Training

Hello, my name is Jon Smith; I serve as the Gulf Ridge Council’s Training Chairman. The Boy Scouts of America is fundamentally about leadership. It’s about prepared adult leaders who prepare youth leaders for the future. My message to you then, whether you’re a Scout or a Scouter, is a simple one and that is “Those who seek to lead should not cease to learn.”

So, I ask, “Are you trained?” If you’re not trained, why not? What’s stopping you? The trainers in this council serve to serve you in your training needs. Seek them out and step forward to continue your learning.

James E. West, the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, was asked in the early days of Scouting to identify the three most important needs for the new Scout organization. After careful thought, Mr. West responded, “Training, more training, and still more training.” Mr. West saw that training is the bedrock on which this organization would advance. So, I ask again, “Are you trained?”

To the adult Scouter:
I encourage you to instill in yourself the notion that “Every youth deserves a well-trained leader.” The hallmark of a Scout leader in our council today should be that he or she is well-trained. The Gulf Ridge Council has the training for your Scouting needs. Search through this website for information on the training you need. I am always available as a resource to help you get the training you need.

You should view your training experience as occurring on four levels: the "O.B.S.A." training continuum.
Orientation training comes first and should be delivered within the first 24 to 48 hours after a leader agrees to serve in a Scouting position. Orientation consists of the Fast Start training for each program, which can be completed online, or in a one-to-one or small group training environment.

Basic training is comprised of "New Leader Essentials" and the position-specific training course for the particular Scouting role; this may include outdoor leadership skills.

Supplemental training can occur throughout the year with training segments at District Roundtables and at specific courses like BALOO, the Trainer Development Conference, or at a major training event like Baden-Powell University.
Advanced training refers to Wood Badge, the premier leadership training course of Scouting.

Lastly, I suggest to you that you should “walk the talk”. If you believe in the Scouting movement and are instilled with the desire to teach the youth of our council how to be leaders and good citizens, then you need to prepare yourself for that task. That is done through training. I wouldn’t ask it of you unless I would do it myself. I joined Scouting as a Scouter in 1992 as an Assistant Cubmaster and have, ever since then, made training an integral part of my commitment to serve. I ask that you do the same.

My contact information is on the council web site. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns.

Yours In Scouting,

Jon Smith