New Leader Checklist

• Working with your unit/district/council, decide on the best "fit" for you - Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Den Leader, Committee Member, Unit Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor, etc. 
• More Information about positions can be found at: 
  • Cub Scouts
  • Scouts BSA
  • Venturing
  • Sea Scouts
  • District Committee
  • Unit Commissioner

• Take and Complete Safeguarding Youth Training
• Download and keep your completion certificate as a PDF. You will need the Scouting America ID number at the bottom of your Safeguarding Youth Training Certificate to create a my.scouting.org account.

• Complete the Commonwealth of PA Act-15 background checks (free to most volunteers) so you can submit them to the Minsi Trails Council for review and verification. 
• These clearances are valid for five (5) 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 printed and submitted for verification. 
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hisotry Clearance 
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check

  • Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Check (required for all employees and some volunteers) Volunteers use code 1KG6ZJ.

                                                  Or 

  •  PA Resident Volunteer Waiver for Volunteers who have resided in the Commonwealth of PA for the past 10 years or more can submit the Disclosure Statement for Volunteers in lieu of the Fingerprint-based FBI Clearance. 

Complete an official application:

• Download the most current fillable PDF at www.scouting.org/forms and fully complete and sign it, then get the signature of the Chartered Organization Representative. NOTE: Ensure you also print and sign the Criminal Background Check Authorization form found on the last page of the Adult Application.

Upon completing all items above, submit the following documents to the Minsi Trails Council Scout Shop located at 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA 18109

• Completed Scouting America Adult Application
• Completed Criminal Background Check (CBC) Authorization Form
• Safeguarding Youth Training Certificate
• PA Act 15 Clearances
• Payment of $65 ($25 if only registering as a Merit badge Counselor)

Once payment and documents are submitted, the registrar will begin to verify your application. You will receive an email from the National Scouting America Council notifying you that your application has been submitted. Within 48–72 hours, you will receive another email from the National office notifying you whether your application has been approved or denied. 

Visit minsitrails.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 helping units succeed. Each district (geographic area of the council) has a district commissioner and many unit commissioners assigned to help them. 
• Our professional team stands ready to support you along your volunteer journey. Visit the staff page for contact information or reach out to the main desk at 610-264-8551