The Webelos Den
Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). The Webelos den program is different from the Cub Scout den program: Instead of being based on a monthly theme, the Webelos den program is based on one of 20 Webelos activity badges.
When a boy enters a Webelos den, he is entering a new part of Cub Scouting. His uniform will change, he will face different advancement requirements, and he will have new experiences with camping.
Webelos Scouts work on activity badge requirements during their weekly den meetings. When they have completed the activity badge requirements, the Webelos den leader or activity badge counselor, rather than a parent, approves most of the activity badges.
Den meetings also include games, songs, stunts, and preparation for the Webelos den's part in the pack meeting. In addition, Webelos Scouts prepare for overnight campouts and joint activities with a Boy Scout troop. One of the purposes of the Webelos den is to prepare boys for Boy Scouting and to graduate Webelos Scouts into a Boy Scout troop.
Advancement
A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout joining requirements - all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.
A boy completes most Webelos badge requirements with his Webelos den leader and activity badge counselors. After the boy has completed all requirements, the Webelos den leader turns in the den advancement report. The Webelos badge is obtained and presented at the next pack meeting.
Webelos Activity Badges
A Webelos Scout is required to earn eight of the 20 available activity badges on the trail to earning the Webelos badge and Arrow of Light Award. The 20 activity badge areas are hobby and career fields ranging from science to sports. Most activity badge requirements are approved by the Webelos den leader or activity badge counselors.
Compass Points
After completing the Webelos badge, the Webelos Scout may receive compass points for earning additional activity badges. The compass points emblem is presented to the boy who has earned four activity badges in addition to those required for the Webelos badge (for a total of seven). A metal compass point, to be pinned to the emblem, is awarded for each additional four activity badges that the boy earns.
