Leader Basic Training

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: This is Scouting for all unit-level leaders and Leader Specific training, which is based on the leader's unit-level position.

The Cub Scout Leader Basic Training is a training course for Cubmasters, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, Tiger Cub den leaders, their assistants, pack committee members, and all other Cub Scout leaders. Scouting's value to young people is clear, but the advantages of Scouting are not limited to boys. Adults, too, develop leadership and physical skills with every training experience.

Risk Zone Management
Health and Safety

The purpose of this training is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. Policies and guidelines have been established because of the need to protect members from risk and hazards that have been identified through ninety-plus years of Scouting experience. The program will provide information, resources, and training to help us recognize when we enter "The Risk Zone" and outline prudent and/or preventative measures to be implemented to assure our scouting program is conducted in a safe and healthy manner. This training is mandatory every 2 (two) years, to receive a Greater Pittsburgh Council Tour Permit.

Methods of Training

Cub Scout Leader Fast Start

Cub Scout Leader Fast Start (No. AV-01V022) is a package of position-specific video programs accompanied by a Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Viewer Guide (No. AV-01G022). Each program gives leaders information on planning and conducting their first meeting, and even demonstrates one they can use. Or you can view the Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Online

Boy Scout Leader Fast Start

The Boy Scout Fast Start video, revised in 1990, includes the following segments:

• "The Troop Meeting" - This is the primer on how to run a troop meeting. Produced for new unit leaders and commissioners, the video covers planning, parts of the meeting, the patrol method, and resources.
• "The Outdoor Program" - Running a troop meeting is one thing; running a successful outdoor activity is another. This program goes into planning, organization, ideals, and BSA policy for outdoor activities. It also touches on long-term and high-adventure activities.
• "The Troop Organization" - This program starts with the charter concept—the chartered organization, the district, and the council, and their relationship to the troop. Each leadership and committee position is described. This is an excellent program for commissioners, troop committees, troop leaders, and chartered organizations.
• Or you can view the Boy Scout Leader Fast Start Online

The Venturing Fast Start guide illustrates how using the program planning process can get Venturing programs off to a successful start. It provides information about training youth officers and is designed to be produced locally to orient new crew Advisors. Also available is the New Crew Fast Start video (No. AV-03V013) which was produced to support the booklet. The Venturing Fast Start kit (25-856) is available in PDF format from the National BSA Website. Or you can view the Venturing Leader Fast Start Online

Cub Scout Leader Specific Training

Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, Cubmasters, Pack Trainer and Pack Committee members can complete this training a 3 hour course. The leader is considered trained upon completion of New Leader Essentials and the Leader Specific training for that position. You should receive training for each position that you hold in a pack.

Youth Protection

Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has for the problem of child abuse in our society, the Youth Protection program has been developed to help safeguard both our youth and adult members. Published and videotape materials have been prepared to give professionals and volunteers information on the resources available for educating our membership about child abuse -- how to avoid it, how to identify it, and how to deal with it It takes only about 90 minutes. You learn techniques for making certain that our Scouts and leaders are protected from harm. You also learn about some of the measures that BSA has put into place in order to accomplish this goal. This training is mandatory, to receive a Greater Pittsburgh Council Tour Permit.
Take Youth Protection online now!!!

In addition to the Parent's Guide, BSA produced separate age-appropriate videos for Cub Scout-age boys to address the problems of sexual abuse. The video for Cub Scouts, It Happened to Me, (No. AV-09V011) should be used annually by packs or dens, but only for Cub Scouts accompanied by a parent or other adult family member.

Effective January 2003, both the local tour permit and the national tour permit will include a requirement that at least one adult present during the event or activity must have completed the BSA Youth Protection Training. (emphasis added) The national tour permit will continue to include the requirement that all registered adults must have completed the BSA Youth Protection Training for participation in a nationally sponsored event/activity.

Purpose

Trained Cub Scout leaders provide a quality, fun-filled program for boys. When leaders understand the whys and hows of Cub Scouting, they are more effective in their roles. Trained leaders know how to use the available resources to provide an exciting and worthwhile program for the boys. Trained leaders also have confidence in carrying out their roles and responsibilities. As a result, Cub Scouts receive a program designed to achieve Scouting's aims of citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.

What Makes a Trained Leader?

• Cub Scout leaders are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting and the Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
• Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.
• Varsity Scout leaders and assistants are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting, Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training (available April 2002), and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Venturing crew Advisors, assistant Advisors, and crew committee members are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting and Venturing Leader Specific Training.