Webelos elective changes

webelos_200Last month we took a look at the changes to the Webelos program coming in June 2015, with an eye toward the required Adventures that’ll require some nontrivial advance planning on the part of the Webelos den leader.

This month we’ll dive into the rather lengthy list of elective Adventures that the Scouts can choose from to fulfill the requirements for the Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks, courtesy of Candy Kniaz, Ottawa District Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner. As you look over the new Adventures, you’ll find that most parallel the activity badges and pins that they replace.

Along with this information comes the standard disclaimer that you should consult the BSA’s program change information pages to read for yourself how the program is changing. The changes themselves are subject to change, to add some confusion to the confusion.

Remember, Webelos Scouts can select two elective Adventures to fulfill the requirements for the Webelos rank, and three electives for Arrow of Light.

Webelos Elective Adventures that require special planning

Adventures in Science

  • #2. Visit a museum, a college, a laboratory, an observation, a zoo, an
    aquarium, or other facility that employs scientists. Prepare 3 questions
    ahead of time and talk to a scientist about his/her work. Make arrangements ahead of time to visit an appropriate facility.

Aquanaut (You only need two from requirements 7-10)

  • 7. Learn and demonstrate two of the following strokes: Crawl, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen. Follow the rules of Safe Swim Defense and make appropriate arrangements through a pool with lifeguards. See the Guide to Safe Scouting.
  • 8. Invite a member or former member of a rescue squad, the US coast
    Guard, Navy or other armed forces branch who has had swimming
    and rescue training to your den meeting. Find out what training and
    other experience this person has had. Arrange with a member of the military ahead of time; this may take a while. Call your local recruiting office for starters.
  • 10. If you are a qualified swimmer, select a paddle of the proper size
    and paddle a canoe with an adult’s supervision. This means in order
    to earn Aquanaut – Scouts must pass the BSA Swimmer test so they
    can complete this requirement. Also you need remember the age-appropriate guidelines. Cub Scouts cannot canoe
    unless on a flat lake – i.e. with no motor boats – and only at a
    council or district event.

Art Explosion

  • #1. Visit an art museum, gallery, or exhibit. Arrange a visit ahead of time.
  • #4. b. Display your artwork in a pack, school, or community art show.
    (optional) Locate an appropriate activity and provide information on how to enter the exhibition.

Build It

  • #5. Learn about a construction career. With your Webelos den leader,
    parent, or guardian, visit a construction site, and interview someone
    working in a construction career.

Build My Own Hero

  • #1. Discover what it means to be a hero. Invite a local hero to meet
    with your den. Check with the police department for leads.
  • #3. Recognize a hero in your community by presenting him or her with a “My Hero Award”.
  • #5. Learn about a Scout hero. Boys Life is a good resource.

Castaway

  • #1. Do two of the following:
    • a. With the help of an adult, demonstrate one way to light a fire without using matches.
    • b. On a campout with your den or family, cook two different recipes that do not require pots and pans.
    • c. Using tree limbs or branches that have already fallen or
      been cut, build a shelter that will protest you overnight.
  • #2.b. Show you can live “off the grid” by minimizing your use of
    electricity for one week. Keep a log of what you did.
  • #2.e. Teach your game (the den creates in 2.c and 2.d.) to members of
    the pack. A possible gathering activity game for the pack meeting.

Engineer

  • #2.c. Share your project with your Webelos den and your pack by
    displaying the project at a pack meeting.
  • #4. Pick and do two projects using the engineering skills you have
    learned. Share your projects with your den, and also exhibit them at a
    pack meeting. Arrange these two with your Cubmaster.

Fix It

  • 4. Select and do 8 of the following. You need adult supervision for
    each of these. There is a long list to select from, but choose carefully
    for a den meeting coverage

Into the Wild

  • #9.a. Visit a museum of natural history, a nature center, or a zoo with your family, den, or pack. Tell what you saw. One of the options; arrange the museum visit ahead of time.

Into the Woods

  • #4. Visit a nature center, nursery, tree farm, or park and speak with someone knowledgeable about trees and plants that are native to your area. Explain how plants and trees are important to our ecosystem and how they improve our environment. Arrange the visit in advance and ask the staff for assistance.

Maestro

  • #1. Do a or b:
    • a. Visit a live musical performance. A high school or middle school band concert would qualify.
    • b. Visit a facility that uses a sound mixer, and learn how it is used. Check with the high school auditorium supervisor or music department
  • 3. Do two of the following: the items need to be performed at a den or pack meeting – if you’re doing this as a den it should be at a pack meeting

Our series will conclude next month with a look at planning for the Arrow of Light required Adventures.

Previous articles in this series:

This post first appeared on Bobwhite Blather.
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