Webelos Transition Applications or Roster and Transition to Boy Scouts 2018

Dear Cubmaster and Committee Chairman:

My name is Mellissa Stanfa-Brew and I am the Webelos Transition Chair for Lake Minnetonka District.  We are coming up on the Crossover Season when your 5th Grade Webelos will be moving up to Boy Scout Troops.  I am sure you are all busy planning great ceremonies as these boys essentially graduate from the Cub Scout program.  You have done a super job with your youth.  Thanks for all you do to make Cub Scouts a great adventure.

In February, you should be receiving transitioning Webelos applications or roster from Lake Minnetonka District – Northern Star Council.  They should be turned into the scout office, or at roundtable, by the Troop they cross into as soon after the crossover ceremony as possible.  Scouts will remain on your Pack roster until they are transferred into a Troop, or drop off after your 2019 recharter.

As your Webelos have worked on their Scouting Adventure Pin, they have visited at least one Troop and participated in an outdoor activity with a Troop.  I hope they all had great experiences and choose to continue with Scouts.

I recommend reminding both the parents and Webelos that when they move to a Troop, Scouts advance at their own pace.  They can be as active as they want to be.  So although many youth participate in sports and other activities that take time away from Troop participation, they are always welcome at Scouts.  Choosing Scouts or Sports or other activities usually doesn’t need to be a decision.  Choosing which to participate in for individual conflicts of events is a true learning experience for youth setting priorities and balancing their lives.  It is something we all have to work on.

We hope all your 5th Grade Webelos will join a Troop on this exciting adventure!

Please help me to track our transitioning Webelos by confirming which of your Webelos plan to transition to a Troop, which Troop, if they have decided, and if they have earned the Arrow of Light. That helps us ensure that each Webelos is picked up by the new Troop. For those who have not decided, or need additional help in finding a Troop, we can also talk to the parents about the opportunities in Boy Scouts.

The sooner you can tell me, the less I will have to “bug” you about it.

I currently have the following 5th Grade Webelos listed for your Pack.

Why continue to Boy Scouts?

If you have youth and parents that are hesitant to move on to Boy Scouts, you should encourage your Webelos to continue their Scouting journey.  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Scouting Builds Character: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
2. Scouts are more likely than non-Scouts to value education, the environment and put the needs of others before themselves (According to a poll taken by Harris Interactive).
3. Scouting teaches leadership skills, problem solving skills, communications skills, and team building skills.
4. Scouting opens the door to possible lifelong career and hobby interests.  With more than 135 merit badges ranging over many different topics, many Scouts explore opportunities that they ordinarily would not have.
5. Scouting teaches youth to Be Prepared.  Whether it’s for emergencies (1st aid, emergency preparedness), life skills (personal management, family life, communications), taking charge and leading others.
6. Scouting builds confidence.  Scouting puts youth in charge of situations and allows them to overcome obstacles and challenges.
7. Scouting teaches life skills, like prioritization. Scouts move can choose to be as active as they want.  Many youth participate in sports and other activities, which can make it hard to be at every Troop meeting or activity. Don’t worry – they are always welcome at Scouts!  Choosing which to participate in for individual conflicts of events is a true learning experience for youth setting priorities and balancing their lives.

Scouting accomplishes these things through a fun-filled program in an outdoor classroom.  Each Troop approaches a planning year differently having fun and adventure planned that the youth want to do.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or refer any parents with their questions.

Thanks for all you do for Scouts,

Mellissa Stanfa-Brew
Webelos Transition Chair
Lake Minnetonka District BSA
[email protected]
571-585-0672