November TBD, 2024
Trail to Troop is a campout designed to introduce Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts (4th and 5th graders) to the many outdoor adventures of Scouting. This awesome weekend event includes patrol-method camping and Scout activities. Dens compete in Scout skills (e.g., first aid, fire building, camping skills, games, knots) and will be judged on patrol flag and yell, resources, leadership, teamwork, skill demonstration and Scout spirit.
Trail to Troop is part of the Scouting experience that requires Scouts and their den to put into action the skills that they have learned to get them ready to join a troop. Webelos Scouts have to work as a team to accomplish many tasks. As such, they have to use their resources wisely. Each individual has their own strengths. The den that works together as a team, has good Scout spirit and is prepared will have the necessary skills to complete the events. It is through these events, that the Webelos Scout will develop skills for life, a future in the Scouting program and good sportsmanship. A good den works well together. They gladly accept new responsibilities and are able to adapt to new procedures. The den should routinely review the skills and requirements needed to earn rank, but most importantly demonstrate Scout spirit and teamwork. Conduct of all Scouts and leaders should follow the Scout Oath and Law.
Den leaders need to attend September and October roundtable to help plan the event.
Learn more about Webelos-to-Scouts BSA transition and information to help assist Scouts as they make the important decision on which troop to join and questions to ask troops at shacbsa.org/webelos. Find area troops at shacbsa.org/join-troop.
Registration
Registration is a two-step process. Registration is completed by the unit leadership.
Step 1: RSVP: Every unit needs to RSVP by August roundtable to let the event staff if you are attending. Estimated numbers are provided to the council so the district can finalize the reservation with the appropriate number of campsites and program areas for the event.
Every unit needs to also provide the name and email address of at least one adult who will volunteer during the event. Volunteers will receive instructions prior to the event. Program supplies for the various competition stations and judging sheets will be provided.
Step 1: RSVP
Step 2: Payment: The registration fee is $21.50 for the first Webelos Scout and $20 for each additional Webelos Scout and includes a patch, camping fees and program supplies. There is no charge for adults. The Webelos den leader pays online with credit card or electronic check. Payments must be made by 11/3/23. There is no onsite registration. Council refund policy.
Step 2: Payment
What to Bring
Personal Gear
Bed roll, or sleeping bag- Jacket, raingear, hat
- Extra change of clothes
- Mess kit; camp cup
- Personal items
- Field (Scout uniform) and activity (Scout t-shirt)
- Neckerchief (for first-aid event)
- Webelos Handbook (optional)
- Hand sanitizer
- Folding chairs
- BSA Health and Medical form for every participant
Den Gear
- Tents with ground cloth
- Water containers for hauling water
- Cooking gear and food
- First aid kit (required – one per pack is acceptable)
- Trash bags
- Den food
- Den menu and duty roster
- Items for campsite inspection
- Items for gateway
- Firewood
What Not to Bring
- No guns, bows and arrows, fireworks, sheath knives or any form of weapons or firearms
- Smoking, tobacco, vaps, illegal substances and alcohol
Tentative Schedule
Friday
|
| 4:00 pm |
Camp open - leaders, Scouts, and parents start arriving |
| 10:00 pm |
Quiet time |
| 10:30 pm |
Lights out |
Saturday
|
| 6:30 am |
Wake up |
| 6:45 am |
Breakfast: prepare, eat and clean up |
| 8:00 am |
Leader's meeting at the lodge (one leader per pack required) |
| 8:30 am |
Opening at the flag pole |
| 9:00 am |
Activities 1-3: round robin style |
| 12:00 pm |
Lunch at campsite |
| 1:30 pm |
Activities 4 - 6 |
| 5:00 pm |
Tug of war and closing at the flag pole |
| 5:15 pm |
Dinner: prepare, eat and clean up |
| 6:30 pm |
Visit troops |
| 8:00 pm |
Campfire and awards |
| 10:30 pm |
Quiet time |
| 11:00 pm |
Lights out |
Sunday
|
| 6:30 am |
Wake up |
| 7:00 am |
Breakfast |
| 8:00 am |
Flags and Scouts interfaith service |
| 9:00 am |
Pack up and campsite cleanup |
| 9:30 am |
Check out and pick up patches |
Webelos Dens
The ideal Webelos den size is 4-6 Webelos Scouts. Dens should those established within the pack; however, combining 4th and 5th grader Webelos Scouts to make a full den is allowed. Dens will be responsible for having knowledge of Scouts skills needed for their rank for all events. Some skills will have a review and taught for some events, some events require simply teamwork and leadership skills. Webelos Scouts will only be competing against other Webelos Scouts at this event.
Skills for Preparation
Webelos Woods has an array of events to help with den team building, skill development and fun. A prepared Scout and den will have reviewed skills required for rank in the Webelos Scout Handbook so that these skills are second scents when they are ready to cross over into a troop. The Scout Handbook is the best source for skills needed for Webelos Woods.
Possible events and skills necessary to compete at Webelos Woods:
- Patrol spirit – teamwork
- Fire building skills
- Outdoor cooking skills
- Knots as required in the Webelos Handbook
- Compass skills
- Ultimate
- Tents assembly
- Campsite inspection/setup
- Plant and animal identification as required in the Webelos Handbook
- Campsite inspection/setup
- First aid skills
Events and Scoring
Each den will be scored on the event at hand and each event will be different. Each event will be scored on how well the Webelos Scouts perform the assigned task, but judges will also take into consideration teamwork, communication skills and Scout spirit. All competing dens members must participate and present for all events for the den to receive a full score. To ensure fair competition, walkie-talkies or cell phones will not be used by Scouts during the competition.
Check-in
Check-in will be held at the lodge from 6-8 pm on Friday night. Units should arrive together if possible. Scout spirit starts immediately upon arrival. No Scouts or vehicles are to enter any campsite until registration is complete.
Check out
The unit leaders need to check-out at headquarters and the campsite needs to be inspected by a Webelos Woods staffer before leaving. Scout always leave a campsite better than they found it.
Adult Leadership
Each unit must provide sufficient leadership for the safety of all participants.
Vehicles
Vehicles are not allowed in campsites. All vehicles need to be moved away from campsites to the parking lot by 9:00 pm. Unloading vehicles at campsites is allowed, please do not drive into the campsites as there are water line under the ground that can’t take pressure/weight of vehicles.
Campfire
A campfire will be on Saturday night. Visitors are welcome but must follow all parking, Scout, and camp regulations. All dens are expected to attend and can participate with a song or skit. All performances will need to be in good Scout spirit taste and should not contain any inappropriate content. Webelos Scouts should wear their field uniform.
Interfaith Service
An interfaith service will be held on Sunday morning to provide a spiritual focus that does not reflect the views of a particular denomination or faith. Webelos Scouts are encouraged to wear their field uniform.
Awards
Awards will be given out at the campfire. Decisions of the judges are final. Scout spirit is demonstrated during the entire event. Patrol awards will be given out to the top two or three patrols for each event. Awards will also be given to the best dessert and main dish enter/ turned in for cooking competition and should be turned in by 6:30 on Saturday night.
The Scout Spirit Award will be awarded to the den that demonstrates the best Scout spirit. Judging for this includes, but not limited to:
- Patrol flag and yell demonstrated throughout the weekend
- Decorations to the den flag/staff
- Participation in all events
- Teamwork, enthusiasm, sportsmanship
Gateways and campsite inspections will be judged by a staff member after lunch on Saturday of the event. Judging includes originality, size, complexity, safety, and integration of the event theme.
Campsites
Campsites will be assigned based on pre-registration and unit size. Packs with special needs should notify the staff. There is running water at each campsite. Units may bring water, or use the potable water. Each campsite have an electrical outlet. Units can bring a light to plugin. Cooking and eating utensils are not to be washed off at the water source. A well-organized campsite reflects good leadership and a clean camp makes the weekend healthier and safer for all. Remember to make as little impact as possible in establishing your camp.
Fires
Fires in campsites are allowed. Be safe. Cooking can be done over fire in pans or on grills. Firewood can be brought in or firewood already in campsite can be used. Please do not cut on or down. Use only woods already on the ground.
First-Aid
Each unit/den should have a first aid kit accessible, in plain view and clearly marked for all members to see. In case of emergencies, assistance will be available at the camp headquarters. Leaders, please advise staff at check-in if any Scouts or leaders have any special needs.
Latrines
Port-a-cans will be available throughout the camp. Be considerate of others using them. Restrooms are also available at the pavilion.
Food
Units are required to provide adequate food for all members. Food should be protected from heat or cold and Camp Happy Hollow critters. Each den should post a den roster and menu in the campsite. This is a pack it in, pack it out event. All units must carry their trash off the premises unless the trash trailer is parked across the road from pavilion. Campsites are to be better when you leave than when you found it.
Dangerous Weather
Be prepared for any type of weather. Competitions will be suspended in the event of dangerous weather.
Gateway
The gateway is an opportunity for units to identify it campsite. Its construction, size, and complexity should be choosen by the Webelos Scouts. Gateways can be elaborate or simple. The importance of the gateway is to provide a formal entrance to the unit’s campsite. This is not only fun, but a source of unit pride and Scout spirit. It is useful in helping identify the unit’s area to staff, visitors, and unit’s members. This formal identification of the unit’s campsite by a gateway is not required, but a visible entrance should be marked. Points will be given for units showing effort and teamwork in putting together a gateway. There will be an award given for the best gateway. Each unit should bring all material for construction of a gateway or others means of identifying an entrance. The recommended method of construction is lashing, tripods, etc. Be creative. The gateway must be at the primary entrance of the campsite. Safety must be a prime factor in construction. Staff can ask any unsafe structures be disassembled.
| |
Judges Criteria
|
Possible Points
|
| |
Theme |
0-20 |
| |
Flags Properly Displayed |
0-20 |
| |
Patrol Identification |
0-20 |
| |
Overall Design |
0-20 |
| |
Creativity and Originality |
0-20 |
| |
Safe and Sturdy Construction |
0-20 |
| |
Assembly/Lashing |
0-20 |
| |
Durability |
0-20 |
About Tellepsen Scout Camp
Tellepsen Scout Camp is located at Bovay Scout Ranch. Tellepsen Scout Camp has eight campsites that accommodate 50 individuals per site. Each campsite has a 30'x40' pavilion with electricity. One shower and restroom facility is available for every two campsites. It is the home of the council's largest rifle range and a 41-foot climbing tower. The rifle range consists of four 50-yard high-powered rifle stations, four 100-yard high-powered rifle stations, a five-station shotgun trap range, eight shooting stations for .22 rifles and pistols and an archery range. The climbing tower has four rappelling stations of 11 feet, 22 feet, 32 feet, and 41 feet.
Tellepsen Scout Camp Leader's Guide Maps
The camp is located about six miles south of Navasota (one mile south of TX-6 BUS N and Tx-6 N Split) on the east side of TX-6 on County Road 317 (3450 County Road 317, Navasota, TX 77868).
Photographs
Notice! Please be advised that promotional videotaping/photography may be in progress at any time at an event. Your entrance constitutes your agreement that the council and district has the right to reproduce your likeness in videography/photography for promotion (e.g., publications, internet, newspaper).
Late-Breaking Information
For late-breaking news and announcements, join our district Facebook page and sign up for our district e-mail list.
Scouting Safely
The BSA's Commitment to Safety is ongoing and we want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. The Boy Scouts of America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. The Sam Houston Area Council takes great strides to ensure the safety of its youth as well as the adult volunteer leadership that interacts with them.
BSA Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed. All participants must follow youth protection guidelines at all Scouting events. Highlights include:
- Two-deep leadership on all outings is required.
- One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited.
- The buddy system should be used at all times.
- Discipline must be constructive.
Health and safety must be integrated into everything we do, to the point that no injuries are acceptable beyond those that are readily treatable by Scout-rendered first aid. As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activities, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council has developed the SAFE Checklist of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities.
Youth Protection Guidelines Guide to Safe Scouting SAFE Checklist Enterprise Risk Management
Contacts
For questions, contact the Webelos Woods chair or district activities chair.