JoeBob Posted July 12, 2015 Share Posted July 12, 2015 With my time as SM drawing to a close, I admit to thinking about sipping the BSA Koolaide. So I looked into the hoops required for an old hoot to pass on his knowledge as a trainer: "Part 2: Trainer's EDGE - August 22, 2015 This is the second part of the three-part Train-The-Trainer Continuum. The Trainer's Edge focuses on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to the staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to "train the trainer" on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media. Whatever your training position, you can benefit from this course! (This is required for all Wood Badge and NYLT staff. Retake every three years.) Training will begin at 8 AM and conclude at 5 PM." So after actually teaching in the field for 3 years you have to come back and be re-indoctrinated, because your experience using the BSA tools has taught you that they don't work? Retake every three years. Back to beer and wine. No Koolaide for me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted July 12, 2015 Share Posted July 12, 2015 (edited) I have a boat load of experience with just about anything BSA has to offer, former EMT-A, ministry, camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, 45 years of working with youth, 35 of them in Scouting, etc. etc. etc. and I don't teach anyone but boys. No WB, no NYLT, no basic training, nothing. I don't even do U of Scouting anymore. By the time one gets through the politics, it just isn't worth it. When I get done with Scouting, it's going to be just me and the Mrs. and she's just as trained as I am. So we'll just go and have a good time instead. The Mrs. likes a glass of wine when she sits by the fire. That's the only thing I have to remember. Edited July 12, 2015 by Stosh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle94-A1 Posted July 12, 2015 Share Posted July 12, 2015 Guess I shouldn't be a trainer. Last time I did "Train the Trainer" was back in 1994 when I was on JLT staff, and it was part of the staff training. Never taken Trainer's E.D.G.E. before Guess my minor in secondary education don't count. Guess my job as a teacher-counselor for a "Hoods in da Woods" organization doesn't count. Guess my old PT job of teaching college history doesn't count. Guess my current FT job of working an an education department teaching CPR and how to deal with out of control people doesn't count. Guess my two times at NCS don't count much And I guess the past 30+ years of teaching various courses to adults counts. Looks like our brand new district training chair, who just became a Boy Scout leader in June will need to find someone else to work with him on training. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertrat77 Posted July 12, 2015 Share Posted July 12, 2015 And the BSA wonders why leaders stay away from training in droves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 To be fair, scouters who've taken the Train the Trainer course seem to come back with better presentation skills. Before this course was widely available, some of those presentations were real sleepers. It's on my bucket list, but meanwhile I'm having too much fun in the field. Unfortunately that means re-updating BSA guard and Wilderness first aid every other year. Other scouters have a lot to do in their respective fields. I'm pretty sure updating this one every three years is not on most of their agendas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeBob Posted July 13, 2015 Author Share Posted July 13, 2015 (edited) I see an opportunity here. When the next Woodbadge recruiter calls to ask me to take his course, I can check his "Trainer's EDGE' date. *** I have no problem with taking a course to update presentation skills. Technology changes fast. Having to RETAKE the same course after you've had 3 years in the field to polish a skill-set would be a waste of time; and indicative of the BSA mindset that I hereby choose not to deal with. Edited July 13, 2015 by JoeBob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 I see an opportunity here. When the next Woodbadge recruiter calls to ask me to take his course, I can check his "Trainer's EDGE' date. *** I have no problem with taking a course to update presentation skills. Technology changes fast. Having to RETAKE the same course after you've had 3 years in the field to polish a skill-set would be a waste of time; and indicative of the BSA mindset that I hereby choose not to deal with. I have held seminars for the public that include wood tools, fire building, and the basics of cast iron cooking on open campfires. They tend to run about 3 hours and thus far NO ONE has complained about my teaching skills and as a matter of fact tend to sign up for other woodcraft skills seminars I teach. I've never had to take a BSA course to prepare me for these seminars. Of course I have to PAY to get BSA training and then I get to teach for free as a volunteer. With the wood craft seminars I don't need to pay for training and I get paid for doing the seminar. BSA seems to have the system a bit eschew. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packsaddle Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 Flavor Aid...sputtering...how many times do I have to say this...it's Flavor Aid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeBob Posted July 13, 2015 Author Share Posted July 13, 2015 Flavor Aid is what Jim Jones used to kill his followers. Even I don't think that BSA is trying to kill us. Intentionally. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packsaddle Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 Yeah, I know you're just pushing my button with this....so I just HAVE to respond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twocubdad Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 'Round these parts, at least, the training folks aren't about training. They're the high priesthood of Scouting, there to protect the Good Ol' Boy network from outsiders, interlopers and other assorted heathen and to ensure that only the Chosen receive the coveted third bead or (lowering voice, casting eyes toward ground) a Fourth Bead. I've never notice instructional quality to be one of their hallmarks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RememberSchiff Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 (edited) Flavor Aid is what Jim Jones used to kill his followers. Even I don't think that BSA is trying to kill us. Intentionally. Well if they intentionally tried to kill us, I think our survival chances would dramatically improve. Edited July 13, 2015 by RememberSchiff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 Flavor Aid...sputtering...how many times do I have to say this...it's Flavor Aid! A bug juice by any other name ... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 A couple of days ago the Mrs. and I were having date night and stopped for dinner. When asked what I wanted to drink, I asked what they had. Pepsi products, coffee, tea, and different flavors of lemonade. I said I wanted the lemon flavored lemonade. She paused for a moment to stop and think whether they had that flavor or not then finally answered, "Oh, yes, the original lemonade." The scary part of it was stopping to think that by the time I get to the nursing home, it will be these people running it. God help us all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr56 Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 (edited) I have to admit, I have never been considered for a 3rd bead either. Edited August 28, 2015 by John-in-KC Empty quote box removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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