Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader!
Every Leader deserves training so s/he can successfully deliver the scouting program!

 

Training of adults to successfully deliver the Boy Scout program has evolved into a well-presented, thorough, curriculum of courses to be completed in sequence. Here are the courses you need to fulfill your commitment of an adult leader.

 

Fast Start Training

The first step for any new adult volunteer in a Pack or Troop, no matter what the position may be. The Fast Start training is short and should be taken as soon as possible after you have accepted a leadership position. The Fast Start program has been designed to provide an immediate comfort level for new leaders and enables them to say, 'I can do this!', but it should be soon followed by more comprehensive training.

 

 

Youth Protection Training

YPT ensures boys involved in scouting are kept safe. At least one adult on every Scout outing must be Youth Protection Trained.
Before being involved with boys, EVERY adult should complete Youth Protection Online and all registered adult volunteers must complete it and fully understand the Youth Protection Policies of the BSA.

  • The Boy Scouts of America has a set of videotapes to help teach boys about protecting themselves against abuse. These videos help boys recognize dangerous situations and avoid becoming victims.
    The video 'It Happened to Me' is designed for Cub Scouts, boys ages 6 to 10, to view with their parents or guardians. The video presents five scenarios of situations that boys may encounter. It establishes safety rules that help the boys counteract the fear and shame that can result from abusive situations. Cub Scout Meeting Guide: It Happened to Me
    'A Time to Tell' is designed for Boy Scouts, boys ages 11 to 14. This video depicts risks of sexual abuse through dramatizations of adolescent experiences. Troop Meeting Guide: A Time to Tell
    A third video, 'Youth Protection: Personal Safety Awareness', is designed for any young person in the 14 to 20 age range. It is made up of vignettes dealing with the issues of acquaintance rape, Internet safety, stalking, and fraternization. Each scenario is followed by instructions for local group discussions and a teen panel discussion, with pertinent advice regarding each situation.
    To obtain a copy of any of the above videos, contact the council service center - Find Service Center.Remember, any case of abuse is one too many!

     

     

    This is Scouting

    The next step in training for adult leaders who have completed Fast Start Training. This is Scouting is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. This is a 45 minute video presented by your Council or District, or available online. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers-Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders-take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes This is Scouting only once.

     

     

    Leader Specific Training

    Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the scouting program, training for a specific Scouting position continues through Leader Specific training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies. This training is classroom-led, or available online at your convenience. Leader Specific training has been developed for the following positions and their assistants:

     

     

    Outdoor Leader Skills

    Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. Training in outdoor skills is required before taking scouts on outings.

     

     

    Supplemental and Ongoing Training

    There are many more opportunities for volunteers to improve their skills and understanding of the Boy Scout program. Some are required before holding certain types of events.

     

    Assess yourself with the Boy Scout Leader Assessment Tool - The intended audience for this self-assessment tool is adult Boy Scout leaders, specifically scoutmasters, assistant scoutmasters, troop committee members, Boy Scout commissioners, and Boy Scout trainers. This tool is designed to help you assess your strengths and weaknesses in regard to the current Boy Scout leader training courses.

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