Adult Leader Training
There are several levels of training available to both adults leaders and youths in the Scouting program.
All Adult Leaders - Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing - are required to take the Youth Protection
training and Fast Start training which can both be taken online.
Next there is New Leader Essentials
which is required for all leader positions and finally Leader Specific
training targeted for each of the leader positions (Den Leader, Cub Master, etc.). These training courses are provided by each District and can be found on our
Training Calendar.
For Webelos leaders, the Webelos Leaders Outdoor Experience course will extend their knowledge of leading older Scouts
during outdoor activities and is recommended for new Webelos Den leaders.
The Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training is a one-day training event that introduces
Cub Scout parents and leaders 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 recommended that at least one adult per Pack complete BALOO training.
After the leader training is completed there are seveal advance training courses that adult leaders can take.
Wood Badge and
Powderhorn are two advanced leadership courses available through the Boy Scout program.
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Youth Protection Training
For over three quarters of a century, the Boy Scouts of America has worked to
develop the character, citizenship, and personal fitness of America's youth. We
realize that the future of our society is vested in each successive generation
and the values inherited.
As a major youth-serving organization, the Boy Scouts of America has a unique
opportunity to help protect the youth of our nation. In addition to helping
families address the problem of child abuse, the Boy Scouts of America is
exemplary among youth-serving agencies in recognizing the potential threat that
child abuse poses to young people and has adopted a comprehensive set of
policies and procedures designed to ensure that Scouting continues to be safe
for all participants.
BSA Youth Protection Training is now required for at least one
adult present during any event or activity needed a local or national tour
permit. Further, every adult participating in nationally sponsored events
and activities must be trained in BSA Youth Protection.
Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has concerning child abuse in our
society, Youth Protection Training has been developed to safeguard both youth
and adult members in the scouting program. This training teaches professionals
and volunteers what resources are available to educate scouts about child abuse,
how to avoid it, how to identify abuse, and how to deal with it. Also discussed
are the proper reactions and reporting procedures to be used if abuse occurs,
and the importance of "Two-Deep Leadership" to protect both the scouts and you.
This is a delicate subject, but one that must be addressed.
Youth Protection Training is a requirement for Quality Unit Awards. Youth Protection Training is
required for all adults (over 18) participating in any National event with youth
- National and World Jamborees, Philmont, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High
Adventure base, etc. Youth Protection Training is required for all adults (over
18) participating in any "out of council" event or trip with youth.
Youth Protection is Everyone's Responsibility
The videos
described below are available from the scout office to show at your Pack, Troop
or youth group function. Although these videos are targeted for boys, girls are
also victims of abuse. These videos also heighten boy's and girl's awareness of
Children's Rights when it comes to abuse.
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"It Happened to Me" is designed to be shown to children of ages 6 to
9. The purpose of this video to help youth identify sexual abuse encourage
your them to speak up about sexual abuse without shame or fear. It is
appropriate for families, school and church groups, and other youth groups as
well. It is suggested that parents be present when showing this video so that
the social questions, which arise in the aftermath of abuse, can later be
discussed within the family.
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"A Time To Tell" is designed to be shown to 11 to 14 year olds.
Although it mainly addresses male issues, it also has helpful information for
young girls. This video presents a unique approach to a sensitive subject, and
shows ways to prevent child molestation and sexual abuse.
There is a leader guide at the beginning video, which should be viewed by the presenter of
the program. This person should be a registered leader with Youth Protection
Training and a full understanding of BSA policies regarding sexual abuse.
Guiding the BSA's Youth Protection Program is the following five-point strategy to prevent
child abuse:
- Educating Scouting volunteers, parents, and Scouts to aid in the detection and
prevention of child abuse.
- Establishing leader-selection procedures to prevent offenders from entering the BSA
leadership ranks.
- Establishing policies that create barriers to child abuse within the program.
- Encouraging Scouts to report improper behavior to identify offenders quickly.
- Swift removal and reporting of alleged offenders.
One of the objectives of the training program is to help you understand your role in
implementing the five points of this strategy.
Parents need to help their children realize that parents are resources for help in solving
personal problems. In this way, children feel freer to let their parents know of
attempted or actual abuse. How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and
Drug Abuse: A Parent's Guide, found in the front of Cub Scout and Boy Scout
handbooks, has exercises for parents and children to do together, which fosters
this sense of open communication
We assist our chartered organizations in securing qualified Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, and
Coaches through the "Six Sure Steps" for leader selection. These steps are
outlined in guides provided at no charge from your council. In addition, the BSA
has an 18-minute video, Ventures III, which provides specific guidance for
leadership selection by heads of chartered organizations, chartered
organizations representatives, and organizing and unit committees.
Your participation in training not only reflects your concern about children's safety
in this society, but also your willingness to take steps toward halting child
abuse and its detrimental effects.
More Youth
Protection Information
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