Troop having a Webelos campout - ideas?

[gwd-scouter]

Our Troop is having a Webelos campout at the end of March. We have invited the Webelos Dens from two packs to join us and have asked them for information on what they'd like to do during the campout - i.e., particular pins or other advancement opportunities.

Since we have so many experienced Cub Scouters on the forum, thought I'd ask: if a Troop in your area invited your Webelos Den to a campout, what kind of activities would you like? What would you expect to see and learn from the Scouts? From the adults?

[ronin718]

You might want to consider doing a mini Webelos-O-Ree type of event. Have areas focusing on knots, first aid, fire building, and an axe yard. These would be beneficial not only to the Webelos, but also to your younger boys who are working on their T/SC/FC rank requirements.

Check out the requirements for the Outdoorsman and Readyman activity badges as well as for the Webelos rank and Arrow of Light. These would be especially beneficial for any Webelos boy.

[cballman]

the way we have done in the past is very simple. we try to pair up the webleos scout with another scout and let them go throught campout as a scout. we try not to have a webleos program because most of the kids and parents that come on a campout want to see how a boy scout campout is run along with how the kids will interact with each other. we let the webleos scouts be part of a patrol and they will help prepare, cook and clean for meals. sounds harsh but at least they know what is expected of them.

[jr56]

We would do all the things that have already been suggested, plus, we would sit with the parents that came on the outing and explain the differences between the cub scout and boy scout programs. What is expected of parents and youth.

[gwd-scouter]

Thanks folks for the replies. All great suggestions and pretty much along the lines of what I was thinking. I have asked the leaders of the Webelos Dens for what they'd like to see at the campout.

cballman, you're post: "we try not to have a webleos program because most of the kids and parents that come on a campout want to see how a boy scout campout is run along with how the kids will interact with each other."

That is, I think, the first time I've ever had anyone suggest something like that. Most times, I read in this and in other scouting forums about showing the Webelos fun and games. Nice to see a different idea and perspective.

[Quailman]

You could combine both ideas, where the webelos fun and games includes all scouts working on a monkey bridge or some other pioneering project. Or orienteering. Invest in a compass for each visitor.

[Mrw]

We have the Webelos help with the scout things too, as well as having the older boys teach them some of the skills covered by Webelos pins.

They are tired at that age of having everything done for them and are wanting to try it themselves.

[WVBeaver05]

the way we have done in the past is very simple. we try to pair up the webleos scout with another scout and let them go throught campout as a scout. we try not to have a webleos program because most of the kids and parents that come on a campout want to see how a boy scout campout is run along with how the kids will interact with each other. we let the webleos scouts be part of a patrol and they will help prepare, cook and clean for meals. sounds harsh but at least they know what is expected of them.

This is very similar to what we did with 2nd year Webelos. We invited them to participate in the cooking, tent pitching, etc. but didn't require it. We did let them hike into the camp site with us - about 1.5 miles. Two of the Scouts and I carried our packs, but the Webelos just walked with us. While there we did a training session on Leave No Trace, too. There were games planned as well.

We would do all the things that have already been suggested, plus, we would sit with the parents that came on the outing and explain the differences between the cub scout and boy scout programs. What is expected of parents and youth.

But for me, this was my major job!! I spent over an hour and a half with the parents explaining the significant differences between the programs. While effectively keeping them with me, in sight of the Boy Scouts running their own program.

YiS