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AUGUSTA — Nine area Scout leaders recently completed the Youth Protection Training, a program that helps keep the youth who join Scouting safe.
The training was held Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the American Legion Post on Eastern Avenue.
As stated in the Boy Scout Handbook, “Child abuse is a serious problem in our society, and unfortunately, it can occur anywhere, even in Scouting. Youth safety is Scouting’s No. 1 concern.” Child abusers come in all shapes and sizes, and too often are people children know and trust. Scouting has the tools and information Scout leaders need to help them keep youth safe so they can enjoy the program. Youth Protection Training is required annually for all registered volunteers of Pine Tree Council. It is valid for one year, after which you must take the training again to remain eligible to serve as an adult in Scouting.
The annual requirement is necessary, since it’s important that this topic remain top of mind for every adult registered with Scouting. Karen Norton, of Harpswell, a member of the Council Training Team, led the course. Those completing the course were Becky Blais, Philippe Blais, Josh Demers, and Douglas Mason, leaders in Augusta Cub Scout Pack 603; Charles Fergusson, of Troop 609 in Windsor; Jeffrey Morton and Michael Fortin, of Augusta Troop 603; Kennebec Valley District Vice Chair Chuck Mahaleris, of Augusta; Kennebec Valley District Executive Michael Perry, of Livermore. The training, which is also offered online, will be provided in person several times this fall to ensure all leaders have an opportunity to learn how to recognize the signs of abuse, how to react, and to whom should they report. Scouting leaders are mandatory reporters in the state of Maine.
