2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000,
1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1990
There are certain activity badges that need to be earned, plus other requirements to complete to recieve the Webelos badge. Most Packs present the Webelos badge in a special ceremony at the Blue & Gold Banquet.
Packs have the option of presenting the Webelos diamond-shaped badge or the newer oval-shaped badge. The oval Webelos badge is to be worn on the tan shirt on the left pocket just like the Boy Scout badges.
The Arrow of Light is the highest rank that can be earned as a Cub Scout. In addition to some other requirements, the Scouts need to complete: Citizen, Readyman, Fitness, 1 from the Outdoor group, 1 from the Mental Skills group, 1 from the Technology group, and 2 more of their choice.
The Activity badges the Webelos work on are much more advanced than any other rank of Cub Scouts. This is to prepare them for what is ahead in Boy Scouts. This is a very important transition time for Cub Scouts. The leaders need to keep their interests high and encourage them to bridge up to Scouts.
The format for the Den Meetings is similar to Wolf and Bear Scouts. Be sure to bring in speakers and add Field Trips to your den meetings. The boys should get used to going to other people to complete the badges. In Boy Scouts, they work on most Merit badges by themselves with a Merit badge counselor.
Most importantly, you need to add in more Outdoor Activities at the Webelos level. Camping as a den or joining with a Boy Scout troop for camping is essential for the Webelos Scouts.
HOW TO EARN A WEBELOS ACTIVITY BADGE
LEARN THE SKILL. During the Activity badge period of the den meeting, Webelos Scouts recieve instruction, practice what they have learned, and take part in games or contests using their new skills.
PASS THE TEST. Webelos Scouts pass their requirements as decided by the Webelos den leader.
RECIEVE THE ACTIVITY BADGE. In this final step, the Webelos den leader sees that each boy recieves the Activity badges he has earned at the monthly Pack meetings.
Although the Webelos den leader, asst. den leader, and den chief will handle some of the instruction on these badges, it is suggested that Activity badge counselors be used too. These people can teach the requirements, provide resources, lead field trips, and give other useful service.
Parents or familiy members, other Pack leaders, teachers, coaches, or people at field trips can be of great help as badge counselors. The badge will have more meaning to the boys when a qualified person directs them through the requirements.
Each Activity badge is more in-depth than what was worked on at the Wolf and Bear level, but not as specialized as in the Boy Scout program. There are more than 100 Merit badges available for the Scouts to work on at the Boy Scout level.
Make sure to know what your role is in the Webelos to Boy Scout Transition. Most of the Boy Scouts come from the Cub Scout program, so our job is to see that they want to continue in their quest for the Eagle rank. Check with the Pack leadership to find out more about the Boy Scouts in your area.
