Training Opportunities
Why do leaders need Training?
All Scout leaders need training to help them understand the aims and purposes of the Scouting program, to improve their ability to work with boys and other leaders, to learn Scouting skills, and to learn how to plan an effective Scouting program. Training shows new leaders how to do their jobs and allows for an interchange of ideas with more experienced leaders.
Gateway Area Council has a wide range of training opportunities to help you develop as an adult Scout leader. It all starts with Fast Start Training, a new leader’s first introduction to being a Scout leader. Fast Start is available on-line or on videotape. Next is Basic Training. Basic training starts with “This is Scouting” for all leadership positions followed by Leader Specific Training that specializes in the program area for which you are a leader.
Learning continues with training events like District Roundtables, University of Scouting, and many other supplimental trainings. This training adds to a Scout leader’s knowledge base and helps bring new program ideas and skills back to the unit.
Who should go to Training?
If you have completed an Adult Scout Leader application, you should be going to Training. Every adult Scout leader position has important tasks in bringing the program to your pack, troop, team, or crew.
To take Cub Scouts camping, you will also need to complete BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) and Youth Protection Training. It is recommended that Webelos Leaders attend OWLS (Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders) to take their dens camping.
Youth Protection training is required for all adult leaders.
Who Pays For Training?
Gateway Area Council strives to keep the costs associated with training as resonable as possible, because every Scout deserves a trained leader. The fees associated with a training course are in place to offset the expense of meals and materials. All training is done by volunteers.
What makes a Trained Leader?
A Leader is considered “Trained” when the following have been completed:
Parents!
Cub Scout Leaders
- This is Scouting (OLC)
- Cub Scout Fast Start (OLC)
- Youth Protection (OLC)
- Cub Scout Leader Specific -for each position served
- Additional Cub Scout Trainings (BALOO & OLSWL)
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters
- This is Scouting (OLC)
- Boy Scout Fast Start (OLC)
- Youth Protection (OLC)
- Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Troop Committee Members
- This is Scouting (OLC)
- Boy Scout Fast Start (OLC)
- Youth Protection (OLC)
- Troop Committee Challenge (OLC)
Venturing Crew Advisors, Assistant Advisors, and Crew Committee
- This is Scouting (OLC)
- Venturing Fast Start (OLC)
- Youth Protection- Venturing version (OLC)
- Venturing Leader Specific Training
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (required for Advisor and Associate Advisors only)
Commissioners
Other Training
You’re “Trained”, now what? Try these:
- Roundtable held monthly in each district
- Trainer’s E.D.G.E.
- Leave No Trace
- Wilderness and Remote First Aid
- Wood Badge
- University of Scouting
- Philmont Training Center – Year-round adult training on lots of miscellaneous Scouting topics… position related, and not.
BSA has rolled out their Online Learning Center, or OLC. It includes the For-Credit (like Youth Protection) and Not-For-Credit (like Weather Hazards) courses. Click here for a recap of courses available. You will need to register once, but then it’s pretty painless. Once you’re in, select the area that you’re interested in… Don’t be afraid to look around.
Here’s another BSA Training site to access the same courses.. www.myscouting.org.
Questions? Contact: training@gatewayareacouncil.org