Session 106: Webelos: Mental, Technology, & Community Groups Michael Beck Cascade District Trainer

Introduction Michael Beck  ASM Troop 673, in Bellevue  Cascade District Trainer  2013 Jamboree Scoutmaster Cub Scout Den Leader from Cascade District Day Camp Director Eagle Scout Class of 1986 Arrow of Light Class of 1980

Now you! First time Webelos Leaders? Experienced Webelos Leaders? Took this course because it was all that was available? Took this course because of the dashingly handsome instructor?

Agenda Webelos Advancement – Roles and Responsibilities Mental Group Technology Group Community Group

Ground Rules You get more out by putting something in; question, share ideas. – I might manage the time if needed to cover the material Network with each other (events like this are great for that). My way isn’t the only way…”Mike told us”…should not be the goal. I won’t review all requirements. – Goal is to share ideas.

What’s the “Purpose” of Webelos? The MAIN purpose of Webelos is to prepare boys to become Boy Scouts.

Webelos Advancment Who’s Responsible for What? – Parent’s Role? Parents should be involved and encouraged to lend expertise to the program in the areas of their interest. Each parent has something to contribute and can serve as an activity badge counselor. Parents should also work with the boys at home to complete certain projects assigned by the Webelos Leader. These projects are then approved by the Webelos Leader.

Roles and Responsibilities Cont. Webelos Leader 1. The Webelos Leader would review the Book’s Advancement and provide a program that helps the boys to achieve the Arrow of Light Award. Through the completion of requirements and by getting them out into the community through outdoor activities and field trips. Therefore enhancing Citizenship Training, Mental and Physical Fitness. The Webelos Leader would then communicate with the parents what has been accomplished and what the parent needs to do to finish the specfic requirement. 2. Get parents actively involved as Activity Badge Counselors for areas they have expertise in.

Who “Signs off” Webelos is different than Cubs – Den leader (or designated parent), determines if requirements have been met. – The Cub Scout motto is? DO YOUR BEST!!! – Boy Scout advancement focuses on proficiency. Webelos is still about doing their Best. – Don’t “Test” but decide what completion means when signing off on requirements Not all Webelos are the same.

Mental Skills Group This group is designed to get scouts to grow “Mentally” – Creativity – Learning – Presentation – Observation ARTIST, SCHOLAR, SHOWMAN, TRAVELER

Artist Great Den for Den Meetings. – Takes 2 meetings with a little homework. – Bring in a guest speaker (Parent?) – Meeting place is key Young artists can be messy. – Don’t rush! – Not a requirement BUT remember, our area has a number of great art museums – “Belt Loop” option must be done while a Webelo.

Pause for a Quick Tip… The INTERNET is your friend! – Search for: “Webelos Activity Pins” Requirement work-books How To guides Lots of other resources

Scholar Introduce in 1 Den Meeting. – Many things need to be done relate to school. – Great opportunity to work with an “Activity Badge Counselor” to check progress, hand out and review work books etc. – Belt loop requirements (Chess, Language, Mathematics) might be done in a meeting…Not all boys are alike!

Showman Great DEN Meetings 3-4 to prep. Pack Meeting, put on a show! Day Camp has many opportunities for Showman! 4 categories – Puppets – Drama – Music Depending on Den size, you might to more than one. Lots of parents to help – Counselors, set builders etc.

Pause for a Quick Tip… Plan your “Webelos Program” 1.5 years out. – Decide up front, what you’re going to cover when. – Don’t be left rushing the last 6 months to finish 8 activity badges. – Do “book work” when weather keeps you inside – Do Camp – Do visit and work with a Boy Scout Troop – Do share your plan with the next Den leader (and lessons you learned) as you cross to Boy Scouts

Traveler Fun for Family, or Den Meetings 2-3 with homework. Introduction to basic Navigation. Local Orienteering Clubs (Internet is your friend). Idea: Have the boys plan a trip as a Den somewhere (museum, movie, beach etc.) – Ride public transportation to get there, using their plan.

Technology Group. The Technology Group is designed to teach about HOW things are built. A favorite of many Cub scouts and parents. CRAFTSMAN, ENGINEER, HANDYMAN, SCIENTIST

Craftsman Often done at Day Camp. FUN Den meetings 2-3 GREAT time to get a parent to counsel this Activity Badge. Lowes and Home Depot LOVE to help with this. Lots of parent help building projects. Projects can be ordered at the scout store – DAY CAMP HAS LEFT OVERS! Location…ever hear 8 boys hammering? Safety…Goggles, supervision, work area NO POWER TOOLS!

Engineer This is why I’m an Engineer GREAT for Den Meetings 3-4 with field trip (recommended) Lots of guest speakers in our area. – Boeing, Microsoft, Shipyards, Building Trades. – Plant tours are always a hit. Safeway Bakery, Boeing, Microsoft Museum, Cabinet Building. Make this a hands on award. Guest speakers should understand their audience.

Handyman Family Fun! Introduce in part of a Den meeting All about working around the house. – Not all Webelos are the same. Bike Repair requirements could be done as part of a Pack Bike Rodeo. Stool or Sawhorse kits are available through the Scout Store (and don’t forget DAY CAMP LEFT OVERS!)

Pause for a Quick Tip… Den Chiefs make Advancement more fun! – If you don’t have a local troop, go to Roundtable meeting and find one – Call your DE, they’ll help you find one. Don’t have them at every meeting, but 4-5 times per year is great to keep the Webelos excited to stay in Scouting. – Train them, set expectations, and assign them things to do!

Scientist Favorite Den meetings from my son! Den Meetings, 3-4 Demonstrations at Pack Meetings by your Webelos Science Center, and UW have support programs. This is about “Showing” not just “Talking”. – Bernoulli's Principle – atmospheric pressure – Newton's first law Not a Scientist? No Problem – Guest speakers, recruit parents – Internet has TONs of fun experiments

Community Group. Citizenship is a core value in Scouting, at every level. In the community group we focus learning on – Citizenship – Family – Being Prepared – Communicating CITIZEN*, COMMUNICATOR, FAMILY MEMBER, READYMAN** * Required for your Webelos Badge **Required for Arrow of Light

Citizen Great for Den Meetings 3-4 with homework Presentations done in later meetings or at a Pack Meeting (1 or 2 until complete). Start EARLY in your first year. Guest speaker opportunities. – Lawyers – Judges Fieldtrip to City Hall, or Olympia Service Project Required – Not all Webelos are the same

Communicator Great in Den Meetings 2-3 meetings with homework Field Trip potential – Earn the Computers Belt Loop at the Microsoft Store – Newsroom visit (King 5, Radio Stations). Have an ESL guest speaker

Pause for a Quick Tip… Remember not to try to do too much in a Webelos meeting. Activity badges are designed to be earned over several meetings. – It’s not about proficiency, but you should cover it. – DO more, TALK less. – Hands on. – Don’t underestimate the value of a fieldtrip, even if they’re not directly part of a specific requirement, they can make advancement more fun.

Family Member Introduce in 1 den meeting, finish at home. Not all families are made the same. “Family Emergency” plan and kit is a great activity for a pack meeting.

Readyman REQUIRED for Arrow of Light. Great Den Meetings 4-6 Recommend before Den Camping (Personal First Aid) – Towards the end of first year. Bike Rodeo opportunities “Rules of the Road” Two Birds opportunity – Visit a Boy Scout Troop (Arrow of Light Requirement) – Participate in a First Aid demonstration First Aid training support from the Red Cross, Local Fire Departments (fieldtrip), and Den Chiefs.

Questions?

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