos-to-Scout Transition plan. Consider the District Chairman or the District Membership Chairman. What about the District Executive or even the parents themselves? As you can see, many people share the responsibility to make sure that our Webelos know about the great opportunities of Boy Scouting and are there to help them make that transition.

We should NEVER BE SATISFIED with 1 out of 8 (15 %) transition from Webelos to Boy Scouting. Make it your goal to move 75%, 85%, even 100% of your Webelos into a troop!