Why and How We Train Leaders

Introduction Why we train leaders?

The Building Blocks of Scouting Scouting is based on life skills education, leadership development, citizenship, and values training. Its unique methods of program presentation are designed to help build youth with strong character who are physically fit and prepared to be good citizens.

Boy Scouts is a boy-led, boy-run organization, but the boys must be trained to be leaders. One of the Scoutmaster's most important responsibilities is to provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers the boy with the skills he will need to lead his troop. Scouting's value to young people is clear, but the advantages of Scouting are not limited to boys. Adults also develop leadership and physical skills with every training experience.

Adult training begins with the Fast Start Orientation program, followed by Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills and the new Leader Specific Training. Further training can include Wood Badge for the 21st Century, which has evolved into the BSA's core leadership skills training course. It focuses on a person's ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults.

Supplemental Training Modules Supplemental training modules are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in New Leader Essentials and leaders specific training. Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide Board of Review Training Geocaching to Promote Scouting The Order of the Arrow and Your Troop Orientation for New Boy Scout Parents Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing Recruiting Quality Training Staff Scoutmaster Conference Training Selecting Quality Leaders The Youth Leadership Training Continuum

Recruiting Quality Training Staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude KSA necessary to make their contribution to Scouting worthwhile. How to use the many resources available How to use youth Leadership Builds confidence as the leaders carry out scouting programs

Viewpoint Keep the various elements of the Scouting programs in perspective Understand the difference between the Scouting Program and its ultimate objectives

Results of Training Good programs Young people stay in Scouting longer Tenure of trained leaders is longer Relationship between the unit and chartered organization is stronger Ultimate objectives of Scouting will be achieved

Results of Training A picture is worth a thousand words

1 st Fundamental - Desire Adults resist learning something simply because somebody says they must Adults learn best when they have a strong motivation to acquire a particular skill or to increase a particular knowledge Create the desire to learn by emphasizing the importance of the job to be accomplished

2 nd Fundamental - Need Materials presented in a training course should provide immediate help to unit operation Try to use this idea: “This is what you do. This is why you do it. This is how you do it.”

3 rd Fundamental - Practice Provide immediate and repeated opportunities to practice and use what is being taught On-the-job training with a skilled trainer is an excellent method of training

4 th Fundamental - Realistic Use actual situations as a basis for discussions

5 th Fundamental - Experience If new knowledge doesn’t fit in with what leaders already know or think they know, they may tend to reject it Training materials should convince leaders of the best methods

6 th Fundamental - Environment Provide opportunities for fun and fellowship Encourage discussion and questions Try to avoid arguments Avoid arguments that relate to policies of the Boy Scouts of America

7 th Fundamental - Methods Use a variety of training methods and technologies to improve learning Change the pace often

8 th Fundamental - Guidance Leaders want guidance and help, not grades

Four Level Training Plan Fast Start Training Basic Training Supplemental Training Advanced Training

Summary Why is training important? How would you define “quality training”? As Trainers, what can we do to assure quality in the training courses we lead? How can each of us be sure that we are well prepared to deliver training to leaders?

Summary How can we best use the “Eight Fundamental Requirements for Training Leaders” to prepare for the training courses we will lead? How should our training courses bring the values of Scouting through to the young people we serve?

BSA 500 Gentlemen start your engines

BSA 500 Questions What does KSA stand for? Name three results of trained leaders. What are the four levels of the training plan? Name two fundamental requirements for training leaders.