New Leader Checklist

Volunteers make Scouting happen!

We need dedicated, qualified role models to provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers today’s youth with the skills they will need to lead tomorrow. There are many roles to choose from based on your experience, availability, and desire to serve.

Scouting is a great program for adults, too! Learn new skills and meet other great people. Many of our volunteers believe the time they invest with Scouting makes them better parents, employees, and citizens.

volunteers

How do I become a volunteer with the Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA?

It is important to complete these steps in order:

Find a Role
  • Complete Youth Protection Training (YPT) available at My.Scouting.
  • Download and keep your completion certificate as a PDF. You will need the BSA ID number from your YPT completion certificate to upload your clearances to the council for review and verification.
  • Complete the Commonwealth of PA background checks (free to most volunteers) so you can submit them to the Cradle of Liberty Council for review and verification. Check out colbsa.org/palaw for details.
  • These clearances are valid for five years — remember to renew them before they expire. The clearances can be obtained in any order and saved as PDFs so they can be easily upload for verification. Note – out-of-state residents may obtain fingerprints in their own state but must schedule the appointment through Identogo (link below) and use code 1KG6ZJ
  • Using your BSA Member ID, upload your clearances to the council portal here.
  • Please don’t upload receipts for clearances. You must upload the actual clearance document.

Complete an official application – two ways: online (fastest) or paper:

  • Online only for unit positions – www.beascout.org the fee needs to be paid at the time of the registration. IF an adult doesn’t have verified clearances during the council review the membership will be suspended until such time as clearances are uploaded and verified.
  • Paper: download the most current fillable PDF at www.scouting.org/forms and fully complete and sign, then get the signature of the Chartered Org Representative. Once fully completed upload at www.colbsa.org/recruit and ensure the unit has funds available at the council office to pay.

Visit colbsa.org/training for online and in-person training opportunities for your volunteer position.

  • Your unit leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, etc.), unit committee chair, and chartered organization representative (often referred to as the key-3), along with your unit’s committee, are great resources to help you get the support and resources you need to fulfill your volunteer commitment.
  • Commissioners are volunteers who are committed to help units succeed. Each district (geographic area of the council) has district commissioner, and many units have unit commissioners assigned to them. Check out your district page for contact information.
  • Many districts also hold regular roundtable meetings, either in-person or virtually, to provide timely information and resources for running great meetings for Scouts.
  • Join the COLBSA Volunteers group on Facebook. 
  • Check out the videos posted on our Friday Flash page.
  • Our professional team stands ready to support you along your volunteer journey. Visit the staff page for contact information, or reach out to helpdesk@colbsa.org or call 610-688-6900.

The Service Center/Office and Scout Shop will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th.

Please visit colbsa.org/hours for more information.

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