Highlights in this months May Training newsletter:

• Let’s get more leaders training!
• New Weather Hazards Requirement
• Upcoming In-person Training Schedule
• Youth Protection Reminder

May Training Newsletter

Over the past two years, the BSA has worked with experts in the field of child abuse, child sexual abuse and maltreatment to develop new training and resources that will further strengthen our ability to protect youth. These changes include:

• Fully updated and revised Youth Protection Training developed with leaders in the field of child abuse prevention and includes insights from experts, survivors and the latest strategies for recognizing and preventing major forms of abuse. This is the designated Youth Protection training for all adults.
• Expanded youth protection content across all our communications channels will inform and engage our volunteers and parents.
• An expanded National ScoutsFirst Helpline to aid volunteers and families in addressing potentially dangerous situations.
• The BSA also provides unlimited counseling and support for healing to anyone who has ever been abused in Scouting.
• Youth protection training for youth members will be available in 2019.

In addition to updated training and resources, the BSA announced new policies to ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements. These policies have been in place in the NCAC for a number of years. These policies include:

• As of January 1, 2018, no new leader can be registered without first completing youth protection training.
• As of January 1, 2018, no council, regional or national leader will be allowed to renew their registration if they are not current on their youth protection training.
• As of September 1, 2017, no unit may re-charter without all leaders being current on their youth protection training. Registrars no longer have the ability to approve charters without full compliance.

**Of Special Note**

By October 1, 2018, all new and currently registered leaders will be required to complete the updated training. The enhanced and updated content will allow leaders and councils to comply with all current legal requirements. While this may be inconvenient for some, it reflects the BSA’s commitment to the safety of all youth.

For camps this summer across the BSA:

Adults accompanying units on activities who are present at the activity for 72 hours or more, must be registered and take Youth Protection Training. The 72 hours need not be consecutive. If your unit desires to set a more strict policy, like ALL adults going to camp must be registered and have current YPT, that is certainly permitted.

This training is now available on my.Scouting at  https://my.scouting.org/

You may download a “HOW TO GUIDE FOR TAKING YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING”

Introducing ScoutsFirst Helpline

ScoutsFirst is a new national tool to help with questions, concerns and reporting. The ScoutsFirst Helpline also makes it easier for volunteers and families to address dangerous situations. If a leader or parent has a question about a situation, or something they’ve seen or if they want to report a possible incident, they can contact the Helpline for assistance. In cases of abuse, they should also notify the local authorities. ScoutsFirst Helpline (844)-Scouts1 or (844)726-8871.

ScoutsFirst for Counseling and Support. The Boy Scouts of America is committed to providing ongoing support to victims and their families, including counseling. We want to help victims heal, on their own terms, with a professional counselor of their choice. Through the ScoutsFirst Helpline, the Boy Scouts of America offers assistance with counseling to any youth member, former youth member, or the family of any youth member who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting. To reach the ScoutsFirst Helpline, call (844)-Scouts1 or (844)726-8871, or email scouts1st@scouting.org. Support is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Coming Soon:

In-person youth protection training available June 2018.

Spanish-language resources will be available later in August 2018.

Youth protection training for youth members will be available in 2019. More details will be shared as they become available.

For more Youth Protection resources check out,   https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/

Attention all Den Leaders and Pack Leaders! You’re about to start a new year with your Cubs, and you deserve to get the tools and resources to make your program fun and successful. That’s why we invite you to kick off the program year with Cub Leader-Specific Training!

Online Training

You can take position-specific training online by signing into your account at my.scouting.org. Each position has a separate training module.

Although online training is easier, many leaders find it more rewarding to take a live in-person course. Not only does the in-person course allow you to cover all of the positions in one sitting, but it also gives you a chance to meet other leaders and share ideas and experiences. Live training is fun! Even if you’ve already taken the online training, you’ll probably learn something new by attending a live course.

Live Training

Basic Information

Every Cub Scout leader should take basic training… and when we do it in person, we make it fun! We can run it two ways:

• A 90-minute to 2-hour session for one specific position: Den Leader, Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster, or Pack Committee.
• A 4-hour session that covers all the positions.

Either way, you will…

• Learn about your role in delivering a fun and successful Cub Scouting program
• Find out what resources are available to help you
• Pick up new skills, program ideas, games, activities, and more
• Meet other leaders and share ideas

This training covers the same requirements as the online courses, but many leaders find the live version more rewarding and more enjoyable. This course also gives you a chance to meet other leaders and share ideas and experiences. Once you’ve completed Youth Protection training (online) and this course, you can proudly wear the “Trained” patch on your uniform.

This Year’s Courses

We’ll be running position-specific courses several times throughout the day at each of our Cub Leader Kickoff events… don’t miss it! More details are below.

• Saturday, September 16, 2017, in Hanover (register online)
• Saturday, October 14, 2017, in Easton (register online)

More courses will be added over time. Check with your district training chair for more information or to arrange a course near you. To run this course, we need a free meeting space, a pack willing to “host,” and a commitment from at least five leaders to attend.

What to Bring

When you attend a live Cub leader-specific training course, you should…

• Wear your Scout uniform — or the closest thing you have to a uniform (for example, a pack t-shirt)
• Bring a handbook for your level of Cub Scouting, if you have one

Fall 2017 Kickoff Events

Cub Scout Leaders – join us for a great kickoff to the year! Activities will run throughout the day and you can come and go as you please. Here’s what’s on tap:

Activities

• In-person position-specific training (Den Leader, Cubmaster/Assistant, Pack Committee).
• Workshops on crafts, skits and songs, ceremonies, working with youth with disabilities, and more.
• Youth protection training and help with online recordkeeping.
• Leader guides for sale, registration materials, and other resources to save you a trip to the council office or the Scout store.
• Outdoor cooking demos and a delicious lunch!
• Vendors and exhibits.
• Fun activities for your Cub-age youth (so you’re welcome to bring your own kids… we’ll take care of keeping them busy!)
• A chance to meet fellow leaders and get resources to start the new year off strong!

This event is a great chance to meet fellow leaders, share ideas, and get ready for a fun and successful year of Cub Scouting!

Locations, Times, and Additional Details

Lunch on both days will be available between 11:30 and 1:30 for $5.00. Meal tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. We would greatly appreciate pre-registration so we have a good head count for food and training materials.

Course flyer — please share!

For more information, contact Chris Lamie.

Handouts and Links

Handouts will be posted after the course.