SCOUTS CANADA

GREATER TORONTO REGION

265 Yorkland Blvd (2nd Floor), North York, ON M2J 5C7

Telephone: (416) 490-6564-Fax: (416)490-6911

e-mail: gtr@scoutgtr.org


TO: Area Commissioners                                                           RCP-D-01
FROM: Rick Blakely, Regional Commissioner
DATE: May 16,2000
RE: Regional Commissioner Procedure: Part I Training Recognition


Every Scouting Leader working with one of Scouting's Sections must receive training equivalent to Part I in the Section in which they're involved within their first year of service as a Leader. For example, an Assistant Cub Leader starting in the 1999/2OOO Scouting year would complete Part I by October 31, 2000.

The key is that a Scouter receives the knowledge and skills necessary to their role. In aid of this, and as soon as possible after they are recruited, every Scouter should receive from their Group Committee a Skills Chart relative to the Section in which they are involved. The Group Committee should also assign a coach/mentor to help the person utilize the skills chart. Group Committees looking for assistance with this should consult an Area Service Scouter.

There are three paths that exist for a person to receive their Part I.
1) Successfully completing a Part I training course
2) Being recognized with an equivalency for Part I
3) A combination of the above two
The discussion of which path to take should be undertaken in consultation with the individual and the Area Commissioner (or designate), however, the decision rests with the Commissioner.

1) Training Courses
 The first option is to participate in a formal training course. This is by far and away the best approach of the three. Course participants receive the knowledge and skills of their Part I in an interactive "learning by doing" fashion. Additionally, they enjoy other benefits such as meeting and networking with other Scouters and Trainers, having an opportunity to test what they learn while on the course and finally to build their experience in an environment that is strong with the spirit of Scouting.

2) Equivalency
 The Skills Charts are key to this approach. An individual may come to Scouting with leadership experiences (including long-term casual associations with Scouting, perhaps as an occasional helper) and Scouting needs to acknowledge the skills and knowledge that individuals bring with them. This could include professional, managerial and other voluntary experiences.


When reviewed by an Area Commissioner (or designate) a Part I Wood Badge equivalency may be granted providing the individual possesses one half of the skills listed and at least one skill from every category in the skills chart.

Area Commissioners (or designates) will use this approach in cases where a person's skills and knowledge warrant recognition in this fashion.

3) Combination
The Skills Charts are also key to this approach. An individual may come to Scouting with a great amount of leadership experience (including sometimes casual associations with Scouting). However, there may be gaps in the knowledge when the Skills Chart is used to assess the individual's experience. The individual can then either take the necessary Part I Module(s) or individual session(s) required. A further alternative allows the Area Commissioner (or designnte) to assign a Coach or Mentor to conduct one on one sessions to fill in the gaps.


Training is Required
 If Leaders have not completed appropriate training or the equivalent by October 31, they will not be accepted for registration the following year until it is completed.

For example, if a Leader was registered with Scouts Canada between 1 September 1999 and 31 August 2000, and did not receive training by October 31,2000, they would not be accepted for registration for the 2000/2001 Scouting year (which runs 1 September 2000 to 31 August 2001).


Quality Programme Delivery is our Goal
 It is crucial to the delivery of a Quality Scouting program that Leaders know and are able to deliver our programmes. Eusuring that every Leader receive Part I in the Section in which he or she works should be the priority of every Area Commissioner and their respective Assistant Area Commissioners - Training.


cc: Field Staff