Welcome to Scouting! As a new Scout leader, you are joining our Scouting family, and we want you to understand how the program works. The Fast Start Orientation video and guide will help explain it. These materials present a quick introduction to get you, a new Boy Scout leader, ready for your first Scout meeting.

Ideally you should take your Fast Start training immediately after you register, before your first troop meeting. It will provide you with an immediate comfort level. After taking the Fast Start training, you will say "I can do this!"

• On-line
• Instructor lead sessions at Roundtables
• On video cassettes or DVD

You will learn in Fast Start Orientation that Scouting employs eight fundamental methods to deliver its three aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The eight methods are the ideals, the patrol method, the outdoors, advancement, association with adults, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform. A troop functions best when all eight methods are employed. As a leader progresses through the levels of training, the eight methods are continually emphasized.

Part One - Introduction

The first thing new leaders should know is that many resources are available to help them. The video's introduction lays out the basics to help new volunteers get started as Scouting leaders.

Part Two - The Troop Meeting

Part Two of the video explains how troop meetings are important in preparing the troop for its monthly outdoor adventure. Each 90-minute meeting should be fun and meaningful for the Scouts. A troop meeting has seven essential parts, each of which is explained in the video.

Part Three - The Outdoor Program

This section of the video explains the importance of the outdoor program to Scouting. Boys are attracted to Scouting by its offer of outdoor fun and adventure. Through exciting outdoor activities like camping and hiking, studying nature, and watching wildlife, Scouts learn to care for the environment and master outdoor skills. At the same time, the outdoor program helps them develop leadership and teamwork.

Part Four - The Troop Committee

This segment of the video illustrates the role of the troop committee, a group of adult volunteers that work behind the scenes to support the Scoutmaster. Troop committee members do a wide variety of tasks, from repairing tents to maintaining troop records. The troop committee's most important responsibility is to make sure that the very best adult leaders are selected, recruited, and trained to work with their boys.

On-line Training
You may review these sections all at once, or one at a time (in any order). There is no time limit and you do not need to review all sections from the same computer. Click on the following to take Fast Start online.

• Take Boy Scout Leader Fast Start training on-line!
• Down load the Boy Scout Fast Start Leader Guide An Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Document
  

Instructor Lead Training
Instructor-lead sessions for Fast Start Training are offered in each of our districts prior to each district roundtable and at other times each year. Speak with your District Scout Executive or District Training Chair for additional information on when these courses are offered.

Fast Start on Video Cassette or DVD
If you would prefer to take Fast Start training on video cassette or DVD, please contact the Alabama - Florida Boy Scout Council Service Center at 334-793-7882 to obtain the tapes.

Want more information on Fast Start courses?
Contact your District Executive, District Training Chair, the Council Vice-President of Training or the Council office.