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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 must 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.
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 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.
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.
