Scouting teaches skills not only to the
youth, but also to its adult volunteers as
well. Training programs have been designed to
teach each volunteer the keys to success is his
or her position
This emblem is available to all adult leaders who have completed Fast Start Orientation, New Leader Essentials, and Leader Specific Training for their position. It is worn on the left sleeve, below and touching the emblem of leadership for which it was earned.
What Makes a Trained Leader?
Cub Scout leaders are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and the Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.
Varsity Scout leaders and assistants are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training (available April 2002), and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
Venturing crew Advisors, assistant Advisors, and crew committee members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training.
Fast Start Training
Fast Start Training: (May be taken on-line, just click the links below) It provides an immediate comfort level for new leaders and enables them to say, "I can do this!" Fast Start training is the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers and before he or she meets with any youth member.
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start : This is the first step toward training for any volunteer new to Cub Scouting. This course should be taken immediately after you register but before you begin youth activities. The course introduces the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America's foundational program, then zeroes in on the job. Subsections of the course will brief anyone new to the job of Tiger Cub leader, den leader, Webelos den leader, or Cubmaster. We also cover the standard parts of the meeting and tell where additional resources can be found.
• Tiger Cub Den Leader
• Cubmaster
• Cub Scout Den Leader
• Webelos Den Leader
• Pack Committee
Boy Scout Leader Fast Start:This is the first step to take for any volunteer new to Boy Scouting. This course should be taken before beginning youth activities. You'll learn the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America's core program, then zero in on the job. You'll cover the seven parts of the troop meeting, the troop committee, outdoor program, and other basic concepts of Scouting, all in one short online experience. It's the best way for someone new to the program to quickly grasp how troop Scouting works and where additional resources can be found. Includes the following segments:
• The Troop Meeting
• The Outdoor Program
• The Troop Organization.
Venturing Fast Start:This is the first step for any volunteer new to Venturing. This course should be taken immediately after you register but before you begin youth activities. The course introduces the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America's coeducational program for youth from 14 to 20 years of age, and goes on to explain how the program works to deliver a relevant and compelling program. The highly graphic and interactive program typically takes no more than an hour to complete. Those taking it for credit in local council records must provide their official BSA registration number as part of their user profile.
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training:(You may also attend one of our regularly scheduled classes, please check our District Training Schedule 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 this course, and all registered adult volunteers must complete it and fully understand the Youth Protection Policies of the BSA.
Parent Guides on youth protection are printed in the front of Cub Scout and Boy Scout handbooks. They are available online at: Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
Many councils also offer in-class Youth Protection classes. Contact your council for availability and dates.
The Boy Scouts of America has a set of videotapes to help teach boys about protecting themselves against abuse. These videos help boys recognize dangerous situations and avoid becoming victims. The video 'It Happened to Me' is designed for Cub Scouts, boys ages 6 to 10, to view with their parents or guardians. The video presents five scenarios of situations that boys may encounter. It establishes safety rules that help the boys counteract the fear and shame that can result from abusive situations. Cub Scout Meeting Guide: It Happened to Me'A Time to Tell' is designed for Boy Scouts, boys ages 11 to 14. This video depicts risks of sexual abuse through dramatizations of adolescent experiences. Troop Meeting Guide: A Time to Tell A third video, 'Youth Protection: Personal Safety Awareness', is designed for any young person in the 14 to 20 age range. It is made up of vignettes dealing with the issues of acquaintance rape, Internet safety, stalking, and fraternization. Each scenario is followed by instructions for local group discussions and a teen panel discussion, with pertinent advice regarding each situation. To obtain a copy of any of the above videos, contact the council service center - Service Center.
Remember, any case of abuse is one too many!
New Leader Essentials
New Leader Essentials (NLE): (Not currently being offer On-line, so, check our District Training Schedule for our next class) 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
Leader Specific Training: (Not On-line, so, check our District Training Schedule for our next class) 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 - 3 sessions 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 (Not On-line, so, check our District Training Schedule for our next class) will provide Boy Scout leaders with the basic outdoor skills 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. The course is normally a day and a half long and conducted at a local scout camp on a weekend.
BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (Not On-line, so, check our District Training Schedule for our next class) 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. This training is required for any adult who is in charge of planning a pack campout, and it is required that at least one adult per pack complete BALOO training in order to apply for tour permits. BALOO training is offered by individual districts.
OWL - Outdoor Webelos Leader Training (Not On-line, so, check our District Training Schedule for our next class) is for all Webelos leaders. This training course covers the skills & resources needed to teach the outdoor activity badges and helps to provide good & safe outdoor experiences. Completion of this training is required before a Webelos den can go on a campout. This is district-scheduled training.
Troop Committee Challenge
Troop Committee Challenge: (Can be taken On-line) This fun and interactive training serves as a vital tool for new troop committee members as well as for veterans. The mission of the Troop Committee Challenge training is to help each troop committee work as a team to improve the Scouting experience for adult and youth members. It helps build the commitment of individual members as well as cultivates a better troop committee team.
Staffing the District Committee
Staffing the District Committee: (Can be taken On-line) A healthy district committee, with sufficient resources to support all functions, is essential to provide adequate support to Scouting units. This training module discusses the importance of a fully staffed committee, including a game that simulates the task of locating, recruiting, and retaining committee members to build a healthy committee.
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:Click here for more information 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 approximately 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. Each council organizes and schedules sessions as needed.
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.
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 scouting.org
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 scouting.org
Climb On Safely: (Check council calendar for training dates)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.
A qualified rock climbing instructor who is at least 21 years of age must supervise all BSA climbing/rappelling activities. A currently trained BSA climbing director or instructor is highly recommended. Contact Catalina Council Service Center to locate a qualified individual. A climbing instructor has successfully completed a minimum of 10 hours of instructor training for climbing/rappelling from a nationally or regionally recognized organization, a climbing school, a college-level climbing/rappelling course, or is a qualified BSA climbing instructor.
Philmont Training Centeris 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. Please check with The American Red Cross or other recognized agencies.
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. Please check with The American Red Cross or other recognized agencies
Training Awards
The Boy Scout Leader's Training Award and the Scoutmaster's Key are training awards that recognize training, tenure, and performance.
Boy Scout Leader's Training Award
Training
Complete Fast Start Orientation training.
Complete New Leader Essentials.
Complete Basic Leader Training for your position.
Tenure
Complete a total of two years as a registered adult Boy Scout leader.
Performance
Do five of the following:
Participate in a support role for five overnight campouts.
Help with two annual unit and/or district Friends of Scouting campaigns.
Serve on the staff of a council or district training event.
Participate in a supplemental training course at either the local council or national level.
Participate actively in three troop parents' nights or courts of honor.
Help supervise and support a troop money-earning project.
Serve as a merit badge counselor for at least five Scouts.
Successfully complete Wood Badge training.
Fulfill requirements of a troop committee function as described in the Troop Committee Guidebook.
Assist actively in a Webelos den for six months.
Participate in six Boy Scout leader roundtables.
Help organize or reorganize a Scout troop.
Scoutmaster's Key Requirements
Training
Complete Fast Start Orientation training.
Complete New Leader Essentials.
Complete Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training.
Complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
Participate in one supplemental training course either at a local council or national level.
Participate in at least six Boy Scout leader roundtables a year.
Conduct troop leadership training at least three times, as outlined in the Troop Leadership Training manual.
Participate as an adult in youth leader training by either serving on the staff or attending the Scoutmaster orientation session of the council National Youth Leadership Training course.
Earn the Boy Scout Leader's Training Award.
Tenure
Complete three years of registered tenure as a Scoutmaster within a five-year period (can include the tenure used to earn the Scouter's Award).
Performance
At least twice during the three-year period, serve as Scoutmaster of a troop that earns the national Quality Unit Award.
