Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader!

Every Leader deserves training so he/she can successfully deliver the scouting program!

Troop Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, New Leader Essentials, and Committee Specific Training.

Training of adults to successfully deliver the Boy Scout 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 Training

The first step for any new adult volunteer in a 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 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 volunteer MUST complete Youth Protection Training online 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 Leaders 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 Boy Scouting. Videos, discussions, and hands on reinforcement are presented during the 90 minute, training session. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials 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: 

Scoutmasters and Troop Committee Members

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 skill information needed to start and guide a program the right way. Completion of this course is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook.

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: Advanced training in leadership and team development, bringing together all programs  Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. By pooling their ideas, sharing meaningful experiences, and learning from highly qualified instructors, participants will return to their home units with new skills and resources, greater confidence, and deeper dedication to deliver the values of Scouting. This training includes six days of instruction that are often held as two 3-day weekend sessions, followed by working on the goals the participant sets for him or herself.

Monthly RoundTable: A leaders meeting held in each district where leaders find information about upcoming district and council events and learn ways to improve the program. Most Roundtables will cover material based on participants interest. Leaders can learn a new skill or get advice on how to solve a problem. Participation at Roundtables is required for some square knot awards.

Hazardous Weather: Planning and decision making regarding weather for a safe outing. Can be taken online at My Scouting.

Safe Swim Defense: Introduction to BSA water safety policies. When taught in-person, takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Swimming events require Safe Swim Defense trained leaders. Can be taken online at My Scouting.

Safety Afloat: Introduction to BSA boating policies. In-person training takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Water craft events required Safety Afloat trained leaders. Can be taken online at My Scouting.

Climb On Safely: This training lasts about 45 minutes and provides all the information you need to meet the minimum requirements for a climbing activity. This does not consist of any training or certifications in climbing, but provides the essential components of a safe outing.

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 two currently CPR certified adults are required on many high adventure outings.

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.