We need to have as many of our parents trained as possible. Scout rules require trained adults be at all activities -- it's an absolute necessity for insurance purposes. More than that, however, the basic courses (such as Boy Scout Fast Start and New Leader Essentials) give an overall view of the program that will help you help your son to get more out of the Scouting program. Keep reading the website for information about upcoming training activities.
Please click here for a chart that shows the overall adult training picture.
The following is a brief synopsis of training available to adults.
Youth Protection Training: Youth Protection training provides adult volunteers with an understanding about child abuse and youth protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America. This course is appropriate for any adult involved with youth. Your need have a refresher every two years. BSA requirements dictate that at least one adult on any Scout outing be current in Youth Protection Training. Can be taken on-line (go to the council website to access the on-line version)
Boy Scout Fast Start Training: A quick overall introduction to Scouting -- takes about an hour. This is offered frequently throughout the year.
New Leader Essentials: An overview of the Scouting program with an emphasis on information that would be useful to adult leaders. Usually presented on a Saturday morning.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills - involves an evening patrol meeting and a weekend overnight; introduces specific outdoor skills such as knots, fire building, safety, Totin' Chip, and camping.
Training for Uniformed Leaders:
For Committee Members:
a - New Leader Essentials
b - Boy Scout Leader Specific Training (Troop Committee)
For Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters:
a - New Leader Essentials
b - Boy Scout Leader Specific Training (Scout Leader Training)
c - Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Other follow-on adult leader training:
Woodbadge for the 21st Century: This advanced course is open to all leaders who have completed the basic training for their position in Scouting (see above). For specific information follow this link.
University of Scouting: The biggest training event each year, the UoS includes numerous courses taught at all levels of Scouting experience.
Powder Horn Training: This training is held over two weekends and is designed to help Venturing leaders, Scoutmasters, and others working with older youth to conduct fun and challenging outdoor activities. The course is based on the Venturing Ranger requirements and gives participants a hands-on introduction to activities including First Aid, Communications, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Land Navigation, Leave No Trace, Wilderness Survival, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Caving, Project COPE, SCUBA, Shooting Sports, and Watercraft.
Back Country Outdoor Skills Training: If you are working with older youth and want to plan safe and challenging outdoor activities, then BCOLS is for you. Taught by some of the council's most experienced trekkers, this course provides the basic in camp and on the train skills. It also focuses on planning required for high adventure treks.