Basic training for Cub Scout adult leaders consists of three classes:

• New Leader Essentials;

• Youth Protection Training;

• and Position-Specific Training.

Completing all three classes earns you the "Trained" patch for your uniform sleeve. Basic Training is required for leader square knots and other individual awards, and also helps the Pack earn certain awards. As indicated below, leaders who move into a new job must take the Position-Specific session for their new position in order for the individual and the Pack to qualify for certain awards.

New Leader Essentials

New Leader Essentials is the introductory class. It lasts about two hours. There is no charge. You have your choice of any of the following dates:

• February 4, in the Great Room (downstairs) at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8505 Hooes Road (Just off Sydenstricker Rd.), West Springfield. Class starts at 8:30 am.

• March 4, South County High School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton VA. Class starts at 9:00 am.

• March 15, at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church (see above), in room H9 — easily accessible from the front of the building. Class starts at 7:00 PM.

Please pre-register with Joseph Grant by e-mail at joseph_grant@msn.com (that’s an underscore character between “joseph” and “grant”).

Youth Protection Training

In addition to being a component of new-leader training, BSA recommends that all leaders take YPT every two years. The simplest way to take this class is online, IF you have access to a broadband connection (e.g. cable modem, DSL, T1 line at work, etc.). For details click here. Be sure to print the "congratulations, you passed" window that comes up at the end.

If you prefer to take YPT in person, the next sessions are:

• February 4, in the Great Room (downstairs) at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8505 Hooes Road (near Sydenstricker Rd.), West Springfield, in the Great Room (downstairs). Class starts at 10:45 am.

• March 4, South County High School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton VA. Class starts at 10:45 am.

• March 15, at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church (see above), in room H9 — easily accessible from the front of the building. Class starts at 8:35 pm.

There is no charge for this course, and pre-registration is not necessary.

Position-Specific Training

To be considered trained, you must take the position-specific class for your current position. For example, if you moved from a Committee position to Den Leader or Assistant Den Leader. Also, as you move up in the den leader / assistant den leader corps, there are separate classes for Tiger Den Leader, Cub Scout Den Leader (Wolf/Bear) and Webelos Den Leader. This applies to assistant den leaders as well. Again, being trained for your current position and level contributes towards several awards. (When you switch jobs you don't have to re-take New Leader Essentials or Youth Protection Training, just the position-specific class.)

These classes last about two hours. They will be held:

• February 4, Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8505 Hooes Road (near Sydenstricker Rd.), West Springfield, in the Great Room (downstairs). Class starts at 12:30 pm

• March 22, at Sydenstricker UMC in room H9 — easily accessible from the front of the building. Class starts at 7:30 pm.

Registration begins about 15 minutes before class time. Cost is $10, which includes the new (June 2005) Cub Scout Leader book. For more information and to pre-register for Position-Specific Training, contact Marilyn Myers at 703-587-9086 or mmmyers2@aol.com.