Training

Dan Francis, District Training Chair, (317) 431-6156

dan47@embarqmail.com

Sharon Rangazas, Boy Scout Leader Training Chair, (317) 965-2448

srangazas@math.iupui.edu

If you are a Scout leader, we want to help you feel comfortable and prepared to conduct meetings and outings. We also believe that every Scout deserves a trained leader.

There are many different types of training available to leaders. You can take training online and in a classroom setting. There are basic training sessions that teach you the fundamentals and there are supplemental training sessions that are focused on one topic or teach more advanced skills. 

A Scout leader is entitled to wear the "Trained" leader emblem when he or she has completed some basic but important training courses. Scroll down to the section titled "What Makes a Trained Leader" for a description of the courses required for each position.

Most of the basic training sessions are offered close to home in our district. Upcoming training sessions in our district are listed below.

The supplemental training sessions, such as Cub Scout Pow Wow, University of Scouting, Wood Badge and others are usually coordinated by the Crossroads of America Council. You can find more information about these sessions on the council training website. 

Online training sessions, such as This is Scouting (others listed below) can be taken in the comfort of your own home, whenever you want to take them. These online coures are offered by the National Council in the Online Learning Center. To receive credit for completing the online training courses, you will first need to create a MyScouting account and enter your BSA member ID.

What Makes a Trained Leader

A direct contact leader (an adult leader that works directly with youth members) is considered fully trained and entitled to wear the Trained leader emblem when he or she has conpleted the following training courses and the specific training for your position.

Fast Start Training - is the first step for all new leaders and should be taken immediately after they register and before they meet with any youth members. New leaders choose the Fast Start they need to take: Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scout Leader, Varsity Leader or Venturing Leader. All Fast Start courses are also available on DVD.

This is Scouting - is a new online training sessin that replaces "New Leader Essentials". It picks up where Fast Start leaves off with six modules of training: The Mission of Scouting, Programs for All ages, Scouting is Fun, Scouting in the Community, Keeping Our Youth Safe, and Scouting's Legacy.

Youth Protection Training - is required for all leaders who have direct contact wth youth. At all times, youth safety is the number one priority. At the same time, adults need to know the rules for keeping themselves safe, too. Comprehensive Youth Protection training teaches all the do's and don'ts of working with youth. This training is offered online or may be taken as part of a district or council training course.

Position Specific Training - is based on the leader's position. These courses are taught by informed trainers who know how to engage groups and make learning fun. These courses are offered by the district or council as group training, or may be done as small groups or by personal coaching.

Position specific training sessions are available for these leadership postions: Tiger Cub den leaders, Wolf and Bear den leaders and assistants, Webelos den leaders and assistants, Cubmasters and assistants, Pack committee members, Pack Trainers, Scoutmasters and assistants, Varsity Coaches and assistants, Venture Crew Advisors and assistants.

Special Note - In addition to position specific training, Boy Scout leaders and Varsity Scout leaders must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

Cub Scout Leader Training in our District:

New training date for the Cub Specific training.

It will be on March 20, 2010    9:00 to 12:00

Location: Indianapolis Christain Church 4540 S. Madison Ave 46227

I [Dan] will call all those who registered for the one in February, any other wishing to attend please register here on the web site, thanks.

Webelos Outdoor Leadership Fundamentals (WOLF) training will be incorporated into the Scoutmaster Specific/Outdoor Leader Skills Training on April 9-11, 2010 at Johnson County Park (see below).

The Webelos leaders will join the Scoutmasters and assistants in the training. This will help them understand the Webelos program better and help them prepare the youth for Boy Scouts. It is the same "outdoor training", the only addition is that Webelos leaders will be completing the Scoutmaster specific training as well as the outoor training. This will prepare the Webelos leaders for Troop level positions a year or two early. Then when they cross over into Boy Scouting, and if they are up to date on Youth Protection training, they will already be "trained" for Troop level positions.

Please use the online training registration form below. Note: select Scoutmaster Specific/Outdoor Leadership Skills.

Boy Scout Leader Training in our District:

The Pathfinder District training team will be conducting Scoutmaster Specific & Outdoor Leadership Skills training on April 9-11, 2010 at Johnson County Park.

• Check-in and personal camping gear set-up is Friday from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
• Course begins promptly at 7 pm on Friday and ends at 3:30 pm Sunday
• You will be expected to provide your own tent and sleeping gear.
• You will be outside for the entire course. Watch the weather forcast and dress appropriately. Be prepared!
• Please eat dinner prior to arriving on Friday evening. All other meals are included.
• Per BSA requirements, you must bring a completed BSA health form.
• In addition to note taking materials, please bring a Scoutmaster's Handbook and Boy Scout Handbook as reference materials. Additional items you should bring include - folding chair, water bottle, rain gear, mess kit, and any personal camping gear you would normally bring on a weekend campout. 

 For more information contact Sharon Rangazas at (317) 965-2448 or by email.

The registration deadline is March 23rd. The fee to attend is $45 (covers all food and course materials). To register, please use the online form below or go to the online library to print the flyer and registration form.

The Pathfinder District training team will be conducting training for den chiefs on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Johnson County Park from 9 am to 4 pm.

What is a den chief? Boy Scouts serve as den chiefs and assist Cub Scout den leaders with running den meetings. This is a position that meets the leadership requirements for them to advance in rank. Having a den chief also increases the odds of Cub Scouts graduating into Boy Scouting - because they have developed a relationship with their den chief.

Who can attend: Boy Scouts that want to serve as a den chief.

When: April 10, 2010 (8:30 am check in, training from 9 am to 4 pm)

Cost: $20 (includes lunch, handbook, patch and other course materials)

The registration deadline is April 2nd. For more information, contact Tom Kistner at (317) 522-3807 or by email. To register, please use the online form below or download and mail in the form available in the Online Library.

Other Training Being Offered by the Council

Wood Badge is advanced Scout leader training that began in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and Wood Badge's first director. It came to America in 1948 and has been updated to reflect current BSA policies and programs. Incorporating the best techniques available, Wood Badge has become the most advanced leadership training course in Scouting!

Wood Badge is the highest level of Scout leadership training and provides you with the tools to be a superior leader. The leadership skills taught are for leaders from all Scouting areas including Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing and the district and council. The 1st half of the course utilizes a classroom environment and practical exercises to teach the essentials of leadership. You’ll learn what makes leadership work for you in Scouting and your personal life. The 2nd half offers classroom and outdoor experiences to help you learn the application of leadership skills. Finally, you will write and complete a “Ticket”. The “Ticket” consists of five written goals. These goals connect your new leadership knowledge to your role in Scouting.

Any Scouter who has attended basic training for their registered position and serves in a leadership role in Scouting or in a position that directly supports a unit can attend.

 C-33-10 21st Century Wood Badge

Apr 15-17, 2010 - Belzer and May 13-15, 2010 - Redwing

Course Director: Steve Williams, (317) 925-1900

C-33-10 Registration  Fee: $240 (EB of $210)

 

C-32-10 21st Century Wood Badge

Aug 21-23, 2010 - Ransburg and Sep 25-27, 2010 - Kikthawenund

Course Director: Tom Williams, (317) 752-3874

C-32-10 Registration  Fee: $240 (EB of $210)

Note - do not use the online form on this page for Wood Badge registration

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