Welcome to Scouting

You are in for the ride of a lifetime. Just like in an amusement park, it's exciting, thrilling and often scary. There are many dedicated Scout trainers in your district and throughout the council who are here to help. What we want to do is keep the exciting and thrilling and soften the scary. That's right, we can't eliminate the scary because we can't foresee every possible challenge that might arise in your unit.

Just like our children, Scouts don't come with an instruction manual. Sometimes they make your chest swell with pride and other times they make you shake your head. But after twenty years as an adult Scout leader, I can assure you that the rewards are substantial for both you and your Scouts. This program wouldn't have lasted for over ninety years if our customers (the Scouts) weren't having a great time. It's now up to you to help keep the tradition alive and vital for today's Scouts.

Training will help. You will have more tools and hopefully more friends in the program when you complete adult leader training. Training exists for Cub leaders, Scout leaders and Venturing leaders. Please look through the attached schedule and pick a time that you can attend training. Remember that you can attend training in any district or any council. So, there's bound to be a time that fits into your busy schedule.

Earlier I mentioned our ninety-year heritage. Many changes have taken place over those years and more are on the way. Last year I announced a new POW-WOW format and a new Wood Badge Course open to all adult leaders. More changes are on the way. New basic leader training is coming out for all programs. New training for your registered positions and new outdoor training - "Baloo" for Cub Scouts and "Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills" for Boy Scouts. Keep your eyes on the Leaders Digest for further updates.

I sincerely hope that you will make time for training. You have already made a big commitment by agreeing to serve as a volunteer leader. Now secure the skills that will put you in the trained status and insure a great program for your Scouts.

Yours In Scouting,

Council Training Committee
Detroit Area Council

Why Training?

As an adult leader of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venturers, you have a choice to make. You can take the attitude that you know enough to get by and are willing to take the risks that the youth will not miss some of the most important aspects of Scouting. Why take more time out to be trained when you either know it or can read it in a book. The risk that the youth will become disinterested and dropout is one your willing to take. 

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 Detroit Area Council is dedicated and committed to providing every adult leader with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver 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 the opportunity 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.

What Training Should I Take?

Training  consists of four levels:

• Orientation: a quick, one-on-one session provided as soon as possible and designed to get the new leader off to a good start. This training is usually offered by the unit within 48 hours of a new leader’s registration.

• Basic Training: a presentation of job-related information to all Scouting volunteers within a given program (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, District/Council service, etc.).

• Supplemental Training: a variety of specialized courses designed to give additional information on specific areas of Scouting. These courses vary greatly in content, and are usually designed for leaders who have already participated in the appropriate Basic Training for their positions.

• Advanced Training: an in-depth set of courses for experienced leaders desiring a deeper dedicated involvement in the program, and who meet other prerequisites and qualifications.

You should plan to participate in the appropriate Fast Start and Basic Training series for your position as soon as possible after you volunteer. You are also strongly encouraged to participate in supplemental training, and to consider advanced training when your experience warrants.

The Trainer's Creed

I dedicate myself to influence the lives of youth through the training of Scouting leaders.

I promise to support and use the recommended literature, materials, and procedures as I carry out my training responsibilities.

I promise to "Be Prepared" for all sessions to assure an exciting and worthwhile training experience.

I will help leaders understand their importance to Scouting and will take a personal interest in their success.

I will carry out these responsibilities, I will "Do My Best."

Boy Scouts of America