Training Resources for parents and Leaders

• When do I have to take the training?
  As a parent of a Cub in Pack 2831, you will be required to take the Youth Protection Training (YPT) and Scoutbook 101 as soon as you join the pack.  If you volunteer to become a Den Leader or any other leadership position in the pack, you will take the position-specific training as soon as you submit the adult leader application.

• What is the format of the training?
  There are three types of training available: In-person (IP), on-line (OL) pre-recorded or instructor-lead via Zoom or equivalent.

• How to sign-up and how to take the training?

  • Depending on the type of training (In-person or On-line), the training will be available in:

    • my.scouting.org (take courses at any time.   It requires sign-in),

    • In-person training is listed in the Heart of Virginia Council (HOVC) training page.  Instructions on how to sign up and pay are provided in that webpage

    • For training developed by our Pack, you can take the training from this webpage

  • Specific details about each training opportunity are provided in the multiple sections of this webpage

• How much does the training cost?

  • All the online courses are free.

  • Most in-person training ranges between $5.-$20.

  • Wood badge is an optional advanced training for unit leaders, that takes place during two weekends; camping is involved, food and materials are included and it costs around $285, but the experience is priceless!

• Does the training expire?
  Only for Youth Protection Training (YPT) and Hazardous Weather are set to expire every two years.
  All the other training lasts forever (and ever)

• List of Position-specific training

• [Online] Youth Protection Training (YPT)

  • All the parents and legal guardians in Pack 2831 are required to take this course.

  • Course description: The safety and well-being of our youth is of paramount importance to our organization, and integral to everything we do. We must continue our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment at all times for all our youth members.

  • After completing all three modules and passing the exam, it may take up to 24 hours to see your certificate in My.Scouting.
    Once you obtain the certificate, download a copy (pdf) and email it to our training coordinator

  • To take this course,

    • Sign in to scoutbook

    • Select the "home" icon

    • Select "my.Scouting Home Page"

    • On the column to the right, select the "Begins with youth protection" shield/logo

    • Look for the "Cub Scout Den Leader & Assistant", and follow the prompts.

    • Enjoy the training!

• [Online] Scoutbook [coming soon]

Thank you for volunteering for this position! Remember that being a leader in the BSA is a privilege.

First of all, the candidate must submit an application.

[!] Before applying:

1. You must complete the YPT training (see "All Parents (including leaders)" section)

2. Make sure you remember your Scoutbook username and password (you will need that information to proceed with the application.)

Once these two requisites are fulfilled, go to beascout.scouting.org
> type "23832" in the zip code field
> Select "Cub Scouts"
> Select "Find a Unit"
> Scroll down until you find "Pack 2831 Friends of Pocahontas State Park"
> Select "Apply Now"
> Under "Adult Volunteers" select "Start"
> Follow prompts

After submitting the application, it will go through an approval process and the applicant can't assume any leadership role until the background checking is completed.

While waiting for the approval, the applicant may/should start taking the two mandatory courses for that position.   Once completed, you will receive the position and the "trained" badges

1. [Online] Hazardous Weather

   • Total time: 31 minutes (reality check: plan for 45 min- 1 hour to complete this course)

   • Course description: This module will cover hazardous weather conditions that Scouts need to plan ahead and steps to take to be prepared

   • To take this course on-line:

     • Sign in to scoutbook

     • Select the "home" icon

     • Select "my.Scouting Dashboard (Training)"

     • Under "Training Courses by Program", select "Cub Scouting"

     • Select the "Catalog" tab

     • Search for "hazardous weather", and follow the prompts.

     • Enjoy the training!

2. [Online or In-person] Cub Scout Den Leader & Assistant learning plan, via my.scouting.org

   • Total time: 125 minutes (reality check: plan for 3 hours to complete this course)

   • Course description: Training designed for Tiger Den Leader, Den Leader, Assistant Den Leader, Webelos and Assistant Webelos Leader.  It addresses many topics in one short video per topic, grouped in three main sections:

     • Before the first meeting (about 1 hour)

     • Before The First Outdoor Activity (about 1 Hour)

     • Earning your Training Strip (about 45 Min)

• • The completion of this training not only is required, but it is extremely helpful to run successful meetings

  • To take this course in-person, look at HOVC.org/training for upcoming sessions

  • To take this course on-line:

    • Sign in to scoutbook

    • Select the "home" icon

    • Select "my.Scouting Dashboard (Training)"

    • Under "Training Courses by Program", select "Cub Scouting"

    • Select the "Catalog" tab

    • Search for "den leader training", and follow the prompts.
      (Follow the same procedure to take the "hazardous weather" course)

    • Enjoy the training!

    • Step-by-step video to take this training: Position Specific training - Den Leader 

• [In-person] BALOO (Free -- 1.5 days)

  • You do not need to be a pack leader to attend this training.  All pack parents and leaders are encouraged to attend!

  • To take this course, look at HOVC.org/training for upcoming sessions

  • Course description: A day of fun and learning prepares adults to plan and carry out "entry-level" outdoor experiences.

    • A camp-out is a great way to have fun and build confidence in outdoor skills. This kind of camping isn't the rugged high adventure outing geared toward older Scouts BSA Scouts. It's what you might call "soft camping," where families can simply drive up to a campsite and pitch a tent within a few feet of their vehicle's rear bumper.

    • The emphasis is on family fun activities that don't require advanced outdoor skills.

    • The morning BALOO sessions include the why and how of Cub Scout camping—planning, equipment, meal preparation, and campfire programs.

    • In the afternoon, Cub Scouters rotate among four round-robin sessions—fire safety, stoves, and lanterns; first aid and sanitation; nature hikes and games; and cooking.

• [In-person+Zoom] Arrohattoc District Roundtable meeting (Free -- 1st Thursday of every month, in-person or via zoom)

  • Roundtable is a monthly program offered by districts that gives leaders hands-on experience and provides a forum for leaders to offer and receive help from their fellow Scouters. Roundtable is a form of supplemental training for volunteers.

  • The objective of Roundtable is to give leaders program ideas, information on upcoming events and training, and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders.

  • As a result of the roundtable experience, unit leaders will be inspired, motivated, informed, and able to provide a stronger program for their Scouts.

  • To participate in these sessions, look at Arrohattoc District Roundable website (also scheduled at the pack's calendar in scoutbook) for dates and location

• [Online] Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting (Free -- 30 min. via my.scouting.org)

  • Description: Diversity, equity, and inclusion work only if everyone is invited to participate and feels accepted for their uniqueness.

• [In-person] Woodbadge (about $325. per participant -- two weekends)

  • Wood Badge is an adult leader training reflecting the best of a century of Scouting experience.

  • Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country.

  • Wood Badge has been held worldwide since 1919 to provide advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders.

  • Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the Boy Scouts of America draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development. Scouters around the world recognize and bond over their Wood Badge experiences. 

  • To participate in this amazing training experience, look at HOVC.org/training for upcoming sessions.
    Some pack committee members are wood badge trained; feel free to ask them details about this training. 

• [In-person] Trainers' EDGE (Free -- 4 hours)

  • Trainer’s EDGE prepares leaders and trainers to deliver and lead exciting and engaging high-impact content and to be more confident and better-prepared presenters in a wide variety of contexts.

  • Content includes the EDGE method, facilitated discussions, experiential learning, engaging all audience members, virtual training, physical arrangement, creating and using effective PowerPoint presentations, team building, verbal and non-verbal communication, reflection, constructive feedback, and much, much more!

  • Trainer’s EDGE is an experiential-based learning and sharing experience.

• [In-person] HOVC Commissioners College ($30. -- 4 hours)

  • If you have just completed a tour as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or any other adult Scouter position and want to continue to service Scouting in a different capacity, consider becoming a Unit Commissioner.

  • A Unit Commissioner normally supports three units and draws on your experiences to help new leaders provide the Scouting program to their unit.

  • Unit Commissioners are the “behind-the-scenes” support that ALL units need.

  • Commissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America.

  • Included courses are recommended for:  Unit Leaders (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Explorers), Unit Commissioners, Roundtable Commissioners and Staff, District Commissioners and Assistant District Commissioners

• [Online] Baden Powell Institute (BPI) ($15.-$25.; course offered annual in February -- self-paced)

  • Anyone can participate, whether they are from Buckeye Council or not

  • Created by the Buckeye Council, Canton OH

  • Baden Powell Institute (BPI) is a premiere training event providing courses that spark innovation, imagination, and inspiration. 

  • By signing up for BPI Online, you'll gather with hundreds of adult leaders from across the country the day the course starts (around mid-February) and all spring-long on the virtual campus at LEADScouting.org

  • You’ll have access to the entire course catalog of 40+ classes and take part in live discussions with Scouters from across the country.

  • All BPI Online participants will receive a package in the mail prior to the event with their event patch(es) exclusive to BPI Online, a commemorative shoulder loop exclusive to BPI Online, and printed guidebook.

• [Online] REI courses (Free -- online or in-person at the store; see their calendar)

  • Pack 2831 does not endorse REI; we are simply adding the link to handy free courses they offer

  • From Camping Basics to Outdoor Survival Skills and everything in between

• [Online] Backpack cooking (Free - YouTube playlist)

  • Camp Cooking TV is a YouTube channel dedicated to making camp trips as enjoyable as possible.

  • Hosted by Christine and Tim Conners, authors of the world renowned 'Lipsmackin' Backpacking' series of books, Camp Cooking TV provides great recipes, offers valuable tips, and looks at gear that will improve your camp cooking experience.

• [Online] Cubmaster & Assistant learning plan, via my.scouting.org

• Total time: 117 minutes (reality check: plan for 3 hours to take this course)

• Course description: Position Specific training designed for the Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster, grouped in three main sections:

  • Before your First Outdoor Activity (about 1 hour)

  • Before your First Outdoor Meeting (about 1 Hour)

  • Earning your Training Strip (about 45 Min)

• The completion of this training not only is required, but it is extremely helpful to run successful meetings

• To take this course,

  • Sign in to scoutbook

  • Select the "home" icon

  • Select "my.Scouting Dashboard (Training)"

  • Under "Training Courses by Program", select "Cub Scouting"

  • Select the "Catalog" tab

  • Search for "cubmaster training", and follow the prompts.

  • Enjoy the training!

  • Step-by-step video to take this training: Position Specific training - Cubmaster 

Training for all committee members (Treasurer, Cubmaster, Committee Chairman, New members chair, Pack trainer, Outdoors activities chair, ...)

• [Online] Pack Committee Member Training learning plan, via my.scouting.org

• Total time: 53 minutes (reality check: plan for 1.5 hours to take this course)

• Course description: Position Specific training designed for the Pack Committee Member. The objective of this learning plan is to prepare leaders for conducting meetings as new leaders, grouped in three main sections:

  • Before the first meeting (about 1 hour)

  • Earning your Training Strip (about 15 Min)

  • Before The First Outdoor Activity (about 15 min)

• The completion of this training not only is required, but it is extremely helpful to run successful meetings

• To take this course,

  • Sign in to scoutbook

  • Select the "home" icon

  • Select "my.Scouting Dashboard (Training)"

  • Under "Training Courses by Program", select "Cub Scouting"

  • Select the "Catalog" tab

  • Search for "Pack Committee member training", and follow the prompts.

  • Enjoy the training!

  • Step-by-step video to take this training: Position Specific training - Pack Committee Member 

Training for the Pack Committee Chairman

• [Online] Pack Committee Chair Training learning plan, via my.scouting.org

• Total time: 116 minutes (reality check: plan for 3 hours to take this course)

• Course description: Position Specific training designed for the Pack Committee Chair. The objective of this learning plan is to prepare leaders for conducting meetings as new leaders, grouped in three main sections:

  • Before The First Outdoor Activity (about 15 min)

  • Before your First Pack meeting (about 1 hour)

  • Earning your Training Strip (about 1.5 hours)

• The completion of this training not only is required, but it is extremely helpful to run successful meetings

• To take this course,

  • Sign in to scoutbook

  • Select the "home" icon

  • Select "my.Scouting Dashboard (Training)"

  • Under "Training Courses by Program", select "Cub Scouting"

  • Select the "Catalog" tab

  • Search for "pack committee chair training", and follow the prompts.

  • Enjoy the training!

  • Step-by-step video to take this training: Position Specific training - Pack Committee Chair