New volunteer leaders in Scouting can take their initial Fast Start training
at the BSA’s Online Learning Center (OLC) at www.olc.scouting.org. Fast
Start training is required before volunteers can participate in youth activities.
The OLC brings together essential volunteer learning in a single package
and allows volunteers to take courses at their convenience at home, and
to download and print a certificate of completion. It also keeps a personal
training history for each volunteer, showing courses completed, started and
unfinished courses.
How Parents Can Help in Scouting
There are many volunteer positions in Scouting that parents can help fill, working
directly with Scouts or in support roles to the unit. Here’s a partial list:
Cub Scout
Activities Leader, Assistant Leader, Award Coordinator, Camping Participant,
Car Pool Coordinator, Construction Support, Den Leader / Assistant,
District Committee Member, Field Trip Planner, Refreshment Provider, Secretary,
Skills Expert, Supply Coordinator, Youth Protection Coordinator
Boy Scout
Activity Leader, Assistant Leader, Advancement Committee, Fundraising
Coordinator, Hobby Instructor, Interfaith Religious Coordinator, Merit
Badge Counselor, Librarian, Printer, Publicity Chair, Snorkeling and Scuba
Instructor, Unit Webmaster