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William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt is the man who wrote the book on Scouting, literally. His Patrol Leader’s Handbook is, without a doubt, his best and most influential work. His understanding of scouting was simple, but not simplistic. Here he lays out the scoutmaster’s job in a few sentences:
“Let them lead in practically everything. Let them work out their own problems, interfere as little as possible—but be ever ready to give wise guidance—not when you think they need it, but when they seek it. Keep in mind that unwarranted, ill-advised interference discourages leadership and that those boy leaders of yours are “learning by doing.”
Mistakes, some of them serious, are bound to be made; therefore, be ever ready with a kindly and friendly spirit to urge them to try again.
Help them occasionally with constructive criticism. But do your coaching on the sidelines always, never in front of the Patrols. And then, when the Patrol Leader succeeds in his job, praise him for it. Commendation which is justified and not overdone is an absolute necessity. Such statements of approval should be made occasionally before the interested group. They like it, and so does the leader, as long as it is short, free from “soft soap,” and genuine.”
“Meanwhile, the Scoutmaster is with the parents, answering questions and getting paperwork signed and collected.” Yes. Yes. Yes! Perfect summation of theSM responsibility.
That’s how we do it. The Scoutmaster goes off to another room with the parents and discusses the troop’s history, activities, etc. Meanwhile, the new Scout, still in his Webelos uniform, is temporarily assigned by the SPL to a patrol. There, the PL interviews the new Scout (i.e., school, hobbies, favorite food, favorite TV show or computer game, etc.). Then, during the meeting, the PL and new Scout stand in front of the troop and the PL formally introduces the boy to everyone, using the interview as source material. It seems to work well.
Have the SPL greet them, along with any Patrol Leaders you can get there.
We have the their parents remove their Webelos neckerchief, then the boys cross over, and the SPL puts their Scout neckerchief on. They symbolically move from their parents (in Cubs) to the boy leaders in Scouts. Might as well have the SPL explain this out loud in case they aren’t paying attention.
In the crossovers we do, the Scoutmaster is never on stage. If we need a troop representative, it is the SPL.
We also give each new Scout a Scout Handbook, so they can go home that night and start looking through it.
Meanwhile, the Scoutmaster is with the parents, answering questions and getting paperwork signed and collected.
“Welcome to Troop XX. We’re sure glad you’re a part of our Troop. Pay attention and listen to your Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. If you have a question ask them first.”
Good luck and Happy Scouting!!!
John
Scoutmaster
Troop 25
Shenandoah Area Council
Stephani,
I just saw your post. I suspect this event has already occured, but I will reply anyway just in case. 🙂
Generally, I have four Boy Scouts (led by the SPL) do the welcoming. The SPL says welcome and glad you are here. The others take off the Webelos’ old neckerchief, put on the new, same with the epaulets. They also hand them the Boy Scout Handbook. As the SM, I just keep it short and say “Welcome! I am glad you decided to join Troop 173.” I am the last to welcome the new scouts. After the ceremony is over, the SPL gathers the new scouts together and gives them a quick reminder of when and where our next troop meeting is, what uniform to be in, etc. All short and to the point.
I hope this is helpful.
Bob
Sorry, didn’t realize it was a “Best of” post. Just as I hit send I started to wonder just who has a Blue and Gold in August?
Just simply say “Welcome to Troop ###. Now is when the real fun of Scouting begins.”
I’m a new SM too and we don’t have a pack attached to us so I’m not sure how often I’ll get the opportunity but I’m looking forward to it.
Welcome aboard as a Scoutmaster Stephanie!
My suggestion is: The boy leaders in the troop should do most if not all of the talking and welcoming of the new scouts on the troop side of the bridge. If they ask you to say a few words, keep them few and simple. Basically something along the lines of welcoming the new scouts and their families to the troop and how you look forward to getting to know each of them.
Just like Greenbar Bill says, “Train ‘em, Trust ‘em, Let ‘em Lead!” These are words to live by in scouting.
I always have at least two scouts with me at the other side of the bridge. My SPL and another scout. We bring our troop neckerchief and when they cross over I have our SPL swap the cubscout neckerchief with ours. Just give them a handshake and a simple welcome. There will be plenty of time to do formal introductions later.
Hi Stephanie
Why, Stephanie, you say nothing to them. Look above and read Green-Bar Bill again. Maybe twice. That’s right, it is NOT your responsibility. It’s your Senior Patrol Leader’s responsibility. He should put their Boy Scout loops on their shoulders, hand them a Boy Scout Handbook, shake their hand and welcome them to their new Troop. That’s it. Simple.
I say to them, ” You have done a great job to get here. I want to welcome you to the Boy Scouts.” I usually also congradulate them on the Arrow of Light, if they earned it. Typically you will only have time for a few words.
I just became the Scoutmaster of my troop a couple of months ago, so needless to say I am very new at this. Our charter is having thier Blue & Gold Banquet this coming week, along with the bridging ceremony. I was just told that it is my responsibility to meet & greet the Weblos at the other end of the bridge. I have no ida what I am suppose tosay to these boys, can anyone help?
Stephanie,
Congratulations. Thanks for stepping up. You’ve found a GREAT resource in this blog. I would start by telling the new boys how excited you and your boys are to be welcoming the Webelos into your troop. Congratulate them on their achievement of the Arrow of Light (if appropriate) It is kinda a big deal.
Before the ceremony, I would encourage your SPL and PL’s to accept them graciously and enthusiastically. (Sometimes the Webelos get treated like “little kids.”) If your troop is established, many of your boys have been through this before and will know how to proceed.
Good Luck!
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/ImprovedWebelosTransition/troop.aspx
At the bottom is a great suggestion. 2i) Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack’s blue and gold banquet. Coordinate the ceremony and arrange for each Webelo Scout to receive a troop neckerchief and Boy Scout Handbook along with his Arrow of Light Award. Members of the Order of the Arrow may assist in the ceremony.
Have the Cubmaster get money from each parent for boys crossing over for the books etc. You should present the neckerchief & books and with the left handshake, welcome them to the troop.