I took the Pack Trainer training last night. About 60% (not accurate, but you get the idea) of it is Introduction to Cub Scouts, what we could call CSLS1. Basically that means a leader who takes multiple courses will get A LOT of repeat stuff.

As for the course itself, it's very much an info dump. Get as much information out to the participant as quickly possible. While this type of learning is very effective for some people (I think I respond to that well), for others it's way to much, way to fast. Too much of the information will be lost, and without discussion or interaction with a trainer or other participants, quite a bit is lost.

As for the content itself, I found it accurate overall, but frustrating in some of the presentation. When asked what the Principles of Cub Scouts are, and having to select them from a reasonably large list, I got it wrong. Fine, but it did not tell me the correct answer. Also, wording means things. I got "A Den MUST have a Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader" wrong when I answered false. I'm reasonably sure that a den SHOULD have both, but only MUST have a Den Leader, not both.

Also, and this is minor to me but I can see it as a potential problem, there was one reference that may come off as insensitive or insulting. In the Introduction, I was surprised to hear Philomnt referred to as "The Mecca of scout leaders." I know saying anything is the "Mecca" of something or someone is common, but I never would have expected to hear it in an official publication or presentation.

Overall, I'm reminded that this is Basic Training. It's not the end of training, it's the beginning, and any deficiencies can be made up in Roundtables, supplemental training, and coaching from other leaders. On one hand, having this is better than no training at all, but the cynic in me wonders if a leader wouldn't go to instructor led training, will the really go to Roundtable?