Crossroads of America Council leader training courses listed alphabetically. Some of the topics covered during the training, length, facilitator(s) of the training and who should take the training are given in this list All may be offered through large group, small group and personal coaching. Some may be completed through self study. Self Study and training completed by unit trainers must be reported to the council office in written form for entry into training records.
BALOO l BS Roundtable Commissioner l Chartered Org. Rep. l Commissioner Basic l Commissioner Orientation | CS Leader Specific l CS Roundtable Commissioner l Den Chief l Dist Committee l Fast Start l Health and Safety | Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills l Leave no Trace l Marlinspike l New Leader Essentials l Orientation l Webelos Outdoor Leader | Pow Wow l Junior Leader l Scoutmaster Specific l Trek Safely l Troop Committee l Tr. Development Conf | University of Scouting l Varsity l Venturing l Voyageur l White Stag l Wood Badge l Youth Protection
BALOO(Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)
Training for the new Cub Scout pack leader who will be planning and implementing the outdoor program for the pack. It is basic information on the outdoors and equipment that may be needed, health and safety issues and required permits. This eight hour training presented by the district includes the following topics: Equipment, Campfire Planning, Cooking, Nature Hikes and Games and Planning Outdoor Activities. A three hour BALOO is offered occasionally by the council and districts for Cub Scout Leaders who have completed Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills or have experience in the Scouting's outdoor programs. top
Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Staff Training
Roundtable training for the district Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Roundtable staff. Training can be completed in three hours covering topics such as role of the commissioner, making displays, how to do demonstrations and planning through annual, quarterly and monthly meetings. Presented by the council. top
Chartered Organization Representative
Training for the COR presented by the district or council will give the participant an understanding of the important role they play in the organization of the Boy Scouts of America. Topics included in this two hour training include: How Scouting Operates, Duties, The District Committee and case study problem solving. top
Commissioner Basic Training
Information every commissioner needs to be a successful. Presented by the district or council, this six hour training covers unit visits, problem solving and charter renewal. top
Commissioner Orientation
Presented in a meeting or by personal coaching to new commissioners within two weeks of being recruited by the district commissioner or assistant district commissioner. Covers general information on working with units to help them succeed. Includes the video The Unit Commissioner's Orientation - Helping Units Succeed. top
Cub Scout Leader Specific (5 types)
Job specific information for all Cub Scout leaders and their assistants. Training lasts approximately three hours. Separate sessions for:
- Tiger Cub Den Leader and Assistant Tiger Cub Den Leader
- Cub Scout Den Leader and Assistant Cub Scout Den Leader
- Webelos Den Leader and Assistant Webelos Den Leader
- Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster
- Pack Committee, includes the committee chair
This training is presented by districts or by Pack Training Coordinators working with the district training staff. Topics include organization, planning meetings and evaluating them, job descriptions and advancement.top
Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Staff Training
Roundtable training for the district Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Roundtable staff. Training can be completed in three hours covering topics such as promotion, importance of games and songs and planning meetings. Presented by the council. top
Den Chief
All Boy Scouts serving as a den chief should attend this seven hour training. Cubmasters and den leaders working with den chiefs may also attend to understand how to use a den chief most effectively. Time is spent teaching how to get along with Cub Scout and Webelos Scout age boys as well as how to lead den activities such as games, songs and contests. Offered at Pow Wow and by districts. top
District Committee Training Workshop
A four hour training presented by the district and council for members of the district committee. Topics include the four functions of district operation and tasks of each specific committee. top
Fast Start
The "How to" training for new leaders in Scouting. Available on video tape for leaders in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity and Venturing. Each video has short special interest topics that may be viewed separately. Cub Scout Fast Start is also available through the national and council web sites in a non-video format. Each fast start tape gives information on how to hold first meetings and programs. Each unit should have a video tape to share with new leaders. Online Program top
Health and Safety
This training offers information for safe Scouting beyond the policies contained within the Guide to Safe Scouting. Includes information of Sweet 16 of Scout Safety. Aquatics program and climbing program safety is covered. The training is especially important to those leaders involved in leading high adventure program but has information useful for all Scouting programs. This one to two hour training is offered by districts and the council. May also be facilitated within the unit by permission of council or district. top
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Providing leaders in Boy Scouting, Varsity and Venturing with basic outdoor skills information. Given over one to two and a half days, it may include an overnight camping experience. Course emphasizes skills and may be accelerated by demonstrating mastery of specific skills. Skills taught are based on those found in The Boy Scout Handbook with emphasis on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor experiences. Subjects covered include: flag etiquette, plant identification, packing and hiking techniques, map and compass, cooking and first aid. Districts offer this training. top
Leave No Trace
Organized or presented by the Unit Training Coordinator, district or council. Concepts are best presented over a series of weeks or months in 15 to 30 minute segments. Suggested activities take 45-75 minutes. This training covers how to camp in ways that will make the least impact on the environment. Great training for any leader or youth interested in best methods for camping in wilderness areas. top
Marlinspike Skills
An advanced knot tying course. Visit the website at www.marlinspikeskills.com top
New Leader Essentials
An introductory training for all new or untrained leaders that highlights the values, aims, history, funding and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in age appropriate activities in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing. The ninety minute session is taken only once. Facilitated by unit training coordinators, districts and the council. top
Orientation
"Fast Start" for parents.
A 10 minute video tape is available for Cub Scouting. The tape may be viewed at home by families or presented at a pack meeting, den parents meeting or pack parents meeting. Boy Scout troops usually hold parent meetings that serve as orientation.
Each gives basic information on Scouting programs, aims and methods. top
OWL = Webelos Leader Outdoor
This one or two day training for Webelos den leaders is held in an outdoor setting. The hands-on skills taught are those needed to work with Webelos Scouts. Emphasis is on information needed to teach the outdoor related activity badges. Districts present this training. top
Pow Wow
Supplemental training for all Cub Scout leaders. Workshop style training usually held on a Saturday with 6 one hour sessions chosen by the participant. Fun classes on the outdoors, crafts, ceremonies and many more topics. Pow Wow is a council activity. top
Scoutmaster Junior Leader Training
A one day or weekend training held by the troop leadership for the youth leaders of the troop. Planning and conducting troop activities are emphasized. top
Scoutmaster Specific
A one day or three two and a half hour training sessions for Scoutmasters and their assistants. Presented by districts, this training covers advancement, patrol method, outdoor program and program planning. top
Trek Safely
Designed to help youth and adult leaders plan and carry out a safe trekking experience. The 40 minute session presented by unit, district or council trainers with trek experience. Covers seven points of Trek Safely, qualified supervision and discipline and resources for planning a trek. top
Troop Committee Challenge
Troop training coordinator should facilitate this two and a half to three hour training for the troop committee. Committee learns who has responsibility for various tasks and how to work together within the group. top
Troop Junior Leader Training Conference
See White Stag. top
Trainer Development Conference
An eight hour course for anyone in Scouting doing any type of training. Topics include why and how we train leaders, planning courses, training technology, methods and pizzazz in training. Includes hands on activities. Presented by the council. top
University of Scouting
For all leaders, this seven hour council led event will help you be a better Scout leader. Participants choose from a variety of classes in Membership, Finance, Service, Program and General Studies areas. Those attending the first year and choosing a field of study will receive a bachelor's degree in that area. A master's degree in Scouting may be earned the year after earning a bachelor's degree. A Doctorate may be earned in Scouting by attending the university at least two more years and by completing a thesis project. top
Varsity Specific
Training for Varsity coaches and assistants covering fields of emphasis for Varsity, organizing activities, understanding teens and advancement. Presented by the district or council in a group setting or by personal coaching. top
Venturing Specific
This six hour training is for all Venturing crew advisors, their assistants, Venturing crew committee chairs and members of the committee. Topics covered include understanding youth, resources and program planning, recognition and how to do a Program Capability Inventory. Presented by the district. top
Voyageur
Canoe use and safety training for adult leaders. This four day training held over two weekends covers Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense, reviews policies, planning trips and tour permits as well as learning how to use a canoe. Presented by the council. top
White Stag = Junior Leader Training Conference
A week long council presented course for troop junior leaders. Leaders must be at least First Class and age 13 to attend. Participants gain knowledge of eleven skills of leadership, share ideas with others from around the council and confidence to take the information from the course home to their own troop to enhance the local troop program. top
Wood Badge for the 21st Century
All Scout leaders are invited to attend. Skills taught include improving group communications, traits of high performance teams and leading change. Course is taught over two-three day weekends or during a six day period. Following the course work on a "ticket", written during the course, is completed . The ticket is a list of projects and goals that the participant has 18 months to complete. Following completion of the ticket the Wood Badge neckerchief, beads and woggle are presented. Presented by the council. top
Youth Protection
Adults in Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting should view the 65 minute video, Adult Youth Protection. Venturing crew advisors should view Adult Youth Protection for Venturing Leaders, a 22 minute video. Presented by unit training coordinators, district or council trainers. Covers types of abuse, two deep leadership and reporting requirements. top