Basic Training for Adults

There is the need to have specific training prior to becoming involved as an Assistant Scout Master, Merit Badge Counselor or committee member. Under BSA policy, to be considered an Assistant Scout Master (ASM) you must have completed the following: Youth Protection, Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster Specific Training and Intro to Outdoor Leadership Skills.

The following training is available online at www.myscouting.org, under E-Learning:

• Youth Protection Training is required by all adults accompanying scouts on any scouting activities. This training must be taken every two years.
• Boy Scout Leader Fast Start is a program designed to help you get up and running as a Boy Scout leader. You'll find out about the Boy Scout program and the specific responsibilities of your job, be it Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or many of the other positions available to adult leaders.
• This is Scouting is a training session that replaces New Leader Essentials. It picks up when Fast Start leaves off with six modules of training: The Mission of Scouting, Programs for All ages, Scouting Is Fun, Scouting in the Community, Keeping Our Youth Safe, and Scouting’s Legacy.

In addition to the three online classes, ASM training requires:

• Scoutmaster Specific Training is a one-day classroom session devoted to the role of the Assistant Scoutmaster.
• Intro to Outdoor Leadership Skills is an overnight classroom/campout session.

To find the schedule and register for these classes:

1. Go to the Golden Empire Council web site (http://www.gec-bsa.org), and select Program > Training.
2. On the GEC Training page, click Adult Training to access the GEC training schedule. Note: Classes listed on the training schedule may be planned, but it does not necessarily mean they are open for registration.
3. Once you have identified the class(es) you want to take, go the Golden Empire Council web site (http://www.gec-bsa.org), and click on Event Registration. Look for the scheduled training, and if it is listed, register for it through Event Registration. If it is not listed, this means it has not yet been finalized. Follow up with the Council Training Chair listed on the training schedule to find out more information.

To view your BSA-recorded training:

1. Log onto www.myscouting.org.
2. In the left navigation pane, click Training Validation.
3. Click All Training, enter your BSA Member ID, then click Search. A table showing your recorded training displays.

Important Changes to the Boy Scouts of America's
Youth Protection Training Policies

Recently, the Boy Scouts of America announced important changes to its Youth Protection policies. The purpose of these changes is to increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting.

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent's Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.