As a parent or an individual looking to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, becoming an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) can be a highly rewarding experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders, but you will also be part of a long-standing tradition of scouting excellence.
In this article, we will walk you through the application process to become an adult leader in the BSA, highlighting the requirements, steps, and benefits of this role.
Why Become an Adult Leader in the BSA?
Before we dive into the application process, let's explore the reasons why becoming an adult leader in the BSA is a great opportunity.
- Make a Difference: As an adult leader, you will have the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, helping them develop important skills, values, and character traits.
- Be a Role Model: You will serve as a role model for scouts, demonstrating the values and principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
- Develop New Skills: You will have the opportunity to develop new skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
- Be Part of a Community: You will be part of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for scouting and making a difference in the lives of young people.
Requirements to Become an Adult Leader in the BSA
To become an adult leader in the BSA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
- Background Check: You must undergo a background check, which includes a review of your criminal history and other factors.
- Youth Protection Training: You must complete the BSA's Youth Protection Training, which covers topics such as child abuse prevention and reporting.
- Application: You must submit an application to become an adult leader, which includes providing personal and professional references.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process to become an adult leader in the BSA is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.
- Find a Local Unit: The first step is to find a local BSA unit, such as a troop, pack, or crew, that you would like to join. You can search for units in your area using the BSA's online unit locator tool.
- Meet with the Unit Leader: Once you have found a unit, schedule a meeting with the unit leader to discuss your interest in becoming an adult leader.
- Submit an Application: If the unit leader is interested in having you join the unit, you will need to submit an application to become an adult leader. This application will require you to provide personal and professional references.
- Complete Youth Protection Training: As part of the application process, you will need to complete the BSA's Youth Protection Training. This training covers topics such as child abuse prevention and reporting.
- Background Check: You will also need to undergo a background check, which includes a review of your criminal history and other factors.
Benefits of Becoming an Adult Leader in the BSA
There are many benefits to becoming an adult leader in the BSA, including:
- Make a Difference: As an adult leader, you will have the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
- Develop New Skills: You will have the opportunity to develop new skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
- Be Part of a Community: You will be part of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for scouting and making a difference in the lives of young people.
- Personal Growth: You will have the opportunity to challenge yourself and grow as an individual.
Conclusion
Becoming an adult leader in the BSA is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can become an adult leader and start making a difference in your community today.
Gallery of BSA Adult Leaders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age requirement to become an adult leader in the BSA?
+The minimum age requirement to become an adult leader in the BSA is 18 years old.
What is the Youth Protection Training, and why is it required?
+The Youth Protection Training is a training program that covers topics such as child abuse prevention and reporting. It is required for all adult leaders in the BSA to ensure that they are aware of the risks of child abuse and know how to prevent it.
How long does the application process take?
+The application process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the unit and the council.