Adult

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America's Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, you will answer questions about that section's topic. This course must be completed to earn the "Trained" emblem. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.

Venturing Youth Protection Training

This course is required for Venturing leaders who have direct contact with youth. This training will help leaders understand and guide youth through possible problems as it relates to abuse. You will also learn about the issues you may face as a leader to help provide a safer environment for the crew members and to protect yourself from false accusations. This training is available online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 40 mintues.

Guide to Leader Training

This new guide outlines the basic responsibilities for volunteer leader training committees and the methods of BSA volunteer training. To be sure that information is up-to-date, the guide does not include the forms and other resources that are more easily available, and more current, via Scouting.org. The training pages of Scouting.org will help you find the current resources, forms, and courses available—as well as the latest in BSA training.

What Makes a Trained Leader

Need to know what are the requirements to be fully trained? This sheet explains the training requirements for all top leaders.

Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training

Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training can now be completed online if an instructor-led course is not possible. This course will give new leaders the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. Part one is an introduction to Scouting and the Cub Scout pack, while part two is a module on how Cub Scouts have fun in the pack and the den. The third part is focused on specific training for Cubmasters, den leaders, pack committee members, and pack trainers.

LDS Den Leader Training

Intended to be conducted as an instructor-led face-to-face training, this new syllabus for LDS den leaders is a hands-on course designed around the seven parts of a den meeting. When combined with Youth Protection training, this course satisfies the basic leader training requirements and entitles the graduate to wear the Trained leader patch.

Varsity Leader Specific Training

This is the syllabus for the instructor-led course for Varsity Scout leaders. The course will provide an introduction to the Boy Scouts of America and to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful Varsity team ledership experience.

Troop Committee Challenge

Available both as an instructor-led course and online, this course focuses on the core beliefs, aims, and methods of Scouting. It specifically helps each committee member learn and identify his or her role and responsibilities in support of the unit in order to provide a quality troop experience for the Scouts. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. This course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Boy Scout Troops and Varsity Scout Teams, in order to wear the Trained patch. Check with your District Training Committee for the next scheduled course.

Safe Swim Defense

All swimming activities in Scouting are required to follow the eight basic principles known collectively as the Safe Swim Defense plan. A unit that follows the plan can expect a safe, enjoyable aquatic experience. Safe Swim Defense is required for BSA tour permits.

Safety Afloat

All boating activities in Scouting are required to follow the nine basic principles of Safety Afloat. With an emphasis on accident prevention through proper preparation and skills, a unit that follows Safety Afloat can expect a safe, enjoyable activity. Safety Afloat is required for BSA tour permits for any trip afloat.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

This one day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for those leaders who are interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO is an instructor-led course which is conducted at the Council level. BSA's Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience.

Completion of this course is mandatory for at least one adult on a Pack overnighter.

Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders (OWL)

This course is designed to help Webelos leaders enhance the outdoor program for the Webelos Scouts in their den by teaching some basic outdoor skills as well as skills needed to complete many of the Webelos activity badges. This course can be taught as a stand-alone experience but is often presented in conjunction with Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS).

Youth Leadership Training Continuum

The Boy Scouts of America continues to provide opportunities for youth to develop and improve their leadership skills beyond the experiences in their local units. Click here to find out more about what courses may be of the most benefit to you.

Hazardous Weather

Hazardous Weather training must be completed prior to requesting a tour permit from the BSA. The module presents safety precautions for eight different types of weather, as well as planning, preparation, and traditional weather signs. You will answer questions about the topics after each section. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.

Climb On Safely

Climb On Safely covers eight key safety points about climbing and rappelling and is required training for at least one adult leader on any type of Scouting outing that involves climbing or rappelling. You will watch a brief video broken into three sections and answer questions after each section. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes.

Fast Start Orientation Training

Intended to be taken by pack, troop, team, and crew leaders, as well as ScoutParent unit coordinators, unit commissioners, and chartered organization representatives immediately following the acceptance of their new role; Fast Start is designed to help new leaders understand the fundamentals of their specific program and give insight into the various leadership roles of the people they will be working with. Leaders will learn their responsibilities and how to keep things organized, fun, and exciting, along with information about other resources available to help assist in them in their new position. This training is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.

Crew Officer Orientation

Providing support to new Venturing crew leaders, this self-paced course covers crew officers' roles and responsibilities, resources crew officers need and use, working with Advisors and older adults, and how to plan your crew's annual program, along with other planning resources.

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)

The ILST course is intended to help Boy Scouts in leadership positions within their troops understand their responsiblities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. ILST replaces Troop Leadership Training and is a prerequisite for Boy Scouts to participate in more advanced leadership courses (i.e., National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)).

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC)

ILSC is intended to help Venturers in leadership positions within their crew understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. ILSC replaces the Venturing Leadership Skills Course (VLSC) and is a prerequisite for Venturers to participate in the more advanced leadership courses (i.e., National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) and the Kodiak Challenge).

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS)

ILSS is intended to help Sea Scouts in leadership positions within their ship understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. ILSS replaces the Venturing Leadership Skills Course (VLSC) and is a prerequisite for Sea Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses (i.e., National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) and the Kodiak Challenge).

The NYLT to NAYLE Bridge?

The purpose of this course is to provide a summary of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) skills to those youth who have been unable to attend a council NYLT course for reasons beyond their control. The Bridge course reviews all of the key leadership skills taught in NYLT, which are then reinforced by the experiential learning environment of the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).

This Is Scouting

This Is Scouting provides an overview of the Scouting organization, including history, values, programs, Youth Protection, community involvement, and training. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes.

Camp Health Officer Training

This presentation provides a detailed briefing for individuals selected to serve as a camp health officer at a council or district camping facility.

Mentoring

This mentoring workshop will introduce participants to the two different styles of mentoring, as well as their benefits and when these models are appropriate. Using the mentoring framework, the participants will enter into a mentoring relationship using learned conversations to demonstrate mentoring in action.

Kodiak Challenge

The Kodiak Challenge is designed to be an adventure that pushes the boundaries of every participant - one that will encourage you to try new things that may be out of your comfort zone. It is an experience—but one that has its underpinnings in the application of the leadership skills they learned in the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops or Crews, NYLT, and/or NAYLE. It is, as is all of Scouting, an adventure with a purpose

Powder Horn

Open to both registered adults and youth who are at least 13 and have completed the 8th grade, Powder Horn is a hands-on resource management course designed to give you the contacts and tools necessary to conduct an awesome high-adventure program in your troop, team, crew, or ship. Contact your council training chair for information about upcoming courses in your area.

Trek Safely

"Trek Safely" covers seven key safety points about trekking and is recommended for adult leaders organizing any type of trek. You will watch a brief video broken into two sections and answer questions after each section. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 20 minutes.

Philmont Training Center

Since 1950 The Philmont Training Center (PTC) has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, and a fun family program for every member of the family.

Application for a Council to Conduct Wood Badge, Powder Horn, and NYLT

The first step for a council to conduct one of the national training courses is to submit an application. A new form has been developed that will serve for applying for Wood Badge, Powder Horn, and NYLT. Simply fill out the form and send it to the Volunteer Development Team for processing.

Application to Conduct a SEABADGE Course

The first step for a council, area, or region to conduct the advanced national training course known as SEABADGE is to submit an application. A new form has been developed that serves as the method for making application. Simply fill out the form and send it to Keith Christopher, National Director, Sea Scouts, BSA for processing.

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) offers participants an unforgettable Philmont backcountry wilderness experience that develops leadership and teamwork skills, using the core elements of NYLT to make these skills intuitive.

The Trainer's EDGE

The Trainer's EDGE replaces the Trainer Development Conference (BSA 500) as the required train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge and NYLT staffs. It is meant to supplement the practice offered through Wood Badge and NYLT staff development, with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to the staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to "train the trainer" on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media.

Staffing the District Committee

This session will assist you in recruiting the right people to get Scouting done in your district. Learn how the coordinated meeting makes the best use of time, as it breaks out into six operating committees that interact with one another.

Boy Scout Roundtable Planning Guide

Providing knowledge, program ideas, skills, and fun resources is the purpose behind the Boy Scout Roundtable Planning Guide. Using this guide along with local resources, Boy Scout roundtable commissioners can enable and motivate unit leaders to deliver an outstanding program to their Scout troops. The 2011-2012 planning guide is designed to allow program topics to be used in the order best suited for your district.

Physical Wellness

Physical Wellness Training was developed to help prepare attendees for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. It is appropriate for leadership in all program areas and for Boy Scout and Venturing youth. The module focuses on Mind, Body and Spirit. Learning objectives include the ability to define physical wellness; identify ways to improve the wellness of the mind, body, and spirit; describe the role self-responsibility plays in wellness; and answer questions about nutrition. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.

Wood Badge Scholarships

Both the AFL-CIO and the VFW recognize the value of Scouting and particularly the value of Wood Badge training. Both organizations offer scholarships to their chapter members to better equip them to serve the youth of their communities. Each of the four regions can award up to three scholarships a year. Applications can be downloaded, printed, and sent to the Volunteer Development Team at the national office. Deadline for submitting both applications is March 31st.

Supplemental Training

Supplemental training modules are designed to provide Scouting leaders with orientation beyond the basic training offered in This Is Scouting and leader-specific training.

Volunteer Development Training at the National High Adventure Sea Base

Want to escape the winter weather next January? Save the date now to attend a fun and informative week at the Florida Sea Base. There's sure to be a conference that will apply to your role in Scouting.

Early Rank Requirements Video

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank requirements video.

Passport to High Adventure Training Outline

This training outline teaches how Scouts can plan and safely carry out council and unit high-adventure treks using Leave No Trace techniques.

Boy Scout Leader Assessment Tool

This tool is designed to help Boy Scout leaders assess their strengths and weaknesses in regard to the current Boy Scout leader training courses. Your results will be used to help the national Boy Scout organization and your local council to iprove their training courses and help identify the training needs of the general membership.

Philmont Training Center Masters Track Application

The Philmont Training Center now offers a Masters Track Square Knot that you may have completed all or part of the requirements if you have visited the training center in the past two years. If not, this is one you might want to be working on the future.

Boy Scout Leader Training Awards

An overview of training for Boy Scout leaders, including the Boy Scout Leader's Training Award and Scoutmaster's Key.

Generational Diversity

Take this session and have a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the diverse range of ages and life experiences of the volunteers and professionals in our organization. You will be able to recognize and define the four generational groups of people currently in the BSA.