As part of his Arrow of Light requirement as a Webelos, your son must visit at least one Troop and complete an application to join a Troop. We recommend he visit several Troops, so he can see how different Troops do things. To earn the F.O. Belzer Award, additional visits are required. If possible, you and your son should attend an overnight campout as a guest of a Troop. Usually, the Webelos leaders work with the Scoutmasters to set up these visits. When the initial round of your Den visits is over, if there are other Troops you would like to see, or if your son would like to re-visit a particular Troop, feel free to make the contact yourself by calling ahead.
During your visit , there are things to ask and observe. There are no “right” answers to these questions, but you want a Troop with which you and your son feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask about the Troop. They will be proud to tell you about themselves.
How many registered Scouts are in the Troop? How many registered Leaders?
Troops will vary in size. Bigger is not necessarily better. In any Troop, there should be an appropriate number of Assistant Scoutmasters (at least 1:8 or 10) relative to the number of Scouts.
What is the age range of the Scouts? Is the Troop currently able to hold the interest of the older, as well as, the younger Scouts? Do they offer any “High Adventure” Scouting?
Younger Scouts traditionally work on their rank requirements so that can advance through the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks in their first year of Scouting. Much of their attention in meetings and on campouts is devoted to their basic Scout skills for these requirements. Not much Merit Badge work is done during this time. As the boys get into their teens, it is necessary to keep them challenged. Scouting has established “High Adventure” programs for these older Scouts. These may be within the confines of the Troop , or may be accomplished through an associated Venture Crew. They will choose to do things like high level canoeing, rock climbing, sailing, and travel to Philmont Scout Ranch or Florida Sea Base, or other high adventure sites – even a National Jamboree.
Who are the adult leaders in the Troop? Are the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Chairman trained? What trainings have they attended?
To be considered trained, a Scout leader must have completed a basic training course in common Scout knowledge, and leader specific knowledge, plus an outdoor skills training course. Anyone who has completed this minimum training is entitled to wear the “Trained” patch below his or her badge of office. An advanced training is available and recommended for all Scouting leaders (Cub, Boy & Venture leaders) called Wood Badge, which is conducted by the local Council annually. Wood Badge provides adult leaders the skills to create a better program for their Scout unit.
Is the Troop “boy run”? What is their feeling about boy leadership?
In Boy Scouting, Troops should aim to train their boys for leadership. Each Troop has a Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), elected by all the boys in the Troop, who with his Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL), takes the helm for leadership within the Troop. The Troop is organized into Patrols of 5 to 8 boys, who function together, similar to a Cub Den. They will have an elected Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. In a young Troop, the boys may need more adult assistance in running meetings, etc., but in an established Troop with older Scouts, you should see evidence of “boys leading boys.”
What is their activity program like?
Ask to see their yearly program schedule. You’ll want to see how often they camp. Scouting recommends that Troops have a monthly outing. Do they participate in District and Council activities? You will find the Troops in Del-Mi District do have monthly outings.
What is a “typical” meeting like?
Is it “boy run”? Are the boys kept busy? Does it look like they are having fun? Do they show respect during the flag ceremony, during program time, and to the adults?
What are their uniform requirements?
Some Troops require full uniform for all meetings, District, and Council events. Troops as a whole choose whether to wear a neckerchief, and if so, the particular type. Others only require the uniform shirt. Others have designated uniformed meeting days. Others wear the activity (red polo) shirt, or a customized T-shirt. You will probably want to choose a Troop that feels the same about the uniform as you and your son do.
Does the Troop attend summer camp? What percentage of the Troop attended last year? Where do they go?
Summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for Scouts to experience the fun and excitement of camping while affording them the chance to achieve rank advancement and the completion of Merit Badges. Our Council operates Ransburg Scout Reservation (Bloomington). Most of our Troops routinely attend this camp – because it’s the best! A few Troops choose to vary their summer camp experience and attend other camps in the Midwest. Summer camp begins on Sunday afternoon and ends on Saturday morning.
How do they utilize the advancement and Merit Badge program?
Some Troops use the advancement and Merit Badge program as the cornerstone of their program. Their campouts and meetings center on helping the boys advance within the format outlined by the Boy Scouts of America. Some focus meetings on Merit Badges. Other Troops may feel the advancement program is secondary (or resultant) and plan activities independent of advancement and Merit Badges. Their Scouts earn Merit Badges on their own. Either system can work well, and boys can work with either one to advance all the way to Eagle rank.
What can a parent expect in terms of fees?
Most Troops have an annual fee, or at least a joining fee, which covers membership and basic materials, including badges and awards. It usually does not cover uniforming, camping fees, meals, travel or other special activity costs. Troops are encouraged to use the Council sponsored Ideal Year of Scouting program for budgeting and having boys earn money needed for costs by using the annual Popcorn Sale, which can fully fund your son’s year of activities. Most Troops have a system of boy accounts funneling a percentage of the Popcorn Sale to support activity fees. The Troop may have additional fundraisers for specific needs, such as Troop equipment. Troop equipment may include a trailer, tents, cook sets, dining shelters, and specialized light-weight backpacking gear.
Observe how the boys interact. How do they treat the visitors?
You’ll want to join a Troop where your son feels welcome and comfortable. Does your son need a group where he already knows some of the boys? If he does not know other boys initially, do they seem like a group that will treat a newcomer well?
What can I do to help?
Troops require lots of adult support. This is still a family-based organization. There are many areas and levels of involvement in a Troop – leadership roles, serving on the Troop Committee, helping with campouts, driving to events, serving on Boards of Review, and being Merit Badge counselors based on experience in your vocation or other interests.
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We hope you will maintain or initiate involvement with your son as he continues in Scouting. It has been our experience that the most successful Scouts have parents who can make the time to be involved. The values of Scouting can impact your son to the extent of your and his commitment to the program. With this commitment, the values of the Scouting program can become for your son, as they have for many, a way of life rather than just a boyhood activity.
We hope this information gives you a starting point to help you assess the troops you visit. If you have other questions, and would like a sounding board, please feel free to contact any of the following people:
Kevin Kruse Del-Mi District Webelos-to-Scout Transition Chair 317-574-2445
Warren Carson Senior Del-Mi District Executive 317-925-1900
Nat Baker Del-Mi District Executive 317-925-1900
Peg Murphy Del-Mi District Membership Chair 317-573-0819
Joanne Burfeind Council Ombudsman 317-844-8144
Good Luck!
Your Del-Mi District Membership Committee
