VARSITY LEADER TRAINING SUMMARY
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 role in Scouting. Adult leaders in Scouting need certain basic information in order to bring a quality program to Scouts. This information is needed as soon as possible after a leadership position is assumed. To that end, training in Scouting is divided into four levels: Orientation/Fast Start Training, Basic Training, Supplemental Training, and Advanced Training.
Varsity Leader Fast Start:
Varsity Leader Fast Start describes the basics of Varsity Scouting. It is used in conjunction with Varsity Scout Coach Start-Up that serves as a guide for the Coach's first few meetings with team members. Varsity Leader Fast Start is offered on the internet.
Basic Training:
The number of components included in basic training depends on the specific leadership position held. All leaders take New Leader Essentials Training followed by a leader-specific training designed to prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities related to their leadership position in the program. Check the council training calendar for the next training.
New Leader Essentials Training:
New Leader Essentials is the initial training for adult leaders. In this 90-minute training, leaders learn about the objectives of the Scouting program and the methods that are used to achieve these objectives. Leaders also gain a basic understanding of youth development, as well as how Scouting is organized and financed, policies related to the program, and resources to help leaders succeed. The training is for all new registered adult leaders of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venture's. A Scout leader needs to attend New Leader Essentials only once. Check the council training calendar for the next training.
Varsity Leader Specific Training:
This training describes the purposes and methods of the Varsity Scouting program and reviews Varsity's five program fields of emphasis. Check the council training calendar for the next training.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills:
This course is a hands-on training program to give adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the Outdoors. Imagine having hands-on knowledge about setting up a campsite, pitching a tent, hiking, outdoor cooking - all the skills necessary to see the outdoor program of the Boy Scouts of America come to life. The course is a day and a half long. Check the council training calendar for the next training.
Supplemental Training:
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. Since supplemental training is intended to enrich the leaders' experience, there are no prerequisites although supplemental training is not a substitute for completing basic training.
Youth Protection Training:Child abuse is an increasingly serious, widespread problem in society, affecting every ethnic group, socioeconomic level, and geographic area. The Boy Scouts of America has developed Youth Protection training to prepare its leaders to help children who have been, or are being, abused.
The training program includes information for parents, as well as age appropriate videos for youth members. Materials may be used in Pack, Troop or Den meetings to show Scouts and their parents what they should do to prevent abuse from happening to them.
Every leader in Scouting should complete Youth Protection training. The Council requires that at least one adult accompanying the unit on any outing must be Youth Protection trained in order to obtain a Tour Permit.
Youth Protection training is available in video tape format, on the internet, or at various training classes.
Roundtable:
Roundtable is monthly leaders' meeting held in each district. At this meeting, leaders can find information about upcoming district and council events and learn program ways to improve program. The subject of each Roundtable is selected to emphasize important aspects of the Scouting program. Roundtables are the best source of continuing education that a leader has available.
Wood Badge:
Wood Badge is advanced training in leadership skills for all adults in BSA programs. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and commissioner service are invited to participate in Wood Badge.
This advanced training is presented in two parts:
- An advanced learning experience presented over two long (three-day) weekends or as a weeklong course.
- An application phase of several months during which the leaders apply the specific skills they have learned at Wood Badge to their Scouting responsibilities.
Leaders who successfully complete both parts of the training are recognized with the Wood Badge beads, woggle slide, and neckerchief.
To be eligible for an invitation to participate in Wood Badge training, you must first complete Basic Leader Training. Your district trainer, unit commissioner, council web site or council service center can give you more information.
It is the goal of the council that every leader attend Wood Badge within two years of registering as an adult leader.
The BSA Online Learning Center provides a variety of materials, from quick references to complete courses, all designed to help our members improve leadership skills and deliver a quality program.