This training is for all Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, and Venturing adult leaders, as well as Chartered Organization Representatives. Attend this session only one time even if you change positions.
New Leader Essentials is an introductory course that shares the basics of how Scouting works. Should be preceded by "Fast Start" and "Youth Protection" Training. New Leader Essentials is available by your unit trainer or online.
The plan is simple and straightforward: The plan for Webelos Scouts is that they become Boy Scouts, in the same way that we expect our kindergarteners to go into 1st grade, 5th graders to start junior high, 8th graders to become high school students. In short, the Webelos-to-Scout transition is a pivotal point in a 12+ year continuum that looks like this:
This is why the Webelos program is so different from Tiger, Wolf, and Bear. Where up to now, mostly mom and dad were the boy’s “Akela,” now it’s clearly the Webelos Den Leader, because when he becomes a Boy Scout his Scoutmaster will be signing off on advancement requirements completed.
Camping overnight is introduced, because this is what he’ll be doing lots of as a Boy Scout. Working on rank-oriented badges (Aquanaut, Forester, Readyman, and so on) with a new adult each time is introduced, because Boy Scouts work with adult Merit Badge Counselors.
Plus, the requirements for earning the Arrow of Light award (the only Cub Scouting rank that has a badge that can be worn on his Boy Scout uniform!) include no less than three visits to a troop, and learning the Boy Scout oath, law, motto, sign, and handshake.
The program is preparing these boys to be Boy Scouts.
