Boy Scout Leader Training Courses

Boy Scout Leader Training

Boy Scout Fast Start
	A self study orientation course for Boy Scout Leaders and is available on line. This program will acquaint the new Boy Scout leader with the basic information about their position. This training is offered online at Scoutnet Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 30 minutes

Youth Protection
	Youth Protection Training (YPT) is a 30 minute moderated online training program that has been developed to safeguard both youth and adult members in the scouting program. This training teaches Scout 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. Youth Protection certification is valid for two years. This training is offered online at Scoutnet Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 90 minutes

New Leader Essentials *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	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 90-minute 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. Benefits of New Leader Essentials • A better understanding of how and where my unit and my job within my unit fits in to the "bigger picture" of Scouting. • A better understanding of the changing roles of adult volunteers as their boys mature and move through the different stages of the Scouting program. • An awareness of the different aspects of the Scouting program, which may result in leaders taking advantage of those programs for a child in a different age group Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 90 minutes

Scoutmaster & Asst. Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	During New Leader Essentials, participants are introduced to the eight methods of Scouting. Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training expands that foundation by teaching Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters practical ways to instill these methods into their troop programs. Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training focuses on the essentials of being a good Scoutmaster. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 8 hours.

Troop Committee Leader Training *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	The Troop Committee Challenge training for Boy Scout troop committees has been developed to help troop committee members better understand their roles and responsibilities. Through hands-on experiential learning, this training will also enable troop committee members to better deliver the promise in support of the troop, Scoutmaster, and Scouts. This training is offered online at Scoutnet Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 3 hours.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start a program right. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course builds confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout Coaches and is highly recommended for Venturing leaders. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: a weekend. 1 1/2 days, with an overnight campout in between

Merit Badge Counselor
	The purpose of this training unit is to provide council- or district-approved and registered merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of Boy Scouts of America. Study the guide found at this link. The merit badge counselor’s role is to bring about learning on the part of the Boy Scout. As a "coach" the counselor advises the Scout concerning steps he should take to fulfill the requirements for the merit badge. As a "counselor’ he evaluates the Scout’s performance and determines whether or not the Scout has met the prescribed objectives in the requirements. Approximate Duration: 1 hour Back to Northern Star Training Calendar

Safety Afloat & Safe Swim Defense
	These are two separate courses that are almost always taught together. These courses are designed to train adult unit leaders in the basics of water safety and unit aquatic activity planning. Participants who attend this training will receive a Safety Afloat certification and a Safe Swim Defense certification. The courses focus on the seven points of Safe Swim Defense and the nine points of Safety Afloat. The classes address major concerns about aquatic and boating safety and water rescue. Participants will receive Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training pamphlets. This certification is required in order to obtain a tour permit for outings with aquatic activities. It is recommended that all adult leaders achieve this certification. Safety Afloat & Safe Swim Defense certifications are valid for two years. This training is offered online at Scoutnet Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration for both: 90 minutes

Woodbadge for the 21st Century *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	Woodbadge is the advanced training program for all adult Scouting leaders. It is designed to increase participants' leadership skills. The Wood Badge program consists of two parts — practical training and application. The practical leadership experience is gained in a training setting (held over two three-day weekends) where leadership skills can be learned and practiced. At the conclusion of the practical training, each participant makes a commitment to complete a set of personal goals related to his/her Scouting position. In this way, the Wood Badge experience contributes to a stronger unit, district or council, as well as provides an opportunity to practice the leadership skills learned on the course. All Scouters that have completed the basic training for their position are eligible to attend Woodbadge. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: two 3-day weekends, with patrol meetings in-between, and 5 ticket items after completion of the course.

Scouter Success Seminar *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	The Scouter Success Seminar is a fun learning experience offered to Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Sea Scout, and Venturing Leaders, as well as District and Council Leaders. Participants attend the courses they choose in any program. This experience broadens a person’s understanding and knowledge of the Scouting program through a variety of course sessions on specific topics taught by experienced volunteers from our council. Courses are filled on a first-come basis. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: all day, divided into 6 separate 1-hour sessions.

Roundtable
	Roundtable is held the first or second Thursday of the month (depending on your district). It is an excellent opportunity to receive basic information, training and practical program ideas for adult leaders. Roundtables help leaders to plan monthly programs and provide the opportunity to discuss Scouting issues of common interest. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Leave No Trace *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	This is a half-day awareness seminar for adults in all phases of the Scouting program: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. The agenda includes an introductory videotape describing Leave No Trace ethics, and interactive round-robin presentations based on the seven basic principles of LNT: • Plan Ahead and Prepare • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Dispose of Waste Properly • Leave What You Find • Minimize Campfire Impacts • Respect Wildlife • Be Considerate of Other Visitors Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 3 hours

Adult Basic Backpacking *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	This is an introductory course designed to teach basic backpacking to adults with little or no backpacking experience. The course will give an adult Scouter instruction in such areas as: clothing, equipment, trail safety, trip planning, and other basic information that will help leaders to begin backpacking treks with their units. The course is held in four sessions and will include a backpacking overnight experience. The trail selected will be of moderate difficulty. Participation in the outdoor portions of this course will require a completed Class 2 or Class 3 Personal Health and Medical Record Form. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: