Boy Scouts of America

"How do I know when I've been…?"

"I have been asked to be a leader in the Scouting program. I don’t know where to start! Everyone I talk to tells me that there is so much to learn about the Scouting program and that I will need to be "trained." How do I get trained? Why is it so important that I be trained anyway? Some Scout leaders tell me that they didn’t need to be trained and that it took too much time away from their personal life. They said that I didn’t have to go to roundtable every month, I could do it on my own. These leaders who did not get trained seem to have many difficulties in their packs and troops. Why? Do I really need to be trained? What is roundtable? And, what is Wood Badge, and Akela’s Council training? How do I know when I have been trained?"

You may have heard these and other similar statements made concerning the all-important concept of "scout leader training." Any individual who has been asked to be a leader in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, or Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America has been asked to become more knowledgeable about the Scouting program and learn the purpose of the Scouting program in order to become a more efficient leader of boys. This is accomplished by having them go thru the ‘basic’ training program of the Boy Scouts of America, and then, get all the advanced training they can thru other leadership training programs offered.

The ‘basic’ training program for Boy Scout leaders consists of reviewing a Fast Start Video presentation concerning three aspects of Scouting, 1)Troop Organization, 2) the Outdoor Program, and 3) How to conduct a Scout meeting. Then, participate in a hands-on experience where they will learn many different scouting skills, BSA policies and procedures, and hopefully they will gain a greater love for the Scouting program and the boys under their leadership.

"Am I "trained" after I finish my Basic Training?"

"Well, because you have gone thru the necessary basics of the scout program you will receive a "TRAINED" patch to wear on your uniform, however, this signifies your initial completion of the basic training course, but it does not mean that you are finished with your training."

"What will I need to do after ‘basic’ training?"

"You will need to:

 practice your leadership skills,

 plan your program,

 work with your committees,

 put the program to work with the boys,

 develop a great love, respect, and concern for each of the scouts under your leadership,

 and have fun!"

"You make it sound too easy. How and where am I going to learn to do all of those things?"

"Here is where your additional training comes in. By attending ‘roundtable’ each month you will get information on scouting activities planned within the district, learn leadership skills, receive some hands-on scouting skills instruction, and you will also learn how to lead and understand boys. You will learn how to plan meetings, and activities, campouts and campfire programs, skits and songs, games, and get many great ideas on how to improve and enhance your own scouting program. Just think of all the things you will miss out on if you miss ‘roundtable!’ And you should have lots of fun at ‘roundtable’ too."

"A great emotional and even spiritual experience where you will really learn to love and respect your boys will be experienced at ‘Wood Badge.’ This week-long course is absolutely essential to the scout leader who really wants to make a difference in the life of a boy. Whether you serve in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity or Venturing program, ‘Wood Badge’ is a must if you really want to develop a genuine love for the boys you lead. Make this advanced training experience a goal that you will accomplish. It is a life-changing experience. One of the best!"

"Other scout leader training can be experienced at the BYU Merit Badge Pow Wow every November, and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico offers summer-time courses in every aspect of the Scouting program."

"You will want to know how to work with people and how to be the best kind of scout leader possible. There are many books written on how to become a great leader and how to work with organizations and people. I would suggest that you get some of these books to enjoy and to help you to improve yourself and your leadership abilities. Of course I would recommend that you start with those books written specifically by the National Boy Scouts of America such as the Cubmaster’s Handbook, Scoutmaster Handbook, the Varsity leader Handbook, and the Venturing leader Handbook. Pick the handbook that is appropriate for your scouting assignment, read it, and re-read it. This is your guide to success as a leader. I will mention some of these other leadership books later."

"So, now, after all this let me ask you….when do you think you will finally become "trained?"

"Wow, it looks like "training" is an on-going process that never seems to end! It seems that my training will be up to me. If I want to be the best scout leader, I know that it will take much advanced training beyond ‘basic training’….it will take practice, learning leadership principles and styles, evaluating my program, learning to work with each individual boy, and learning to love and respect each boy. You know, I really do want to make a significant difference in the lives of these young boys. And I can see that I do need all the additional training experiences that I can get by attending roundtables, district activities, BYU Merit Badge Pow Wow’s, and I really want to have the Wood Badge experience to deepen my commitment to the scouting program. I will do as you ask! I will not be satisfied with my training until I have accomplished these things and have put in several years of tenure in my scouting leadership position. Thank you for helping me to understand the importance of getting myself "trained" in Scouting. I will be a better leader because I will always seek to improve myself thru continual Scout training."

"I can tell with your kind of commitment that you will be one of the successful scouting leaders in our district. Your scouts will have a great experience because of your desire to be the best kind of leader possible. I wish everyone who is called to serve in the Scouting program had your commitment and willingness to seek to do better. I am going to explain for you in more detail what each of the different training programs are. Good luck and good scouting!"

TYPES OF TRAINING SESSIONS:

1. Fast Start

The Boy Scout Leader Fast Start video presentation gives the new adult scout leader the opportunity to see the overall picture of the Boy Scout program. Emphasis is given to understanding the importance of the Troop organization, how to conduct a Troop meeting, and the Outdoor program of the Boy Scouts. A new leader will be able to conduct a successful troop meeting after viewing this video. The new adult scout leader will be able to see how the troop committee, the sponsoring institution, and the Scoutmaster and his assistants mold together to make the Scouting program work successfully.

2. Basic training experience

After an adult scout leader has gone thru the Fast Start video presentation he/she is ready for the "basic training" portion of the training. There is an on-going adult basic training for Cubs, Boy Scouts, Varsity, and Venture scout leaders all during the year. Usually the basic training experience is offered twice a year for each scouting group. Those who should attend this basic training are any adult scout leader who holds a specific scouting position in the Scouting program of their sponsoring institution. The purpose of the "basic training" program in Scouting is to provide an understanding of the policies and procedures of the Scouting program, and to encourage the participant to continue to learn about the scout program and their specific leadership responsibility. This training is a combination of a classroom setting which should be mixed with outdoor hands-on learning experiences. Mastery of the subjects offered and discussed during the basic training experience will take months and even years of practice. Adult leaders should understand that the scout leader does not have to be an expert in all aspects of his position. By using the leadership skills of Wood Badge an adult scout leader can become a "great" leader by the leadership skills that he/she uses in his/her specific leadership position.

The basic training experience gives each adult scout leader the overall view of the scouting program. There is much to learn of the Scouting program to become a good leader. This basic training experience is just what it says…a "basic" training of the areas of the Scout program. An adult scout leader who successfully goes thru the basic training experience will receive a "TRAINED" patch to wear on the sleeve of the scout uniform. What does this patch mean?

The "TRAINED" patch signifies to the wearer that he/she has attended the Fast Start and the Basic Training programs of the Boy Scouts of America. The wearing of this patch means that this adult scout leader will do all within their power to understand the important items learned during the basic training experience and that they will commit to continue to seek more training and leadership experiences to improve their capability as an adult scout leader. Just because you see an adult leader who proudly wears and displays his "TRAINED" patch on his uniform doesn’t mean that he is thru with his/her individual scout training. The dedicated scout leader will continue to learn and develop the leadership skills and organizational skills necessary to become a great scout leader.

3. Roundtable

The purpose and aim of the Boy Scout Roundtable is to give the adult scout leader additional on-going training in his/her respective scouting position. If the program is organized and staffed properly each scouting group will have the opportunity to share and learn new things that will enhance the leadership ability of each leader. The best roundtable experiences occur when adult leaders who have been in the program for a long time attend with the newly assigned scout leaders. This combination creates a "shared" learning experience. Many scouting leadership styles can be learned from the pages of the Scoutmaster handbook, Varsity Coaches handbook, Venture leader handbook, but when you have experienced adult leaders who can share their personal experiences of how the program has worked for them and how they have learned from their "failed’ experiences, a greater understanding of the program is learned and understood.

Roundtable exists as a ‘resource’ for adult scout leaders. It is not a mandatory meeting…but it should be! The best way for roundtable to work properly is to have a great variety of input and suggestions from all adult scouting leaders who attend. At roundtable there will be a mixture of experienced and inexperienced scouters who have come to learn something new or to review something that needs specific attention. If the roundtable staff do not know what areas of concern exist among their specific group how can the proper training take place? Since it is a resource to the scouting district, each adult leader should give suggestions as to what items need to be emphasized in the next roundtables.

The on-going training of new adult scout leaders is accomplished by both the roundtable staff and the experienced scout leaders who attend roundtable who have been in the trenches with the boys and have learned by both good and bad experiences. New adult scout leaders are looking for ideas of where to go camping, how to plan a program, how to hold successful pack and troop meetings, how to work with boys, equipment ideas, etc.

So what additional training can I get by attending roundtable? Why is roundtable so important, it’s just another meeting to go to isn’t it? Your attendance and participation at monthly scout roundtable meetings will:

1. increase your ability to understand and work with boys,

2. help to develop your leadership skills,

3. increase your desire and motivate you to improve your program,

4. give you more ideas for outdoor activities,

5. help you to plan better programs,

6. keep you informed of all the scouting activities in the district,

7. help you get answers to all your scouting questions and concerns,

8. help to improve your committees effectiveness,

9. let you get acquainted with many enthusiastic scouters,

10.  help to benefit everyone!

Roundtable meetings should be a mandatory meeting for all adult scout leaders. Let’s use these roundtable experiences to enhance the learning experiences for all scout leaders who attend.

1. Wood Badge (for Cubs, Scouts, Varsity, Venture)

The ultimate adult scout leader training course is Wood Badge! This week-long course will teach you with discussion and specific hands-on experiences the eleven leadership skills that are necessary to be a good and great leader. There is a special Scouting Spirit that accompanies the Wood Badge course. It will be a turning point for you as an adult scouting leader. Your life may not ever be the same once you have gone thru the Wood Badge training experience. Every scout leader should attend Wood Badge! You will get a hands-on experience of the importance of the Patrol Method and how it affects each member of the patrol. Perhaps the most important aspect of the Wood Badge training experience is the feeling that you will come away with. You will remember that feeling forever! The Wood Badge training experience will help you to become a better leader in working with people. Your mindset will change from the emphasis of the program to the importance of the person. The real "aims and methods" of scouting will unfold before your very eyes and you will develop a deep appreciation for the scouting leaders and the scouting program. The Wood Badge training experience is a course in self-discovery and "feeling." The methods used in teaching and presenting the Wood Badge course are like none other!

Go to Wood Badge! If you desire to have a life-changing experience that will affect the way you interact with people not only in the scouting program, but also with your family and in your professional life…go to Wood Badge. It will make a significant difference in your life…Scouts honor!

2. Akela’s Council

This 4 ½ day Cub Scout Leader Training experience is the Wood Badge course for Cub Scout leaders. The emphasis at Akela’s Council is on having fun! The hands-on training covers den doodles, den yells, Cub Scouting policies and procedures, sports and academic program, skits, puppets, insignia, Webelos Woods, and much, much more!

Cub scout leaders who attend this course will come away with an increased commitment to the Cub Scout program. You will receive zillions of ideas with the Pow Wow books that are available to Cub Scout leaders. More ideas than you can ever imagine. Leadership skills will be given on how to work with and control young boys ages 8-10 yrs old.

Every Cub scout adult leader should attend Akela’s council. The cost is approximately $80.00 and it is well worth it. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend specialized Cub Scout training at Akela’s Council.

3. BYU Merit Badge Pow Wow

Each year the first three Saturdays in November are reserved for thousands of boy scouts and their leaders to attend the annual BYU Merit Badge Pow Wow. While the Boy Scouts are busy attending their merit badge classes, the adult leaders can attend the adult leader classes for 3 hours on each Saturday. Special adult leader courses are taught on subjects such as advancement, utilizing youth leaders, courts of honor, Eagle courts of honor, new scouting ideas, spirituality in Scouting, knots and lashings, Order of the Arrow, ceremonies, cooking techniques, patrol method, and others.

Each of these adult sessions is taught by scouters and professionals who have been in the scouting program for many years. There is so much to learn as an adult leader. The BYU merit badge pow wow will be an annual event once you have experienced the great things that are offered at the pow wow. This is an excellent training experience for new and old-timer adult scout leaders.

4. Leadership Development and Improvement

So, you want to be a dedicated leader of scouts? Do you know and understand how to lead people? Do you understand the concepts of effective planning? Are you a good organizer? Do you know what ‘delegate’ means? These are just a few of the questions that you should ask yourself as you prepare to be the best leader you can be. How can I learn about the concepts of leadership and dealing with people? There are numerous books and seminars that are out on the market that deal with leadership and how to be the best kind of leader for your organization.

The first leadership manual that should be read by a Boy Scout leader is the Scoutmaster’s Handbook. This handbook covers all of the program features and lets you know what is required of you as a scouting leader. Read this manual cover-to-cover. And then, after you have read it the first time, reread specific sections that you want to work on right now. Thousands of hours have gone into the development of this leadership manual for scoutmasters. It should be read, and absorbed by every scoutmaster! Your own individualized training can be greatly improved by reading and applying the program as outlined in the Scoutmaster Handbook.

Other leadership books that are great reading and contain many ideas on how to work with people and organizations are:

 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey)

 Youth Leading Youth (Shane Barker)

 Scoutmaster Handbook (BSA)

 How to Win Friends and Influence People (Norman Vincent Peale)

 The One Minute Manager (Kenneth Blanchard)

 Aids to Scoutmastership (Robert Baden Powell)

 On My Honor, a guide to LDS Scouting (Thane J. Packer)

 A Generation of Excellence (Vaughn J. Featherstone)

 The Millennial Generation (Vaughn J. Featherstone)

 Scout Leaders in Action (Walter G. MacPeek)

 The Power Principle, Influence with Honor (Blaine Lee)

 On My Honor, I Will (Randy Pennington & Marc Bockmon) 

1. Youth training (Scouts, Varsity, Venture)

The most important responsibility you will have as a scout leader is the training of your boy leadership. This will be an on-going and never ending responsibility. Your youth leadership should change at least every six months. That means you will need to develop and utilize the youth training program specific to your group.

Timberline courses are excellent week-long leadership experiences for scouts ages 12-13. Timberline is a Wood Badge type experience on a boy level. The boys who attend and complete this youth leadership course will become excellent leaders in your troops. Varsity All-Star training is offered for boys of Varsity age. This outpost type training experience will give the Varsity boy leaders a chance to see how the Varsity program is to be run and what is to be accomplished.  

2. Philmont Scout Ranch

The week-long adult scout leader sessions taught at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico each year are the best in the nation! There is a training session for every aspect of the scouting program offered at Philmont. The specialized training is taught by professional and experienced scouters who are serious about their subject. There is a cost of approximately $250.00 for the weeklong course. This fee includes your housing and food for the week. Family members are also invited to attend the family experiences while at Philmont. Many scout leaders who have attended courses at Philmont say they want to go back and take other addition courses in other areas of scouting. This is one training place you can get hooked on fast!

For more information on the courses and experiences at Philmont Scout Ranch contact the local council office at 373-4185 and talk to council services.