Training Pilot 2010

We hear about the training that the Boy Scouts of America makes available to its volunteers and we hear about the wonderful things that take place in the various programs.  But...is there anything in place that allows the organization to be accountable for its volunteers actually taking the available training?  What's to keep an adult (after passing the membership requirements) from going through their entire volunteer career without ever attending a training course, much less multiple training courses? 

In the past, the answer to this question was that many people who volunteer for something want to learn how to do what they are expected to do.  Other factors were peer pressure from other leaders along with some motivational efforts from the council and district.  Those motivational efforts include things like requiring a Cub Scout Pack to have a council campground reserved and attended by a BALOO trained adult or requiring a Hazardous Weather trained adult to be listed on a tour permit.

The Circle 10 Council has a goal for 2010 that will affect every unit in every district.  That goal is that every Cubmaster, Varsity Team Coach, Venturing Crew Advisor and Scoutmaster from every unit will have completed the requirements to be considered "Trained".  The specific courses needed for each of these positions is listed at North District website (http://northdistrict.org/docs/doc233.pdf).  In accepting the invitation extended to it by the national office, Circle 10 Council has decided to add, as a requirement for rechartering, that a unit's top leader be trained for his or her position by December 31, 2010.

"How is this going to be accomplished?" you may ask.  The interesting thing is that I believe we are closer to this goal in the North District than we realize.  We just need to make sure that we gather all the information so we can compile the proper reports that reflect our status.  Once we have that in place, we will know what training is needed and can cater what we offer to the people who need it.

To that end, each unit will be receiving a list from the North District Training Committee targeted for delivery in January identifying who we have registered with each unit and what position they currently hold according to council records (remember your rechartering?).  We will ask that this lists get marked up to correct people's positions, contact info and the dates of the various training courses that they have completed.  More details will be included in the information that is sent.  If there are any questions about this information, please contact Jeff Baker.

The Training Committee for the North District thanks everyone in advance for their enthusiastic participation in this effort.  Lord Baden Powell said, "Every boy deserves a trained leader."  Together, we will meet the challenge to realize his vision.