REPRINTED FROM A FLYER DISTRIBUTED AT THE 2010 DENVER AREA COUNCIL SCOUT SHOW:

Mandatory Training is Coming! You’ve heard the rumors. What is the real story about requiring Scout leaders to be trained?

What is the mandates?
1. A National Council requirement which has been successfully tested in other Councils.
2. Primary Unit Leaders must be fully trained by December 21, 2011.
3. ALL Direct Contract Leaders must be fully trained by December 31, 2012.
4. Units not meeting these requirements will not be allowed to recharter.
5. Why is this happening?
6. Units with fully trained leaders have a higher youth retention rate year after year.
7. New leaders need support and guidance to provide the full benefits of the program.
8. Every scout deserves a trained leader.

What does it mean to be “fully trained?”
1. Fast Start
2. This is Scouting (or New Leader Eseentials Training)
3. Youth Protection Training
4. Leader Specific Training for the position you hold (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Den Leader, Webelos Leader, Venture Crew Leader, Varsity Coach)
5. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is required for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Varsity Coaches and Assistant Varsity Coaches.

How will we get the Council Training Records updated and training gaps filled?
1. Bring training records up to date
2. Unit Commissioners will provide each unit a report showing current Council Training Records.
3. Units will have the opportunity to verify those records and turn them in through their Unit Commissioner and/or District Training Chairman.
4. This update must be completed by December 31, 2010.
5. After that date, any training noted as incomplete will have to be completed online or in an official training class, as appropriate.

Which classes are available through the Online Learning Center?
1. Fast Start
2. This is Scouting
3. Youth Protection Training
4. Effective June 1, 2010 Cub Scout Leader-Position Specific
5. Boy Scout Leader Specific will be available online in late 2010

Which courses are offered in a classroom setting?
1. All Leader Specific and Outdoor Skills classes will continue to be offered in person.
2. Effective for classes on or after August 15, 2010, there will be no charge for classroom based Leader specific classes. Participants will download the class materials rather than receiving a paper copy. There will be a nominal fee to cover cost of materials, food, etc.