Leadership Training

Varsity Leader Fast Start gives leaders information on planning and conducting their first meeting, and illustrates how using the program planning process can get Varsity Scouting programs off to a successful start. It provides information about training youth officers.

(Prerequisite for all the other courses except Supplemental Training)

New Leader Essentials is the initial training for adult leaders serving youth in the Boy Scouts of America.  Through a series of lively presentations, the 90-minute training presents an overview of the core elements of Scouting, including the organization's mission, aims, and methods.  It also provides new leaders with a look at the resources available to them through the Boy Scouts of America, and a clear understanding of Scouting's expectations of its adult leadership.

This consists of three sessions, each 2 to 3 hours long that flow from one to the other and should be conducted in the sequence listed. The training closely follows the Varsity Scout Guidebook that is used as the course workbook. The sessions are as follows:

Part I-Setting Out: The Role of the Varsity Scout Coach

Summarizes the role of the Varsity Scout Coach, Team Organization and Team Meetings. It also discusses how to work with young men of Varsity Scout age and teaches the way to hold a good team meeting.

Part II-Mountain Top Challenges: The Outdoor Program and the Advancement Program

This session teaches the ?Sizzle? of the outdoor program and the nuts and bolts of putting together a real high adventure. It also gives details about how to plan and conduct a Varsity Scout team's activities. This session gives the steps and methods to using reflections and the way to get the most out of the Advancement Program.

Part III-Pathways to Success: Program Planning and Team Administration

Gives details about Program Planning, Membership, Paperwork, Finances, the Uniform and other training opportunities. The session then summarizes the training presented to this point and gives opportunities for discussion about the program.

This hands-on program gives adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.  Imagine having hands-on knowledge setting up a campsite, pitching a tend, hiking, outdoor cooking ? all the skills necessary to see the outdoor program of the Boy Scouts of America come to life.

This new training course is designed for new adult leaders to learn the outdoor skills they need to teach Scouts through the First Class rank and will required for all Scouters planning on attending the new Wood Badge course. Instructors will help you learn how to set up camp, cook, work with woods tool and ropes, first aid, planning campfire programs, map reading and compass skills, hiking and packing techniques, nature identification, and Leave No Trace. Each outdoor session will bring to life the pages of the Boy Scout Handbook to help deliver the promise of Scouting to yourself and the youth you serve. It will increase your comfort level and give your confidence as a trained leader. The program will also give you the opportunity to work with other Scout leaders from your area, meet new friends, and reinforce skill techniques with fellow unit leaders. Successful completion of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will be prerequisite for Wood Badge.

Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout coaches. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal for Venturing leaders since it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences.  Webelos leaders are highly encouraged to attend this training.  Cub Scout leaders are also welcome to participate in this training.