Q. Ray,
Recently in many councils there has been a big push the get direct contact leaders trained. They have laid out what constitutes a trained leader at all levels (unit, district, etc.) and what courses you take before you earn your trained strip, but I was curious about the OA side. I know there is training for lodge advisers specifically (National Lodge Adviser Training Seminar, or NLATS), and that advisers are also encouraged to attend the National Leadership Seminar (NLS) with their youth members they are advising. I would assume that once you complete NLATS, a lodge adviser or associate lodge adviser would be eligible to wear a trained strip below the badge of office, but what would constitute training for a chapter adviser like myself?
Christopher
A. Christopher,
Thank you for your question and for you interest in training! The best way we can develop the best adult leaders is through the proper training programs of the BSA and the Order of the Arrow.
Chapter advisers can receive training most appropriate to their position at your lodge’s Lodge Leadership Development (LLD) and at your section conclave through the use of the Conclave Training Initiative. Your lodge may also look to conduct training specifically for chapter advisers to help them to understand their position. Many chapter advisers have attended NLATS and gained a lot of valuable knowledge there, as well.
The trained strip is to be worn by trained and registered direct contact leaders of the traditional nature such as Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, Cubmaster etc. This strip does not apply to the Order of the Arrow and should not be worn to indicate you were trained at NLATS, NLS, etc. Each of the OA training programs have their own patches which can be worn to indicate your completion of those courses.
Ray
Note: NLATS has been replaced by the Developing Youth Leadership Conference, or DYLC