Cub Scout Training Summary

A quick look at the training's available to a new Cub Scout leader can be intimidating. Which training do I take first? Which training will help me the most? Do I really have to take all that training? To help answer these questions and more, below is a list of Cub Scout Leader training opportunities available and a brief description of each.

Cub Scout Fast Start Leader Training (FS): This training is available as a VCR tape or online presentation. The training is divided into position specific sections. New Cub Scout Leaders should watch their job specific section within a few days of joining Cub Scouts. The training covers basic information and is designed to be an introduction to Scouting. Every new Cub Scout Leader should complete this training.

New Leader Essentials Training (NLE): New Leader Essentials is the initial training for adult leaders. In this 90-minute training, leaders learn about the objectives of the Scouting program and the methods that are used to achieve these objectives. They also gain a basic understanding of youth development, as well as how Scouting is organized and financed, policies related to the program, and resources to help leaders succeed. The training is for all new registered adult leaders of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Ventures. A Scout leader needs to attend New Leader Essentials only once.

Cub Scout Leader Specific Training (CLS): Each Cub Scout leader completes the specific course for his or her own position in the program. These courses are: Cubmaster and Assistants; Pack Committee Chairmen and Members; Tiger Cub Den Leaders; Cub Scout Den Leaders and Assistants; and Webelos Den Leaders and Assistants. These training's include materials on pack organization, advancement, den and pack meeting program planning and your role within the pack. Leader-specific training is approximately two and one-half to three hours long. The leader is considered trained upon completion of New Leader Essentials and the Leader Specific training for that position. This level of training is required for all Cub Scout Leader awards.

Youth Protection Guidelines Training (YPG): The course is a ninety-minute tape and covers how to spot such things as child abuse and how to report it within the BSA organization. At least ONE leader who is listed on a tour permit must have this training. Youth protection guidelines training is recommended for every adult in Scouting. The training is good for two years.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO): BALOO is a full day course designed for all new Cub Scout Leaders and parents of Cub Scouts. This training is designed to provide the basic information adults need to successfully take a pack overnight camping. The training gives information on equipment, health and safety, first aid, campfires, locating campsites, outdoor cooking, and more. (Note: Any Pack that is applying for a Tour Permit to go camping must have at least ONE Leader with this training listed on the Tour Permit.)

Webelos Leader Outdoor Training (WLOT): This course presents "how to" in planning and conducting successful Webelos Den parent and son overnight campouts and other Webelos outdoor activities. Webelos Leader Outdoor Training provides "hands-on" learning experience in camping and outdoor skills as done by Webelos Dens. It is usually an overnight training.

Roundtable (RT): Roundtable is monthly leaders' meeting held in each district. At this meeting, leaders can find information about upcoming district and council events and learn program ways to improve their program. Most Roundtables will have splits where leaders will break of into groups and cover material based on monthly program themes. These splits are a time where a leader can learn a new craft, skill or get advice on how to help solve a problem. Roundtables are the best source of continuing education that a leader has available.

POW-WOW (PW): POW-WOW is a council event held every year. It is a fun-filled day of learning specific information you can immediately bring back to use in running your den or pack programs. You register for classes in subjects that may include Cub Cooking, neckerchief slides, nature crafts, woodcarving, leatherwork, songs, Blue and Gold creations, unit administration, and much more! Join the learning and join the fun at Cub Scout Pow Wow!

Den Leader Workshop (DLW): This supplemental training is designed for the Den Leader. Learn how to hold effective meetings that are fun, by using easy, low cost ideas, and resources.

Webelos Leader Workshop (WLW): This supplemental training is designed for the Webelos Leader. Learn about activity pins, advancement, and Webelos to Scout Transition.

Den Chief Training (DCT): A meeting with den chiefs and prospective den chiefs designed to combine a good time with training. Cubmaster's, Webelos den leaders, den leaders, and other adult pack or troop leaders who register den chiefs in the training should arrange to participate with the den chiefs.

Advancement Seminar (ADS): This course is conducted by the Council Advancement Committee. It offers an opportunity to exchange ideas on ways to implement the advancement program in Scouting. It also highlights any recent changes made to the advancement program that you need to know.

Wood Badge (WB): Wood Badge for the 21st Century, the BSA's premier advanced training in leadership theory and team development, brings together Scouters from all walks of life and from all BSA programs - Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing, as well as district and council leaders. By pooling their ideas, sharing meaningful experience, 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 may be held as a weeklong session or in weekend sessions.

The table below lists the training described above. The matrix can help a Cub Scout Leader decide which training opportunities to attend. Fast Start, New Leader Essentials and Youth Protection Guidelines are the first three training's that every Cub Scout Leader should complete. The table is only a guide and does not address the training requirements for Cub Scout Training Recognition Awards. Refer to the specific Leader Progress Record for specific training requirements. The training calendar is available at the Council Service Center, district Roundtables and the Council training web site. If you have questions about which training you should take please contact you district training committee chair. If you see a training you would like to take and do not see a date listed, let your district training committee chair know.

Table Key:T= Required for "Trained" recognition strip; R = Recommended general training; TP = Required for Tour Permit; C = Required for Cub Scout Camping; P = Suggested for Program enhancement. A blank box represents an additional training opportunity available to ANY Cub Scout Leader. Do not let the lack of a recommendation keep you from additional training!

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