Leader Training Makes Scouting Fun
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The Magic of Training
If you had a magic wand, would you use it to make the Scouting program better and more
fun for youth so they stayed in Scouting longer and has a larger impact on their lives? What
if the same magic wand made leadership roles easier, more rewarding, and led to better
retention among adult leaders? Would using that magic wand be a top priority?
Well, such a magic wand does exist—in the form of the learning programs for leaders in the
Boy Scouts of America. Common sense tells us that training is important, and research
shows the value of trained leaders. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in
the role being performed. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure,
youth tenure, safety, and much more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the
Scouting program all it can be!
Outdoor Training
Youth Protection Training is Required
Annually
Youth Protection training is required
annually in Cascade Pacific Council. Though
the national Youth Protection Training
certificate is valid for two years, your council
and many other Western Region councils
require all registered adult leaders to
complete training annually. This protects
children, adult leaders, and the organization
by maintaining high vigilance on the
important subject and methods of youth
protection.
INFO: www.cpcbsa.org/training
Position-Specific Training
Position-Specific training is required to be
considered "Trained" in the BSA. This
training can be completed by Cub Scout
Leaders, Venturing Leaders, and Troop
Committee members online at
www.My.Scouting.org. It is recommended
that leaders seek trainings near their district
for an "In-Person" training. The live trainings
are led by an experienced leader who can
directly answer questions, andt is well versed
on local council resources. Even if you take
the online trainings, it is recommended that
you attend an in-person training for your
position. Training dates and locations can be
found at
www.cpcbsa.org/calendar/180/Training
Since Outing is most of Scouting being
prepared for the outdoors is essential for
all Scouting leaders. Cub Scouting
Leaders can attend BALOO or Basic
Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, an
instructor-led course of camping policies,
taught along with the necessary tools to
help units carry out a successful camping
experience. Completion of this course is
mandatory for at least one adult on a
Pack overnighter. Boy Scout and Varsity
Leaders must take Intro to Outdoor
Leader Skills to be considered trained in
their positions. This hands-on course
provides adult leaders the practical
outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in
the outdoors. Upon completion, leaders
should feel comfortable teaching Scouts
the basic skills required to obtain the First
Class rank. You can find training dates
and locations at www.cpcbsa.org/events
Supplemental Safety Training
There are several other trainings offered
and are required to be completed by at
least one person if the unit is participating
in that type of activity. These include:
Safety Afloat for all boating activities,
Safe Swim Defense for all swimming
activities. Climb on Safely for all
Climbing activities, and Trek Safely for all
backpacking outings. Weather Hazards
is for all activities that are overnights, or
considered High Adventure. These
trainings can be completed at
www.my.Scouting.org.
My.Scouting.org and the BSA Learn
Center
To support our leaders, an online portal at
My.Scouting.org has been created.
Depending on your role in Scouting you will
be able to keep your information and unit
info up-to-date, and complete training. There
are several other useful tools for leaders
such as charter renewal access, entering
service hours and much more. This site
requires you to have the most recent
updated online browser for your computer to
access all the tools. Go to www.cpcbsa.org/
training for more information.
University of Scouting
(For Leaders
And Parents)
University of
Scouting’ is a
one-day adult
conference full of
tips, tricks, and
training for adults
involved in any
Scouting program such as Cub Scouts, Boy
Scouts, Varsity, and Venturing. In previous
years, this event focused on Cub Scouting,
but now it’s a full-family-of-Scouting day, and
EVERY leader will leave inspired and armed
with new ideas from fellow adult Scouters.
You choose the sessions and topics that
interest you, and learn from volunteers
experienced in those subject areas—and
there are dozens and dozens of topics.
WHEN: November 4, 2017
WHERE: TBA
INFO: cpcbsa.org/uofScouting