Youth Protection Training

Important Changes to the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Training Policies. Recently, the Boy Scouts of America announced important changes to its Youth Protection policies. The purpose of these changes is to increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting.

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

If you want to be a leader or are currently a leader who needs to complete Youth Protection, click below:

Oline Youth Protection Training

You will need to set-up an account to complete training.  Once you have completed training, email your certificate to: Glen Derosett

Fast Start Training

When new leaders are selected in Cub Scouting, it is essential that they receive immediate information that will help them get started. Proper training lays the groundwork for success in their leadership roles. This training will help new leaders understand what is expected and establish effective meeting patterns so that the boys and their families can enjoy a quality program from the start.

As the first step in the training continuum, Fast Start Training is meant to provide all the information and resources for new leaders to conduct their first meeting, along with guidance for the meetings that follow. All new leaders receive the Fast Start materials as soon as they are recruited and are encouraged to participate in Basic Leader Training and roundtables.

Self-study, rather than group training, is the preferred method for Fast Start Training. This gives the new leader the opportunity to learn at his or her own pace.

Video-Based Training

Fast Start is a short, video-based training program designed to provide specific meeting planning information related to the leader's volunteer position. The video demonstrates actual meetings that new leaders may use as models for conducting their own first meetings. The Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Viewer Guide is used with the video to enhance learning and provide an additional resource that stays with the leader. The viewer guide includes this same information in written form, providing a "road map" for planning the first meeting.

• Download the Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Viewer Guide [PDF - 626 KB]

The Fast Start video is available from the local council service center on videocassette and CD-ROM.

Internet-Based Training

This interactive computer-based training uses a different format than the videos, but it delivers the same information. It is an additional resource that packs can use to ensure that all leaders have an opportunity to complete Fast Start Training as soon as possible, and it will always be available to leaders who would like to retake the course to refresh their knowledge and keep up-to-date.

• View the online version of Cub Scout Leader Fast Start in the Online Learning Center

Follow-Up

The video, viewer guide, and online training are designed to be used alone by the new leader, but it is a good idea for someone from the pack (or, for new packs, from the district) to contact the new leader within two or three days to find out how things are going and to answer any questions. This is also a good time to invite the new leader to participate in roundtables and Basic Leader Training.

Basic Leader Training

Basic Leader Training is designed to give position-related information to all adult leaders in Cub Scouting. Building on the foundation established in Fast Start Training, Basic Leader Training goes into greater detail.

Basic Leader Training has two parts:

1. New Leader Essentials is for all new leaders in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. It highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of the Scouting program. Once completed, it need not be taken again, even if the leader moves to a different position or program level.
2. Leader Specific Training gives a leader the knowledge and skills needed for a specific position. Leader Specific Training is available for the following positions in Cub Scouting:
   • Tiger Cub leader
   • Cub Scout den leader and assistant
   • Webelos den leader and assistant
   • Cubmaster and assistant
   • Pack committee members

Basic Leader Training goes into greater detail on youth development and boy behavior, program planning, activities, and the purposes of the program. It is usually presented in one or two group sessions, but can be delivered to small groups or even individuals through personal coaching.

Every Cub Scout leader should complete Basic Leader Training; it prepares leaders to deliver a quality, fun-filled program. Leaders who understand the whys and hows of the program are more effective in their roles. They know how to use available resources to provide an exciting and worthwhile program for boys. Trained leaders have confidence in carrying out their responsibilities and, along with the boys, have more fun.

Your pack trainer, unit commissioner, or district training chair can help you learn about the Basic Leader Training available in your district and council. Dates and locations of upcoming training courses are often announced in the local council or district newsletter or Web site.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-day training event that introduces leaders and parents to the skills needed to plan and conduct pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping.

Participants who complete this training course will

• Understand the focus of the Cub Scout level of the BSA outdoor program.
• Gain the skills needed to plan and carry out a successful Cub Scout-level overnight activity.
• Learn more about the resources available from the BSA for carrying out this activity.

This training is required for any adult who is in charge of planning a pack campout.