Information for Transitioning Webelos

Frequently Asked Questions about Troop 4

The worst situation seems to be when the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Den has run out of activities for their den meetings and doesn't hold them on a regular basis. This usually occurs in the January - March time frame. The problem is that the Scouts get bored and/or start to fill their schedules with other activities and start to lose contact with Scouting.

On the flip side, the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) are still a great resource for the Packs and still have several fun things to do with their packs, such as the Pinewood Derby, the Blue and Gold Dinner, and the Crossover ceremony.

What we want is for a smooth transition for the Scouts without their missing out on anything. We recommend a Webelos Transition similar to this:

  1. While the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Den is still actively working on badges and advancement requirements, they should stay in the Den and help the others progress.
     
  2. As the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Den gets ready to wind down, those Scouts who have earned their Arrow of Light (it doesn't have to be awarded only earned) or are already eleven should choose the Scouts BSA Troop they want to join. They can attend troop meetings to get a feel for the troop and the Scouts in the troop without actively joining the troop (though they may not be able to go on any outings).
     
  3. Once they are sure which troop they want to join, and are eligible (are eleven, have completed the Arrow of Light, or completed the fifth grade), they should actually join that troop. This means completing the application paperwork and paying any fees and dues (these amounts vary by troop). They are then considered a member of the troop and can start participating in all troop activities, including outings, and earning rank advancement.
     
    Even though they have now joined the troop, they would still wear the blue shoulder loops since they have not participated in a crossover ceremony. Effectively, they'll be members of both the Troop and the Pack. So they can still attend Pack activities, such as Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold, and Crossover.

The intent is to give the Transitioning Webelos the best of both worlds. They get a jump on their Scouts BSA requirements and start to learn how the Troop works yet still get to enjoy the last bit of Cub Scouts. For some, this transition starts in February or March, for others it's January. It really depends on the Scout, the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Den and the Pack -- not the Troop.

If the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Scout is not eleven or hasn't earned their Arrow of Light, technically these Scouts are not supposed to join a Boy Scout Troop until they complete 5th grade. From a practical standpoint, they can still attend troop meetings as a guest until the Pack's Crossover ceremony, which marks the last Cub Scout activity. Nearly all Troops consider this point to be the equivalent of completing 5th grade although the Troop and Pack should talk to make sure the Scout is ready. While a Webelos II (Arrow of Light) is attending troop meetings as a guest, they may not be able to participate in outings or earn rank advancement. As most Scouts who fall into this group are ten, they usually aren't ready to go on Scouts BSA outings.

What about recharter? There is sometimes a gap between when Packs recharter and when Troops recharter. For insurance reasons, a youth must be in either a Pack or a Troop when participating in activities. Youth who are eligible should join the Troop BEFORE their Pack's recharter time. Those ineligible, should recharter with the Pack and will be transferred into the Troop when they are eligible to join. Fees associated with recharter that are paid to the Council don't matter if its Pack or Troop. Activity fees stay within the Pack. Talk to your Pack about only paying the recharter fee as the Scouts will be moving onto Boy Scouts when they're able to.

What about Fundraising?

In Troop 4, we encourage Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Scouts who are going to continuing into Scouts BSA to participate with Troop 4 in the Troop's spring fundraising activity. Parents should speak with their Pack about the fall fundraising sales to see if the Packs pass any fundraising money to the Troop as part of a Pack Scout Account.

Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Scouts who wish, can sell with Troop 4 to get a jump start on their Scout Accounts (a way for scouts to earn money to pay for activities). When the Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Scout then joins Troop 4, they already have earned some of their dues, joining fee, outing costs and/or even summer camp.

Above it is mentioned that Webelos II (Arrow of Light) should sell for their Pack. This is because a Pack's budget is funded through their fundraising sales. Some Packs allow for a portion of the Webelos II's profits, over the needs of the Pack, to be transferred to the Troop. Consult your Pack for their policy. We encourage Webelos II (Arrow of Light) Scouts to sell for their Pack and only if they have the time or inclination would they participate in the Troop 4 sale.