Cub Scout Leaders

Training of adults to successfully deliver the Boy Scout program has evolved into a well-presented, thorough, curriculum of courses to be completed in sequence. Here are the courses you need to fulfill your commitment as an adult leader.

• Cub Scout Leaders are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, and Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
• Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Pack or Troop Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, New Leader Essentials, and Committee Specific Training.

Youth Protection Training

YPT ensures boys involved in scouting are kept safe. At least one adult on every Scout outing must be Youth Protection Trained. Before being involved with boys, EVERY adult should complete Youth Protection every 3 years. If you don’t remember when you took it, you should take it again.

• Available online at: http://olc.scouting.org/

Fast Start Training

Fast Start is the first step for any new adult volunteer in a Pack or Troop, no matter what the position may be. The Fast Start training is short and should be taken as soon as possible after you have accepted a leadership position. The Fast Start program has been designed to provide an immediate comfort level for new leaders and enables them to say, 'I can do this!', but it should be soon followed by more comprehensive training.

• Cub Scout Leaders
• Boy Scout Leaders
• Venturing Advisors

Available online at: http://olc.scouting.org/

New Leader Essentials

The next step after completing Fast Start Training. New Leader Essentials 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. Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 2-hr training session. 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.

Leader Specific Training

Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the scouting program, training for a specific Scouting position continues through Leader Specific training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training times vary. This training is classroom-led. Leader Specific training has been developed for the following positions and their assistants:

• Tiger Cub den leaders - 2.5 hours
• Cub Scout den leaders - 2.5 hours
• Webelos den leaders - 2.5 hours
• Cubmasters - 2.5 hours
• Pack committee members - 2.5 hours
• Scoutmasters/Assistants - 8 hours
• Troop Committee Challenge - Available online at: http://olc.scouting.org/

Outdoor Leader Skills

Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. Training in outdoor skills is required before taking scouts on outings.

• BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout leaders is a one-day training event that introduces participants to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping. This training is required for any adult who is in charge of planning a pack campout, and it is required that at least one adult per pack complete BALOO training in order to apply for tour permits. BALOO training is usually offered twice per year by the council, typically February and September. (http://www.geocities.com/doublelope/)

• Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders is for all Webelos leaders. This training course covers the skills & resources needed to teach the outdoor activity badges and helps to provide good & safe outdoor experiences. Completion of this training is required before a Webelos den can go on a campout. This training is usually offered twice per year by the council, typically February and September. (http://www.geocities.com/doublelope/)

• Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide Boy Scout leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start and guide a program the right way. Completion of this course is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is normally a day and a half long and conducted on a weekend.

Supplemental and Ongoing Training

There are many more opportunities for volunteers to improve their skills and understanding of the Boy Scout program. Some are required before holding certain types of events.

• Wood Badge: Advanced training in leadership and team development, bringing together all programs - Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. By pooling their ideas, sharing meaningful experiences, and learning from highly qualified instructors, participants will return to their home units with new skills and resources, greater confidence, and deeper dedication to deliver the values of Scouting. This training includes approximately six days of instruction that are often held as two 3-day weekend sessions, followed by working on the goals the participant sets for him or herself. Wood Badge is typically offered every 18 months by the council.

• University of Scouting: The University of Scouting is a fun learning experience, and is the largest supplemental training course offered by the Great Smoky Mountain Council to Scouting volunteers at all levels. Courses are offered for Cub Scout Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders, Venturing Leaders, and District Committees.  University of Scouting will broaden understanding and knowledge of the Scouting program through course sessions on specific topics ranging from crafts and knots to Den meeting ideas. (http://www.geocities.com/doublelope/)

• Monthly RoundTable: A leaders' meeting held in each district where leaders find information about upcoming district and council events and learn ways to improve the program. Most Roundtables will cover material based on participants' interest. Leaders can learn a new skill or get advice on how to solve a problem. Participation at Roundtables is required for some leader square knot awards.

• Safe Swim Defense: introduction to BSA water safety policies. When taught in-person, takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Swimming events require Safe Swim Defense trained leaders. Can be taken online at: http://olc.scouting.org/

• Safety Afloat: introduction to BSA boating policies. In-person training takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Water craft events required Safety Afloat trained leaders. Can be taken online at: http://olc.scouting.org/

• Climb On Safely: This training lasts about 45 minutes and provides all the information you need to meet the minimum requirements for a climbing activity. This does not consist of any training or certifications in climbing, but provides the essential components of a safe outing.

• Philmont Training Center is the national training center at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The training center offers a wide selection of 6-day courses, covering all aspects of Scouting operations, and generally training those who will bring the program back to train the rest of their unit. http://www.scouting.org/philmont/ptc/

• CPR Certification: Normally not offered through a BSA unit, but at least two currently CPR certified adults are required on many high adventure outings.

• First Aid Certification: Normally not offered through a BSA unit, but at least two currently first aid certified adults are required on many high adventure outings.