BSA National Pike District

In support of the council’s Strategic Plan of having every Scout led by a trained leader, the executive board of the Baltimore Area Council has announced new training requirements for 2008 – 2011.

In 2008, all Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, and Crew Advisors are required to complete the basic training for their position before the council will renew their unit’s charter.

In 2009, this training requirement will be expanded to include the Committee Chair of each unit.

In January 2010, all newly registered “direct contact” leaders, age 21 and over, must complete the basic training for their position by the unit’s re-chartering date or the council will not register that person in that position.

In January 2011, any 18, 19, and 20-year old Assistant Scoutmasters must complete training by the year of their 21st birthday.

• “Direct contact” leaders for Cub Scout Packs include: Tiger Cub Den Leaders, Cub Scout Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, and Assistant Cubmasters.
   
• “Direct contact” leaders for Boy Scout Troops include: Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.
   
• “Direct contact” leaders for Venture Crews include: Venture Crew Advisors and Associate Crew Advisors.

This training requirement would not apply to existing leaders unless they change their position after January. Limited exceptions may be considered by the Council Training Chair based on individual circumstances. Our hope is that over the next four to five years, as we train all of our new leaders coming into our organization, we will realize our goal of having every Scout led by a trained leader.

National BSA studies have shown that on that, on the whole, Scout units led by trained leaders present a higher-quality program that retains boys longer in Scouting. This is key to our council’s long-range plan, which calls for retaining boys longer so as to have a positive impact on their values and character.