Cub Scout Leader Training
EVERY BOY DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER, AND EVERY LEADER DESERVES TO BE TRAINED.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Cub Scouting! Eager and energetic boys will be looking to you for fun, adventure, and leadership. Have no fear -- there is plenty of training and resources available to make you a great success!
CUB SCOUTING ORIENTATION – for new Cub Scout leaders and families
The Cub Scouting Orientation video provides an overview of the entire Scouting program as well as details on the values-based program of Cub Scouting and the roles of parents and leaders. Every pack should have a copy of this video to orient and motivate new parents and adults.
FAST START TRAINING – to be completed prior to first meeting with youth
Fast Start training provides an immediate comfort level for the new leader and enables the leader to say, “I can do this!” Fast Start training is to be taken immediately after a new leader registers and before he or she meets with any youth member.
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start training is a series of position-specific segments available via VHS video, DVD video, or the Internet. Viewing is to be accompanied by a Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Viewer Guide, available only online. Each position-specific segment gives information and planning on conducting the first meeting and even demonstrates a meeting you can use.
Click here for a link to web-based Cub Scout Leader Fast Start training.
Click here for a copy of the Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Viewer Guide.
The five segments include:
• Tiger Cub Den Leader
• Cub Scout Den Leader
• Webelos Den Leader
• Cubmaster
• Pack Committee Member
Pack-administered self-study is the primary method of delivery for Fast Start training. The pack loans the new leader the video and provides the Viewer Guide for the leader to keep. Every pack should maintain copies of the video, DVD, and viewer guide in the pack library. Typically, a pack trainer supports the new den leader during this training period.
CUB SCOUT LEADER BASIC TRAINING
There are two components of basic training for Cub Scout leaders:
New Leader Essentials - approximately 90 minutes
This compenent of basic training for all program areas is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers— Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders—take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once.
Click here for a list of New Leader Essentials training opportunities in Sam Houston Area Council.
Leader Specific Training - approximately 3 hours. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies.
Cub Scout Leader Specific training provides the specialized knowledge a leader needs to assume a leadership role within their Cub Scout pack. Specialized instruction is carried out for pack committee members, Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, Cubmasters, and their assistants.
Click here for a list of Cub Scout Leader Specific training opportunities in Sam Houston Area Council.
Upon completion of New Leader Essentials and Cub Scout Leader Specific Training for the position in which he or she is currently registered, a Scout leader is considered “Trained” and may wear a “Trained” patch.
When a Cub Scout leader changes position, he must take leader specific training for that new position in order to be considered "trained."
YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING
Highly recommended for all leaders in direct contact with youth, this comprehensive training course guides you on the do’s and don’ts of working with youth. At all times, the youths’ safety is the number one priority. At the same time, a leader needs to know the rules for keeping him/herself safe, too. YPT is a required training for certain outings, including day camp.
Youth Protection Training maybe completed via the Internet or through a video presentation by your district training team.
Click here for a link to Internet-based Youth Protection Training.
Click here for a link to Internet-based Youth Protection Training in Spanish.
Click here for a schedule of video-based Youth Protection training opportunities in Sam Houston Area Council.
WOOD BADGE – Recommended within first two years of registration
As the adult leadership skills training course for the BSA, Wood Badge focuses on strengthening every volunteer's ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults. The course teaches participants the basic of listening, communicating, valuing people, team development, situational leadership, problem solving, and managing conflict. Once the skill is learned, each participant is given the opportunity to use the skill as a member of a successful working team. At the conclusion of the course, each participant develops a set of personal goals related to his or her Scouting role. Working these goals allows the participant to practice and demonstrate new skills.
Training time: Two full 3-day weekends (including overnights)
Prerequisite: Basic training. New Leader Essentials plus Leader Specific Training in the position for which you are currently registered.
Click here for more information on Wood Badge in Sam Houston Area Council.
It is the goal of BSA for every leader to attend Wood Badge within the first two years of his or her registration.
SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING – anytime!
Cub Scout Roundtable
Cub Scout Roundtable, conducted monthly in each district, gives Cub Scout leaders examples for pack and den meetings; information on policy, events, and training opportunities; ideas for crafts, games, and ceremonies; and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship. These meetings will help you deliver a stronger program to your Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts.
Cub Scout roundtables are for all registered leaders – the program schedule offers something for everyone!
Roundtable programs are based on the monthly themes as outlined in Cub Scout Program Helps. Click here to see the upcoming Cub Scout themes for 2005.
Click here to see a schedule of district Cub Scout roundtables in Sam Houston Area Council.
BALOO - approximately 8 hours
If your pack is planning any pack overnighter campouts, this training is a must in order to conduct a safe, fun, well-planned, and exciting out for your Cub Scout families!
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is designed for Cub Scout leaders and parents who have minimal camping experience but want to plan and carry out entry-level outdoor experiences for the pack. In order for a pack to conduct a pack campout, the pack must have a least one person in attendance on the campout who has completed BALOO training.
Click here for a schedule of BALOO training opportunities in Sam Houston Area Council.
Webelos Leader Outdoor Training - approximately 12 hours (may be overnight)
Webelos Leader Outdoor Training is highly recommended for helping Webelos den leaders develop the outdoor skills and program knowledge needed for leading a Webelos den campout and completing specific outdoor activity badges.
Click here for a schedule of Webelos Leader Outdoor training opportunities in Sam Houston Area Council.
Unit Leadership Enhancements
Unit Leadership Enhancements are short training discussions held as part of the monthly pack leaders’ meeting and are conducted by the pack’s own leaders. They help the pack and den leaders become better equipped to conduct a quality Cub Scouting program.
Information on these 15 topics may be found in the Cub Scout Leader Book, No. 33221.
| Advancement |
Leadership Training |
Pack Meetings |
| Annual Program Planning |
Membership |
Planning Special Events |
| Character Development |
National Awards |
Policies of the BSA |
| Cub Scout Camping |
Pack Budget Plan |
Program Evaluation |
| Family Involvement |
Pack Committee |
Youth Protection |
Health and Safety Training Courses
Click here for a schedule of health and safety training opportunities in Sam Houston Area Council.
Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat may also be completed online.
Scouting Safety Begins with Leadership (risk management training) makes leaders aware of the policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America as well as heightening the awareness of the risks involved in any outing and how to avoid them.
Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader in attendance at the activity must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.
Click here to complete Safe Swim Defense training online. Keep a copy of your certificate of completion on hand for appropriate events.
Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat training, No. 34159C, have a commitment card, No. 34242A, with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat.
Click here to complete Safety Afloat training online. Keep a copy of your certificate of completion on hand for appropriate events.
Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow 
Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow is a Cub Scout leader’s learning extravaganza – a big fun-filled experience where Cub Scout leaders increase their knowledge, improve their skills, and gain enthusiastic attitudes about Cub Scouting. Offered only once per year (a Saturday in early November in Sam Houston Area Council), you get to choose from a wide variety of activity and learning sessions. Walk away with useful resources and tons of ideas!
Click here for more information on 2005 Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow.
University of Scouting
University of Scouting, traditionally held in on a Saturday in early February in Sam Houston Area Council, offers a wide variety of program activities for all Scouting leaders, including Cub Scout leaders. It’s a great time to pick up those extra classes that wouldn’t fit on your schedule at Pow Wow!
Trainer Development Conference
Trainer Development Conference is for those leaders who want more training and leadership skills and who want to be a part of the district or council training team. In Sam Houston Area Council, the course is traditionally conducted in August.
Commissioner Conference
This annual training event is for any Scout leader involved in commissioner service, including those who work with Cub Scouts – unit commissioners, assistant district commissioners, district commissioners, as well as Cub Scout roundtable commissioners and staff. Sessions will assist you in improving the quality of service that commissioners provide to Cub Scout packs. This conference is traditionally held the first Saturday of December.
PACK TRAINER
Under the direction of the pack committee chairman, the pack trainer helps leaders and parents understand the purposes, policies, and procedures of the Cub Scouting program. The pack trainer’s primary goal is to have 100% of the pack leadership trained in their position responsibilities.
Click here for an overview of the pack trainer responsibilities (2004 revision).
TRAINING AWARDS – Cub Scout Leader Recognition Plan
The Cub Scout Leader Recognition Plan is a series of awards that recognize Cub Scout leaders for training, tenure, and performance. Completed forms should be submitted through your district training chair.
Tiger Cub Den Leader Award
Cub Scout Den Leader Award
Webelos Den Leader Award
Cubmaster Award
Cub Scouter Award
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