Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader!
Every Leader deserves training so s/he can successfully deliver the scouting program!

• Cub Scout Leaders are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, and Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
       Read more about Cub Scout Leader Training ...
   
• Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start Orientation, New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. 
       Read more about Boy Scout Leader Training ...
   
• Pack or Troop Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, and Committee Specific Training.
   
• Venturing Crew Advisors, assistant Advisors, and Crew committee members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training.
       Read more about Venturing Training ...

   

Training of adults to successfully deliver the Scouting program has evolved into a well-presented, thorough, curriculum of courses to be completed in sequence. Here are the courses you need to fulfill your commitment of an adult leader.

 

Fast Start Orientation Training

The first step for any new adult volunteer in a Pack or Troop, no matter what the position may be. The Fast Start training is short and should be taken as soon as possible after you have accepted a leadership position. The Fast Start program has been designed to provide an immediate comfort level for new leaders and enables them to say, 'I can do this!', but it should be soon followed by more comprehensive training.

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training (YPT) ensures boys involved in scouting are kept safe. At least one adult on every Scout outing must be Youth Protection Trained.
Before being involved with boys, EVERY adult should complete Youth Protection Online and all registered adult volunteers must complete it and fully understand the Youth Protection Policies of the BSA.
 

New Leader Essentials

The next step in training for adult leaders who have completed Fast Start Training. New Leader Essentials is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 90-minute training session. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers-Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders-take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once.
 

Leader Specific Training

Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the scouting program, training for a specific Scouting position continues through Leader Specific training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies. This training is classroom-led. Leader Specific training has been developed for the following positions and their assistants:

• Tiger Cub den leaders - 2.5 hours
• Cub Scout den leaders - 2.75 hours
• Webelos den leaders - 3 hours
• Cubmasters - 2.75 hours
• Pack committee members - 2.75 hours
• Scoutmasters - Parts 1,2 and 3 of 2.5 hours each
• Troop committee members - 3 hours
   

Outdoor Leader Skills

Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. Training in outdoor skills is required before taking scouts on outings.

• Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide Boy Scout leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start and guide a program the right way.
• BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout leaders is a one-day training event that introduces participants to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping.
• OWL - Outdoor Webelos Leader Training is for all Webelos leaders.
   

Supplemental and Ongoing Training

There are many more opportunities for volunteers to improve their skills and understanding of the Boy Scout program. Some are required before holding certain types of events.

• Wood Badge
• Monthly RoundTable
• Safe Swim Defense: Can be taken online at BSA Online Training
• Safety Afloat: Can be taken online at BSA Online Training
• Climb On Safely: Can be taken online at BSA Online Training
• Philmont Training Center is the national training center at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The training center offers a wide selection of 6-day courses, covering all aspects of Scouting operations, and generally training those who will bring the program back to train the rest of their unit.
• CPR Certification: Normally not offered through a BSA unit, but at least one currently CPR certified adult is required on aquatics and climbing activities.
• First Aid Certification: Normally not offered through a BSA unit, but at least two currently first aid certified adults are required on many high adventure outings.

Assess yourself with the Boy Scout Leader Assessment Tool - The intended audience for this self-assessment tool is adult Boy Scout leaders, specifically scoutmasters, assistant scoutmasters, troop committee members, Boy Scout commissioners, and Boy Scout trainers. This tool is designed to help you assess your strengths and weaknesses in regard to the current Boy Scout leader training courses.