Adventure is waiting!
Welcome to Scouting! You’re joining a force of volunteers a million strong who are striving to change the world and their communities by having a powerfully positive impact on the young people. We have been where you are, and we understand just how intimidating the job can be. Scouting America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence and reinforce ethical standards. Scouting prepares youth for responsible citizenship along with the values of faith and family. They can count on the principles learned in Scouting for the rest of their lives. All this is accomplished through volunteers, just like you!
So you are a new adult to scouting, what do you do first? How do I get trained? Where do I go for help? This page is designed to give you the basics and provide answers to some of the questions you might have (or at least a link to the page that has the answer).
Step 1. Sign up for the District eNewsletter & Facebook Group
Scouting always has a lot going on from Pack and Troop events, to District Training and adventures, to Council Summer Camp’s and more! It’s important to keep yourself informed as to not miss any of the fun and excitement that Scouting has to offer!
To help provide Scouting, our Council is divided into 4 districts or geographic regions. To see what district your in, click on the District tab at the top.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the District eNewsletters and other Council e-blasts!
CLICK HERE for our Council Facebook Page.
Step 2. Training
You’ve volunteered your time – so why not make your Scouting job easier? Training gives you the knowledge you need to help your unit run as smoothly, safely and effectively as possible.Training is an important part of learning to become an effective leader. The important Scouting position you hold will be easier and more effective once you develop the skills necessary to deliver a quality Scouting program every Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturer desires. Every Scout deserves a trained leader.
Training #1 – Youth Protection
Scouting America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, Scouting America developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs.
This training is required for all registered adult leaders and is considered a “joining requirement”. This course is taken online through the MyScouting Tools in My.Scouting (if you are new to Scouting, you will be asked to create an account).
CLICK HERE for my.scouting.org to create your account and complete youth protection training. This can be completed from a mobile device.
Training #2 – Leader Specific
To be Considered a fully “trained” leader in Scouting America, you must take the course specific to your position (example: if you’re a Tiger Den Leader, take Tiger Den Leader Specific Training. If you’re an Assistant Scoutmaster, take Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training.)
Cub Scouts can complete these courses online via my.scouting.org, but it is highly recommended that all new adults attend a classroom course offered by one of our districts.
Information on Leader Trainings, Date, Times, Locations and Registration Information found on the Calendar Page and District Pages
Step 3 – Attend Roundtable
Roundtable exists to:
- Provide information
- Capture information
- Offer additional program training
- Provide networking opportunities
Additionally, there are two fundamental purposes for roundtable in unit service:
- to provide the skill to do—skills, techniques, information, program ideas—or the know-how that makes for successful unit operation; and
- to provide unit leadership with the will to do—the morale, enthusiasm, inspiration, and vision that periodically renew the desire to serve youth.
The result is that unit leaders are better able to prepare their youth to live the values of the Scout Oath and Law; receive helpful program ideas, relationship development, and timely communication; and experience the fun and fellowship with others that is a hallmark of Scouting. Simply put, when skillfully executed, the roundtable experience will inspire, motivate, and enable unit leaders to provide a stronger program for their youth.
District Roundtable Information
Driftless District: Third Wednesdays at 7:00 PM at American Legion Post 245 in Cross Plains
Northern Lights District: Third Wednesdays at 7:00 PM at VFW 7591 on Cottage Grove Road in Madison.
Rock River District: Second Thursdays at 7:00 PM at Marion Hall at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Janesville.
