Leadership training for the adults in the Cub Scout program is important for one simple reason: BECAUSE 7-, 8-, 9- AND 10-YEAR OLD BOYS ARE IMPORTANT! Not only now, but for the future of all of us. You cannot -- as a scout leader -- be expected to adequately provide a complex program of citizenship development, character building, and physical and mental development for boys without the benefit of instruction.

Everything we have learned to do in our lives is the result of some sort of training, be it feeding and dressing ourselves, driving a car, or reading this page. Each new task we take on in life requires training. The Boy Scouts of America recognizes this fact and has set forth training programs appropriate for every phase of Scouting.

Some of the ways training will make your job easier and help you:

• Understanding your leadership responsibilities and the responsibilities of the other leaders with which you serve.
• Understanding boys of Cub Scout age.
• Understanding the policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Locating and using resources.
• Introducing you to other Cub Scout Leaders interested in providing a great experience for the youth of your community.
• Answering your questions about things that concern you.

New leaders should fill out an "Adult Registration Application" (Form 28-501B) when they join and again in early September of each program year.

Because the Pack is sponsored by St. Thomas More, a new leader must take the Protecting God's Children course as soon as possible. The Catholic Diocese of Austin will also perform a criminal record check. You can register for both at: http://www.austindiocese.org.

Your application to be a leader cannot be processed until the background check has been completed and Debra (the church secretary) has a copy of the certificate showing that you have completed the course.

All leaders should take the following courses:

Fast Start -- http://www.bsacac.org
BSA Youth Protection -- http://ww.bsacac.org
New Leader Essentials (classroom)
Leader Specific Training for your current position (classroom)

Leaders who take all the courses above are authorized to wear the "Trained" patch on their left sleeve.

RECOMMENDED TRAINING:

At least one adult leader on a Pack campout must have taken the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) course. At least one adult leader on a Webelos campout must have taken the Webelos Outdoor Leader Skills (OWL) course (which often, but not always, includes BALOO). These are great classes -- in their own right and as a terrific networking opportunity -- take them if you can.

HOW AND WHERE

Training classes are offered by our own Chisholm Trail District and neighboring Districts in the fall and spring. The primary web site for training information is:

http://www.chisholmtrail-bsacac.org

Participants should arrive a half-hour before their class starts.

RECORD-KEEPING: OURS AND YOURS

Please keep your own records of the classes you've taken -- start a folder where you keep and file your training certificates. Having good records and trained leaders are essential part of renewing our Pack charter at the end of each calendar year.

OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

• District Roundtable (monthly)
• Council Pow-Wow and/or University of Scouting (annual)
• Wood Badge
• Classes at the National Training Center (Philmont)