From Webelos Den Leader to Scoutmaster

I was a Webelos Den Leader for eighteen (!) boys. The next year I became a Scoutmaster. It took some time and mentoring to get me to stop being a Den Leader and start being a Scoutmaster.

Working with Webelos is fundamentally different than working with Scouts.

Webelos den leaders are required to do most of the planning and leading that become the responsibility of youth leadership in a Scout Troop.

Making the shift from Den Leader to Assistant Scoutmaster is an important step. We do all we can to help new Scouts transitioning from Webelos – let’s not forget that Den Leaders stepping into new roles will need some help too. A formal sit down with all of the adult leadership is in order when a new leader joins the Troop. Here are a few points that I share with transitioning Webelos Den Leaders: In becoming an assistant Scoutmaster your role in Scouting has changed significantly. It is my job as a Scoutmaster to help you make the transition from Den Leader. The Scouts who were once members of your den are now under the leadership of a Patrol Leader. They are now his responsibility. If this responsibility is to have any integrity he must be given plenty of latitude to do the job as sees fit. Both the Senior Patrol leader and I will be monitoring his performance and would appreciate any concerns being expressed directly to me rather than the Patrol Leader. Your Scouts will naturally look to you for direction. When they do direct them to their Patrol leader for answers even if you know the answer. It is likely that you are going to feel uncomfortable or antsy and doubt the ability of our youth leadership.

Welcome to the club. It is a natural reaction that all Scouter’s experience. The best thing to do in this instance talk to the Scoutmaster or another Assistant Scoutmaster. Our youth leadership is very respectful and responsive of any direction or comment given by an adult. They also respect a chain of command – talk to the Scoutmaster before you talk to a Scout. If you see a situation that is an immediate danger to propriety or safety you have permission to step in and correct it.

I have to do this once every four or five years. Some frank talk, good humor and empathy will go a long way towards easing the transition for everyone.