Leadership Training in Scouting

One of the methods that cuts across all of the Scouting programs is leadership development, that is, that all young men involved in scouting programs will have experiences that help them to learn to be leaders. But not just any kind of leader. According to the Venturing Leader Manual, the desired kind of leader, and the one who is trained through Scouting, is one who discovers

"...that leadership is not power over others.  It is not making decisions for others, and it is not telling others what to do. Rather, it is about empowering others through service. Leadership is about creating an environment... where everyone feels a sense of self-worth, where people grow...

"[These kinds of leaders] see themselves as people who serve the best interests and needs of the people they're leading.  They see themselves in more the role of a coach, counselor, or guide than in the role of a general. They do not take away the responsibility of others thinking for themselves, making decisions, or weighing their own actions.  They encourage interdependence, versus dependence on them... They replace self-centeredness with other-centeredness." [italics my emphasis]  (pp. 71-72, 2000 edition)

This philosophy of leadership is a practical expression of the leadership ideal taught by the Savior to his disciples:

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.  (Matthew 20:27)

Leadership training in the Scouting programs is progressive. Experiences at each level are pitched to the ages of the boys, so that each can learn according to his current capability.  Each level builds on prior learning and adds new experiences and skills.  Scouting leadership experiences are designed to help boys progress from level to level, so that by the time they become adults they have had a very broad experience with the most significant leadership methods.

Progression in Leadership Experiences Through All the Scouting Families     

Cubs	• Lead pledges, oaths, etc. • Lead own family in some activities
Boy Scouts	All above, plus: • More opportunities to hold specific offices/experience a division of labor in the work of an organization • Conduct meetings • Participate in leadership councils (such as Patrol Leaders Council) • Participate in election of officers • Be an assistant leader for younger boys, such as Den Chief • Teach scouting skills to other scouts
Varsity Scouts	All above, plus: • Increased involvement in calendaring/long term planning for activities for the organization • Be in charge individually in planning, carrying out, and evaluating  specific Team activities, with moderate support from adults
Venturing	All above, plus: • Be in charge individually or with a committee for planning, carrying out, and evaluating specific Crew activities, with or without support from adults • Participate in and conduct meetings using Robert's Rules of Order • Write by-laws (constitution) for the organization • Participate in Venturing Teen Leaders Council (representative government)