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Leader Path: Cub Scout Leader Training Guide
Cub Scout Leader Training
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader and the Grand Canyon Council has an 100% Trained Leader Initiative that says all volunteers will be trained for their specific registered position. The first step in your training process is to create a My.Scouting.org Account. Please go to this link if you have any questions.
When am I Considered Trained?
Being a “trained” Cub Scout leader includes two main requirements: Youth Protection and position-specific training. You must do Youth Protection before sustained contact with youth in the program. Your goal should be to complete position-specific training within 90 days of taking your position.
(1) I . Youth Protection Training: All adults in ANY position in Scouting must complete Youth Protection training. Youth Protection is also highly recommended for any Scout parents or adults who may assist at the pack or den level, even if they are not registered. Youth Protection training must be completed every two years in order to remain valid. Training can be done online at My.Scouting.org. Learn more about Scouting’s Youth Protection guidelines and its barriers to abuse at www.Scouting.org/YouthProtection.
(2) II. Position-Specific Training: Each adult leader position in Cub Scouting has its own specialized training to get you on the fast track to leading an energetic group of Scouts! These basic training courses can be taken online at My.Scouting.org. See below for a list of position-specific training available for Cub Scout leaders.
Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster:
Den Leader:
Pack Committee Chair and Committee Members:
Why Get Trained?
Going through Cub Leader Training will:
- Save you time in the long run by reducing “discovery learning.”
- Give you access to helpful planning and organizing resources.
- Provide a common vocabulary with other Scout leaders so you can all communicate more effectively.
What’s Next?
Go beyond the basics to learn more about Scouting and how to be an effective Cub Scout leader! Some courses are available online while others are available in-person.
(1) I. Akela College and Baden-Powell University
Each Fall the Grand Canyon Council (GCC) holds face-to-face Fall Homecoming and Akela College for Den Leaders and Cubmasters. Here, they receive an annual program plan, resources, and valuable tips to become outstanding leaders. At the Spring Homecoming, the Council offers Baden-Powell University (BPU), supplemental training for adult Scout leaders. BPU offers diverse courses for all Scouting levels, whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned veteran. Discover engaging courses in Cubbing and general studies applicable to all Scouting programs. The Spring Homecoming also features our annual calendar reveal, so you can start making plans for next year’s program!
(2) II. Roundtables
We want you to feel supported the whole year round, so we offer monthly Roundtables. These virtual-only one hour sessions are heavily focused on leader-level breakouts. If you’re a Den Leader, you’ll get a refresher on the next month’s program activities and ideas on how to run them. If you’re a Cubmaster, you’ll hear from subject matter experts on a wide array of crucial items.
(3) III. Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
This weekend course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for those leaders who are interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help packs carry out a successful camping experience. Completion of BALOO is mandatory for at least one 21+ adult on any pack overnighter. In addition to standalone courses, BALOO may also be offered in conjunction with council Cub Scout overnight events—check the calendar for details!
(4) IV. E-Learning
Some courses are available in the e-Learning section of My.Scouting.org. A login is required, but anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA must provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. These include:
- CubCast—Monthly podcasts that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Leaders: https://podcast.scouting.org
- In addition to the courses listed above, leaders also have access to many BSA trainings designed to get your youth outside.
(5) V. Advanced-level Training—Wood Badge
Advanced-level training is available for Scouters who want to get the most out of their Scouting experience for the benefit of the youth they lead.
(6) VI. Get Recognized for Your Hard Work
Leaders who follow the BSA training system will not only provide the best Cub Scout program possible, they can also be recognized for their hard work with training awards. https://www.scouting.org/training/adult/
- Den Leader Training Award
- Scouter’s Training Award for Cub Scout Leaders
- Cubmaster Key
Exceptional service may be recognized by one of several council-level honors.
Why go beyond the basics?
- Meet like-minded Scouters from elsewhere in Council with great ideas that can support your program.
- Learn leadership, management, and planning skills that you can put to use outside of Scouting.
- Encounter diverse perspectives that push your thinking and grow your awareness.
A Cub Scout Leader’s Path
We know the information on the previous couple of pages is a LOT to take in. Below is a suggested timeline for Cub Scout Leader Development that balances getting you up to speed as quickly as possible with taking on a sustainable tempo of events.
0 Days—Youth Protection Training/1st Position-Specific Training Module: Online (MyScouting); YPT must be complete before sustained contact with youth. Each position training has a “Before First Meeting” module.
30 Days—GCC 3.0 Orientation Online: Council Learning Management System
60 Days*—Council Roundtable**: Online (Zoom); Held monthly, first Thursday, 7 PM, see Council Calendar for link.
90 Days*—Position-Specific Training Online: (My.Scouting) see “When am I Considered Trained?” for specific elements by position.
180 Days—Baden-Powell University: In-Person, typically in April/May; see Council Calendar for schedule.
1-2 Years—Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO): In-person; see Council Calendar for schedule and locations.
2-3 Years—(1) Lead a Roundtable Session: Coordinated through GCC Training / Roundtable Planner (2)Wood Badge: In-person; see Council Calendar for schedule
3-4 Years—Teach a Class at Baden-Powell University: Coordinate through GCC Training
Branch A—Scouts BSA Leader Service
If you became a Cub Scout Leader to support your child’s Cub Experience, this is probably the timeframe that they will transition to Scouts BSA. Consider volunteering with their troop to be a Committee Member or Assistant Scoutmaster. GCC has similar documents to this one that lay out training timelines for those positions.
Branch B—Council Role Service
Your experience to this point makes you ideally suited for a Council Role such as a Unit Coach or Council Committee member. Fill out the Volunteer Engagement Survey to explore some options!
*First attendance at this kind of event; ideally, leaders should attend these on a recurring basis.
** Online Roundtables are periodically supplemented with local in-person gatherings – consult your Unit Coach for details!