Training for Leaders and Parents

Online Learning Center
The BSA Online Learning Center provides an easy alternative to complete courses. The courses are designed to help our parents and leaders improve their leadership skills and contribute to a quality scout program.  You DO NOT need a BSA number to take any of the courses.

Click here to link to the OLC

Click here for instructions on how to create an account on the OLC

Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training, or YPT, is the one class that must be taken by all parents and Scout leaders. This course has to be taken every 2 years. As a Scout leader we are responsible for reporting suspected child abuse to the proper state authorities. Part of the training given during YPT is how to recognize child abuse and the Boy Scouts of America policies for reporting child abuse. In addition, the class addresses the Boy Scout policies for preventing abuse by its leaders. This training is very important!
Once taken, print the certificate of completion and submit it to our Cubmaster.

These two courses are required for all positions including committee members.

Fast Start
Fast Start is a recording to provide introductory training to all Cub Scout leaders. It takes approximately one hour and contains helpful hints on such topics as running a den or pack meeting and planning activities for our scouts.

Cub Leader Basic Training
Cub Leader Basic Training is a program designed to help all new leaders learn the ropes of Cub Scouting and provide experienced leaders with the skills to work with boys at different levels. The course is held in September, October and March every year. The Training is offered as either two evening sessions or one all day session. The latter is usually held on a Saturday. Each session lasts a total of about four hours.

The sessions include a general program for all leaders followed by breakout sessions for specific leadership positions. The general program covers such subjects as uniform and BSA policies relating to Cub Scouts. The breakout sessions include such topics as how to run a den meeting and crafts that can be done at den meetings.

Additional Courses

B.A.L.O.O.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation is a one-day training event that introduces leaders and parents to the skills needed to plan and conduct pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping. The class usually occurs on a Saturday, from 9am to 5pm.

Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders
Designed specifically for Webelos den leaders and their assistants. This course teaches outdoor-related skills through demonstration and hands-on practice. Webelos den leaders should attend this training before conducting Webelos overnight camping with the boys and parents of the den. In addition to covering basic camping skills, this training features planning camp outs and finding resources. The class usually occurs on a Saturday, from 9am to 5pm.

Roundtable
Roundtable is a meeting at which the district publishes information to the packs in the area. They takes place on the third Thursday of every month. We would like our parents to attend one Roundtable meeting per year. The meeting begins at 7:00pm and runs for approximately one hour and a half. For meeting location, please visit the Sand Lake District website.

At the Roundtable meeting, the staff puts on a series of example skits and games relating to the scouting theme for the month. Many of the skits and songs performed at our pack meetings are based on ideas received at Roundtable.

In addition to the general session, breakout sessions are held for different levels of leaders, e.g. Webelos den leaders, pack administration, Wolf and Bear den leaders. In the breakout sessions, the staff and leaders exchange ideas about crafts and activities to do in den meetings to help the scouts earn their ranks.

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