Varsity Scout Leader Training Courses

Varsity Scout Leader Training

Varsity Fast Start
	A self study orientation course for Varsity Scout Leaders and is available as a video tape that can be check out from Council office. This program will acquaint the new Varsity Scout leader with the basic information about their position. At this time, there is no online version of this training. 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 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

Varsity Leader Specific Training *Click here for scheduled offerings*
	The Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training consists of two sessions: Part I-What Is Varsity Scouting? Summarizes the purposes and methods of Varsity Scouting. Discusses the characteristics of young men 14 through 17 years old. Explains how a Varsity Scout team is organized and led by young men with guidance from adults. Reviews Varsity Scouting's five program fields of emphasis. Part II-Varsity Scout Program Gives details about how to plan and conduct a Varsity Scout team's activities and meetings. Participants actually plan two activities to be done during the outdoor training in Part Ill. Also covers the BSA's Youth Protection Guidelines. Back to Northern Star Training Calendar Approximate Duration: 8 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

Safety Afloat & Safe Swim Defense
	These are two separate courses that are almost alwayst 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