The leadership training philosophy of the Boy Scouts
of America is to provide adult leaders with fundamental information
about the aims and purposes of the movement, as well as specifics
about their particular roles in Scouting.
The journey from Fast Start to Wood Badge is a seamless
progression for adults and an unending benefit for BSA youth. Fast
Start
Orientation and New Leader Essentials—the first two steps in new-leader
training—introduce new leaders to the Boy Scouting program. Leader Specific Training,
as the name implies, focuses on specific leader roles and will require several
days to complete, depending on an individual's previous outdoor skills experience.
Wood Badge has evolved into the premier leadership course of the BSA, strengthening
a leader's ability to effectively work with groups of youth
and adults.
A trained leader is knowledgeable
in the role being performed. The knowledge and confidence of a trained
leader are quickly
sensed by Cub Scouts,
Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers and are a positive
influence on their live.
Three Types of Training
There are three types of training situations:
Group Training
Personal Coaching
Self-Study
Group training is the most common and the most
effective method. There are occasions however, when Scouting
leaders cannot participate in group training and it is necessary
to use another approach.
What Makes a Trained Leader?
Cub Scout leaders are considered trained when they have completed
New Leader Essentials and the Cub Scout Leader Specific training
for their position.
Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained
when they have completed New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster
and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction
to Outdoor Leader Skills.
Troop committee members are considered trained when they
have completed New Leader Essentials and the Troop Committee
Challenge as their Leader Specific training.
Varsity Scout leaders and assistants are considered trained
when they have completed New Leader Essentials, Varsity Scout
Leader Specific Training , and Introduction to Outdoor Leader
Skills.
Venturing crew Advisors, assistant Advisors, and crew committee
members are considered trained when they have completed New
Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training.
Fast
Start Training
Leaders should have a clear understanding that leadership
training is a process that continues as long as an individual is
actively involved in the Scouting program.
Welcome to Scouting!
As a new Scout
leader, you are
joining our Scouting
family, and we
want you to understand
how the program
works. The Fast
Start Orientation
video and guide
will help explain
it. These materials
present a quick
introduction to
get new leaders
ready for your
first Boy Scout
meeting.
You will learn
in
Fast Start Orientation that Scouting employs
eight
fundamental methods to deliver
its
three aims of character development,
citizenship
training, and personal fitness.
The
eight methods are the ideals,
the
patrol method, the outdoors, advancement,
association
with adults, personal
growth,
leadership development, and
the
uniform. A troop functions
best
when all eight methods are employed.
As
a leader progresses through the levels
of
training, the eight methods are
continually emphasized.
The first thing new leaders should know is that many
resources are available to help them. The video's introduction
lays out the basics to help new volunteers get started
as Scouting leaders.
Part Two—The Troop Meeting
Part Two of the video explains how troop meetings
are important in preparing the troop for its monthly
outdoor adventure. Each 90-minute meeting should be
fun and meaningful for the Scouts. A troop meeting
has seven essential parts, each of which is explained
in the video.
Part Three—The Outdoor Program
This section of the video explains the importance
of the outdoor program to Scouting. Boys are attracted
to Scouting by its offer of outdoor fun and adventure.
Through exciting outdoor activities like camping and
hiking, studying nature, and watching wildlife, Scouts
learn to care for the environment and master outdoor
skills. At the same time, the outdoor program helps
them develop leadership and teamwork.
Part Four—The Troop Committee
This segment of the video illustrates the role of
the troop committee, a group of adult volunteers that
work behind the scenes to support the Scoutmaster.
Troop committee members do a wide variety of tasks,
from repairing tents to maintaining troop records.
The troop committee's most important responsibility
is to make sure that the very best adult leaders are
selected, recruited, and trained to work with their
boys.
New Leaders Essentials
As the first section of Basic Leader Training,
New Leader Essentials is a 90-minute introductory session
that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods
of Scouting and provides new leaders with a look at the resources
available to them. New Leader Essentials often is offered
as the first
part of Leader Specific Training.
The New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific basic training
courses are designed to give job-related information to
all Scouting volunteers, regardless of position, within
a given program. Basic training courses have limitations.
Because of time available, only a few topics can be covered
in detail. Some skills are introduced in training sessions,
but skills themselves are developed by practice over a
longer period of time. One of the aims of basic training
is to encourage leaders towards continuous self-development.
Leader Specific Training
These training courses include leader specific training
for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders; an introduction
to outdoor leader skills;
and the new Wood Badge course.
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos
den leaders, Cubmasters, and pack committee members
can complete this training in one day or two or three
evenings. The leader is considered trained upon completion
of New Leader Essentials and the Leader Specific
training for that position.
Troop Committee Training Syllabus, No.
33643
Boy Scout Leader Specific Training
For Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters, this
training is divided into four parts. The first three
parts concentrate on troop operation and can be completed
in one full day or three evenings. The fourth part,
which focuses on outdoor skills, lasts approximately
a day and a half, depending on the skill level of
the new leader. The leader is considered trained
upon completion of New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster
and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training,
and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
Troop Committee Training
For troop committee members, Leader Specific training
includes the Troop Committee Challenge. By following
the Troop Committee Training Syllabus, participants
can complete the challenge in three hours, after
which they are considered trained.
Venturing Leader Specific Training
Developed for Venturing Advisors, assistant Advisors,
and crew committee members, this training incorporates
Venturing's current adult leader training. New Leader
Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training
can be completed in one day, after which the leader
is considered to be trained.
Introduction to Outdoor
Leader Skills, No.
33640
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the
Scouting program, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader
Skills will provide leaders with the basic outdoor
skills information needed to start a program right.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is the required
outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, assistant
Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout coaches. The skills
taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The
Boy Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal
for Venturing leaders because it focuses on skills
that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting
outdoor camping experiences.
The course is a day and a half long, but a leader
can move at an accelerated pace by demonstrating
mastery of a specific skill. The emphasis is on the
skill, rather than on attending the course.
Wood Badge for the 21st Century
Wood Badge has evolved into the core leadership
skills training course for the BSA. The new Wood
Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer's
ability to work with and lead groups of youth and
adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which
are more effectively addressed in other courses.
Supplemental Training
There is always something new to learn and experience
in BSA training.
Most BSA local councils offer additional training for
Scout leaders, focusing on outdoor skills, Youth Protection,
and youth leadership development. At the national level,
a number of training courses are conducted each summer
at the Philmont Training Center in northern New Mexico.
Courses focus on everything from teaching outdoor skills
to working with the troop committee. They
are designed to give additional information on specific
program areas.
Some of the methods touched upon in basic
training are treated in greater depth in supplemental
training courses. Some courses are held on a regular
basis as a continuing source of information. Examples
of supplemental training courses are: Youth Protection
Training, District Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing
Roundtables, Cub Scout Leader Pow Wows, University
of Scouting, Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
(BALOO), Philmont National Training Center, High Adventure
Training, and Life Guard training, etc.
Another supplemental training opportunity
is the monthly district roundtable—meetings that bring
together Scout leaders from a number of troops to share ideas
and teach skills. Each meeting is an opportunity
for
enjoying fellowship and fun with others who
are committed to Scouting's aims and ideals.
Since supplemental training is intended to enrich the
leader's experience, there are no prerequisites.
Cub Scout Leader Roundtables: for Cub Scouters
Roundtables are held monthly for the purpose of giving adult leaders
the skills and ideas they need to deliver an exciting Cub Scout
program to boys. The roundtable serves also to renew each leader's
enthusiasm and dedication. Each roundtable features ceremonies,
games, and activities for den and pack meetings built around the
next month's theme.
Webelos Leader Outdoor Training: for Cub Scouters
Designed specifically for Webelos den leaders and their assistants,
Webelos Leader Outdoor Training teaches outdoor skills through
demonstration and hands-on practice. It also prepares the leader
to conduct Webelos overnight camping with the boys and parents
of the den. In addition to covering basic camping skills, this
training features planning campouts and finding resources.
Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Staff Training: for
Cub Scouters
Roundtable training for the district Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner
and Roundtable staff. Training can be completed in three hours covering
topics such as promotion, importance of games and songs and planning
meetings. Presented by the council.
Pow Wow: for Cub Scouters
Supplemental training for all Cub Scout leaders. Workshop style training
usually held on a Saturday with 6 one-hour sessions chosen by the
participant. Presents fun classes on the outdoors, crafts, ceremonies
and many more topics. Pow Wow is a council activity of fun-filled
day of learning new and specific information that you can immediately
bring back and use in the operation of your den and pack.
Trainer Development Conference: for
All Scouters
An eight-hour long course designed for all Scouters, doing
any type of training. Topics include why and how we train leaders,
planning courses, training technology, methods and pizzazz
in training. Includes hands on activities. Presented by the
council.
BALOO, Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation: for
Cub Scouters
BALOO training gives each trainee information on equipment, health
and safety, first aid, campfires, locating campsites, outdoor
cooking, and much more and is required for Cub Scout leaders
to be qualified to sign a BSA Tour Permit.
Boy Scout Leader Roundtables: for Boy Scouters
and Varsity Scouters
Roundtables are held monthly for the purpose of giving adult leaders
the skills and ideas they need to deliver an exciting Boy Scout program
to boys. The roundtable serves also to renew each Scouter's enthusiasm
and dedication. The subject of each roundtable is selected to emphasize
important aspects of the Boy Scout program.
Units of Training: for Cub Scouters, Boy Scouters
and Varsity Scouters,
Units of training have been developed on a
number of subjects and leadership skills to
fortify learning
for Scoutmasters and other
adult leaders as they feel the need. The units
of training can be "plugged
in" by trainers as the need becomes apparent.
Subjects covered are as follows: Boy Scout Advancement
Training, Merit Badge Counselor
Orientation, Youth Protection: Cub Scout, Boy
Scout and Venturing Leader Training and Selecting
Quality
Leaders.
University of Scouting: for Boy Scouters and
Varsity Scouters
For all leaders, this seven hour council led event will help you
be a better Scout leader. Participants choose from a variety of classes
in Membership, Finance, Service, Program and General Studies areas.
Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
and Staff Training: for Boy Scouters
Roundtable training for the district Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
and Roundtable staff. Training can be completed in three hours
covering topics such as role of the commissioner, making displays,
how to do demonstrations and planning through annual, quarterly
and monthly meetings. Presented by the council.
Outdoor Skills Instruction: for Boy Scouters,
Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
These "super Scouting weekends" can
improve leaders' outdoor skills as well as
be fun and helpful
in building morale. Training
topics include, Outdoor Skills, Team, Rock Climbing/Rappelling,
Survival, Backpacking, and Topping Out.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is for
all Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout Coaches.
The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy
Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal for Venturing leaders because
it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders
conducting outdoor camping experiences. The course is a day and a
half long, but a leader can move at an accelerated pace by demonstrating
mastery of a specific skill. The emphasis is on the skill, rather
than attending the course.
Climb On Safely: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters,
and Venturing
Climb on Safely is the Boy Scouts of America's recommended procedure
for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site
or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower.
High Adventure Training
(HAT): for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters,
and Venturing
HAT’s key purpose is to provide supplemental
training for leaders in advanced outdoor skills. High
Adventure Training (HAT)
Trek Safely: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters
and Venturing
Designed to help youth and adult leaders plan and carry out a safe
trekking experience. The 40-minute session presented by unit, district
or council trainers with trek experience. Covers seven points of
Trek Safely, qualified supervision and discipline and resources for
planning a trek.
Campmaster: for All Scouters
The campmaster corps is a group of selected, trained, and registered
Scouters who serve at council weekend camps whenever troops, teams,
Webelos dens, or crews are using any part of the camp property.
Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense
Are now available as online
training!
Safety Afloat:for
Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
Each troop is required to have a person trained
in Safety Afloat (and CPR) before going on any
trip that involves canoeing, sailing,
rafting, or boating. Safety
Afloat
Safe
Swim Defense:for All Scouters
Each troop is required to have a person trained
in Safe Swim (and CPR) before going swimming. Also
offered at summer camp. Safe
Swim Defense
The Powder Horn: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters,
and Venturing
The Powder Horn course is designed to introduce and expose Venturing
and Boy Scouting adult unit leaders to the activities and resources
necessary to operate a successful outdoor/high adventure unit-level
program.
Sea Badge: for Venturing/Sea Scouters
An advanced weekend training
conference for Sea
Scouting leaders is
conducted on a regional
basis or region-approved
council invitational
basis.
Selling Venturing to the Head of an Organization: for
Venturing
This video gives tips and techniques on how to prepare for and effectively
sell the Venturing program to the head of a potential chartered organization.
Briefing the Organizing Committee: for
Venturing
This is a video for use with step two of the Venturing new crew
organization process. It is designed for briefing the new crew
organizing committee.
Leave
No Trace: for All Scouters
Organized or presented by the Unit Training Coordinator,
district or council. Leave No Trace is a great
training program for leaders
or youth members interested in the best methods of
wilderness camping. Leave
No Trace:
Health and Safety Training: for Council/District
Use the course syllabus, No. 19-100, for district and unit Scouters.
The Relationships Conference: for Council/District
A unit of training designed for the heads of chartered organizations
and other organization leaders to help them understand how the
Boy Scouts of America supports their youth-serving objectives.
Training
the Chartered Organization Representative:
for All Scouters A unit of training to help chartered organization
representatives understand the important role
they play in the organization of
Boy Scouts of America as representatives
of the chartered organization to the district
committee and the local council. Training
the Chartered Organization Representative:
Council Officer Training: for
Council/District
This attractive pamphlet provides essential information for all
new board members, including important reflections on the meaning
of board membership (a new item).
District Committee Training Workshop: for Council/District
A training program designed for councils to train district committee
members on how to implement the standard district operation plan.
Continuing Education for Commissioners: for
All Commissioners
This course shows how to incorporate training into many commissioner
functions. These functions include monthly district and council commissioner
staff meetings, annual commissioner conferences, college of commissioner
science, and personal coaching.
Volunteer
Conferences at Philmont for All Scouters
Many volunteer training conferences are offered at the Philmont
Training Center, Cimarron, New Mexico, during the summer. Cub
Scouting conferences are also offered at the Florida Sea Base.
An invitation to attend a conference at Philmont
in the summer enables Scouters and their families to enjoy
a productive conference along with a unique western vacation.
All conferences begin check-in on Sunday and end the following
Saturday with breakfast. This allows Scouters to fit a conference
into a one-week vacation period.
Councils recommend individuals to the Philmont
Training Center. Scouters receive a personalized invitation
from the Chief Scout Executive. Those who accept the invitation
are asked to return the approved reservation form and the
required deposit to Philmont where they will be accepted
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Typical volunteer conferences
at Philmont include:
Administration of Commissioner Service
District Key 3
Administration of Venturing
Council Key 3
Advanced Camping Skills
National Junior Leader Instructor Camp (Junior Leaders)
Boy Scout Advancement
Order of the Arrow Advisers
Boy Scout Leader Training
Quality Cub Scout Roundtables
Boy Scout Roundtables
Scouting as a Youth Ministry
Chartered Organizations and Growth
Scouting in the Catholic Church
Communicating the International Story
Scouting in the Jewish Community
COPE Instructor/Inspector
Scouting in the LDS Church
Council and District Activities
Scouting in the United Methodist Church
Council High-Adventure Trek Planning
Scouting the Environment
Cub Scout Camping
Scoutmaster Basic Camping Skills
Cub Scout Den Program
Sea Scouting
Cub Scout Pack Program
Strictly for Cubmasters
Cub Scout Pow Wow Leadership
The Unit Commissioner
The District Committee
Tiger Cub Den Program
Endowment Development Seminar
Training Management Seminar
Health and Safety/Risk Management
Venturing—The Crew
High-Adventure Trek (Council/Unit)
Venturing—Council and District
Administration
Hispanic Awareness
Webelos Scout Program
Implementing the New Trainer Development Conference
What Makes a Trained Leader?
Welcome to Scouting!
As a new Scout
leader, you are
joining our Scouting
family, and we
want you to understand
how the program
works. The Fast
Start Orientation
video and guide
will help explain
it. These materials
present a quick
introduction to
get new leaders
ready for your
first Boy Scout
meeting.
