Arrow of Light-Part 1

Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

Describe the Scout badge.

The three-point design of the top half is like the north point of an old sailor’s compass. This shows that a Scout is able to point the right way in life as truly as the compass points it in the field.

The three points of the trefoil are like the three fingers used in the Scout sign. They stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath: duty to God & country; duty to others; duty to yourself.

The eagle and shield, national emblem of the US, stand for freedom and a Scouter’s readiness to defend that freedom.

The two stars stand for truth and knowledge of the Scouting movement. They guide you by night and suggest a Scout’s outdoor life

The scroll is turned up at the ends to remind us of the corners of a Scout’s mouth raised in a smile as he does his duty. The Scout motto is printed across the scroll.

The knot attached to the bottom of the scroll represents the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily.

Meet age requirements: Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade, or is 11 years old, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award, but is under 18 years old.

Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.

Find a Scout troop near your home. (Troop 307-My dad is the scoutmaster!)

With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet ‘How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide’ from the Cub Scouts of America Webelos book.

Participate in a Scoutmaster conference with a Boy Scouts of America registered Scoutmaster. (Even though he’s my dad, I was a little scared)

What is Cub Scouts & its Purposes?

What Is Cub Scouting?
In 1930 the Boy Scouts of America launched a home- and neighborhood-centered program for boys 9 to 11 years of age. A key element of the program is an emphasis on caring, nurturing relationships between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA’s three membership divisions.

 

Cub Scouting has nine purposes:
1. Positively influence character development and encourage spiritual growth
2. Help boys develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship
3. Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body
4. Improve understanding within the family
5. Strengthen boys’ ability to get along with other boys and respect other people
6. Foster a sense of personal achievement by helping boys develop new interests and skills
7. Show how to be helpful and do one’s best
8. Provide fun and exciting new things to do
9. Prepare boys to become Boy Scouts

 

Tiger to Boy Scout

Webelos Badge-Part 2

Faith: After completing the rest of requirement 8, do these:

1.  
   1. Know: Tell what you have learned about faith.
   2. Commit: Tell how these faith experiences help you live your duty to God. Name one faith practice that you will continue to do in the future.
   3. Practice: After doing these requirements, tell what you have learned about your beliefs.

Do two of these:

1.  
   1.  
      1. Attend the mosque, church, synagogue, temple, or other religious organization of your choice, talk with your religious leader about your beliefs. Tell your family and your Webelos den leader what you learned.
      2. Discuss with your family and Webelos den leader how your religious beliefs fit in with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and what character-building traits your religious beliefs have in common with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
      3. With your religious leader, discuss and make a plan to do two things you think will help you draw nearer to God. Do these things for a month.
      4. For at least a month, pray or meditate reverently each day as taught by your family, and by your church, temple, mosque, synagogue, or religious group. (I learned the prayers in the Rosary, The Act of Contrition & The Prayer to St. Micheal)
      5. Under the direction of your religious leader, do an act of service for someone else. Talk about your service with your family and Webelos den leader. Tell them how it made you feel.
      6. List at least two ways you believe you have lived according to your religious beliefs. (I say my prayers, I go to Mass and try not to fool around, I obey my father & mother and I remember to pray for the souls in Purgatory)

Demonstrate tying the square knot. The square knot is also know as the joining knot because it joins two ropes and because it is the first knot Scouts learn when they join the BSA.

To tie a square knot, hold one rope end in each hand. Pass the right end over and under the rope in your left hand and pull it snug. Next, pass the rope now in your left hand over and under the one now in your right, and pull it snug.
Remember, right over left, left over right.

Webelos Badge Part 1

 

1. Have an adult member of your family read and sign the Parent Guide in the front of the Webelos Scout Book.
2. Be an active member of your Webelos den for 3 months. (July, August & September)
3. Know and explain the meaning of the Webelos badge.

   The Webelos badge is like the emblem on the Webelos cap, except that it also has the word ‘Webelos’ and the Scout badge. The emblem is made up of a gold Scout badge with a blue ‘W,’ for Webelos, on it. It shows that you are between from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting.

4. Point out and explain the three parts of the Webelos Scout uniform. Tell when to wear the uniform and when not to wear it.

      I wear the khaki and tan uniform (because I’ll be a Boy Scout soon), my Webelos cap, Webelos neckerchief, and Webelos neckerchief slide (Because I am still a Cub Scout).

    I wear my uniform:  

   o        On campouts and other Scout activities.

   o       service projects.

   o        During Anniversary Week in February & to church on Scout Sunday .

       Do not wear your uniform:

   o        When you are involved in any distinctly political activity.

   o        When you are appearing on the stage professionally.

   o        When you are participating in demonstrations not authorized by the Boy Scouts of America. 

    

5. Earn the Fitness and Citizen activity badges (earned in July) and one other activity badge from a different activity badge group. (I earned Craftsman in August)
6. Plan and lead a flag ceremony in your den that includes the U.S. flag. (at the Webelos Fall Camp-o-ree)
7. Show that you know and understand the requirements to be a Boy Scout.
   1. Demonstrate the Scout salute, Scout sign, and Scout handshake. Explain when you would use them.
   2. Explain the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.
   3. Explain and agree to follow the Outdoor Code.                                                                                                                              

First I had to learn the Scout Oath:

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

And explain it:

DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your family and your Priest teach you to know and serve God. By following what they say, you do your duty to God.

History shows us that many people worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for our country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country’s good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. To obey the Scout Law means living by its 12 points. They are not suggestions, but laws by which you lead your life.

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. If you have a cheery smile and a helping hand you can make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you’re needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world. You represent Scouting; sometimes it is all someone will know about Boy Scouts.

DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can and ask questions. To be morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions and to be a person of good and strong character.

 

Then I had to learn the Boy Scout Law:

A Scout is:

Trustworthy,

Loyal,

Helpful,

Friendly,

Courteous,

Kind,

Obedient,

Cheerful,

Thrifty,

Brave,

Clean,

and Reverent.

This is very hard to remember, so, my brother helped me learn this song (and he knows the Boy Scout Law!):

 Trustworthy Tommy (Sing to the tune of Yankee Doodle)

Trustworthy Tommy was a Scout,
Loyal to his Mother,
Helpful to the folks about and
Friendly to his brothers.
Courteous to a girl he knew,
Kind unto his rabbits
Obedient to his father, too and
Cheerful in his habit.
Thrifty saving for a need
Brave and not a faker
Clean in word and thought and deed and
Reverent to his Maker

 

 And these:

 Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared! (If you learn how to take care of yourself, when you get into a situation where you have to, you won’t be as afraid)

 Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily! (Mom says, “Don’t let the sun set with out doing something good for someone else” It’s kinda a thing with her.)

 As an American, I will do my best to -

Be clean in my outdoor manners

Be careful with fire

Be considerate in the outdoors, and

Be conservation minded.

(My dad and mom are big on these things, so if you burn down the woods, nobody gets to use it! And people go outside to “get away” from everything, so yelling may be okay in your back yard, but not so good in the woods. And take your garbage home with you.) 

 

 

The Scout handshake is made with the hand nearest the heart and is offered as a token of friendship. Extend your left hand to another Scout and firmly grasp his left hand.
Only use this handshake when both people are in uniform.

The Scout salute shows respect. Use it to salute the flag of the United States of America. You may also salute a Scout leader or another Scout.

Give the Scout salute by forming the Scout sign with your right hand and then bringing that hand upward until your forefinger touches the brim of your hat or the arch of your right eyebrow. The palm of your hand should not show.

 

The Scout sign shows you are a Scout. Give it each time you recite the Scout Oath and Law. When a Scout or Scouter raises the Scout sign, all Scouts should make the sign, too, and come to silent attention.

Scout Law (the 12 Points)

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY.

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

A Scout is LOYAL.

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, and nation.

A Scout is HELPFUL.

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

A Scout is FRIENDLY.

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand other people. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own. Even if he doesn’t agree with those people, he respects their decisions.

A Scout is COURTEOUS.

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age, religion or social background. He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together. Peace comes from good manners.

A Scout is KIND.

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

A Scout is OBEDIENT.

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he should try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

A Scout is CHEERFUL.

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does jobs that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

A Scout is THRIFTY.

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for a rainy day. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

A Scout is BRAVE.

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

A Scout is CLEAN.

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

A Scout is REVERENT.

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. He goes to church.

Scout Motto

The Scout motto is “Be prepared.” Someone asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, “Be prepared for what?” “Why,” said Baden-Powell, “for any old thing.” That’s just the idea. The Scout motto means that you are always ready in mind and body to do your duty and to face danger, if necessary, to help others.

Craftsman Activiy Badge

#4 – With adult supervision and using hand tools, construct two different wooden objects you and your Webelos den leader agree on, such as the items listed below.  Use a coping saw or jigsaw for these projects.  Put them together with glue, nails, or screws.  Paint or stain them.

Here is what I did to complete this requirement. 

The box is a remote holder that I made for my Dad as a Chrstmas present.
I had to cut the boards, then sand them, then stain them, than screw them together. It was really hard, but it was worth it in the end!
Here’s a close up of the remote holder:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also entered this as a 4H project in Woodworking, and won a blue ribbon!

 

My other project is a Boy Scout Hat holder shaped like the “Fleur De Le.” This is the Boy Scout symbol. It means “Flower of Life” in Spanish.
I made this as a Chistmas present for my brother. First I had to cut the wood into the correct shape, and then I sanded it. Then I painted it gold, and glued the peg in.
Here is a close up of the hat holder:

 

I think the Hat Holder was my favorite project to complete.

Why We decided to Go the Lone Scout Route-by Mom

Many parents ask why we chose Lone Scouts over a “regular” Cub Scout Pack for our son. There are a lot of different reasons a boy might want to be a Lone Scout.  For us, it is about growing a moral young man.  Homeschooling is a big part of that growth, and being homeschooled automatically qualifies boys for Lone Scouting.  We initially tried establishing a Pack in our area (before we knew about LS).  We found that even though the people in the unit were primarily good people, they didn’t share our vision of Cub Scouting. Many of the adults refused training and we thought our son, and theirs, deserved more. They didn’t agree and quit.

We looked at other Packs in the area, but none of them fit our needs.  Many are sponsored by faiths that conflict with ours and others have all female leadership. Our own Church does not sponsor a troop so; Lone Scouting was the perfect alternative.

Our plans are to shepherd him along through his Webelos Activity Pins, using his work as a substantial part of his homeschooling. 

By the time he is ready to become a Boy Scout, he will be able to see the value in learning Scout skills as a tool for his future as an adult. Will he join a Troop? We don’t know yet, we still have some time to decide

Lone Scouting is not for everyone, but it might be something you want to look into if you are homeschooling your son and want him to be a Scout. 

Boy’s Life

I read Boy’s Life every month as soon as it comes in the mail. This is a link to it online http://boyslife.org/

There are jokes, photos and gear lists and many other things on line. You can also play Boy Scout games online at Boy’s Life.

Go there, you’ll like it!

What Is the Lone Scout Plan?

The Plan

Since its beginning days in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has been concerned with extending the Scouting program to boys in isolated areas or those who find it impossible to join a nearby Scouting unit. The Lone Scout plan serves such boys who cannot take part in a nearby Cub Scout pack or Boy Scout troop on a regular basis because of such factors as distance, weather, time, or disability. These boys apply for membership as individual Lone Cub Scouts or Lone Boy Scouts.

Although the Lone Scout member might miss the opportunity to participate in activities in the pack or troop, the program makes it possible for such boys to become members of the Boy Scouts of America and to know the fun, values, and achievement of Scouting.

Background

The Boy Scouts Association of Great Britain authorized this program in 1913. By then, Lone Scouts were found in Canada, New Zealand, Malta, Gibraltar, South Africa, and Burma.

William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher who helped organize the Boy Scouts of America in 1910, was responsible for organizing the Lone Scouts of America in 1915. The Lone Scouts of America and the Boy Scouts of America merged in 1924. Since then the Boy Scouts of America has administered a Lone Scout plan as part of its mission of bringing Scouting to all American youth who wish to take part, regardless of circumstances.

Who May Register as a Lone Scout

Provided the membership requirements are met, there are certain situations in which a boy’s needs and interests might best be served by the Lone Scout plan because he cannot readily join a unit or attend meetings of packs and troops.

Boys who are eligible to become Lone Scouts include

• Children of American citizens who live abroad
• Exchange students away from the United States for a year or more
• Boys with disabilities that might prevent them from attending regular meetings of packs or troops
• Boys in rural communities who live far from a Scouting unit
• Sons of migrant farmworkers
• Boys who attend special schools, night schools, or boarding schools
• Boys who have jobs that conflict with troop meetings
• Boys whose families travel frequently, such as circus families, families who live on boats, and so on
• Boys who alternate living arrangements with parents who live in different communities
• Boys who are unable to attend unit meetings because of life-threatening communicable diseases
• Boys whose parents believe their child might be endangered in getting to Scout unit meetings
• Boys being home schooled whose parents do not want them in a youth group

All boys registering as Lone Cub Scouts and Lone Boy Scouts must do so through a BSA local council, with one exception: Sons of American citizens who live outside the United States should contact the International Division of the Boy Scouts of America.

Boys who are at least in the first grade and/or who are at least 7 years old but younger than 11 years old may join as Lone Cub Scouts. Boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade or who are 11 years old but younger than 18 years old may join as Lone Boy Scouts.

Counselor

Every boy registering as a Lone Scout must have an adult, 21 years or older, who meets adult membership requirements and agrees to serve as the boy’s Lone Scout friend and counselor. This counselor is usually the boy’s own parent but might also be his guardian, minister, teacher, 4-H Club leader, or an experienced Scouter who lives nearby.

The counselor encourages, instructs, examines, and reviews the boy on all steps toward Scouting advancement. This person also helps the Lone Scout take part in local council activities. For more information on the role of the Lone Scout friend and counselor, consult the Lone Scout Friend and Counselor Guidebook, No. 14-420B. This guidebook is also available in Spanish.

Lone Scout Activities

Although a Lone Scout carries out many activities at home and in his community, he also may participate in local district and council activities along with boys from local Scouting units. These may include camporees, Scouting shows, and service projects as well as Cub Scout day camp and Cub Scout or Boy Scout resident camp. A Lone Scout may be invited to special meetings of a pack or troop.

The Lone Scout follows the same basic program as other Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, but he carries out the program through independent action and self-reliance, special skills suitable to his situation, and communication (by letter, radio, e-mail, fax, etc.) with other Scouts.

Lone Cub Scouts and Lone Boy Scouts may advance in rank in the same manner as do Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in packs and troops. The only difference is that references to packs, dens, troops, and patrols do not apply.

Insignia and Uniforms

Lone Cub Scouts and Lone Boy Scouts are encouraged to purchase and wear a uniform as do other Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Wearing the uniform at appropriate times may have even more significance for a Lone Scout than for boys belonging to packs and troops. It can help to give the boy a feeling of belonging and support.

Lone Scouts are entitled to wear the Lone Scout emblem, No. 00352A, below the council shoulder patch on the left sleeve. They can wear any other badge or insignia appropriate to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Lone Scouts also have their own neckerchief, No. 00703A.

Former Lone Scouts

Hundreds of thousands of boys have belonged to the Boy Scouts of America as Lone Scouts. A significant number of people have experienced the fun, the satisfaction, and the values of the Scouting program through the Lone Scout plan.

Many of the Lone Scout alumni are currently registered with local councils and give unselfishly of their time and efforts. Many are Friends of Scouting, contributing funds toward the wellbeing of the local council. Others have joined the Lone Scout Foundation to maintain the fellowship of Lone Scouting. The Lone Scout Foundation is publisher of Memory Lodge Journal, 57 Confederate Way, Stafford, VA 22554-5175.

http://www.scouting.org/media/factsheets/02-515.aspx

Webelos-In a Nut Shell

Webelos covers the fourth and fifth grades. This is the transition time towards Boy Scouts. There are many achievements that are divided into 5 areas:

• Physical Skills (Aquanaut, Athlete, Fitness and Sportsman)
• Mental Skills (Artist, Scholar, Showman, and Traveler)
• Community (Citizen, Communicator, Family Member and Readyman)
• Technology (Craftsman, Engineer, Handyman and Scientist)
• Outdoor (Forester, Geologist, Naturalist and Outdoorsman).

Webelos Badge

To earn the Webelos rank a Webelos Scout must complete 3 activity badges:

• Fitness
• Citizen
• 1 other activity badge from a different activity group

The next patch is the Compass Point Emblem which is awarded after the Webelos badge and 4 additional activity badges for a total of 7 activity badges now earned. 

After the scout has earned the Compass Point Emblem they can earn metal “compass points” for each additional 4 activity badges earned for a total of 3 metal “compass points”.                                                                                                                                          Webelos Scouts must earn a total of 19 out of the total of 20 possible activity badges — to receive all their metal   “compass” points.

 

The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light.

Arrow of Light

 

Summary

• Main Badges – Webelos Badge & Arrow of Light 
• Webelos Activity Awards – needed to complete main badges 
• Belt Loops – needed to complete Webelos Activity Awards 
• Pins – not directly connected with advancement (extra learning: resembles Merit Badge Requirements)
• Compass Point Emblem & Compass Points similar to Gold & Silver Arrows

Webelos Book

The requirements for the Webelos Badge, the Arrow of Light and all the Webelos Activity Awards are in the Webelos book and can also be found on the web. An excellent resource for belt loops is the Cub Scout Academic & Sport Guide.  The complete guide is linked below. The guide has complete requirements for all belt loops with additional information and resources for completing the belt loops requirements. Down load the complete guide or just the sections you want. Full Cub Scout Academic & Sport Guide (6.2 Mb PDF)

Links: Webelos Activity Awards  Arrow of Light.  Webelos Badge Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points