Example of Pack Cross-Over preparation effort

Date: April 19, 2009

Overview

In this example, Cross-Over responsibilities ultimately fall to the Cubmaster, although the Cubmaster should be working closely with the Webelos Den Leaders in planning and implementation.

Timeline

The planning cycle for this actually begins in the Fall of the Webelos I year. If this Den Leader has not done so already, he or she should attend OLS-W Training to better prepare for organizing and teaching the various activities, performance assessments, and evaluations associated with helping each Scout in his or her Den earn Arrow of Light. It is helpful for the Cubmaster to complete OLS-W as well.

Additionally, if either has not done so already, the Cubmaster and Den Leader should attend Webelos-to-Troop Transition Training, offered each Fall by the Huron Trails District. It's important for the District to have our Webelos Leaders identified (which may not be the case for Leaders who are dual-Registered, eg, primarily as Pack Treasurer, but also as Webelos Den Leader). You will be introduced to key Boy Scout Troop Leaders in our area, making Troop visits and comparisons easier for the boys in the Webelos Den.

If "Order of the Arrow" will be leading the Cross-Over Ceremony, contact them around Thanksgiving to get on their schedule.

Scouts should start visiting Troops and, if they are ready, camping with them, starting in the Fall of their Webelos I year. The District and Council have put out materials to help Pack Adult Leaders, parents, and the boys streamline this process. Webelos I Scouts should be encouraged to earn rank by December of this first year, and to have earned their Arrow of Light by the December of their Webelos II year.

Troop selections should be made a month or two after that, so the Cubmaster can make top-to-top contacts with Scoutmasters at the Troops selected. These Troops will send representatives (typically the Scoutmaster and one or more of their Youth Leaders) to the Pack-run Cross-Over Ceremony. Common courtesy and long-term goodwill are enhanced by giving them this scheduling lead-time.

Local "Order of the Arrow" representatives will provide an impressive, comprehensive Cross-Over Ceremony to any area Pack. The Pack need provide only the flag ceremony component (including the flag, staff, and Color Guard), and programs. An Outdoor Ceremony is ideal and preferred, irrespective of the weather.

Resources

Advice

Packs tend to err on the side of holding their Cross-Over Ceremonies too late, as opposed to too early in the cycle. District has described this as a tension between "Pack interests," which are to keep a large number of boys and their parents involved as long as possible until the next (Spring) recruitment and/or end of the current program year, versus the "Boy Scout Troop interests," which are to get new these new boys signed up and involved as early as possible.

More time may also seemingly appear ease the pressure on both the Webelos boys and their Den Leader to get through all the Activity Pins and visits on the agenda.

But looking at it strictly from the perspective of what's best for the boys, themselves, there is no question that they should Cross-Over as early as practical: After earning their Arrow of Light and turning age 10 (current criteria, as of 2009). A "compromise" may be to encourage the Webelos II boys who are ready to concurrently get involved with their new Troops, but continue to attend our Pack Meetings and help others in their Den earn Arrow of Light.

In terms of the Ceremony itself, there is the separate question about how "entertaining" the Cross-Over program should be and the degree to which the younger Cubs should participate in it.

Historically, many Packs combine Cross-Over and Blue & Gold — and are frustrated by how poorly it works. What should be the pinnacle of Cub Scout achievement is diluted among the other awards of the evening, food, and contracted entertainment. Separate the two; make each uniquely special. Hold Cross-Over outdoors (where many believe it is best conducted), and come sunny weather, rain, or snow, it works well. The Webelos I Den serves as Color Guard. Otherwise, the remainder of the Pack and guests simply observe, free to take in the awe of the moment. It's a solemn occasion, an opportunity for the younger boys to see what they have to look forward to; it's best kept this way.

Finally, the toughest question may be how to recognize boys who are ending their time in Scouts here. As they say in District Cross-Over training, "you don't Cross-Over into nothing." Each Webelos II Scout is given ample opportunity to earn his Arrow of Light and choose a Troop. If he has not done so by the time of our Cross-Over, it is recommended that he not recognized in this Ceremony.