This was an excellent  show.  Great job, guys.

The first year I was a Webelos Den Leader, I didn't have a clue what I was doing, so we didn't run as a patrol.  The next year we did and it made a world of difference in how the boys worked together as well as giving them more insight as to how things would work when they crossed over. 

We were not invited to our district Spring Camporee (the activities were not Webelos friendly that year) but we did go to our district Fall Rendezvous (very similar to Camporee) sponsored by the OA and it was awesome.  Our lil Den competed as their own patrol and they actually beat out quite a few boy scout patrols in some of the activities.  They came in first place out of everyone there when it came time for the uniform inspection.  I can't tell you the sense of pride they got in not only getting to hang out with the older boys, but in getting to be a part of what was going on.

As for boy lead instruction, YES… boys learn better from other boys!  I've watched den leaders struggle and struggle trying to teach a den how to tie a square knot or get the cubbies geared up for a skit only to have the den chief step in and in under five minutes get those guys on track without blinking an eye.  I think even within the troop setting – boys learn from each other so much more quickly and seamlessly.  Not everything can be taught by boys, but if there is something that can be, take advantage of it!  Not all Boy Scouts are cut out for working with younger kids (heck, let's face it, not all adults are, either) but those that do really do thrive and grow as den chiefs.

(And selfishly, as a previous den leader, I wouldn't ever want to be a den leader again without a den chief to help out.  Boy Scouts know stuff.  Important stuff.)

One of my most favorite scouting memories was when the OA put on my younger son's Cross Over Ceremony.  Those OA boys were SUPERSTARS to the Cub Scouts.  Some of the boys even asked to have their Blue & Gold programs autographed.  The gleam in those cub scouts' eyes as the OA guys came out in full regalia is something that I'll remember forever.  Some of those OA boys later helped teach merit badges and scout skills to my younger son and he was so excited to remember meeting them.  Who could ask for better role models, right?

Webelos to Scouts transitioning is such an important part of retention from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts, but more importantly, I think it's important in order to keep those older Cub Scouts interested and excited even in the Cub Scout program.  At age six, the boys are thrilled just to have a uniform and to memorize the motto, oath and law.  By nine or ten, they definitely need more challenges and responsibilities in order to keep them growing and thriving. 

Thanks so much for this show.  This will definitely go on my "must listen" for our pack den leaders as they near or enter a Webelos den leader position.