Leadership Training

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 Youth Protection, New Leader Essentials, and Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
• Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Pack or 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 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.

• Cub Scout Fast Start Training
• Boy Scout Fast Start 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.

• Parent Guides on youth protection are printed in the front of Cub Scout and Boy Scout handbooks. They are available online.
• Many councils also offer in-class Youth Protection classes. Contact your council for availability and dates.
• 'Youth Protection Training News Briefs' - October 1994
• 'Working Together to Protect Our Children'
• 'Assuring Emotional Security for Children' - May/June 1993
• 'Words Can Hurt'
• 'Child Lures'

• 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 - Find Service Center.
  Remember, any case of abuse is one too many!

  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 - 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 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 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 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.

  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 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.
  • Hazardous Weather: planning and decision making regarding weather for a safe outing. Can be taken online at BSA Hazardous Weather
  • 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 BSA Aquatics
  • 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 BSA Aquatics
  • 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. Online CPR Training
  • 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.