As the Pioneer District Training Chair, it’s my duty to fullfill the “Every boy deserves a Trained Leader” part. It’s my duty to offer training that is needed or that I see needed within the District. I have always thought, WHY CANCEL, a training. A Scouter friend of mine out in Southern Ohio who is a Program Chair has the same thoughts along the line of canceling courses. However, in this case it’s not because there isn’t enough. Say, class needs 10 and only 7 sign-up. Wood Badge needs 30 or the course is canceled, so I get that. The past several years our Council’s Wood Badge has been full at 56.
The photo is during the W1-492-11 Wood Badge course. It was during the first presentation/talk that I gave as Troop Guide to the very awesome BOBWHITE Patrol! You will notice that I have both thumbs up! It’s because they ROCK!
So, at this first of the year training for Pioneer, I have put together the normal Cubscout Specifics, Boyscout Specifics training. I also put on for the first time, Merit Badge Counselor, Charter Org Rep & District Committee trainings.
I have more sign-ups for the MBC & District. COR has one and CS/BS have none. I have interest from other Districts. I even had a LDS Stake President call me directly. Talk about a calling..(FYI: I am not LDS) I think that is HUGE!
So, I have just sent out an email to all the COR/CC/SM/CM letting them know that the two CS/BS classes will be canceled due to sign-ups at COB on Monday. I had let my thoughts be known to the DE & District Chair as well as the Program Chair. Which, they agree and understand.
I have directed the District Commissioner & the Commissioner Corp to reach out to each COR and explain the training date & invite them. It’s their job to do that. It will put a contact in the system for them. If they all come to the training, including the Unit Commissioners they will build up a bond and or strengthen it.
Overall, I do not like canceling. But, I do not want to waste the Trainer’s time either. I am not disheartened and I will schedule more and sooner.
I did get feedback for Den Chief & Troop Committee Trainings to put on. I have also contacted the Council Training Chair and asked for assistance in putting on a BALOO & OWLS course. Either for all the Cubscout Trainers so we can take it back to the Districts or hold one Council wide. I am also aware of our Council’s Trainer’s Edge course that is coming up soon. It’s basically for the Wood Badge Staff who have not taken it. I got a mini version since I went to Maui during that time. I will be telling those who have not taken Trainer’s Edge in the past three years to go. Which, if you follow the Training Times from National, a lot of training requirements have changed. They do have a Facebook page as well.
