Scouting - Fact or Fiction?
Cub Scouts



Statement A Webelos Scout has to be at least 10-1/2 years old to earn the Arrow of Light (AOL). Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments Actually, it all depends on the age of the boy when he enters fourth grade. If a boy has a December 1 birthday in a state that allows it, he could turn 9 on Dec.1 of fourth grade. One of the alternatives for AOL is six months after completing fourth grade, so that boy would reach that milestone right around his 10th birthday, at which point he could receive his AOL, and is then immediately elegible to join a troop.

Statement AOL and bridging (crossover, graduation) are one and the same. Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments Although one of the requirements for AOL used require a Webelos Scout to fill out an application for Boy Scouts, earning the rank has no direct relation to crossing over into Boy Scouts. In fact, the requirements do not include submitting an application or paying the fee, so a Webelos Scout who earns the AOL doesn't actually have to join a troop. That said, if you examine the AOL requirements, you’ll quickly observe that they are indeed intended to assist a boy in becoming a Boy Scout on completing the Cub Scout program.

Statement If a Cub Scout requirement has been completed at home, with a parent, the Den Leader should re-test the boy to make sure the requirement’s been completed properly. Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments When the parent is “Akela,” that signature or initial is final. No re-testing by anyone is permitted.

Statement A boy who joins the Pack as a 9 year old or as a 3rd grader should quickly complete Wolf, so he can catch up to his Den and start work on Bear requirements. Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments Cub Scout rank and their attendant achievements are age/grade-specific. Advancement in Cub Scouting moves forward, not backward. Boys begin with Bobcat and then work on the rank specific to their age and/or grade

Statement The Den Leader should set aside time in meetings to work with boys who aren’t advancing along with the rest. Fact or Fiction Used to be Fiction. Now FACT Comments Although for both Wolf and Bear, virtually all achievements are designed to be done at home, between the Cub Scout and a parent or guardian, with the "new" Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide, many of the advancement activities are now set up to occur during Den Meetings, with the Den Leader directing the Cubs toward a home assignment with a handout or family information letter.

Statement Wolf and Bear Cub Scout parents should regularly check in with their son’s Den Leader, to make sure advancement is taking place at Den meetings. Fact or Fiction Used to be Fiction. Now FACT Comments (See Comments immediately above.)

Statement As soon as 8-year-old 2nd Graders complete all the requirements for Wolf, they should get started on their Bear requirements. Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments Bear achievements are to be done by 3rd graders. Cubs who earn Wolf before the end of 2nd grade begin work on Wolf arrow points.

Statement Cubmasters should be sure to hold back all advancement recognitions for a special annual event such as the Pack’s Blue & Gold evening. Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments Every Pack meeting should include recognition of advancements since the prior month’s Pack meeting.

Statement All Cub Scouts in a Den should complete a rank at the same time, so no boy feels “left out.” Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments In all Scouting programs, advancement is based on individual initiative. In no Scouting program do youth members advance “in lockstep.”

Statement Webelos Den meetings should be extended until June of their second year, if necessary, so that all boys can complete their Arrow of Light and earn all activity badges. Fact or Fiction Fiction Comments In all Scouting programs, advancement is based on individual initiative. In no Scouting program do youth members advance “in lockstep.” If some Webelos Scouts earn the Arrow of Light rank and others don’t, that’s OK. If not every Webelos Scout who earns the Arrow of Light also earns all activity badges, that’s OK, too. Although the Webelos Den Leader encourages full advancement, it’s really up to each individual boy.




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