What Does It Mean to Be Trained?

 The Boy Scouts of America has always encouraged training for both youth and adult leaders. But exactly what does it mean to be 'trained'?  How do you know if you are trained in your current position?

In order to be fully trained you will have taken all the training in-person or online that are necessary for your scout position. If you were trained in your scout position before 2017 it is highly recommended you retake the trainings. Many changes have taken place and it is best to refresh your mind in the programs of scouting.

Here is a guide to see if you can count yourself as being trained.

1. You have taken the Youth Protection Training before you registered as a scout leader in scouting.
1. You then update this training every two years.
2. You login on to my.scouting.org and look at Leader Specific for your area of scouting. 
1. When you click on the menu, a drop-down menu appears. 
2. Click on Training. 
3. In this area you will see three areas:
1. YPT & Training Center
2. Required for your Scouting position
3. Completed

Let’s investigate each of these:

YPT & Training Center: Your title of your position will help you know which training you will need. For example, if you are a Cubmaster or Scoutmaster, you will click on Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, click on the training that pertains to your position. You will see what has been completed and what percentage is still to be completed. You will be done when you have completed all the modules in the section called 'Required for your Position'. Cubmasters and Scoutmasters need additional Outdoor trainings called Baloo, for Cub Masters, and Introduction to Outdoor Skills for Scoutmasters. Outdoor trainings are to be done in person. The Council offers a couple trainings during each calendar year.

Required for your Position: This section is where you see all the modules that will fully complete your training. Each one will be 4–15 minutes long to give you an understanding of your scout position. The more titles you have the longer the list. Most of these trainings only need to be taken once. If you pace yourself, a few modules every week will help you be fully trained in a few months.

Completed: This area will list all the trainings you have completed and when they will need to be renewed.

Meet the New District Commissioner

 At the Old Ephraim District Business meeting held on February 4, 2022, Jared Olschewski was introduced as the new Old Ephraim District Commissioner. We asked him to share a little about himself so we can get to know him.

I live in Brigham City with my wife of 26 years, Teresa (she is part of the Silver Beaver class of 2018). We have two sons, one daughter, and two daughters-in-law. For years I have worked in customer relations, and the past decade has been in the tech industry. Currently, I am the Vice President of Customer Experience for a tech startup based out of London. 

My wife and I love to travel (which my job requires a significant amount of when there isn't a global pandemic) and are aspiring foodies. I have been blessed to visit all 50 states and 6 continents, and I'm working towards crossing off the 7th for our 30th wedding anniversary. We love to experience various cultures and explore their history and beauty. You can always find goodness if you look for it, and it is amazing how many connections you can make through Scouting wherever you go. 

In my 20+ years as an adult leader I have worked in every program in the BSA in councils in Utah and North Carolina. For many years I was serving in LDS units and a community unit at the same time, and worked to make sure all youth had an opportunity to participate. I have spent a lot of time training adults and youth as a Council Training Chair, Area Powder Horn Coordinator, Course Director (NYLT, Wood Badge, Powder Horn), National Camp School, NRA Training Counselor, Roundtable Staff, etc. I have been blessed to attend Philmont twice, 2013 National Jamboree as a Scoutmaster, and Japan as a National Contingent Leader for a Friendship Exchange with the Scout Association of Japan in 2011. I have served on various committees, including national and international. 

Like many Scouters, I am usually wearing multiple Scouting hats because I love this program. I have been presented with many awards over the years, which is nice to know my efforts are appreciated and in line with what we are trying to accomplish as Scouters, but the one that has the most meaning to me is my Eagle. That is why I wanted to be a Scout, and it was the only award I had a desire to earn.

District Awards of Merit Presented

On February 4, 2022, District Award of Merits were presented to Jared DeHart and Sheri' Nielsen at the annual Old Ephraim Recognition Dinner.

Sheri' Nielsen

Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 2119

Sheri' Nielsen has served in a number of positions during her Scouting career and is currently serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 2119, the first BSA girl's troop in this district. She also serves as a Den Leader for Packs 314 and 589 and is on the committees of their companion troops. Sheri' is a strong believer in Scouting's mission statement and the strength that it can bring to our communities, and puts her belief  in to action through her service. She is the mother of seven children, three of which are still at home and also active in Scouting units. 

Service is an ingrained part of Sheri's life. She has served her country as a member of the US Marines, serves actively in her church and community, and has been inducted into the Order of the Arrow whose tenets include providing cheerful service to others. She is a volunteer teacher and has also worked on several service projects with the Box Elder Community Pantry, the Box Elder County Justice Center and the Child and Family Services Department. She supports community improvement projects and strives to encourage youth to be active members in and contributors to their communities.

Jared DeHart

Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 47

Jared DeHart grew up in a Scouting family and was very active as a youth in Scouting. He served for four years on the council's NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) staff as the Senior Patrol Leader. He also served for four years on the camp staff at the council's Aspen Ridge scout camp.

Jared is an active member of the Order of the Arrow and has served as both a Chapter and Lodge Chief. He is a Vigil Honor member of our Lodge and has been awarded both the Coup Shield and Founder's Award recognitions for his dedicated service.

Jared has earned his Wood Badge beads and has served on staff for several Klondike Derby camps and Bike the Bear events. He is currently serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 47.