Webelos Scouts 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.

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.

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.

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 today's 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 1980s, 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.

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.

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 highest award a 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 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 gets 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.)

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?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My son has 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 1970s, 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.

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.

What better way to have the boys learn how to make ice cream and have fun at the same time. You make the ice cream mix and place it inside the ball. Then you roll the ball around for the suggested time and it makes a great treat for the boys. Buy several of them and have a competition among the different dens in your pack. Order a few for your own den and take them with your den on an overnight camping trip. Also makes a fun family treat, too.

Earn extra money with a great fundraiser. Create a mini-site here on Squidoo. Use it to show off all your activities and patrol events throughout the year. Use it to inform your parents at the den level or pack level of upcoming events and outings. Set up a FREE site right here and never have to e-mail again. It's easy and it's Free! Click on the "Create a Lens" below or the blue button on the right side of this mini-site that says, "Make A Page". You'll see how easy it really is to create your own message board for your den, patrol or pack. Good luck to you and your boys.