Progress Record for Scoutmaster Training Award

[nwscouttrainer]

Hi,

 

I was asked the following question...

If a scoutmaster went through all the required training as it existed in the early 1990's, but never filled out the progress award application to get his knot, could he do so today, given that the current progress training award says:

 

1) Complete Boy Scout Fast Start training

2) Complete New Leader Essentials

3) Complete Leader Specific Training for your position

4) Complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (for

Scoutmasters and assistants)

 

According to this leader, he never applied for the knot because back then, Council required that someone else complete and submit it for you on your behalf. You simply did not fill it out yourself. I have only been in scouting since 2002 and have never seen any of the paperwork that existed prior to that time.

 

Thanks for any info on this.

 

Paula Ball

 

[Bob White]

That would be up to your Training Committee Chair to decide. The procedure is no different today than it was in the 1990's. The leader at that time, as now, has a form that they can carry with them to various events (the knot requires more than just the training courses) that qualify for the recognition requirements and get them signed as they participate. Once the requirements are met the card is signed by the District Training Chair and sent in to the office council for recording.

 

I know this process has not changed since the late 70's.

 

I would not be surpised if the local training committee chair would want the leader to complete the current courses and events, unless he can produce documentation to show that all the requirements were met in the past.

[GMitch]

As Bob White said it takes more than just the training to earn the award. One must do 5 of the performance items to be qualified, as well as have 2 years of tenure as a registered adult leader. Using older tenure dates is well justified in earning this award, as tenure to earn most other awards need to be different dates than the tenure to earn this one. Also, the requirements you listed make no mention of Youth Protection training (not that it is very difficult), and that is only good for 2 years. He would have to do that to be qualified, even if the old training dates were accepted.

 

Here is a good link on the Scouter's Training Award. This includes requirements, as well as the little cut out form Bob mentioned. Hope this helps.

http://www.usscouts.org/awards/scoutertraining1.asp

[nwscouttrainer]

Actually, the training is the only thing in question, and then, only in how it compares to today's training as far as the requirement for the award goes. I actually do have proof that the individual completed Scoutmaster's Fundamentals back in 1998 and have since learned that the training at that time did encompass all that they get from the current courses - just in a different format.

 

As for the other requirements...well, there is no question that he has done the activities required. The volunteer in question is our new Council Commissioner, and a person does not get nominated nor elected for such a position (at least in our council) without an impressive track record of service at the troop, district and council level.

 

What started the whole inquiry was someone asking why, after so many years as a scouter, he had no training knots to show for it. Back when he first went thorough all of the training, it was the custom in the council for your committee chair to complete and submit the paperwork on your behalf without your knowledge. Apparently at that time it was not done and so he (and others of his contemporaries) never received any knots). He was told to look into getting the paperwork compelted now and I was given the task of determining whether the training he went through in 1998 met the requirements for the award as it is written now.

 

It has been decided that it does and so we see no reason to delay giving him his knot.

[John-in-KC]

OK, tough question time:

 

Why does your Council want to "pencil-whip" a training award for a person in as high-visibility a slot as Council Commissioner?

 

It was my responsibility to maintain and fill out my record for the Cub Scouter's training award back in 99 and 00. I didn't; I don't get the knot.

 

Likewise, your new Council Commish apparently didn't keep his own records. To my way of thinking, that's his personal responsibility; he shouldn't get the knot/key.

 

We've had a new curriculum completely overtake what was in place when this new Council Commish took his training.

 

Here's the vital question to my way of thinking: How will the perception of "pencil-whipping" look to other Scouters, especially unit serving Scouters?

 

To me, the right thing to do is just press on.

 

My two cents.

[GMitch]

I was/am in much the same boat as this fellow. In 1995-2000, I was very active in Scoutng. At that time I served in a great unit, our COR was a D.A.M. and Silver Beaver recipient, Scoutmaster was a great guy and Eagle Scout, and the Committee was as qualified as any I had ever seen, then or since. However, nobody really encouraged adult recognition. Ultimately, it should have been MY responsibility to track progress. Because I did not, I have done things over that I have done in the past. None of the performance aspects for my Scouter's Training Award date back further than the most recent 2 years. And you know what? If one is engaged in the program it is not that difficult to hit 6 roundtables, 5 campouts, 2 FOS campaigns, 3 Courts of Honor etc. I have used old tenure for the award though, as I am also working on others that cannot use duplicated tenure.

 

I think ideallly, the Committee Chairman or the Training Chair should help adult volunteers understand what awards are available to them, and especially with new Scouters. Why? Not so they can parade around puffed up with pride like "Joe Square Knot", but it is a system of checks and balances in my judgement. If an adult is working on his own awards, the natural result of that is a quality program to the unit. Most of the awards for adults require that Scouts or other people have been served.

 

We worry about getting leaders to stay involved in Scouting. Scouters question whether they have really made an impact. Many of these concerns are put to rest when a Scouter is recognized for his or her efforts! How many guys with 3, 4 or more awards represented by square knots just walk away from the program? Far fewer than those who have had no recognition whatsoever. How many guys have no recognition that exceed the requirements of many of these awards? Far too many! In my estimation if a unit wants to keep Scouters engaged in the program, they need to give recognition when it is due, and help Scouters understand what is needed to earn the awards. CC and COR should be key people in this effort.

 

That is my little rant on adult awards. Thanks for listening!:-)