If you read this or any of the blogs I link to, you’ll see that all these Leaders are committed to and are passionate about training. Without proper training the job of a Leader can’t be done properly. As I’ve said before, I haven’t been the best at completing my training in the past, due to a combination of factors, not least the fact that I was being somewhat lazy. After I got the proverbial kick up the backside from our District Chairman, I got myself sorted and now fully intend to keep up to date.
At the weekend our Assistant Scout Leader went to the District’s training surgery to see what he needed to do. We had a chat after our Scout meeting on Tuesday and he was feeling a bit confused as to why he had to go on a weekend long course sometime in the middle of next year to complete a couple of the modules.
The Scout Association’s current training scheme is a modular one and you only complete the modules relevant to your role, and to quote from the training section on Scoutbase
The scheme recognises prior learning, experience and existing knowledge of adults. It is not necessary for adults to attend training if they can clearly show that they are able to meet module objectives by demonstrating their skills in their Scouting role.
As our ASL had been all through Cubs, Scout, Ventures and had been a Leader in the past, he was left wondering why he had to learn something he already knew! So I gave the training advisor a ring and it seemed a few wires had got crossed! Therefore after our camp next weekend, the ASL and I are going to sit down and dig out the proof of the things he’s done. It’s a good thing I’m a bit compulsive of taking photographs at any event we do! I will also write out a witness statement to say he’s done these things and along with the photos and discussion with the trainer, the modules will be signed off. There will be modules he will have to complete in training sessions, but these are new areas to him.
So our ASL will complete his training much quicker, he’ll get his Wood Badge and the Group has another fully trained Leader which will show dividends in the Scout’s programme.
Job’s a good ‘un as we say!