Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training (SSALBT)

Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training (SSALBT) is an important early step in training Sea Scout leaders in the skills and attributes necessary to be an effective advisor in the Ship's service delivery to youth. It is intended primarily to enhance individual knowledge of and connectivity with the BSA strategic plan, program, and resources, as well as emphasizing personal skills necessary for youth development in the Sea Scout program.

Key Facts about the course

This course became an official, required component of a Sea Scout adult leader's basic training on January 1, 2010. It replaces 'Venturing Leader Basic Training' and the 'Sea Scout Specialized Training' courses.
It also replaces all previous versions of Sea Scout adult leader basic training.
It consists of one three-hour session, covering key program concepts such as unit resource management, training opportunities, youth advancement and recognition, program planning, and effective leadership. You might want to add a session for Youth Protection at the beginning or end for those needing this training.
The other required components necessary to be considered a 'trained' Sea Scout adult leader are:

Venturing Youth Protection Training (online) or face-to-face if offered in your area.
'This is Scouting' (online - replaced 'New Leader Essentials') or face-to-face if offered in your area.

This training is now part of the qualifications to earn the Sea Scout Leader's Training Award.
If a Sea Scout adult leader previously completed all required training elements and was considered 'trained', they are grandfathered as a trained leader.

Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training Provisions

SSALBT will provide participants with:

a challenging, inspiring, and enjoyable learning experience;
a better understanding of how the ship works;
an understanding of planning, ship program, and resources;
a focus on the personal skills needed to communicate effectively and guide both youth and adults in the developing youth leadership and service delivery;
the realization that a balance of strategic thought and timely tactical planning is needed to create an environment in which youth may see value, learn by doing, and gain ownership of a ship's achievement of objectives.

Intended Audience

The training is intended for skippers, mates, and Sea Scout committee adults. Any Scouting professional or council or district volunteer who works with Sea Scout ships are encouraged to attend. The training develops a better understanding of Sea Scouts.

The course is an intensive learning experience about the nature of the program, delivery of service to the community, and development of the youth leadership necessary for both. While it is designed to be fun, the course will mentally challenge participants, who should be open to learning and be prepared to actively engage in an invigorating training experience.

The course is designed for one-time participation.

How is the course administered

This course is organized by Sea Scouters in the local council, or by a flotilla, area, or region.

Every course should have a professional staff adviser working with a qualified volunteer course director.

It is recommended that the volunteer course director has successfully completed 'Trainers' Edge,' and work with a flotilla, area, or regional volunteer as a mentor to assist with student questions.

The course should follow the provided outline at all times. There is a place to incorporate additional information about local, area, flotilla, and regional resources and programs.

There is no insignia for course completion. There is a template for a certificate to be presented to those who complete the course.

To give those who complete the course the proper credit in their training status in ScoutNET, the code P44 should be used by the council when entering completion in the individually registered Scouters training record.

The syllabus and the certificate template can be requested by qualified instructors from your area, flotilla, regional leadership, or from the National Council or by calling 972-580-2448.

View this announcement as an Adobe Acrobat file.

SSALBT Resources

Sample SSALBT Powerpoint presentation
Sample SSALBT Powerpoint presentation (Powerpoint 2003)