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Webelos Scout Trail to Advancement
WE'LL BE LOYAL SCOUTS!
The Webelos badge is the fifth rank in Cub Scouting coming after Tiger
Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear. You can start on the Webelos Cub Scout
trail to advancement as soon as you join a Webelos den, and have earned
the Bobcat badge. To earn the Webelos badge you must be active
in your den for at least 3 months and complete the requirements. You'll
be proud to earn the Webelos rank and receive your badge at a pack
meeting.
About the Two Badges
Note that two Webelos badges are shown on this page. The first is a
diamond-shaped cloth badge that is gold and light blue embroidered on
dark blue background with gold trim. It is worn on the left pocket of
the blue Cub Scout uniform in the 6 o'clock position, as shown in
Insignia Guide. This diamond-shaped patch can still be worn by Webelos
that have earned it as part of the four-patch 'diamond.'
The other Webelos badge is an oval-shaped cloth badge, gold and light
blue embroidered on khaki background with khaki trim. It is worn
centered on the left pocket of the khaki Scout shirt, with no other rank
patches, as shown in Insignia Guide.
How to Earn the Webelos Badge
WEBELOS REQUIREMENTS
1) Have an adult member of your family read the Webelos Scout Parent Guide that comes with the book (Webelos Handbook, Pages 1-22) and sign where instructed.
2) Be an active member of your Webelos den for 3 months (Active means
having good attendance, paying den dues, working on den projects).
3) Know and explain the meaning of the Webelos badge.
4) Point out the three special parts of the Webelos Scout uniform. Tell when to wear the uniform and when not to wear it.
5) Earn the Fitness and Citizen activity badges and one other activity badge from a different activity badge group.
6) Plan and lead a flag ceremony in your den that includes the U.S. flag.
7 Show that you know and understand the requirements to be a Boy Scout.
a)Demonstrate the Scout salute, Scout sign, and Scout handshake. Explain when you would use them.
b)Explain the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan
c)Explain and agree to follow the Outdoor Code.
Webelos Badge Requirement - Faith
8) Faith
After completing the rest of requirement 8, do these (a, b, and c):
a) Know: Tell what you have learned about faith.
b) Commit: Tell how these faith experiences help you live your duty to
God. Name one faith practice that you will continue to do in the future.
c) Practice: After doing these requirements, tell what you have learned about your beliefs.
And do one of these (d OR e):
d) Earn the religious emblem of your faith*
e) Do two of these:
*Attend the mosque, church, synagogue, temple, or other religious
organization of your choice, talk with your religious leader about your
beliefs. Tell your family and your Webelos den leader what you learned.
*Discuss with your family and Webelos den leader how your religious
beliefs fit in with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and what
character-building traits your religious beliefs have in common with the
Scout Oath and Scout Law.
*With your religious leader, discuss and make a plan to do two things
you think will help you draw nearer to God. Do these things for a month.
For at least a month, pray or meditate reverently each day as taught by
your family, and by your church, temple, mosque, synagogue, or religious
group.
*Under the direction of your religious leader, do an act of service for
someone else. Talk about your service with your family and Webelos den
leader. Tell them how it made you feel.
*List at least two ways you believe you have lived according to your religious beliefs.
Notes:
If you earned your faith's religious emblem earlier in Cub Scouting, and
your faith does not have a Webelos religious emblem, you must complete
requirement 8e.
Completion of requirement 8e does not qualify a youth to receive the religious emblem of his faith.
Religious Emblems are listed in the Webelos Handbook, pages 68-69. (A
list of the religious emblems available to Cub Scouts is available on
the BSA website.)
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When a boy has completed all of these Webelos requirements, he has earned the right to wear the Webelos badge.
The badge should be ceremoniously presented as soon as possible at an upcoming Pack meeting.
Webelos Dens are Not Patrols
How did "Webelos Colors" get it's name?
This
subject is one of considerable discussion and misunderstanding. But, as
with (almost) every other Cub Scouting question, the answer can be
found in the "Cub Scout Leader Book" (BSA No. 33221) and/or the BSA
"Insignia Guide" (BSA No. 33066.)
The "Leader Book" states: "Webelos dens may have a name and wear the
appropriate "patrol emblem" instead of a den numeral, but they are still
a den."
The "Insignia Guide" refers to this insignia when worn by Webelos Scouts
as a "Webelos den emblem" and notes that its use is "optional."
PROPER USE OF THE WEBELOS DEN EMBLEM
Webelos dens (1st or 2nd year) should get together and decide as a group
which one of the 39 Webelos den emblems they will wear. They can even
have a special 'blank patch' custom
embroidered with literally any mascot thay choose. They should take
care NOT to use the same emblem that may currently be in use by another
den in their Pack. The emblem is worn on the Webelos Scout's right
sleeve below, centered, and touching the American flag patch.
HISTORY OF THE PATROL
The Boy Scouts of America's use of the patrol method follows the patrol
system introduced by Scouting's founder Baden-Powell. The organization
of boys into patrols led to the need to identify the patrols. Though the
patrols more often than not took the names of animals, the first
identifier used were patrol ribbons which were the inspiration for
todays Webelos Colors. Each patrol was identified by a set of colored
ribbons that were assigned to the name of the patrol. The original
British ribbons were strands of yarn and later, cloth ribbons. These
ribbons later gave way to first silkscreened patches (or badges) and
later, embroidered emblems.
WEARING THE WEBELOS COLORS
Webelos colors are an optional Webelos Scout uniform item whose use is
determined at the Pack level. It consists of woven green, red, and gold
streamers (tabs) on a blue metal bar with the border and word "Webelos"
in gold. It is worn on the right sleeve immediately below and touching
the U.S. flag if no Den number is worn (i.e. it covers the Den and
Quality Unit insignia). If Den number is worn, under and touching the
Den number. If colors are worn, activity badges are worn on the tabs.
In the late 1980's, BSA National moved to eliminate the Webelos Colors. This brought about a wave
of 'static' from the field that resulted in it's continuation. The
lingering effect of this action can be seen in the lack of documentation
regarding the 'colors.' While it's proper display is very briefly
illustrated in the 1997 - 1999 Insignia Guide, it is not mentioned in
the Webelos Scout Book.
Earning the Compass Points Emblem
After
you have earned the Webelos badge, you can earn the compass points
emblem. It is awarded after you earn seven activity badges: four more in
addition to the three you earned for the Webelos badge. Wear your
compass points emblem attached to the button on the right pocket of your
Webelos uniform shirt.
After you earn the compass points emblem, you'll receive a metal compass
point for each four additional activity badges you earn. Pin these
compass points on the emblem in the "E," "W," or "S" positions, in any
order you choose.
You can earn the emblem and all three compass points by completing 19
activity badges, including the three required for the Webelos badge.
Activity Badges
COMMUNITY GROUP
- Citizen
- Communicator
- Family Member
- Readyman
MENTAL SKILLS GROUP
- Artist
- Scholar
- Showman
- Traveler
OUTDOOR GROUP
- Forester
- Geologist
- Naturalist
- Outdoorsman
PHYSICAL SKILLS GROUP
- Aquanaut
- Athlete
- Fitness
- Sportsman
TECHNOLOGY GROUP
- Craftsman
- Engineer
- Handyman
- Scientist
The Arrow of Light
The highest award a cub scout can earn.
After a boy has completed the fourth grade and earned the Webelos badge,
the next step on the Webelos trail to becoming a Boy Scout is earning
the Arrow of Light Award. This is the highest award a Cub Scout can
earn, and is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout
Uniform. As a boy works on the Arrow of Light, he gets a chance to
practice some Scout skills that he has already learned, earn more
Activity Badges, and REALLY learn what a Boy Scout is. Because this
award is so special, a special ceremony should always be performed by
the Pack!
The Arrow of Light
The Way of The Arrow
The Arrow of Light Award is the highest rank in Cub Scouting. A Webelos
Scout should set his sights on it early. It's tougher to earn than the
Webelos badge, but he can do it! The Cub Scout will have to earn the
Webelos badge and at least eight activity badges, including Citizen,
Readyman, and Fitness. The total must include one from each of the five
activity groups.
By the time he has earned the Arrow of Light Award, he will have learned
many things about a lot of subjects - and a lot about Boy Scouting. He
will be ready to join a Boy Scout troop!
Before he get's started on the Arrow of Light Award, he should read
through the requirements with a parent, guardian, or den leader. Each
time a requirement is satisfied, he should have his Webelos Den Leader
sign it off in his Webelos Scout Book.
Details regarding the completion of the requirements and can be found in the BSA Webelos Handbook (No. 33452, 2003.)
Arrow of Light Requirements
1)
Be active in your Webelos den for at least 6 months since completing
the fourth grade (or for at least six months since becoming 10 years
old), and earn the Webelos badge.
2) Show your knowledge of the requirements to become a Boy Scout by doing all of these:
*Repeat from memory and explain in your own words the Scout Oath or
Promise and the 12 points of the Scout Law. Tell how you have practiced
them in your everyday life.
*Give and explain the Scout motto, slogan, sign, salute, and handclasp.
*Understand the significance of the Scout badge. Know its parts and tell what each stands for.
*Tell how a Boy Scout uniform is different from a Webelos Scout uniform.
*Tie the joining knot (square knot)
3) Earn five more activity badges in addition to the three you already earned for the Webelos badge. These must include:
*Fitness (already earned for the Webelos badge)
*Citizen (already earned for the Webelos badge)
*Readyman
*Outdoorsman
*At least one from the Mental Skills Group
*At least one from the Technology Group
*Two more of your choice
See Webelos Handbook, page 74 for the activity badge groups.
4) With your Webelos den, visit at least
*one Boy Scout troop meeting,
*one Boy Scout-oriented outdoor activity.
(If you have already done this when you earned your Outdoorsman activity
badge, you may not use it to fulfill requirements for your Arrow of
Light Award requirements.)
5) Participate in a Webelos overnight campout or day hike.
(If you have already done this when you earned your Outdoorsman activity
badge, you may not use it to fulfill requirements for your Arrow of
Light Award requirements.)
6) After you have completed all five of the above requirements, and
after a talk with your Webelos den leader, arrange to visit, with your
parent or guardian, a meeting of a Boy Scout troop you think you might
like to join. Have a conference with the Scoutmaster.
7) Complete the Honesty Character Connection.
a)Know: Say the Cub Scout Promise to your family. Discuss these
questions with them. What is a promise? What does it mean to keep your
word? What does it mean to be trustworthy? What does honesty mean?
b)Commit: Discuss these questions with your family. Why is a promise
important? Why is it important for people to trust you when you give
your word? When might it be difficult to be truthful? List examples.
c)Practice: Discuss with a family member why it is important to be
trustworthy and honest. How can you do your best to be honest even when
it is difficult?
When a boy has completed all of these requirements, he has earned the right to wear the Arrow of Light badge.
The badge should be ceremoniously presented as soon as possible at an upcoming Pack meeting.
A Webelos Scout Must Learn the Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent
Webelos need to make two overnight stays.
Outdoorsman Badge and the Arrow of Light require overnight outings.
About the only thing you don't need when
you become a Boy Sout is a tent. Most Boy Scout troops have their own
set of troop tents that they take with them. The boys will have to learn
to set them up and take them down, but they remain with the troop at
the end of the trip.
For all the rest of the essentials and recommended gear, stock up now as
a Webelos scout and before you know it you'll be equipped for any
adventure whether it's at a local camping spot with full amenities or
out in the forest with minimal supplies except what you bring on your
back and the natural resources from the land.
Listed below are the ten essentials that every scout should have with him on any camping outing.
The essentials and a few extras shown below are those items that my
scout currently has and takes with him on most outings. Sometimes he
uses all the items and sometimes he may leave home the bulky stuff if
he's going backpacking.
Amazon Price: (as of 09/18/2011)
Scout Essentials
Every Scout needs his own knife.
The Swiss Army Knife is the leading knife.
In 1884, Master Cutler Karl Elsener
started his cutlery factory in the small village of Ibach, Switzerland.
In 1897, he crafted the Victorinox Original Swiss Army Knife. Since that
time, the Elsener family has continued to craft tools in the Victorinox
tradition of in genious design, durability, and quality. This is why
all Victorinox multi-tools, made of first class stainless steel, are
guaranteed a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship.
REMEMBER, If it doesn't say Victorinox, it's not the Original Swiss Army
Knife.
It's always a parents nightmare to worry about a young boy carrying a
knife. The only comfort is knowing that by the time he reaches the
Webelos level and then bridges to a Boy Scout, he has had numerous
training opportunities and he knows how to treat his knife with respect.
The Swiss Army knife below has just enough extra gadgets to meet the
needs of any scout during a weekend outing or a week stay. There are
many other knives out there that all have so many extras that you really
shouldn't call it a knife anymore. My son has several knives that he
uses. He usually takes a regular pocket knife such as the one shown
below, and then he takes a multi-tool knife in case he needs to do other
things.
Amazon Price: (as of 09/18/2011)
Scout extra essential, the multi-tool.
My scout carries the multi-tool set
around in his pocket whether he is on a scout outing or not. I can come
out of a store and the clear hard unbreakable package that holds
batteries or some other electronics is usually so hard to open that I
have to wait until I get home to grab some scissors and open it.
However, if my son is with me, he takes out his multi-tool set and cuts
the package open right then and there. He is the living the Scout Motto
of always Be Prepared.
Amazon Price: (as of 09/18/2011)
Rain gear is one of the Scout Ten Essentials
The Scout must always be prepared for
the change in weather. A rain suit or rain gear is recommended even if
the activity is local and there is no sign of rain or inclimate weather.
Things can change in a minute and it is important to remain warm and
dry in any climate or setting. Days turn to nights and the temperatures
drop. Keep warm and dry.
Amazon Price: $13.15 (as of 09/18/2011)
Hurray for Hand Cranked Flashlights
Having a hand cranked flashlight
provides comfort and security knowing that you'll never run out of
batteries. All you do is hand crank the lever and the flashlight works.
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 09/18/2011)
Scout Essential with Solar Hand Cranked Flashlight with Cell Phone Charger
This hand cranked flashlight has it all.
I strongly support the hand cranked philosophy especially in a remote
area. You never know when your young scout could get into a
life-threatening situation and may need to have a flashlight as a source
of light for longer than originally anticipated.
This flashlight also has a source to charge a cell phone.
Amazon Price: (as of 09/18/2011)
Scout Outdoor Cooking Fire Starters
When my son said he bought a fire
starter from a fellow scout when he went off to camp one summer, I
couldn't help but think he would turn into a pyro and I would find him
one day behind the garage trying to start a fire.
I talked to him about what he knew about fire safety and what he had
learned as a scout about the dangers of uncontrolled fires. He was well
aware of the consequences. He said he was going to use the fire starter
only in an emergency, if he should ever get into a bad situation where
it required that he start a fire for food or safety. I trusted him,
because I knew he meant what he said about only in emergency and/or of
course, supervised by an adult. He has already learned about starting a
fire for cooking purposes.
He also has a set of matches that he takes with him to scout camping
outings and he has those in his backpack in a water tight container.
Amazon Price: $7.45 (as of 09/18/2011)
The Map and Compass
A compass is fun and a great tool in case you ever get lost.
My son learned how to use a basic
compass and map as a Webelos scout. However, in Boy Scouts, he learned
even more when earning his 2nd Class Rank. He is now a First Class and
is once again learning in greater detail the value of working with a map
and compass.
Amazon Price: $19.70 (as of 09/18/2011)
Map and Compass Handbook
by: Björn Kjellström
Amazon Price: (as of 09/18/2011)
Scout Mess Kit for Cooking and Eating Meals
My son had a habit of leaving his eating
utensils behind and forgetting to pack them up when he returned from a
scouting trip when he was a Webelos scout. So, instead of continually
purchasing the little three piece set which has a fork, spoon and knife
that all hook together in a comapct row, I sent him with a few sets of
plastic eating ware. I told him to be sure to bring them back so he
doesn't litter or affect the environment. He is more responsible now and
he does bring home his stainless steel eating utensils and messkit.
Remember to label everything with a black marker.
Amazon Price: $16.24 (as of 09/18/2011)
Scout Backpack
How to choose the right backpack for your scout.
Most sons use an internal frame pack and
it basically fits him fine. The frame is adjustable and grows with him
as his shoulders start to broaden and his torso grows larger. We made a
great investment and paid a little more, but this backpack will last him
his entire scouting years.
Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the
fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed,
lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only
thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support
structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs,
have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of
your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance
on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support,
but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when
you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high
degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression
straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing
you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for
more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail
bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame
packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and
hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be
difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal
frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit,
proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you
should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle
portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal,
too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally,
internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load
directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals,
when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest
assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how
unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear
via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals
don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more
air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a
growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a
lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But
because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any
kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know
that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack
during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are
great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or
fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and
rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts
and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your
intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while
climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day
hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the
3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in
colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for
a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with
5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips
lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic
inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and
since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just
enough space for your outings and no more.
Amazon Price: $51.27 (as of 09/18/2011)
Another Scout Essential in my book. The shovel and pick.
The shovel and pick are equipment that
every scout should include in their backpack. It may not be an
essential, but it's right up there. My son has used his shovel many
times when it is rugged out there and they are away from any civilized
form of a restroom. He says he has to find a spot, dig a whole, then go.
He said the other boys borrow his when they have to go, too. The
folding shovel goes right into his backpack.
Amazon Price: $11.26 (as of 09/18/2011)
Webelos Advancement -Bridging to Boy Scouts
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