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Bill's Unofficial Cub Scout Roundtable
A compendium of Ideas For Cubmasters, Den Leaders and those
who help them.
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Trained leaders provide an active, quality program at the den and
pack levels and keep Tiger Cubs and their partners, Cub Scouts, and
Webelos Scouts coming back for more fun week after week and month after
month. When Cub Scouts participate regularly, the many purposes of Cub
Scouting are achieved. Trained leaders increase boy retention and
leader tenure.
Rick Cronk, Boy Scouts of America national president and sponsor
of Cronk's Club, will recognize Scouters at all levels for their
efforts in increasing the number of trained leaders who are delivering
a dynamic program. A special neckerchief will be awarded to those who
meet the challenge.
This sounded great when it was first announced in Atlanta on June,
2007. Unfortunately, there has been little follow up by either
National or by most local councils. It has sort of fizzled.
bill.
The pack trainer’s main objective is to have 100 percent of the pack leadership trained in their position
New leaders and adult family members should receive orientation within one week of joining the pack. Leaders should receive position-specific training as soon as the training becomes available.
It is recommended that the pack trainer have at least one year of experience in a leadership position in
Cub Scouting. Pack trainers should participate in a Trainer Development Conference.
For new packs and those lacking experienced leaders, an experienced leader may be appointed as pack trainer until the new leaders gain experience.
The pack trainer should contact the new leader within two or three days to review the information and answer questions. Fast Start Training can be completed by viewing the Fast Start video or DVD or by completing the training on your council’s Web site.)
Under the direction of the pack committee chairman, the pack trainer helps leaders and parents understand purposes, policies, and procedures of the Cub Scouting program.
The pack trainer conducts, or facilitates, the training of leaders and parents in the pack. The pack trainer promotes training to help leaders learn to plan and conduct pack and den meetings and activities. The pack trainer orients parents and leaders and guides pack leaders in carrying out their specific position responsibilities.
Pack trainer is a registered pack position and is a voting member of the pack committee. Regardless of the size of the pack committee, every pack should have one of its committee members registered as a pack trainer.
As an adult leader of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venturing, you have a choice to make. You can muddle your way through in a haphazard manner, taking the risk that your youth members will miss some of the most important aspects of Scouting and perhaps even become disinterested enough to drop out. Or you can participate in training and make the commitment to learn all you can about your responsibilities so you can become an effective leader.
The leadership training program of the Boy Scouts of America gives you what you need to do your job well. The confidence you gain through training will allow you to spend more energy delivering a quality program, and less energy in worry and confusion. You'll meet other leaders and trade ideas with them, and develop new friendships that will endure long after the training session has ended. You'll learn where to go for advice. You'll also have fun, at the training sessions and also when you use what you've learned with your unit.
The Training Committee of the Cascade Pacific Council is dedicated to providing every Scouting leader with the knowledge, skills, and attitude required to carry out Scouting's mission. The Committee organizes training experiences throughout the year to provide basic knowledge, and then build on that knowledge. Through these training sessions, you'll have a chance to develop into the best leader you can be.
The Boy Scouts of America also conducts a recognition program for leaders who participate in training courses and apply their knowledge to their Scouting jobs. Detailed lists of requirements are available from the Council Office or from the Council Training Committee.
Release of new Basic Leader Training materials has resulted in some confusion regarding the status of Webelos Leader Outdoor Training. There are no changes in Webelos Leader Outdoor Training. The course outline is in the publication Cub Scout Leader Training (BSA No. 34700). Webelos Leader Outdoor Training is supplemental training and is not required for a Webelos leader to be considered trained. It is, however a requirement for earning the Webelos Den Leader Award.
Scouting. September 2001
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To be a 'Trained' WL you need to complete:
To earn the Webelos Den Leader Award, you must be 'trained:
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A quick look at all the opportunities for Cub Scout Leaders to learn new skills and gain a better understanding of the Scouting program.
What to expect at each course, what quality of training awaits them and what leaders might get out it. The focus is on: How will this benefit my pack, my den and my son.
Also, I'll try to forecast the cost, both in dollars and in time. Good Cub Scout leaders tend to be the busiest people and their time is precious. The time to take these courses has to come from somewhere: your pack or den duties, your family, your (paid) job or some other part of your life. Child care is also important to consider when considering taking a training course, so always take time away from home into your plans.
An introduction to Cub Scouting for Cubmasters and den leaders. The quality of the latest online version is excellent and even if you are a trained leader, it’s worth reviewing again.
Who should take it? Everyone, including committee and parents. (It would be great if there were versions for committee members and parents as well.)
Cost: Free and takes about 20 minutes on a computer.
Form: Relaxed, at your pace.
Bill's advice: A must for all leaders. The descriptions of den and pack meetings are valuable additions. However, beware of older versions, especially the VHS varieties.
The fundamentals of the Scouting program and job descriptions for each specific leadership position: Tiger DL, Cub Scout DL, Webelos Scout DL, Cubmaster and Committee member. All courses usually run consecutively.
Who should take it? All leaders and committee members. Take the Job Specific for your current position. You hold only one position – right?
Cost: Usually free. Put on several times a year, local within your district and takes about 3 hours total for all courses.
Form: Generally relaxed but covers a lot in a short time.
Bill's advice: These two courses cover some essentials that you will need to make your Cub Scout program succeed.
The new versions that came out in 2008 are much improved and should help all leaders run successful programs. Be prepared to take notes and to ask questions.
An on-line course that introduces new leaders to the aims, the history and the scope of the entire Scouting program. It takes about 45 minutes. While the primary delivery method for "This is Scouting" is on-line, a DVD . No. 36118, will be available after April 1, from Supply for areas where internet access is limited or where group presentation is desired.
Who should take it? All Scouters.
Cost: Free
Form: On line
Bill's advice: Take this after you have completed the Basic courses to see how you fit into the entire Scouting picture.
A monthly get together of Cub Scout leaders in your district where you exchange ideas, learn about activities you might use at your next month’s den and pack meetings, and other resources available from your council and district.
Who should take go? All leaders and committee members.
Cost:Almost always free. Put on locally within your district one week day evening per month for about two hours max. A very few provide child care.
Form: Varies from party-like to a visit to a visit to your dentist.
Bill's advice: The quality of Roundtables I have visited varies widely from district to district and from year to year within the same district. Some are excellent, full of hilarious activities that yet are geared to the ideals of Scouting. Others are ugly-dull, full of infantile cute craft work and long, boring announcements. Most fall somewhere in between. Best advice: go to one. If you find that it helps and is worth your time, continue. If not, stay home with your family and get your advice from Program Helps, the How-To-Book, Baloo's Bugle and this website. Occasionally check back in to see if things have improved. At the very least you will get to mingle with other Cub Scouters.
A yearly workshop seminar, offering a variety of sessions of activities for Cub Scouters. Usually includes things like games, ceremonies, projects, outdoor stuff, pack admin, pack meetings and, often a lot more.
Who should take it? All leaders and committee. Den Chiefs at some councils.
Cost:From $5 to $20 depending on whether it includes lunch, a book or CD and project materials. It takes a full day (typically Saturday) locally within your council. A few provide child care.
Form: Happy and party-like. Relaxed and genial.
Bill's advice: Go! These provide some of the best Cub Scout training I have seen. They are mostly staffed by the best trainers available in each council. Many offer wide selection of topics so, if you go as a group, try to cover as many as is practicable. There is often a feeling of excitement and fellowship at these events that many leaders find uplifting and rewarding. Take a camera, notebook or recorder. They are almost always fun and worth the money and time.
A workshop that teaches Den Chiefs leadership skills and activities they can use with Cub Scouts and Webelos. In many councils it is part of their Pow Wow of University of Scouting.
Who should take it? All den chiefs and den leaders who use them.
Cost:Usually $10-$20 (includes lunch) but can use up a whole Saturday.
Form: Varied – but mostly fun and genial.
Bill's advice: Transportation for most is a problem so plan to take them but stay there and learn what they learn.
How to plan, organize and run a pack camp out.
Who should take it? At least one member of your pack committee but several would be better. If your pack camps, it’s a must.
Cost:Typically $5 for food.
Form: Often indoors, relaxed and low key.
Bill's advice: If your pack camps, send as many people as practicable. The less camping experience they have, the better. The idea is to make pack camping easy and comfortable for all families. No pressure.
Provides both current and future Webelos Leaders with an understanding of the Webelos Outdoor Program, with current information and basic skills training they can use to plan, organize and conduct an exciting and interesting program for Webelos Scouts that is consistent with the policies and health and safety guidelines of both the National Council.
Who should take it? All Webelos Leaders, assistants and leaders of Bear dens who plan continue into the Webelos program.
Cost:Typically $15-$25. Takes a full weekend at a council camp and may require basic camping equipment.
Form: Somewhat regimented and not as relaxed as a lot of training. Genial and cheerful mood throughout.
Bill’s advice: An absolute must for Webelos Leaders. Even the most experienced campers will get something out of it. There will be lots of time to meet and interact with other WLs.
The BSA places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. All Cub Scout and Boy Scout adult volunteers should take this course. It covers the BSA's Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper reporting procedures.
Who should take it? Every leader must take it, all parents should.
Cost: Free
Form: On line, at your pace.
Bill's advice: There is no reason to miss this one. Take it every two years.
Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.
Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe unit activity afloat. Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat Training, have a commitment card with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat.
Who should take it? If your pack goes into or on the water, these are musts. Webelos den leaders should take both for Aquanaut Activity Badge.
Cost: Free
Form: On line, at your pace.
Bill's advice: If your pack doen't swim or boat, I feel sorry for your boys.
How to Administer and Lead Cub Scout Day and Resident camps.
Who should take it? Camp administrators and program directors. (Required for certification)
Cost: Fees (high) may be paid by the council but it takes an extended weekend and may entail considerable travel.
Form: Very intense but one continuous party.
Bill's advice: Probably the most fun I have had at any training.
A week long training in the New Mexico Rockies. Courses: Putting "Pizzazz" into Cub Scouting, Cub Scout Outdoor Program, Strictly for Cubmasters, Cub Scout Roundtables, New Directions in Membership Growth, Training Cub Scout Leaders, Webelos Scout Program, Connecting Character with Cub Scouting, Leading Pack Camping, Supercharging Den and Pack Programs, Webelos Scout Program.
Who should take it? Anyone who lives Scouting
Cost: Fees for the week are$405, $285 for spouses and children over 20; $230 for ages 6-20; $145 for ages 3-5; and $50 for 2 and under. Mountain Trek or NAYLE is $305. Also travel expenses and time to New Mexico. (varies from year to year)
Form: Very relaxed and easy. Good family atmosphere with lots of free time to explore and meet other Scouters. The youth and spouse programs are excellent.
Bill's advice: I've gone to PTC four times and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The staff is made up of top people from across the country. A huge advantage is that your whole family may go with you; think of it as a family Scouting vacation.
Wood Badge provides high level leadership training that provides the leadership skills to make a difference. It comprises a six day course (mostly two extended weekends) followed by an application phase that lasts several months.
Who should take it? Serious Scouters.
Cost: About $200 plus a significant commitment in time. Local within your council.
Form: Very intense. Serious and goal directed.
Bill’s advice: Most people obtain great personal benefit from the experience. The leadership skills are applicable to much non-Scouting activities as well. I’m not sure how much your pack will gain from having a leader attend, but there will pabably be significant advantage for District and Council work.
This was originally written for Baloo's Bugle
Cub Scout Leader Training begins with the Fast Start program. This interactive on-line program will acquaint the new Cub Scout leader with the basic information about their position. It also enhances the video based training available from your pack. Talk to your Cubmaster or Committee Chair about the video. If they do not have it, you can check it out from the Council Service Center.
Why should an experienced camper attend Webelos Overnight Training or
BALOO training? Wouldn't the be bored?
The key thing we teach to experienced woodsmen is that leading a group
of 8 boys and their parents in a Webelos Den campout is a TOTALLY
different thing than any other campout has ever been for him.
Many men and women and their children love to camp as a family. Not many of them bring 7 of their son's friends along. Not too many families have an organized plan for the day activities as well as practiced skits for the evening campfire. Neither do they ask 10 strangers (parents of the friends) to join them--several of whom are single parents and/or guardians and several that have never camped in their life.
No - unless they've been a Webelos leader before, or need serious mental health attention, they haven't done this. What we can teach the experienced outdoorsman is the difference between deer hunting with the good 'ol boys and a Webelos Den campout. Like, no beer. Like, your son acts completely different in a group than when you are one-on-one.
Like, this is a whole lot of work!
That's what the bored outdoorsman needs to learn. So, have him teach a part of the Round Robin skills to show his ability, and then sit through the rest to learn about Scouts.
Kelly Parker, Grand Canyon Council
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The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Christo Mountains of northeastern New Mexico near Cimarron. Rich in history and natural beauty, this area offers exciting educational experiences for the entire family. PTC has served as the National Training Center for the Boy Scouts of America since 1950.
Invitations to training conferences at Philmont Training Center are initiated by your local council. Full details on conferences and family programs are sent to participants upon acceptance of the invitation for registration. Applications are accepted by the Philmont Training Center on a first-come, first served basis.
2009 Conferences at the