Adult Leader Training

The Basic Leader Training Program is the culmination of more than two years of work by professionals and volunteers from throughout the nation. Their goal was to revise and update the volunteer leader training materials for the Boy Scouts of America. The result is a seamless training program that helps leaders easily graduate through the courses quickly and with little duplication.

The package provides the district training committee with tools to achieve 100 percent trained unit volunteers. It begins with the existing Fast Start Training, continues through New Leader Essentials and is followed by Leader Specific Training for each adult's role in the unit. Scoutmasters, Assitant Scoutmasters and Varsity Scout Leaders must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills before they are considered trained for their position.

Here is a brief overview of the components of the training continuum:

• Youth Protection Training is an online interactive training about how to protect youth from abuse. It also includes important Scouting policies designed to protect youth. Remember: a Youth Protection Trained Adult is required on every Scout outing or event.
• 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.
• Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: New Leader Essentials for all unit-level leaders and Leader Specific Training, which is based on the leader's unit-level position. Scoutmasters, Assitant Scoutmasters and Varsity Scout Leaders must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills before they are considered trained for their position.

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, 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.

Additional Trainings and Resources:

• BALOO - Cub Scout Leaders can take this training similar to Ourdoor Leader Skill training for Boy Scouting.
• Monthly Roundtable - Get updated information, receive training, and most importantly, share ideas with other leaders.
• Safe Swim Defense - Training on how to make your swimming activities safe and fun.
• Safety Afloat - How to plan, organize and execute activities on the water safely.
• Wood Badge - For leaders desiring a deeper understanding of Scouting. Advanced training concentrates on leadership, mentoring, teamwork and management skills. Basic training is required. Open to Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity and Venturing leaders.