Fast Start Training

When new leaders are selected in Cub Scouting, it is essential that they receive immediate information that will help them get started. Proper training lays the groundwork for success in their leadership roles. This training will help new leaders understand what is expected and establish effective meeting patterns so that the boys and their families can enjoy a quality program from the start.

As the first step in the training continuum, Fast Start Training is meant to provide all the information and resources for new leaders. Self-study, rather than group training, is the preferred method for Fast Start Training. This gives the new leader the opportunity to learn at his or her own pace. Fast Start Training can be accomplished online at http://olc.scouting.org/

New Leader Essentials

New Leader Essentials is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.  It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 90-minute training session.  Ideally, all unit-based volunteers—Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders—take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve.  Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once. This training is usually offered twice a year in Metro Lakes District, however leaders may attend any New Leaders Essential Training at any District within the Northern Star Council.

Leader Specific Training

Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the BSA's values-based program, he or she can begin training for a specific Scouting position through Leader Specific training.  This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role.  Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies. This training is usually offered twice a year in Metro Lakes District, however leaders may attend any New Leaders Essential Training at any District within the Northern Star Council.

Youth Protection Training

Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has for the problem of child abuse in our society, the Youth Protection program has been developed to help safeguard both our youth and adult members. Published and videotaped materials have been prepared to give professionals and volunteers information on the resources available for educating our membership about child abuse - how to avoid it, how to identify it, and how to deal with it. These materials and local council training programs are designed to give parents and their children basic information that will increase their awareness and sense of personal power to assist in their own self-protection. This training is at various times and locations at District and Council level however, the growing trend has been tom complete this requirement through the BSA online.

In addition, being a part of a Catholic Organization chartered Pack, the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St Paul requires VIRTUS training for ALL adult volunteers working with youth.  If you have completed Youth Protection Training, the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul will consider you VIRTUS trained.  Click here for a copy of the letter.

University of Scouting

The University of Scouting is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult volunteer Scouters in the  Northern Star Council.  Three colleges support the program.  The College of Adventure (Venturing), College of Boy Scouting and College of Cub Scouting.  All three offer unit and district Scouters enhanced training opportunities beyond Basic Leader Training. Scout Leaders and Training Teams will find challenges among the courses offered. Northern Star Council offers the University of Scouting annually.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

Basis Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, more commonly referred to by it's acronym BALOO, is a full day course designed for all new Cub Scout leaders and parents of Cub Scouts. This training is designed to provide the initial and basic information adults need to successfully take a Pack overnight camping. As such, it is designed to focus on the requirements for boys of Cub Scout age, giving each trainee information on equipment, health and safety, first aid, campfires, locating campsites, outdoor cooking, and much more.  BALOO "must" be taken by whoever is running a Pack campout and is offered through out the Northern Star Council at different time of the year.

Outdoor Webelos Leader Training (OWL)

Webelos Leader Outdoor Training (WLOT) is the current name; formerly known and still commonly referred to as Outdoor Webelos Leader Training (OWL), focuses on teaching the new Webelos Leader how to prepare for, plan and run a quality outdoor event for Webelos aged Scouts. Conducted in an outdoor environment, the course can be either an all day event or may include an overnight campout. Webelos Leader Outdoor Training builds on information taught in BALOO and gives more detailed and hands-on information on equipment, health and safety, first aid, campfires, locating campsites, outdoor cooking, and much more. Basically, WLOT goes into more specifics for running a WEBELOS DEN campout. It also goes into the outdoor activity badges.

Wood Badge Training

Reflecting the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience, the course draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful outdoor organizations throughout the country. This new version builds on the best traditions and experiences of Wood Badge, but also draws from a wide range of sources within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.   The Wood Badge Training is a full weekend course and carries a heft registration fee, contact pack leadership for more information, dates, and times.