Scouter Article January 2008

I’m proud to have been selected as your Council Training Chair for this year.

I want to thank Jay Huggins for the superb job he as done for the past three years. Jay has left big shoes to fill, and I look forward to the challenge.

Last year we completed Phase I of Required Training, with each registered leader obligated to complete Fast Start and Youth Protection Training. A number of units still have not completed the Training Certification Form, part of the recharter packages; I strongly ask each Unit Leader to complete the Certifications ASAP so we can finalize all unit charters.

This year is Phase II of Required Training, where each Direct Contact leader must complete Basic Leader Training, which consists of New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training. Direct Contact” Leaders are directly involved with Youth, and include Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Cubmasters, Den Leaders, Assistant Den Leaders, Venture Crew Advisors and Skippers and Venture Crew Assistant Advisors. Scoutmasters and ASMs must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Skills Training. New Leader Essentials is now available on line. We plan to offer SM/ASM Specific Training at Camp Sequassen again this year. We’re also working to offer Introduction to Outdoor Skills Training each week during summer camp. In addition to the regular district offerings, we’re looking at new ways of delivering Introduction to Outdoor Skills at the Troop level. And soon, you will be able to update your training records on-line.

Our Council offers some of the best programs, taught by some of the best Trainers, of any council in the country. This year, we can look forward to Wood Badge, Powder Horn, Youth Leader Training, Pow Wow, Trainer Development Conference, etc.

May I make four requests?

• First, I’d like to see every leader take at least one training course this year. It will help us to continue to deliver a quality program to our Scouts.
• Second, attend your District Roundtable every month; that’s where we deliver superb supplemental training, and where you can learn the latest information about other training courses.
• Third, check the Council web site Training pages often; I pledge to keep them up to date with the latest training news and a calendar of course listings.
• Finally, please remember to thank your District Training Chairs and Staffs; they work hard for you and help us all “…deliver the promise…”

Doesn’t every youth deserve a trained leader?

Jay Lubin

Council Training Chair

jaylubin@scatacook.org