How to Train a Leader Reflection Pt#4

There is just so much to know about being a Den Leader that it can really be daunting.   I so wish I was a Vulcan and could Mind-Meld with the incoming Den Leader.  One of the better sites, though a tad outdated in some of it’s listed requirements of Training, from Merit Badge.org.  This is outside the Planning Guides for the Pack & Den for lesson plans.

As it really stands now, the BSA considers the Den Leaders & Cubmaster as Direct Contact Leaders.  Not the Committee or Committee Chair. They need training.  Youth Protection Training is a fact and you cannot be a Leader without it.   This training is all about how to put on a program for the youth.  Right now, all online training will in the eyes of the BSA, will cover you to be considered “Trained” for your position.  There is no BALOO or OWLS online.  Training online is good for only one thing.  Getting some information to the person who needs it.  It is really just a basic introduction to Scouting.  Real Training needs to be in front of a skilled Scouter Trainer.  Someone who knows the position and has been through the fire.

Training is also ongoing.  Do you want a surgeon operating on you that has skills from when they graduated in 1975?  NO!  You want the latest info crammed into their head!  Same for Scouting.  On going training is University of Scouting, BALOO, OWLS and even Nap on Safely!

I have basically taken all the training that there is for Cubscout Leaders.  I have also taken First Aid, AED & CPR training from the Red Cross and recertified!  I also took Wilderness First Aid.  Now THAT is a very fun class!  I would suggest the Red Cross version over the WMI version only because it is $100 cheaper!

As part of my goal as Cubmaster, I worked to get my Den Leaders and Committee Members “TRAINED!”  They are, basically.  A few have taken it upon themselves to go to the University of Scouting for the past few years.  EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO!

That to me along with not getting people to BALOO & OWLS (outside my one Webelos II Den Leader who crossed over last year) was a big failure for me.   I generally believe that the Den Leaders are great people.  They DO their Best!  Between Family, Work, Scouts, Scout related meetings/outings and sports, they just were crunched for time.   As I have said, some made it.

The new Cubmaster is right now in the middle of the W1-492-13 Wood Badge Course.  To which, I think the program will greatly benefit from.  I am very happy that she is going.  The Pack is paying for her to go.  I paid for myself.

My hope for this Pack is that more Adult Leaders take In-Person Training.  That they take BALOO and OWLS.  That they all go to U of Scouting.

Up Next is “What I tell the New Den Leaders!”

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Wood Badge for the Deaf

Just watch and understand.  (If you view on Youtube you can see the captioning if set-up correctly)
I am just blown away by this.

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Beyond Gilwell

The past few days, I have thought about what Wood Badge teaches you.
I am reminded of the tenets of Wood Badge, which I have my Challenge Coin to help.

Bring the Vision to Life.
Leading to make a difference.
Models for success.
Living the Values.
Tools of the Trade.

The goal of Wood Badge, these days as I see it, is to find something you are passionate about that you can apply the SMART method to and get is accomplished.  However, what is important to you?  Is it based upon your current Scouting Position, your home life or within your employment?  It is all of those.

Earning your Beads, is a goal.  It’s not the END GOAL!  I have written about this before.  This is my last year as Cubmaster for Pack 221.  I am now the Pioneer District Training Chair.  What do I want to do going forward.

In the past couple of days and weeks, I have come up against several challenges to what I believe is my personal goal for the Pack, District and myself.   I have been reminded what it is all about.  It’s about the Youth.  It is also about my family and those around me.

What’s the benefit to me?  Is that selfish?  I do not think so.  Scoutmaster Clarke Green recently blogged about it.  I get that sentiment, perfectly.  I know of several Scouter’s recently who have told their Units that they are stepping down.  It was for the right reasons.  I also know several Scouter’s who have stepped down from District positions, again for the right reasons.

To me, it’s Family, Work, Unit, District and then Council that gets my attention.

I have done what Council has asked because it’s what I do.  The same for the District.  The Unit is more important above all.  My family overrules all things.  There are not excuses, but reasons of why I do things.  I try to guide myself by this.

While, I cannot do everything that I want to, I do what I feel will show my family the direction I want them to take.  Scouting allows me that opportunity to make it happen.

So, what is beyond Gilwell?  Do I follow those principles?  We all know the Scout Oath and Law or the Cubscout Promise & Law of the Pack.  Do we live it personally or do we pay it lip service?

It is a constant struggle.  I will leave you with this, that I found on Scoutermom.com.  I found this Cubmaster Minute in my research for the upcoming Pack Meetings.

Make a Difference to One

A man was walking along a beach with a friend. There had been a storm the night before and thousands of starfish were stranded on the beach, unable to get back to the water.

The man began picking up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean.

His friend said, “What are you doing? There are thousands of starfish on the beach. You can’t possibly get them all back in the water. Why waste your time? You won’t make a difference.”

The man looked at his friend, picked up a starfish, and threw it back into the ocean. All he said was, “I made a difference to that one.”

In our lives, we encounter many other people and have many chances to impact their lives. Don’t wait for opportunities to make a huge impact on the world. Do what you can in your own community, and you might make an difference on someone who really needs it.

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Quail Forever!

March 19th & 20th were the beadings of Ken and Andy. They are my Peeps of the Bobwhite Patrol of the Woodbadge Course W1-492-11 in Cascade Pacific Council.  I am very proud of these Bobwhites for many different reasons.  There are a total of 6 Bobwhites within the Patrol.  Russ is slated for June and Barry is slated for April Beading Ceremonies.  The other two Bobwhites are close behind.

Every participant has their own story to write.  I am proud that I got to follow their story.  One great thing is with all the beadings that I get to go to, is to see how other Scout Units hold Arrow of Light and Court of Honor ceremony.  It’s the reflection of how each unit honors their Scouts and Leaders.  Scouting is very fun.  I look forward to having the whole Covey beaded!

Quail Forever!

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Working the Tickets

Today, on Leap Year no less, I was notified by two Bobwhites that they are done with their tickets.  On Monday of this week I got my first notice that one was done as well.  Now, I pretty much knew that they were close.  A good Troop Guide keeps tabs on his Peeps, er Patrol.

The Bobwhites are from the W1491-11 Course in the Cascade Pacific Council.  There are six Bobwhites within the Patrol.  They are all great men and I count them as friends.  Yes, some of them do follow this blog and friend me on Facebook and Google+.  I do get to see some of them around the Council and even bumped into one of their wives.

I have reached out to several of them for help within my own Scouting career and asked for advice.  Just because I am a Troop Guide, does not mean I know it all.  If I did, you all should run away.

Today was a good day within the world of Scouting.  Our course has been over for about nine months.  We have nine months to go and half of the Patrol have completed their tickets.  I am proud of them all.

I am a Beaver and a good ol Beaver too.  But I am a proud Troop Guide of Bobwhites!  They are my Peeps!

+++++++++++++++++A note about Wood Badge++++++++++++++++++++

Wood Badge courses are given throughout the United States of America and in Council’s overseas.  If you have gone through Wood Badge, you understand what it can and will do for you, your Scout Unit and your life. If you do not know what Wood Badge is or what it can do for you, please contact your local Wood Badger.  Hopefully they can tell you what it did for them.  Wood Badge can change lives. It can make you closer to your family and help save your Scout Unit.  I have seen it happen.

I will say that before you go to Wood Badge, that you should avail yourself to any and all of the training that Scouting has to offer.  Whether you take it online or in person at a Pow-wow, Program & Training Conference or University of Scouting or other District event, get trained.  You will understand your position and how Scouting is supposed to work before you get to Wood Badge.

Wood Badge isn’t Lean Six Sigma. LSS is highly boring and in my estimation helps people find faults and figures how to get rid of them.  Wood Badge helps you find what you love or what you want to correct and/or enhance and puts you to work.  It’s not boring, it’s Fun!

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Trainer’s EDGE

   On Saturday Feb 18th, I was finally able to get fully trained in “The Trainer’s EDGE“.  I was supposed to have it last year for the 2011 Wood Badge course, but I was with my family in Maui.
With all the training/meetings that I had to get ready to be a Troop Guide for Wood Badge, I was certified for the course.  It is also one way that I got to this training this year since I told my wife I missed it due to our vacation.

The training itself is valid for three years.  Outside of that, it’s valuable training.  I mainly took it because I should have last year.  I also took it because as the District Training Chair, I should have it.  It’s like being fully Trained to be a ScoutMaster.  If your going to be IT, you need the training.  Now, I can say that I am fully trained for my position.

The other reason I took it is because I can always use this type of feedback on how I present myself and trainings that I do.  It’s not just useful within the Scouting world, but also within my Corporate life.

So, what did I learn.  I learned that I need to take the conversation from my head, get it onto paper and practice, practice, practice.  Then give it to a group before the main presentation and then reflect, modify and practice.  What I think is good, isn’t that good in the end.

I gave two presentations during the training.  One was about the Training Area and the second was about patches.  The latter I had time before class to think up and produce.  The first one was given to us during the training.  The five minute talk I gave about this subject was better delivered and given than the one I had time to prepare about.  That was a great lesson.

I am including the PPT as a PDF so people can see it.  I have a lot to do to refine it down.  I am actually taking out the National Outdoor Award info from it.  Reason being, I am not in Boy Scouts , but in Cub Scouts and know that program a lot better.  I am also going to revise what is said on the screen.  Less is more and more is not good.

Overall, Trainer’s EDGE is a valuable course and one that should be taken if you find yourself up in front of people. No matter if they are Scouts or non-Scouts.

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Why I became the Training Chair

I have technically been the District Training Chair since June 2nd when I signed the Application and gave it to my District Exec.  So, what radical changes or changes have been made.  None.  I am at the beginning of seeing what is what and how things work.  I am the new guy within the District.   Before I became the Training Chair, I sent a couple of emails saying this should happen and that should happen and why isn’t that happening.  While I didn’t get an earful, I did get an education of why.  Which was great.

So what do I do now that I am a Training Chair?  I have to educate myself on what classes are out there, who needs them, who my training team is, what powers I have within my position and what are my goals.
Step one: Educate myself.  I have already sworn that I will take every class that is offered.  I need to know what and how they are taught.  This stems from BALOO to ITOLS.  Also includes Den Chief and Merit Badge Counselor as well.  Why, because I will get questions on why a Scouter needs it.  I will also need it because I plan on moving on after my son crosses over.

Step Two: Who needs Training.  That would be everyone within a Leadership, Committee or Direct Contact position.

Step Three & Four: Who is my training team.  Many people have already come up to me and said that they would like to be and that they will help as needed.   These are Scouters who have helped put on trainings before. AWESOME!  I had a great conversation with the acting Chair and he explained a lot of who is who.  I have also found out that it is within my power via the District Chair and Exec that I can designate those as Trainers if I see fit.

Step Five: What are my goals.
Right now, I want to keep it simple.  Keep what is planned on the books and make it happen.
What I would like to see as what our District offers is seperate class offerings of BALOO, OWLS & ITOLS during the year.   I would like to also offer training within Roundtable nights.  Den Chief, AED, CPR, Weather Hazard, How to fill out a Tour Plan & WHY.  Who is your UC and why should we care?  Journey to Excellence….

So, why did I take on the District Training Chair while I am still the Cub Master, or just take it on.  To me, it was my chance to figure out and see why these courses were not offered.  I did not and do not have an issue with anyone within the District.  I like everyone. ( I say that publically since I know several of the District people read this blog).  I also figured that my life beyond Cub Master is being paved now.  I have till March 2013 until my Son crosses over into Boy Scouts.  This position will allow me to take a break from Unit Leadership and step back and learn more about the Troop he goes into.  Will I get on the Committee or be a MBC or ASM within that Troop. Yes.  But, I am taking my time to learn about them.

I also took on this position because I like training.  It’s what I do at my day job.  The more I can learn about something, the better I am in helping those who are in my Unit as others within Scouting.  With the Vaccum of no BALOO or OWLS within our District many Leadership Knots cannot be awarded.  This includes the Webelos Den Leader Knot.  Which, if a WDL has put in the time and effort to complete all the other requirements but cannot attain OWLS training, then we as a District and Council have failed.  OWLS should really be taken by the Bear DL before they move into being Webelos DL.

So, what is my planning of what I would like to see how training is planned out for the year?
Sept: ITOLS
October is all Training needed for the position & YPT.  It’s a Super Saturday that is already in place.
Novemember. Our Council is changing from a Cubsout Pow-wow to a Program & Training Conference for Cub, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Venturing, Sea Scouts and OA format.  So, Promote that.
December: BALOO/OWLS.  Super Weekend of both Yes, do it in Dec. Early enough so it won’t conflict with Football Playoffs and Christmas vacations.
January/Feb ITOLS
April/May: BALOO/OWLS Super Weekend of both.

Having BALOO/OWLS together makes sense at this point.  BALOO would be first and those who just want that, can leave after it’s complete.  The OWLS will be after that and people can register for both.  This will allow for those who have taken BALOO to skip it and head directly to OWLS.

Why is BALOO/OWLS important at a Pack level.  I get ITOLS importance.  The main reason is that Boy Scouts main function is to CAMP & HIKE.  They are not in a gym doing crafts like their little brothers in blue.  They put the OUT in scOUTing.   If you have a robust Pack program via Den Leaders that gets the boys OUTSIDE, awesome.  If you don’t this is why.

Being BALOO trained will help the Pack understand that CAMPING is available to the Tiger, Wolf and Bears.  Yes, they have to CAMP AS A PACK for them to go out. Webelos can camp on their own.  Promoting Camping as a Pack does count for earning requirements and other badges.  However, it will help the new parents and parents in general to be aware of the Council Camp Properties.  If you are able to reserve them, the parents will see where the boys go in the summer.  It will also provide a better understanding as to how a Council operates and what is offered at that level.

It will help the parents to understand what the Popcorn and FOS money is used for.  You must give a tangible benefit to those who generally are not invested within the program.  If you do not, they will not donate or participate more.  The parents are generally there for THEIR son.  Not yours.  So is their pocketbook.  Once you give that tangible benefit to the parents, they get more invested.  Maybe not to what you are looking for, but it’s at a deeper level than before.  Am I saying that Training will lead to a better FOS year? Nope.  It could though.  What I am saying is that providing the avenue to learn more will increase the fun of each boy/girl within a unit.  It will create more fun for families who participate in Pack Camping events.   Which in turn will increase better memories for all.

At the Pack level Camping really is a family event and not so much within the Pack itself. (My Pack, maybe not yours and maybe others don’t camp as well). Yes, we have had overnights at a camp property for Arrow of Light, but that’s it.  There is also a Council Family Camp twice a year.  We have done it once.  It’s Family and not PACK. So no Tour Plan/BALOO is needed.   In Boy Scouts, it’s camping all the time.  Parents have been in the Scouting world for awhile and understand this.  Not so much in Cub Scouts.  So, there is a learning curve.  If you can introduce the idea and start Pack Camping, then the value of training is recognized and fullfilled.  If you don’t, then why train?

Overall, the reason to go to training is to provide a great program and be that person to help create a program within the unit.  If you don’t care about the program, don’t train.  Don’t train, don’t volunteer.  Don’t volunteer, don’t care.  It’s as simple as that.  I care about the program and I have gotten trained so I can continue to volunteer.

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Catch the Leadership Dream

During Wood Badge there were several people who were video taping.  It was a great thing.  This is our opening activity which set the stage for the whole course.  All the Troop Guides participated and it was completely awesome.  The Troop Guides went back and forth a few times on the delivery, but from the beginning of when we first met, we were on fire.

Watching it really takes me back, but it still holds true to what I believe.

(You might want to click on the video and open it at the youtube website since it’s kinda squished in this blog)

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The Wood Badge Song

In a Linkedin forum, someone posted their Cubscout version of the great song.  The School is Gables, hence that name.  But wanted to post it here for fun.  I might alter it for my use.  If there is a way to sing, let’s do it!

I used to be a Tiger
A good old Tiger too!
But now I’ve finished Tigering,
And I know what to do.
I’ve done all my Achievements
And can Tiger no more,
So, I’m going to be a Webelos yes I am!

Back to Gables, happy Land!
I’m going to be a Webelos yes I am!

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A Course to remember

I am still coming down, if ever from being a Troop Guide at W1-492-11 in the Cascade Pacific Council.  This was my first time on staff.  You will only have a one first time for anything.  I have 18 new and very cool friends. Some are closer than others.  I met many of them on the WE1-492-09 course, but they were people I knew who were at Wood Badge.  The rest, I met here.  Every person on staff is special in their own way. To say that you know it all and that’s why you come to be on staff, is falling very short.  Just because you get your two beads does not mean you know it all.  You get why Wood Badge is special and you use the tools given to you in your everyday life, work and in your Scouting career.  To be on staff, no matter how many times, you always learn something new.  That was the case with W1-492-11. Seasoned veterans of Wood Badge learn something each course.
It was said several times during this course, that there was something very special happening.  Myself and others on staff felt it.  Granted I had nothing to compare except the 2009 course when I went through.  But, I felt it.  We as a Staff and all the Participants came together quickly and had a lot of fun.  The normal forming, norming, storming and performing happened, but it was quicker.
If, you ever think that you do not have enough time for Wood Badge, think again.  It’s not all about telling critter jokes and who has a better critter than the other.  It’s about coming together, finding what is personal to you, what your values are, what you stand for and making it happen.  I am a Beaver, the Troop Guide to the Bobwhites, a Wood Badger and a Scouter.  Most of all, a friend to all.
I made some pretty deep connections to both staff and participants during this time.  I will cherish them all.  These connections happened late at night at the Male Troop Guide Shack, the late night Scribe Shack session, Staff Development & at Staff Meetings on course. Finally, sharing an experience in just sitting at the campfire bowl watching a Beaver swim across the lake getting branches to build the lodge….in the rain waiting silently for the Troop.

Make your connection where ever you go…….it will only make you richer in ways you never ever thought.

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