Training
Council Training Committee meetings the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at the Council Office
District Committee Key And District Committee Scouters Training Award
As part of a continuing review of training awards, updated requirements for earning the District Committee Key have been released, and district committee member requirements have been created for earning the Scouter's Training Award.
The updated and new requirements are along the same lines as the previous requirements, and are in line with the requirements for similar awards for unit leaders. For example, the Key requirements have been upgraded to require a similar primary leadership role as is the case with the other Key requirements.
Scouters who have begun to work on the District Committee Key will still be able to earn the award with the old requirements as long as they complete the requirements by December 31, 2014.
District Scouters who have started to earn these awards may use either set of requirements, but Scouters who have not started to work on a District Committee Key by June 1, 2013, may only use the new requirements.
Tenure, training, and performance used for the District Committee Scouter's Training Award cannot have occurred prior to January 1, 2011.
Progress record forms with the new requirements for these awards can be found at www.Scouting.org/training on the "Adult" page.
The training awards and keys are designed to recognize Scouters for tenure, basic and continuing training, and successful performance in their leadership role.
Volunteer Development Conferences at Philmont We hope you will consider joining us at one of the 2013 Volunteer Development and Training Committee offerings at Philmont this summer and fall:
June 9-15 - Conducting Advanced Leadership Training
June 16-22 - Training Your Troop's Youth Leaders
Training Your Crew's Youth Leaders
July 28-August 3 - Varsity Scouting
Training Pack Adult Leadership
Training Troop Adult Leadership
August 4-10 - Volunteer & Professional Relationships
Delivering Training to Unit Leaders
August 11-17 T-Cubed (T3) - Train The Trainer
The Patrol Method
September 15-21 Philmont Leadership Challenge
We are also conducting six NAYLE courses at PTC this summer. Check with PTC to see which of these courses still have openings.
For a full list of all 2013 conferences, course information, and a description of the outstanding family program at PTC, go to www.philmonttrainingcenter.org .
The updated and new requirements are along the same lines as the previous requirements, and are in line with the requirements for similar awards for unit leaders. For example, the Key requirements have been upgraded to require a similar primary leadership role as is the case with the other Key requirements.
Scouters who have begun to work on the District Committee Key will still be able to earn the award with the old requirements as long as they complete the requirements by December 31, 2014.
District Scouters who have started to earn these awards may use either set of requirements, but Scouters who have not started to work on a District Committee Key by June 1, 2013, may only use the new requirements.
Tenure, training, and performance used for the District Committee Scouter's Training Award cannot have occurred prior to January 1, 2011.
Progress record forms with the new requirements for these awards can be found at www.Scouting.org/training on the "Adult" page.
The training awards and keys are designed to recognize Scouters for tenure, basic and continuing training, and successful performance in their leadership role.
Volunteer Development Conferences at Philmont We hope you will consider joining us at one of the 2013 Volunteer Development and Training Committee offerings at Philmont this summer and fall:
June 9-15 - Conducting Advanced Leadership Training
June 16-22 - Training Your Troop's Youth Leaders
Training Your Crew's Youth Leaders
July 28-August 3 - Varsity Scouting
Training Pack Adult Leadership
Training Troop Adult Leadership
August 4-10 - Volunteer & Professional Relationships
Delivering Training to Unit Leaders
August 11-17 T-Cubed (T3) - Train The Trainer
The Patrol Method
September 15-21 Philmont Leadership Challenge
We are also conducting six NAYLE courses at PTC this summer. Check with PTC to see which of these courses still have openings.
For a full list of all 2013 conferences, course information, and a description of the outstanding family program at PTC, go to www.philmonttrainingcenter.org .
Your Mason-Dixon Council Training Team
Council
Council Training Chair
Jay Nase
[email protected]
Wood Badge Course Director
Fred Hays
[email protected]
Training Staff Advisor
Adam Kovalchick
[email protected]
Washington County
Cub Scout Training
Dan Horn
[email protected]
Boy Scout Training
Vacant
Tuscarora
District Training Chair
Vacant
District Training Team
Doug Henneberger
[email protected]
Nate Bacon (Venturing)
[email protected]
Great Cove
District Training Chair
Vacant
If you have questions about training or would like to register please contact the Scout Office at 301-739-1211.
Council Training Chair
Jay Nase
[email protected]
Wood Badge Course Director
Fred Hays
[email protected]
Training Staff Advisor
Adam Kovalchick
[email protected]
Washington County
Cub Scout Training
Dan Horn
[email protected]
Boy Scout Training
Vacant
Tuscarora
District Training Chair
Vacant
District Training Team
Doug Henneberger
[email protected]
Nate Bacon (Venturing)
[email protected]
Great Cove
District Training Chair
Vacant
If you have questions about training or would like to register please contact the Scout Office at 301-739-1211.
NEW Trainers Development Conference Available
When: February 16, 2013
Time: 8:00am to Noon
Where: Council Service Center
Who: Anyone interested in becoming a Trainer
Cost: $5.00
The Council Training Committee will be teaching a new Trainers Conference as the first level of a 3 part training called T3. Anyone who is interest in training or to become a trainer for their unit or the council is encouraged to attend this half day training.
Registration can be completed through the council office or http://www.mason-dixon-bsa.org/event/1225224.
We hope to see you there!
Time: 8:00am to Noon
Where: Council Service Center
Who: Anyone interested in becoming a Trainer
Cost: $5.00
The Council Training Committee will be teaching a new Trainers Conference as the first level of a 3 part training called T3. Anyone who is interest in training or to become a trainer for their unit or the council is encouraged to attend this half day training.
Registration can be completed through the council office or http://www.mason-dixon-bsa.org/event/1225224.
We hope to see you there!
Articles Below Are From The Winter 2013 Edition Of The “Training Times”
MyScouting Tools
Are you using the new tools on MyScouting?
There may be more releases by the time you read this, but since its introduction late last year MyScouting Tools has introduced new features that allow Scouters to access – and update - personal and unit training data. The YPT tool, for example, is the first training related tool in a series that will help Scouters keep track of, and update, training records.
Two new training tools that are not found in the toolkits, but can be found on the main page of MyScouting are the Unit Training Detail and the Unit Training Tracking Report. These new reports were released at the end of 2012 and can be found in the "Training" section on the front page of the MyScouting account of many volunteers. These reports are the first time that by-unit training reports have been available to volunteers or professionals.
The Unit Training Detail report has been provided to adults registered in the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, Advisor, Committee Chair, and Chartered Organization Representative positions in their units. Unit Training Detail will provide each unit with a listing of adults and display all BSA training courses shown as completed in the persons' ScoutNET record. The adult training information may be printed in a report or exported for the use of the unit to provide an inventory of training courses completed by all to the unit's adult leaders.
The Unit Training Tracking report will be provided to most registered council and district-level volunteers. Unit Training Tracking will allow these volunteers to view each unit in their service area and will list adults with BSA training courses completed in that unit. Again, the adult training information report may be printed by unit, or exported to provide an inventory of training courses completed.
The reports will give you a list of training completed for each person, not a "Yes" or "No" for trained status. But that is coming! A future release of MyScouting Tools will include similar reports, and a training status report, but we wanted to get these interim reports to you now so that you can see what is in the database.
It is important that leaders connect their MyScouting account to their BSA member number. MyScouting tools will give leaders in the unit access to these ID numbers and the ability to see what is there and what is missing.
Thank you for your support as we continue to enhance MyScouting Tools.
New Den Leader Position-Specific Training
A new Den Leader Position-Specific Training course syllabus will be released in the first quarter of 2013. It will be available for download on the "adult" page of www.Scouting.org/training. The content of the course was developed based on the results of extensive surveys of den leaders in 2006 and 2011, Voice of the Scout feedback, and a den leader "competency" study in 2012.
The new course is for Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear den leaders and is intended to provide them with the experience, basic information, and resources they need to conduct successful den meetings. It is also designed to address some of the primary skills that den leaders need.
There are actually two courses in the syllabus. The first is for most den leaders and based on the seven parts of a Cub Scout den meeting using the Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide. The second option, found in the appendix, is for dens that are using Delivery System Manual Cub Scout Program (Year A or B). Either course should take about two hours so it may be offered in a single evening or morning session, with a minimum of preparation necessary.
The course can be conducted with any size group, but is best conducted in a small-group setting similar to a den meeting. It can be facilitated by unit, district, or council trainers.
When the course is complete, the training codes C41 and C42 should be used. Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Den Leaders who complete this training, and also have a current Youth Protection Training, are considered "trained" for all three positions.
The existing Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training course, which includes sections for Cubmasters, Webelos den leaders, committee members, and den leaders, is still a valid course and should continue to be used to train all of the other pack positions. New courses for these roles are under development.
The existing E-learning courses are also still valid, and new E-learning courses are also under development.
See the Fall 2012 Training Times for more on the projected updates and timing for new training.
ScoutCast Is Back!
For the past few years, Cub Scout leaders have had the opportunity to listen in on some really great program ideas, and useful tips for Packs and Dens from experts all across the nation, as well as getting the latest and greatest news about Cub Scouting, just by downloading the monthly podcast known as CubCast. Now Scoutmasters, Varsity Scout Coaches, and Venturing Crew Advisors have their own source of information.
Beginning in 2013, ScoutCast will provide a new way for leaders of older youth to learn about some of the less tangible aspects of Scouting. In our first episode released in January, you'll hear from Michael Gurian, a world renowned behaviorist, and author of multiple books on gender specific learning and behavior. Michael will help leaders identify and deal with bullying in their units. The ensuing months will feature topics such as appropriate discipline, working with special needs youth, best methods of handling economic diversity within your unit, and anger management.
We've heard your concerns and are pleased to start giving you more of the tools you need to better lead and teach the youth you serve. Please encourage all of your leaders to take advantage of these simple and easily accessed training opportunities. And, let us know what we can do to help you! Chances are, you're not alone and the very challenges you are facing are shared by other leaders across the movement. Just send us an email at [email protected] and we'll do everything we can to get your topic handled.
You can find ScoutCast (and CubCast) at www.scouting.org/scoutcast. Pass the word along!
Beginning in 2013, ScoutCast will provide a new way for leaders of older youth to learn about some of the less tangible aspects of Scouting. In our first episode released in January, you'll hear from Michael Gurian, a world renowned behaviorist, and author of multiple books on gender specific learning and behavior. Michael will help leaders identify and deal with bullying in their units. The ensuing months will feature topics such as appropriate discipline, working with special needs youth, best methods of handling economic diversity within your unit, and anger management.
We've heard your concerns and are pleased to start giving you more of the tools you need to better lead and teach the youth you serve. Please encourage all of your leaders to take advantage of these simple and easily accessed training opportunities. And, let us know what we can do to help you! Chances are, you're not alone and the very challenges you are facing are shared by other leaders across the movement. Just send us an email at [email protected] and we'll do everything we can to get your topic handled.
You can find ScoutCast (and CubCast) at www.scouting.org/scoutcast. Pass the word along!
Training Awards For Adult Leaders In Units Update
In 2011 the National Council's awards committee conducted a review of the hundreds of awards presented to Scouts and adults in the BSA. Many recommendations were made to update procedures and the awards themselves. Among the recommendations was the update of the unit leader training awards requirements and a review of the Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards.
These recommendations have been reviewed by the national volunteer training committee and a task force of unit-level leaders. Some awards have been eliminated and all of the requirements for the remaining awards have been updated.
The forms and requirements have been simplified, but the committees do not believe that means easier. They are along the same lines and A degree of difficulty as the previous requirements, but will be less complicated and consistent across the awards and the phases of the Scouting program.
The Cubmaster Award has been discontinued. Cubmasters may now earn the Scouter's Key Award and may wear the Scouter's Key knot with a Cub Scouting device.
The Cub Scouter and Pack Trainer Awards have been discontinued. Cub Scout pack leaders may earn the Scouter's Training Award and may wear the Scouter's Training Award knot with a Cub Scouting device.
The Tiger Cub and Webelos Den Leader's Awards have been discontinued. All den leaders may earn a new Den Leader's Training Award medal that is being created, and may wear the Den Leader's Training Award knot (identical to the previous Cub Scout Den Leader Award knot) with the appropriate device. A Tiger Cub den leader device is also being developed.
Scouters who have earned the discontinued awards will still be able to wear these awards and knots.
Scouters who have begun to work on the Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards will still be able to earn them as long as they are completed by the following dates:
Cub Scouters who have not started to work on an award may only earn the new awards and must use the new requirements.
Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing awards, knots, and devices have not been changed. Only the requirements have been updated. Leaders who have started to earn these awards may use either set of requirements, but Scouters who have not started to work on an award may only use the new requirements.
The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, basic and continuing training, and successful performance in their leadership role.
Progress record forms with the new requirements for these awards can be found at www.Scouting.org/training.
These recommendations have been reviewed by the national volunteer training committee and a task force of unit-level leaders. Some awards have been eliminated and all of the requirements for the remaining awards have been updated.
The forms and requirements have been simplified, but the committees do not believe that means easier. They are along the same lines and A degree of difficulty as the previous requirements, but will be less complicated and consistent across the awards and the phases of the Scouting program.
The Cubmaster Award has been discontinued. Cubmasters may now earn the Scouter's Key Award and may wear the Scouter's Key knot with a Cub Scouting device.
The Cub Scouter and Pack Trainer Awards have been discontinued. Cub Scout pack leaders may earn the Scouter's Training Award and may wear the Scouter's Training Award knot with a Cub Scouting device.
The Tiger Cub and Webelos Den Leader's Awards have been discontinued. All den leaders may earn a new Den Leader's Training Award medal that is being created, and may wear the Den Leader's Training Award knot (identical to the previous Cub Scout Den Leader Award knot) with the appropriate device. A Tiger Cub den leader device is also being developed.
Scouters who have earned the discontinued awards will still be able to wear these awards and knots.
Scouters who have begun to work on the Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards will still be able to earn them as long as they are completed by the following dates:
- Tiger Cub Den Leader Award - December 31, 2012
- Webelos Den Leader Award - December 31, 2012
- Cubmaster Award - December 31, 2013
- Pack Trainer Award - December 31, 2013
- Cub Scouter Award - December 31, 2013
Cub Scouters who have not started to work on an award may only earn the new awards and must use the new requirements.
Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing awards, knots, and devices have not been changed. Only the requirements have been updated. Leaders who have started to earn these awards may use either set of requirements, but Scouters who have not started to work on an award may only use the new requirements.
The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, basic and continuing training, and successful performance in their leadership role.
Progress record forms with the new requirements for these awards can be found at www.Scouting.org/training.
Train-the-Trainer
A new BSA train-the trainer course, or series of courses, is currently under development by the training committee and its training design task force. We are calling it T3, or T-Cubed.
Part one - T3 the Basics - is to help trainers, regardless of previous experience, with presenting effective training. It is designed to help a trainer understand how adults and youth learn, the training model in the BSA, and effective methods of instruction. It is nearing completion with some final testing this summer at the Philmont Training Center.
Part two - The Trainer's EDGE - supplements the practices offered through staff development of training courses and enhances the platform skills of a trainer learned in part one, using the Trainer's EDGE and other methods. It will be an update of the current course and will still be for everyone, but primarily for training managers and staff of advanced leadership training courses.
Part three will be for master trainers, a new role that is under development.
Keep watching here for more information.
Part one - T3 the Basics - is to help trainers, regardless of previous experience, with presenting effective training. It is designed to help a trainer understand how adults and youth learn, the training model in the BSA, and effective methods of instruction. It is nearing completion with some final testing this summer at the Philmont Training Center.
Part two - The Trainer's EDGE - supplements the practices offered through staff development of training courses and enhances the platform skills of a trainer learned in part one, using the Trainer's EDGE and other methods. It will be an update of the current course and will still be for everyone, but primarily for training managers and staff of advanced leadership training courses.
Part three will be for master trainers, a new role that is under development.
Keep watching here for more information.
Commissioner Service Training Updated
Commissioner training has been significantly revised by the National Commissioner Support Team in 2012. Basic training and all of the courses in the College of Commissioner Science are being updated. The National Volunteer Training Committee has been involved in the review of these courses for the National Commissioner Support Staff, and Tim Acree, training chair for the commissioner's support staff, has been an active member of the National Volunteer Training Committee. So he wanted to share an update.
Commissioner training starts with an orientation for those who are new to Scouting and those who are new to Commissioner Service. After taking Youth Protection Training of course, new commissioner training begins by completing the following on-line courses: This is Scouting, Unit Commissioner Fast Start, and the Unit Visitation Tracking System video. Links to these courses are in the e-Learning section of MyScouting.
Basic Training is the next step in the process. The new Commissioner Basic Training will be position specific and will be one 2 to 3 hour session. The training is a transfer of basic knowledge necessary for the role so that a Commissioner can begin to help units as soon as possible after being recruited. Basic training is now available for unit commissioners, new unit B unit commissioners, and district commissioners and their assistants. Roundtable Commissioner Basic and Council Commissioner Basic are being written and will be available by the end of the year.
The College of Commissioner Science has also undergone a major overhaul. Some of the courses have been dropped or renumbered and some have been significantly revised. New courses and an entirely new continuing education curriculum have been added. The goal in updating the college courses was to improve the quality of instruction and improve the materials used at a College of Commissioner Science. Commissioner College course content has changed very little since its inception and many councils have created their own college courses.
The updated training is now available by contacting Tim Acree at [email protected] . It will soon be available on the National Commissioner web page - where you can also get more details on the updated training by viewing the latest The Commissioner newsletter.
As commissioners, we must continually adjust our skills to provide a more valuable service to our units.
Commissioner training starts with an orientation for those who are new to Scouting and those who are new to Commissioner Service. After taking Youth Protection Training of course, new commissioner training begins by completing the following on-line courses: This is Scouting, Unit Commissioner Fast Start, and the Unit Visitation Tracking System video. Links to these courses are in the e-Learning section of MyScouting.
Basic Training is the next step in the process. The new Commissioner Basic Training will be position specific and will be one 2 to 3 hour session. The training is a transfer of basic knowledge necessary for the role so that a Commissioner can begin to help units as soon as possible after being recruited. Basic training is now available for unit commissioners, new unit B unit commissioners, and district commissioners and their assistants. Roundtable Commissioner Basic and Council Commissioner Basic are being written and will be available by the end of the year.
The College of Commissioner Science has also undergone a major overhaul. Some of the courses have been dropped or renumbered and some have been significantly revised. New courses and an entirely new continuing education curriculum have been added. The goal in updating the college courses was to improve the quality of instruction and improve the materials used at a College of Commissioner Science. Commissioner College course content has changed very little since its inception and many councils have created their own college courses.
The updated training is now available by contacting Tim Acree at [email protected] . It will soon be available on the National Commissioner web page - where you can also get more details on the updated training by viewing the latest The Commissioner newsletter.
As commissioners, we must continually adjust our skills to provide a more valuable service to our units.
Why Aren’t I “Trained?”
At the beginning of 2012 This is Scouting was removed from the list of courses that most leaders need to take to be considered “trained” in ScoutNET and to wear the Trained patch. So how come Scouters who were only missing This is Scouting when the change was made were not automatically marked as “trained” in ScoutNET?
ScoutNET only updates a record when there is a related change in that record. It does not automatically scan every leader to see if they meet the criteria.
ScoutNET is a complicated, 90s-era software in the middle of a major update, so creating a new query to look at all records and update them is a very challenging process. Keep in mind that ScoutNET contains not only records of our current 1+ million adults, it includes everyone who has been registered since 1999 plus merit badge counselors, FOS and endowment prospects, etc.
We know that the number of Scouters who took all the necessary courses except This is Scouting is a relatively small number, but we also know that regardless of the number it is a real issue for those individual Scouters and councils with required training policies.
We are looking into a query to do an update, but it is expensive and difficult. That is why we made the change at the beginning of the year, after most units had rechartered and the year-end process was complete. That would give us almost another year before it became critical for the Journey to Excellence and another round of rechartering. We also know that the majority of our volunteers will need to take YPT in 2012 since they took it in 2010 for the jamboree, or because that was the first year of the big press for mandatory YPT. As soon as they take the course it will update their records. (We also know that a new system is coming that promises to make this easier.)
Many councils are updating the individuals’ training on a case-by-case basis through ScoutNET and the Volunteer Training Team can help with that process.
ScoutNET only updates a record when there is a related change in that record. It does not automatically scan every leader to see if they meet the criteria.
ScoutNET is a complicated, 90s-era software in the middle of a major update, so creating a new query to look at all records and update them is a very challenging process. Keep in mind that ScoutNET contains not only records of our current 1+ million adults, it includes everyone who has been registered since 1999 plus merit badge counselors, FOS and endowment prospects, etc.
We know that the number of Scouters who took all the necessary courses except This is Scouting is a relatively small number, but we also know that regardless of the number it is a real issue for those individual Scouters and councils with required training policies.
We are looking into a query to do an update, but it is expensive and difficult. That is why we made the change at the beginning of the year, after most units had rechartered and the year-end process was complete. That would give us almost another year before it became critical for the Journey to Excellence and another round of rechartering. We also know that the majority of our volunteers will need to take YPT in 2012 since they took it in 2010 for the jamboree, or because that was the first year of the big press for mandatory YPT. As soon as they take the course it will update their records. (We also know that a new system is coming that promises to make this easier.)
Many councils are updating the individuals’ training on a case-by-case basis through ScoutNET and the Volunteer Training Team can help with that process.
NEW! Leader Specific Training For LDS Den Leaders
As promised, the new Leader-Specific Training for Den Leaders in units chartered to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now available for download on the Training page of Scouting.org. This instructor-led course uses terms that LDS leaders are familiar with to help those leaders become knowledgeable and comfortable in conducting den meetings, and familiar with the resources of the BSA. It can be conducted in a variety of settings, with minimal set up or needed resources. From start to finish, the course can be completed in about 2 hours; making it easy to conduct on a single weeknight or other convenient time. This course, plus YPT of course, qualifies the den leader to wear the Trained patch on their uniform.
New Training Award Requirements
Last year the national council’s awards committee conducted a review of the hundreds of awards presented to Scouts and adults in the BSA. Many recommendations were made to simplify and update procedures, and the awards themselves.
Among the recommendations was the update of some awards and/or the knots that represent them on the uniform. These include the training awards and the Cub Scouting awards.
For example, to give the award the same recognition as the other top unit leader awards, the Cubmaster Award will become the Cubmaster’s Key and use the Scouter’s Key knot. The Cub Scouter and Pack Trainer Awards will use the Scouter’s Training Award knot. The Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Den Leader’s Awards will use the Den Leader’s Award knot. Devices to be worn on the knots will be available to indicate which awards, and for which program awards were earned.
Scouters who have earned the awards previously will still be able to wear the old knots as long as they are available.
The requirements to earn the awards will be similar to the current requirements, but have been updated to reflect current training, the emphasis on program planning, and the Journey to Excellence. They will continue to require training, tenure, and performance. This is Scouting which was removed from the “basic” training set for most positions, but is still a valuable course to help leaders understand the Scouting program and its history, will be a part of the award requirements.
The new requirements will be released at the National Annual Meeting in late May and will be posted on the Training page of Scouting.org after the meeting. Scouters who have begun work on the awards using the previous requirements will be able to finish with the old requirements, or can choose to use the new ones.
Among the recommendations was the update of some awards and/or the knots that represent them on the uniform. These include the training awards and the Cub Scouting awards.
For example, to give the award the same recognition as the other top unit leader awards, the Cubmaster Award will become the Cubmaster’s Key and use the Scouter’s Key knot. The Cub Scouter and Pack Trainer Awards will use the Scouter’s Training Award knot. The Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Den Leader’s Awards will use the Den Leader’s Award knot. Devices to be worn on the knots will be available to indicate which awards, and for which program awards were earned.
Scouters who have earned the awards previously will still be able to wear the old knots as long as they are available.
The requirements to earn the awards will be similar to the current requirements, but have been updated to reflect current training, the emphasis on program planning, and the Journey to Excellence. They will continue to require training, tenure, and performance. This is Scouting which was removed from the “basic” training set for most positions, but is still a valuable course to help leaders understand the Scouting program and its history, will be a part of the award requirements.
The new requirements will be released at the National Annual Meeting in late May and will be posted on the Training page of Scouting.org after the meeting. Scouters who have begun work on the awards using the previous requirements will be able to finish with the old requirements, or can choose to use the new ones.
CubCast
Have you listened to the Award Winning CubCast lately?
Cubcast is a monthly audio podcast featuring a variety of how-to and informational topics for Cub Scout leaders and parents. It is designed to supplement your training and roundtable programs. You can listen to it on-line, download it to share, and/or subscribe to it via RSS feed.
This year CubCast won the Bronze Award in the Media Innovation: Podcast category at the 32nd Excel Awards!
Check out www.scouting.org/Scoutcast, choose CubCast, and give it a listen!
A new edition is posted at the beginning of every month and there is an archive of the past CubCasts.
Cubcast is a monthly audio podcast featuring a variety of how-to and informational topics for Cub Scout leaders and parents. It is designed to supplement your training and roundtable programs. You can listen to it on-line, download it to share, and/or subscribe to it via RSS feed.
This year CubCast won the Bronze Award in the Media Innovation: Podcast category at the 32nd Excel Awards!
Check out www.scouting.org/Scoutcast, choose CubCast, and give it a listen!
A new edition is posted at the beginning of every month and there is an archive of the past CubCasts.
Please PRE-REGISTER for ALL training events
The Council Training Committee would like to be sure that all trainings are offered as scheduled in the council program calendar or on the website. However, it is important for participants to pre-register for the training events. This is necessary so that there are sufficient trainers for the event and that they will have the necessary materials available for the session.
The training committee has established a policy concerning registration for the sessions. We have been following this policy for the last year and a half. If at the end of the previous business day before a scheduled training, if there are no pre-registrations, that training event will be canceled.
NOTE: There will be specific deadline dates for all outdoor training events such as BALOO, OWL, and Scoutmaster Outdoor Leader Skills. You will need to check the promotional materials for that training, as each one will set its own deadline date. Late registrations for these training sessions cannot be accepted.
Jay Nase
Council Training Chair
The training committee has established a policy concerning registration for the sessions. We have been following this policy for the last year and a half. If at the end of the previous business day before a scheduled training, if there are no pre-registrations, that training event will be canceled.
NOTE: There will be specific deadline dates for all outdoor training events such as BALOO, OWL, and Scoutmaster Outdoor Leader Skills. You will need to check the promotional materials for that training, as each one will set its own deadline date. Late registrations for these training sessions cannot be accepted.
Jay Nase
Council Training Chair
What Makes A Trained Leader?
A Scouter is considered trained for his or her Scouting position and eligible to wear the “Trained” emblem when they have completed the currently prescribed courses for that position. At this time this includes Youth Protection Training, This is Scouting, and the Specifics training for their role. For Scoutmasters, Coaches, and Advisors of outdoor program crews, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is also necessary. These courses are also included in the unit Journey to Excellence.
The BSA desires that leaders take the current training because as BSA program, policies, and practices evolve it is important that leaders stay current to provide the best, safest, and most consistent Scouting program for youth.
However, the BSA has long believed that a tenured leader does not need to retake “basic” training every time there is a new course - because through supplemental training, roundtables, Scouting magazine, and participation in activities, they can stay up to date with the current methods and practices of the program.
With the approval of the district training committee**, Scouters who were fully trained under a previous “basic” training for their current role (and of course have completed Youth Protection Training within the past two years) may be given credit as “trained” if, in the opinion of the training committee, the Scouter has continued to stay up to date with the current methods and practices of the program.
These Scouters would be eligible to wear the Trained emblem, be considered “trained” in the unit Journey to Excellence, and would meet the training criteria of the various training awards for their position. Entering the qualifying training courses and proper dates taken into the Scouter’s record in ScoutNET will also mark them as trained.
It is the desire of the National Training Committee that leaders take the current training to be sure that they have the up-to-date information related to their role. While there may be a challenge getting tenured leaders to take the time to take a new course, in most cases these leaders can be excellent resources for the training committee to help put on Specifics or an outdoor skills course. As an instructor they should be given credit for completion of the course.
We can never be “fully trained.” There is always something to be learned, so we urge you to take advantage of training opportunities whenever they are available.
**The Mason-Dixon Council Training Committee has reviewed and discussed the recommendations and has decided that leaders who have been considered “trained” presently will be considered trained for the Journey to Excellence.
Thank you,
Jase Nase
Mason-Dixon Training Chair
New Youth Training For Boy Scouts And Venturers
In the past few months new trainings for Boy Scout units and Venture Crews have been released. The new trainings are ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) and ILSC (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews). The new syllabus for these trainings is available online at www.scouting.org/training/adult.aspx as a PDF file. This replaces the TLT and the VLSC trainings. Entirely rewritten and are user friendly. The new trainings are recommended for Scouts and Venturers before they take NYLT.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Please visit the Mason-Dixon Council website for more information on training opportunities.