Volunteer: Become Involved!

How Can You Help?... Volunteer!... Become a Trained Leader!

Parents are the lifeblood of our troop. In Troop 1 Abington, we aim to include ALL parents. Without them, our program would be limited and our Scouts would be missing out on the fun.

It is very easy to get involved and even become a Trained Leader in our troop. For Committee Members, all the required training can be taken online - so you can take the training at your own pace.

Some of the training includes camping experiences that follow the same format as a scout camping weekend. Training courses can be a great experience, and offer opportunities to meet other adult leaders from across the Council.

First Steps to Getting Involved...

  1. Complete the Adult Interest Form.

  2. Talk to the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, or the Committee Chair about your willingness to help.

  3. Discuss which role would best fit your talents and comfort level.

  4. Fill out the Application form.

  5. Take the "Youth Protection Training" course at myscouting.org

  6. (you will need to create an account)

    1. Print the training certificate and submit to the Scoutmaster.

  7. Complete the Background Checks, per the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.

Participate on Camping Trips

  • Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

  • Help out with fulfilling two-deep leadership.

  • Have a great time!

Merit Badge Counselor

  1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

  2. Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Application.

  3. Review additional information on the BSA Website.

Committee Member

  1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

  2. In addition to the Youth Protection Training at myscouting.org:

    1. Fast Start: Boy Scouting

    2. Troop Committee Challenge

  3. Print and submit the Training Certificates to the Scoutmaster

Assistant Scoutmaster

  1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.

  2. In addition to the Youth Protection Training at myscouting.org:

    1. Fast Start: Boy Scouting

  3. Print and submit the Training Certificates to the Scoutmaster

  4. Register and attend the following training courses organized and scheduled by the Council (check website for schedules):

    1. Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training

      1. (runs 8:30am - 4pm on a Saturday)

    2. IOLS - Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

      1. (usually runs from Friday evening until noon Sunday)

  5. Submit photocopies of all training certificates earned.

Additional Training Opportunities Include (but not limited to)

  1. Wilderness Remote First Aid

  2. Wood Badge for the 21st Century

Check out the COLBSA and Washington District websites for more training opportunities!

Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed a new law known as the Child Protective Services Law. The intent of this law is to protect the youth of Pennsylvania. All youth serving organizations

within the Commonwealth are covered under this new law. Volunteers, registered and unregistered, in the Cradle of Liberty Council are affected in two ways; we are mandated child abuse reporters and required to provide background check clearances. http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/

Cradle of Liberty Council Child Protective Services Information:

http://www.colbsa.org/news-and-information/news-and-information/pa-child-protective-services-law.html

Child Abuse Reporting Portal: www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

Wait!... I still have a few questions. Background Check Information

Parent Action Items

  • Volunteer to help with small defined tasks.

  • Ask a leader if they need help.

  • Ask the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair about the needs of the Troop.

  • Follow the advice we give the boys... Do your best. If that includes getting trained then get trained.

  • Remain positive and look for ways to improve the program - turn problems into solutions. We are not perfect and we will never perfect. So don't expect perfect, expect honest effort.

  • Encourage other parents to help. Work as a team with projects that need attention.