Volunteer: Become Involved!

First Steps to Getting Involved...

1. Complete the Adult Interest Form.

2. Talk to the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, or the Committee Chair about your willingness to help.

3. Discuss which role would best fit your talents and comfort level.

4. Fill out the Application form.

5. Take the "Safeguarding Youth training" course at myscouting.org 

6. (you will need to create an account)

   1. Print the training certificate and submit to the Scoutmaster.

7. Complete the Background Checks, per the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law. https://scoutingphilly.org/leaders/palaw/

Participate on Camping Trips

• Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

• Help out with fulfilling two-deep leadership.

• Have a great time!

Merit Badge Counselor

1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

2. Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Application.

3. Review additional information on the BSA Website.

Committee Member

1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

2. In addition to the Youth Protection Training at myscouting.org:

   1. Online Troop Committee Training

3. Print and submit the Training Certificates to the Committee Chair

Assistant Scoutmaster

1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

2. In addition to the Youth Protection Training at myscouting.org:

   1. Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster online Training

3. Print and submit the Training Certificates to the Scoutmaster

4. Register and attend the following training courses organized and scheduled by the Council (check website for schedules):

   1. Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training

      1. Training

   2. IOLS - Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

      1. (usually runs from Friday evening until noon Sunday)

5. Submit photocopies of all training certificates earned.

Additional Training Opportunities Include (but not limited to)

1. Wilderness Remote First Aid

2. Wood Badge 

Check out the COLBSA website for more training opportunities!

Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed a new law known as the Child Protective Services Law. The intent of this law is to protect the youth of Pennsylvania. All youth serving organizations

 within the Commonwealth are covered under this new law. Volunteers, registered and unregistered, in the Cradle of Liberty Council are affected in two ways; we are mandated child abuse reporters and required to provide background check clearances. https://scoutingphilly.org/leaders/newleader/

• Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (SP4-164)

• (No Cost for Volunteers)

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (CY113)

•  (No Cost for Volunteers)

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check

• Log and upload documentation with BSA Cradle of Liberty Council

• https://scoutingphilly.org/leaders/palaw/ 

• Documentation is to be scanned and emailed to the Troop:

• troop1.youthprotection@gmail.com

Cradle of Liberty Council Child Protective Services Information: 

https://scoutingphilly.org/leaders/newleader/ 

Child Abuse Reporting Portal: www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

Wait!... I still have a few questions. Background Check Information

Parent Action Items

• Volunteer to help with small defined tasks. 

• Ask a leader if they need help.

• Ask the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair about the needs of the Troop. 

• Follow the advice we give the Scouts... Do your best. If that includes getting trained then get trained.

• Remain positive and look for ways to improve the program - turn problems into solutions. We are not perfect and we will never perfect. So don't expect perfect, expect honest effort.

• Encourage other parents to help. Work as a team with projects that need attention.