This video outlines the ScoutsBSA transition process from the cub scouting program
Show Notes:
- Webelos to Scout Transition Plan (scouting.org – PDF)
- How to have a smooth and successful Webelos transition (Scouting Magazine)
- 8 ideas for an easy Webelos to ScoutsBSA Transition (Scouting Wire)
Transcript:
This week’s scoutmaster dave we are going to talk a little about the transition process from cub scouts to boy scouts, or more specifically ScoutsBSA.
While boys and girls can join a troop at any time over the age of 11 until 17 cubs transitioning from the cub scout program can begin the ScoutsBSA experience at age 10 ½ once they have earned their Arrow of Light.
Commonly this takes place after a ceremony called a Blue and Gold, but this does not have to be the case. Once they earn their Arrow of Light, they can transition immediately.
One of the parts of the Arrow of light however is finding and visiting a troop and doing some activities with them. In next week’s video we will be discussing the process of finding a troop.
But one of the key reasons for this is that it’s not an automatic process, as many packs do not have troops directly aligned with them, but some do, and treat it as an extension of the larger Boy Scouts of America program.
There are some logistics as a cub leader that need to be considered as your second year Webelos scouts prepare for the transition as your pack normally does. Firstly, as I mentioned, it’s important for the cubs to have completed their Arrow of Light requirements, and it’s a good idea to meet with your Webelos den leader periodically to make sure this is happening, as there is that 6-month hole otherwise.
And, as we know, the longer a time between programs will mean less scouts transitioning and continuing with the larger program.
Another point of concern is the actual mechanics of the transition.
When cubs transfer to the boy scouting (Scouts BSA) program they need to fill out the standard Boy Scout application. On this application there is a part that indicates the scout in question is transferring from cubs to ScoutsBSA. As part of this they need to check the checkbox and input the cub pack they are coming from.
By doing this they are considered a transfer application.
There are a number of good reasons to do this. First and foremost is there is no additional charge to the ScoutsBSA unit due to National, as the scout would already be registered with the cub pack.
The second point, is that all of the scout’s information is transferred and not created new. So it reduces the burden on your local council by not having them re-key all the same information, and any trainings, or awards such as the Arrow of Light are still associated with the scout.
When filling out the form, if they have their ID number to enter, all the better, but most do not have this when filling out the form.
From the pack perspective it might seem tempting to not register webelos 2 scouts when the re-register in December/January, but doing this means they are not covered under BSA insurance, and not registered, so their Arrow of Light does not technically count or get recorded if they are not registered.
So if you are one of those pack units that don’t register Webelos 2, its not a good thing and can cause some issues down the line, so register your scouts.
True, it doesn’t seem particularly fair, as you don’t get reimbursed when they leave, but assuming you are passing on the cost of re-registration to the scout family, they essentially have paid for it already.
On the flip side, there are usually some costs the Troop will pass on to the newly minted boy scouts. Unusually the dues some part of the rest of the year, depending on how this is handled, it might be for a month or two, or for the remainder of the year.
In our Troop, we do the remainder of the year, as we ask for dues all at once to reduce paperwork and dealing with money during the year outside of trips and such.
Other than dues, usually there is a fee for any uniform parts, or materials the Troop passes along to the scout. This will depend on the Troop.
In ours, we give the scouts a class-b troop tshirt, some uniform numbers, a hat and neckerchief and scout book, and we pass along actual costs rounded up to make it easy. As of today, we ask for I believe about $100, half of which goes to troop dues and half to the supplies.
But since the fee to national and the local council is already paid, there is not fee we pass on.
If your unit is one of those that is double dipping a bit, and passing on the national and local fee it’s good to remember a scout is Trustworthy, so you may want to re-examine this a bit.
Once scouts transition, they immediately stop going to pack events and meetings, and start going to Troop events and meetings, sometimes as early as the next day depending on the meeting schedule.
There are some packs that will let the new boy scouts race in their pinewood derby one last time, and while I personally might frown on it, there may be traditions in place that keep this going, and there is really nothing barring this from happening that I know about.
While the transition can be hard for some families, as the programs are different, it’s important to try and respect the boundaries of the programs, as it does make the transition easier.
But this is what works for us.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this was the cub to boy scout transition process.
