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Cub Scouting is usually an adult
volunteer's first introduction to a Scouting leadership
position. He or she will need certain basic information in order
to bring a quality program to Cub Scouts. This information is
needed as soon as possible after a leadership position is
assumed. An understanding of the objectives and methods of Cub
Scouting will make it possible for them to be truly effective as
they work with boys.
Definition of Trained Cub Scout
Leaders
Cub Scout leaders must complete
Fast Start and Basic Leader Training for their position to be
eligible to wear the Trained Leader emblem. Because of the many
positions in Cub Scouting, both Fast Start and basic training
are tailored to the needs of the individual leader.
Cub Scouting Provides a
Continuum of Training
Training for Cub Scout leaders is
designed to provide opportunities for growth throughout the
leadership experience. This concept of delivering the training
that leaders need at the time that they need it is called the
Continuum of Training. The continuum includes Fast Start and
basic training as well as supplemental training experiences that
provide support to leaders on a continuous basis.
1. Orientation
Orientation training is delivered
by the pack trainer to parents of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and
Webelos Scouts, as well as other adults new to Scouting. It
provides an overview of the total program of the Boy Scouts of
America as well as detailed information on the benefits of Cub
Scouting and the role of parents. It includes the Cub Scout
Orientation video.
2. Fast Start
Fast Start training provides
information to aid new leaders in planning and conducting their
first meeting and to motivate them to attend Basic Leader
Training. It is normally conducted by the pack trainer.
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start
Training is available on videotape, DVD, and on council Web
sites. It is in five parts: Tiger Cub Den Leader, Cub Scout Den
Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Cubmaster (and Assistant Cubmaster),
and Pack Committee.
A viewer guide, Fast Start Guide
for Cub Scout Leaders, is available on your council Web site. It
aids leaders in using the videotape or DVD.
3. Basic Leader Training
Basic Leader Training has two
components:
-
New Leader Essentials (for
all leaders in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing)
-
Leader Specific Training
(designed to train the new leader in the specific
responsibilities of his or her position). Specific training
is available for Cubmasters, Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub
Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, and pack committee
members.
Basic training covers a few
topics in detail. It introduces some skills, but leaders develop
these skills by practice over a longer time. Basic training
encourages leaders to take part in supplemental training. It
also helps them understand the importance of continuous
self-development. The theories and principles discussed in
training courses are more meaningful when leaders put them to
use.
Basic Leader Training is a
requirement for all Cub Scout leader awards.
For further information on basic
training, see Cub Scout Leader Specific Training and
New Leader Essentials.
4. Supplemental Training
Supplemental training includes a
variety of courses conducted on a district, council, or national
basis. These courses give additional information on specific
areas of the Cub Scout program.
Examples of some supplemental
courses held on a regular basis are:
-
Basic Adult Leader
Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). This training provides a
hands-on learning experience designed to give leaders the
techniques they need to plan and conduct pack overnight
camping.
-
Outdoor Leader Skills for
Webelos Leaders. This training provides essential
outdoor skills for Webelos leaders to pass on to their
Webelos Scouts, as well as knowledge on planning,
conducting, and leading Webelos den overnight campouts. It
is designed to run in conjunction with Introduction to
Outdoor Leader Skills, but can also be held by itself.
Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders.
-
Unit Leadership
Enhancements. Discussion sessions that provide ongoing
training to all Cub Scout leaders through their monthly pack
leaders' meeting. Each enhancement session is aimed at
improving a leader's understanding of the methods and
purposes of Cub Scouting, and how these can be fulfilled in
their regular meetings. Packs conduct their own leadership
enhancements, selecting from 15 topics based on their own
interests and needs. Unit leadership enhancements are
included in the Cub Scout Leader Book.
-
University of Scouting
The University of Scouting is an exciting day-long carnival
of action, activities, and program ideas.
-
Cub Scout Leader
Roundtables. Roundtables are held monthly for the
purpose of giving adult leaders the skills and ideas they
need to deliver an exciting Cub Scout program to boys. The
roundtable serves also to renew each leader's enthusiasm and
dedication. Each roundtable features ceremonies, games, and
activities for den and pack meetings built around the next
month's theme. Cub Scout Leader Roundtable Planning Guide
aids in the planning of these programs.
-
National Conferences.
A variety of conferences for leaders are offered at the
Philmont Training Center.
5. Advanced Training (Wood
Badge)
This is a weeklong or
multiple-weekend group training course designed to provide
adults with advanced leadership skills and a more dedicated
involvement in Scouting. A limited number of council courses are
held each year. Participation is by invitation.
Pack Trainer
A Cub Scout pack may have a pack
trainer responsible for the training of leaders within the pack.
Pack trainers may deliver parent orientations, Fast Start, and
Basic Leader Training (including both New Leader Essentials and
Leader Specific Training) for Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos
den leaders, as well as pack committee members, CubMasters, and
assistants in their own packs. They also promote participation
in district and council training events, and encourage use of
the Cub Scout leader recognition plan.
Pack trainer is a registered
position, selected by the pack committee with the approval of
the chartered organization. Pack trainers should complete the
trainer development conference, as well as the actual training
courses they will be delivering, prior to conducting training.
They are supported by the district training committee. |
