My Community Webelos Den Meeting Plan

The Webelos My Community adventure is an exciting opportunity for Scouts to learn about how communities work and the role they can play in them. This adventure helps them understand the importance of voting, the responsibilities of elected officials, and the process of creating and enforcing laws. It’s all about showing Webelos how they can be active members of their community, both now and in the future.

By exploring these concepts, Webelos will see how governments work and how they can contribute to positive change. Whether it’s understanding how voting decisions are made or learning about community leaders, this adventure helps build a foundation for future civic involvement. It also teaches Webelos about working together and the value of serving others.

This den meeting plan will guide you through the fun and engaging activities that will help your Webelos complete the first few requirements of the My Community adventure. From learning about the different types of voting to discovering how laws are made, the activities are designed to be educational and interactive. Through hands-on experiences, Webelos will gain a deeper appreciation for the systems that help make their communities work.

In this den meeting, Scouts will not only learn about the roles of elected officials and the importance of laws but also how teamwork can solve problems in the community. This adventure is a great way for Scouts to start understanding their responsibilities as future leaders and citizens. With a mix of discussion, activities, and fun, they will leave with new knowledge and a sense of pride in their community involvement.

This plan covers the first three requirements. You should plan to participate in a service project also, such as Scouting for Food.

Here is a suggested timeline for the 90-minute den meeting plan based on the activities outlined for the first three requirements of the Webelos My Community adventure:

• Arrival and Gathering Activity (10 minutes)
  • Activity: Icebreaker to introduce the concept of decision-making and voting.
  • Webelos participate in a simple group activity to get them thinking about the role of voting and leadership.
• Activity 1: Learn About Majority and Plurality Voting (15 minutes)
  • Activity: Teach the Webelos about majority and plurality voting, followed by a mock vote.
  • Discussion on the difference between the two voting systems and why they’re used in different contexts.
• Activity 2: Speak with an Elected Official (20 minutes)
  • Activity: Either invite a local elected official to speak or show a video and hold a Q&A session.
  • Webelos ask questions about the voting process and the type of voting used in the official’s election.
• Activity 3: Choose a Federal Law and Create a Timeline (20 minutes)
  • Activity: Scouts work in groups to choose a federal law, create a timeline, and learn about the involvement of the three branches of government.
  • Each group focuses on one branch’s role and presents their findings.
• Snack Time and Socialization (10 minutes)
  • Activity: Provide a snack and allow Webelos time to socialize and reflect informally on what they’ve learned.
  • Encourage them to share what they found most interesting from the day’s activities.
• Closing and Scout Law Reflection (10 minutes)
  • Activity: Discuss how the Scout Law ties into the day’s activities, especially regarding citizenship, leadership, and service.
  • Reflection where each Webelos shares one thing they learned, followed by a closing ceremony or affirmation of the Scout Law.

Materials for the Den Meeting

• Printed or Written List of Voting Options: For the voting activity, you’ll need a list of three options that the Webelos can vote on (e.g., games to play, snacks to choose from).
• Voting Ballots: Small pieces of paper or cards for Webelos to write down their votes.
• Pen or Markers: To write down voting results and create any visual aids, like a timeline or charts.
• Printed Timeline Template: A simple template for the groups to fill in during the activity about the federal law.
• Large Paper/Whiteboard: To display the voting options, write down results, and show the federal law timeline.
• Markers/Sticky Notes: For the Webelos to add ideas to the voting activity or timeline.
• Snack Supplies: A simple snack such as fruit, crackers, or cookies (store-bought or homemade).
• Scouts’ Meeting Space: Ensure enough space for small group discussions and activities, with seating arrangements for each group.
• Scout Law Printout: A printout or poster of the Scout Law for the closing ceremony.

Preparation the Den Leader Might Need to Do

• Invite an Elected Official (if possible): Contact a local elected official (e.g., a mayor or school board member) to speak with the Webelos about their role and the voting process.
• Prepare a Video or Guest Speaker: If inviting an elected official isn’t possible, have a video or a planned Q&A session with someone who can speak about elections and government.
• Choose a Federal Law: Decide on a federal law for the Webelos to research (e.g., the Civil Rights Act) and prepare a timeline for them to fill in.
• Set Up Voting Activity: Arrange the voting area with materials needed for voting, such as the options list, ballots, and markers.
• Print Out the Voting System Information: Have a brief description ready for the Webelos to learn about majority vs. plurality voting.

Things the Den Leader Might Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• Snacks: Ask parents to bring simple snacks like fruit, cookies, crackers, or any other easy-to-handle food items.
• Transportation for Field Trip: If you plan to visit a local government office or community organization, ask parents to help with transportation.
• Guest Speaker Suggestions: Parents might have contacts with local leaders or community members who could speak about voting or lawmaking.
• Volunteers for Group Activities: Parents could assist in small group activities, such as helping Scouts with the federal law timeline or facilitating discussions.
• Craft Supplies: If you want to have a hands-on project (like creating a visual voting system), ask parents to bring extra markers or large paper.
• Voting Ballots or Paper: Ask parents to provide extra paper or printouts for the voting ballots if needed.

By preparing these materials and tasks ahead of time, the den leader can ensure the meeting runs smoothly and is a valuable learning experience for the Webelos.

Start your den meeting with an icebreaker that gets everyone talking about leadership and voting. This is a great way to help Webelos understand decision-making and get them thinking about the community and how choices are made.

You can ask them to think about decisions they’ve made in their daily lives. For example, ask how they decide which game to play during free time. Do they vote? Or maybe their group elects a leader to make the decision. Let the Scouts share their answers and listen to the different ways they make choices as a group.

Next, transition into a larger conversation about leadership. Talk about different types of leaders they may have seen in their lives—teachers, parents, Scout leaders, and even government officials. Let them know that leaders help guide people and make decisions that affect everyone. Ask the Scouts if they have ever been leaders themselves or if they’ve seen a leader in action. This discussion will help them understand the importance of good leadership in communities and begin to link it to the idea of voting for leaders.

After this, open the My Community den meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s a great way to tie in the theme of community and citizenship. After the pledge, lead the Scouts in reciting the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. This reinforces their connection to the Scout values and reminds them of their responsibility to be good citizens in their community.

Vote for Your Favorite!

In this activity, we will teach the Webelos about the two main types of voting: majority and plurality. Majority voting means that a choice needs more than half of the votes to win. Plurality voting means that the option with the most votes wins, even if it doesn’t have more than half. It’s important to know the difference because these voting systems are used in different situations.

Here’s how we will do it:

1. Explain the Voting Types: Start by explaining what majority and plurality voting are. Majority requires a choice to have more than half of the votes. Plurality just means the option with the most votes, even if it’s less than half of the total.
2. Set Up the Vote: For this activity, choose something fun for the Webelos to vote on, like a game to play or a snack to have. Give them three options to choose from. Write the options on a board or a large piece of paper so everyone can see.
3. Vote: Have each Webelos cast their vote by raising their hand for one of the three choices. Count the votes and write them down clearly.
4. Discuss: After counting the votes, explain which voting method was used in the activity. Was it majority or plurality? If a choice didn’t get more than half the votes, explain why plurality was used to decide the winner. Talk about where each type of voting might be used. For example, school elections might use majority voting, while a presidential election might use plurality voting.

This activity will take about 15 minutes. The goal is for the Webelos to understand how different voting methods work and why each method is used in different situations. They will also get a chance to see voting in action, which ties into the My Community adventure. At the end, they should understand that voting is an important part of making decisions in a community, and each system has its purpose.

Meet the Leader

In this activity, the Webelos will have the chance to speak with a local elected official. If possible, invite someone from your community who holds an elected position, like a mayor, city council member, or school board member. If that’s not possible, you can use a video or prepare a Q&A session with someone who is in charge of making decisions for the community. This will give the Webelos a real-world example of leadership and help them understand how elections work.

Here’s how to set up the activity:

1. Prepare for the Visit: Before the meeting, reach out to a local leader and invite them to speak with the Webelos. If you can’t invite someone in person, find a short video or arrange a virtual meeting with an elected official. Let the Webelos know that they will have the chance to ask questions.
2. Ask Questions: After the elected official has shared their role, encourage the Webelos to ask questions. Some questions they might ask include: “What voting process was used to elect you?” “Did you need more than half the votes to win (majority) or just the most votes (plurality)?” “Why is this method used?” Make sure each Scout has a chance to ask something that interests them.
3. Discussion: After the official’s visit, talk about what the Webelos learned. Discuss the type of voting used in the official’s election and why it was important. This will help them connect the voting methods they learned about earlier in the meeting to a real-life example.

This activity should take about 20 minutes. It’s an important part of helping Webelos understand how elections work and how local leaders are chosen. They’ll gain a better understanding of the process, which helps them be more informed in the future when they are old enough to vote. Speaking directly with an elected official gives them the chance to see the process up close and ask questions they may have about leadership and voting.

The Journey of a Law

In this activity, Webelos will learn about federal laws and how they are made. The United States government has three branches: the Legislative Branch (Congress), the Executive Branch (the President), and the Judicial Branch (the courts). Each branch has a unique role in creating, approving, and enforcing laws. The Webelos will create a timeline to understand how a federal law becomes a part of the nation’s rules and how all three branches play a part in this process.

Here’s how to do the activity:

1. Introduce the Three Branches of Government: Start by explaining the three branches of the government. Tell the Webelos that the Legislative Branch makes the laws (Congress), the Executive Branch enforces them (the President), and the Judicial Branch interprets them (the courts). Give a simple example like how a law is passed in Congress, then signed by the President, and sometimes reviewed by the courts if it’s challenged.
2. Choose a Federal Law: Pick a well-known federal law for the Webelos to learn about. Let the Webelos know that they can pick a law they are interested in.
3. Create a Timeline: Divide the Webelos into groups, and have each group work on creating a timeline for the law. The timeline should include the key points in the history of the law, such as when it was introduced, debated, passed, and signed into law. Each group will focus on one branch’s role in the process:
   • Legislative Branch: One group can focus on the law’s introduction and how it was debated and passed in Congress.
   • Executive Branch: Another group will look at how the President signed the law into effect.
   • Judicial Branch: The last group can focus on whether the law was challenged in court and how the courts interpreted it.
4. Group Presentations: After the Webelos finish their timelines, have each group present their findings. Each group will explain the part of the lawmaking process they focused on and how the branches worked together to create and pass the law.

See some example timelines here for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act.

This activity should take about 20 minutes. It helps the Webelos understand the role of each government branch and how they work together to make laws. By seeing how a law moves through each branch, they can better understand how laws are made and how each branch of government checks and balances the others. The group work encourages teamwork and allows the Webelos to dive deep into how laws affect everyone.

After all the fun and learning, it’s time for a snack! During this time, Webelos can enjoy a simple treat, either something store-bought or homemade. Snacks can be a great way to help everyone relax and take a break. You could serve something simple like crackers, fruit, or cookies, making it easy for the Scouts to enjoy while they talk and unwind.

As they snack, encourage the Webelos to share what they found interesting or surprising during the meeting. You can ask questions like, “What part of today’s activities did you enjoy the most?” or “Was there something you learned today that you didn’t know before?” This is a great way to help them reflect on the activities and talk about what they learned, whether it was about voting, federal laws, or how elected officials are chosen.

Allow the Webelos to chat with each other about their thoughts and ideas. Some might be excited to talk about how a law is made, while others might want to discuss the role of leaders in their communities. This time also helps the Scouts practice socializing and expressing their ideas clearly.

This snack and socialization time should last around 10 minutes. It’s a good opportunity to relax and let the Scouts digest what they’ve learned in a fun, casual setting. By encouraging them to talk about the activities, you’ll help reinforce the lessons while giving them a chance to bond with their fellow Scouts.

As we wrap up the meeting, it’s a great time to reflect on how the Scout Law connects to what we’ve learned today. The Scout Law teaches us to be trustworthy, helpful, and loyal, among other qualities. Let’s talk about how these points tie into the activities we just did.

First, think about “A Scout is trustworthy.” When we vote or make decisions, we must be fair and honest. This is important in a community. By making sure everyone gets to voice their opinion and vote fairly, we show trustworthiness. Next, consider “A Scout is helpful.” We talked a lot about leaders and how they serve their communities. Being a good leader means helping others. Whether it’s voting, making laws, or participating in service projects, we all have a role to play in helping our community grow stronger.

Finally, let’s think about “A Scout is loyal.” Understanding how our laws are made and how our government works shows respect for the country and the systems that keep it running. It’s important to know our rights and responsibilities as citizens. This helps us grow into active, informed members of our communities and country.

Before we end, I’d like each of you to share one thing you learned today about voting, laws, or elected officials. It could be something new you learned or something that surprised you. This will give everyone a chance to reflect on what they found most interesting.

Close with a brief Scout Law ceremony. As we say the Scout Law together, remember that being a Scout means living by these values, especially when it comes to being a good citizen and leader in our community. This closing should take about 10 minutes, giving the Scouts a chance to reflect on the meeting and think about how they can use the Scout Law in their daily lives.

Webelos My Community Adventure

The Webelos My Community adventure helps Scouts understand their role in society and the importance of being an active citizen. The adventure focuses on topics like voting, how laws are made, and the responsibilities of elected officials. Through activities, Webelos learn about majority and plurality voting, communicate with local leaders, and study federal laws. They also participate in a service project to give back to their community.

This adventure encourages Webelos to develop communication and leadership skills. By talking with elected officials and learning how laws are passed, they gain valuable insights into government and its processes. These activities not only help Scouts learn about government but also teach them about teamwork, cooperation, and community involvement. Ultimately, the My Community adventure helps shape Webelos into informed citizens who are ready to contribute positively to their communities. Read more.

See more resources for My Community.

How long will this My Community den meeting take?

The My Community den meeting is designed to take about 90 minutes. This includes activities, a snack, and time for reflection. You can adjust the timing slightly depending on how much discussion or group work happens.

What if I can’t get an elected official to speak?

If you can’t get an elected official, don’t worry! You can show a short video or have a Q&A with someone who can speak about elections and voting, like a community leader or a teacher. You can also prepare a presentation yourself.

What kind of snack should I provide for the My Community den meeting?

Keep it simple! You can provide store-bought snacks like crackers, fruit, cookies, or chips. Anything easy for the Webelos to grab and enjoy while they socialize. You can also ask parents to bring snacks.

What should I do if the Webelos don’t understand majority and plurality voting?

If the Webelos are confused, explain the concepts again in simpler terms. For majority voting, explain that it means “more than half,” and for plurality, it means “the most votes.” You can also use another example or vote on a new topic to reinforce the lesson.

How do I divide the Scouts into groups for the federal law timeline activity?

Divide the Webelos into three small groups, each focusing on one branch of government: Legislative, Executive, or Judicial. Give them a simple timeline template to fill in as they learn about how the law passed through each branch.

What if I don’t have enough materials for the group activities?

If you find that you don’t have enough materials, ask parents to bring extra supplies like markers or paper. You can also adjust the activities to make them simpler if needed.

What should I do if some Webelos finish the My Community den meeting activities early?

If some Webelos finish early, have them help others or ask them to think about how the voting system or federal law might be different in other countries. You could also provide extra questions or challenges related to the activities.

How can I make the closing ceremony engaging for the Webelos?

To make the closing fun and engaging, you can ask each Webelos to share one thing they learned today. Then, recite the Scout Law together, and maybe ask a few Scouts to explain how they see the Scout Law in action during the meeting.

What if a Webelos is shy and doesn’t want to participate in the activities for the My Community den meeting?

If a Webelos is shy, encourage them gently. Let them know their voice matters and that they can share their ideas when they feel ready. Sometimes pairing them with a buddy can help them feel more comfortable.

How do I make sure the My Community den meeting stays on track and on time?

Keep an eye on the clock and set clear time limits for each activity. If an activity is running long, gently remind the Webelos that it’s time to move to the next part. Be flexible but try to stick to the planned timeline as much as possible.

This den meeting plan for the Webelos My Community adventure is designed to be both fun and educational. Through simple activities like voting, speaking with a local leader, and learning about federal laws, your Scouts will gain valuable knowledge about how their communities work. The goal is to help them understand the importance of being active citizens and how they can contribute to their community in the future.

By completing the first three requirements of the My Community adventure, the Webelos will get a real-world look at voting, leadership, and the role of laws in society. They’ll also learn about the three branches of government and how they work together to make decisions. These lessons are important for building their understanding of how communities are organized and how they can make a difference.

With engaging activities, a fun snack time, and a closing that ties everything back to the Scout Law, this My Community den meeting will leave your Webelos feeling excited about what they’ve learned. Remember to keep things simple, encourage participation, and let the Scouts lead some of the discussion. They will enjoy the chance to share their thoughts and reflect on what being a good citizen really means.

This My Community den meeting plan not only covers the first three requirements for the My Community adventure but also gives the Webelos a solid foundation in the concepts of leadership, voting, and civic involvement. It’s a great way to help them take their first steps in becoming responsible and informed members of their community.