Webelos Den Emblem - Virtual Cub Scout Leader's Handbook

- THE WEBELOS DEN EMBLEM -
A WEBELOS TRADITION USING THE BOY SCOUT PATROL EMBLEM

Patrol Emblems

WEBELOS DENS ARE NOT PATROLS
This subject is one of considerable discussion and misunderstanding. But, as with (almost) every other Cub Scouting question, the answer can be found in the "Cub Scout Leader Book" (BSA No. 33221) and/or the BSA "Insignia Guide" (BSA No. 33066.)

The "Leader Book" states: "Webelos dens may have a name and wear the appropriate "patrol emblem" instead of a den numeral, but they are still a den."

The "Insignia Guide" refers to this insignia when worn by Webelos Scouts as a "Webelos den emblem" and notes that its use is "optional."
PROPER USE OF THE WEBELOS DEN EMBLEM
Webelos dens (1st or 2nd year) should get together and decide as a group which one of the 39 Webelos den emblems they will wear. They can even have a special 'blank patch' custom embroidered with literally any mascot thay choose. They should take care NOT to use the same emblem that may currently be in use by another den in their Pack. The emblem is worn on the Webelos Scout's right sleeve below, centered, and touching the American flag patch (see illustration.)
A FREE DOWNLOAD
We have prepared an MS Word formatted document containing all 40 of the available den emblem patches. These color documents can be printed and handed out to your Webelos to help them choose which they like the most. (Download it here!)
HISTORY OF THE PATROL
The Boy Scouts of America's use of the patrol method follows the patrol system introduced by Scouting's founder Baden-Powell. The organization of boys into patrols led to the need to identify the patrols. Though the patrols more often than not took the names of animals, the first identifier used were patrol ribbons which were the inspiration for todays Webelos Colors. Each patrol was identified by a set of colored ribbons that were assigned to the name of the patrol. The original British ribbons were strands of yarn and later, cloth ribbons. These ribbons later gave way to first silkscreened patches (or badges) and later, embroidered emblems.
To learn more about the very interesting history of the Scout Patrol visit Kevin Doyle and Don Shull's Patrol Patch website.

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