Training
We owe it to our kids to provide them the very best Scouting experience that we can. That means having trained leaders. For any adult to participate in Scouting activities, you must complete Youth Protection Training. But there is plenty more to do. From learning about how the Troop works, to the Committees that keep it running, all the way through the pinnacle of adult leadership training, the Wood Badge, there is always something we could do as adults to learn more about Scouts and provide our kids the more rewarding program we can.
Training
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection
BSA Youth Protection Mission Statement
True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels. Protección Juvenil En Español
Leadership Selection
The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders.
The adult application requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child abuser, we can reduce the risk of accepting a child abuser by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position—his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and what discipline techniques he or she would use.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has a multilayered adult leader selection process that includes criminal background checks administered by a nationally recognized third party and other screening efforts. Click here for information on the selection process.
Required Training
- Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement.
- Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
- Download the How-To Guide for taking Youth Protection Training
New to Scouting? Click here to login and take Youth Protection training. You do not have to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America to take Youth Protection training.
To take Youth Protection training go to My.Scouting.org and create an account. You’ll receive an email notification with your account information, including a member ID/reference number.
From the My.Scouting.org portal, click Menu then My Dashboard from the menu list. The My Training page displays to take Youth Protection training. Upon completion, you may print a training certificate to submit with a volunteer application. Your training will automatically be updated in our system and associated with the member ID/reference number issued when you created the account.
When your volunteer application is approved, you will receive a BSA membership card that includes your member ID number.
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs.
Training for Adults
This section provides a variety of materials, from quick references to complete courses, all designed to help our members improve leadership skills and deliver a quality program.
Joining Courses
These courses are required for to become registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. A login is required, but anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA may provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit.
Youth Protection TrainingOnce facilitators have been tasked with delivering the adult Youth Protection training, they should contact their Council Scout Executive for access to the materials. Access to the materials should not be shared with anyone else.
The materials are available in English and Spanish and are packaged as a zipped file that contains facilitator’s guides and PowerPoint slide decks for each of the mandatory and recommended Youth Protection training modules, copies of the video files embedded in the PowerPoint slide decks, a copy of the end-of-course test for the current year, and a sample training attendance report. You’ll also find an optional Chief’s video (M4 Overview – Chief.mp4)
All other versions of Facilitator Led Training are superseded by the materials available through your Scout Executive.
Youth Protection Pledge CardsTake the pledge to keep our Scouts safe by following the BSA’s Youth Protection policies. Half the pledge is signed and given to the council; the other half stays with you in pocket card format as a reminder. The links below, in English and Spanish versions, will print four-up on a sheet.
Orientation Courses
Orientation courses are designed to help Scouters learn more about their Scouting role and about other leadership positions
in the program.
STEM OrientationSTEM Nova Program, Nova Counselor, and Supernova Mentor Training are now available at my.scouting.org, click “BSA Learn Center” then “STEM in Scouting”. To access them,
- Create or log into your account at my.scouting.org
- Click on “BSA Learn Center”
- Select the “Expanded Learning” category, then select “STEM IN SCOUTING”
These instructor-led courses are designed to help Scouters learn how to effectively carry out their Scouting roles. In most cases, completing the course will make a Scouter “trained” for the role(s) covered in the course. E-learning versions of some courses may be found below in the E-learning section.
Basic Leader RequirementsNeed to know what are the requirements to be trained for your unit leadership role? This sheet explains the training requirements for all unit-level leaders.
Cub Scout Position-Specific TrainingThe link below is to the syllabus that is to be used by trainers in presenting a group and/or the stand-alone position-specific course. This course is intended to provide the following positions with the information and tools they need to conduct a successful Program:
- Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Den Leaders
- Cubmasters and Assistant Cubmasters
- Pack Committee and Committee Chair
Leaders who complete the training are considered trained for their position.
Scoutmaster/Merit Badge Counselor/Troop Committee/Troop Committee Chair Position-Specific TrainingThe instructor’s guide below is intended to be used by trainers leading Scouts BSA Position-Specific Training. The course will provide these positions with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Scout troops. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who complete this course, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, and Youth Protection Training are considered “trained” for those positions. There is no change to the My.Scouting Tools code (S24) for the course. All other positions who complete their portion are considered “trained” for their positions.
Instructor Syllabus – Spanish Version (Out of Date)
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. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Boy Scout Troops in order to be considered “trained”.
Instructor Syllabus (August 2018)
Spanish Version (August 2018)
Venturing Advisor Position-Specific TrainingBelow is the instructor’s guide for the Venturing crew Advisor and assistant training. The course will provide an introduction to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful Venturing crew leadership experience.
Chartered Organization Representative TrainingNOTE: Online training modules for the Chartered Organization Representative are available in the BSA Learn Center on My.Scouting
Crew Committee Challenge
The Crew Committee Challenge is designed for crew committee members and becomes the course (along with the Venturing version of Youth Protection training) crew committee members need to be considered “trained.” The instructor’s guide below is for trainers to conduct the course for crew committee members.
STEM Nova Counselor/Supernova Mentor Training
These training is available online at the BSA Learn Center.
District Committee Basic Training
District Committee Training has been taught the same way for many years with a very dated course. Today we are happy to announce that by leveraging the BSA Learn Center we are providing the district committee a learning environment that provides them the content they need when the need it while leveraging professional training for consistency in district training. This new learning replaces the District Committee Workshop and provide learning plans aligned with the various district committee positions and functions.
Position trained status (D61) will be provided for those who complete their training. Position training includes:
District Committee Chair
District Committee Vice Chair
Membership Chair
Fund Development
Training Chair
Member at Large
Activities and Civil Service Chair
Nominating Chair
Program Chair
Camping and Outdoor Chair
Advancement Chair
The online training supersedes the District Committee Workshop – please discontinue use of the District Committee Workshop.
Supplemental Training Courses
These courses are designed to help Scouters with a particular skill or to enhance their Scouting role. Additional modules may be found on the “Supplemental” link in the upper-left section of this page.
CubCast and ScoutCastThe podcasts are monthly audio presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders.
Powder HornOpen 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 area training chair for information about upcoming courses in your area.
Advanced Unit Chaplain and Chaplain Aide TrainingCouncils may now provide Unit Chaplain and Unit Chaplain Aide training which includes participation by the Chartered Organization Representative at their convenience. This easy to download syllabus is intended to reinforce not only the relationship with the Chartered Partner but connect these Scouts and Scouters with other units in their districts and council. They may learn best practices to strengthen their roles as Chaplains and Chaplain Aides, inspire more Duty to God activities and foster understanding of the many faiths represented in the Boy Scouts of America.
The Course Code for this training is D86.
These courses are designed to help Scouters with skills related to the BSA’s outdoor program.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry our a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.
This course should not be taught with IOLS. As part of a two-part blended learning format, the on-line modules are the first step to become BALOO trained. The on-line training modules contain introductory and basic information that will be built upon during the practical training that is completed during an in-person, council instructed course. The on-line component must be completed prior to the practical component and the course facilitator should check this before allowing enrollment into this part of the course. The in-person syllabus is facilitated by the council training committee and the syllabus must be followed to include the overnight portion of the training. Otherwise the training code will not be awarded.
Camp Health Officer TrainingThis presentation provides a detailed briefing for individuals selected to serve as a camp health officer at a council or district camping facility.
Kodiak ChallengeThe 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
Passport to High Adventure Training OutlineThis training outline teaches how Scouts can plan and safely carry out council and unit high-adventure treks using Leave No Trace techniques.
Train-the-Trainer Courses
These courses are designed to help Scouters learn or improve their presentation skills.
The Fundamentals of TrainingThis is the first part of the three-part train-the-trainer continuum (T3, or T-Cubed) in the Boy Scouts of America. The course introduces teaching techniques and skills to new Scout trainers but is also designed to help all Scouters, regardless of their experience, present effective training. Intended for both youth and adult trainers, the course will help those who might have trained for other organizations learn the BSA’s training techniques, and it will help freshen up the skills of current BSA trainers.
The Trainer’s EDGEWhile the Trainer’s EDGE is a required train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge and NYLT staffs, it is also for other trainers wishing to enhance their training and presentation skills.
Fillable Training CardsIn conjunction with the Volunteer Development Team, the National Supply Group has released the latest version of the pocket-sized certificate of training. Simply specify SKU 615012 when ordering from your local Scout Shop or through scoutshop.org. Click on the link below to open a pdf template that has been created for convenience in filling out these portable training records.
National Training Conferences
Bechtel Summit’s John D. Tickle Training Center
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.
Sea BaseJoin us in the beautiful Florida Keys to learn with experienced and informed Scouters with ample time to enjoy the climate and beauty of the Keys.
Wood BadgeWood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers and professionals. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Explorers, and district and council Scouters all are welcome and belong here.
Course Director’s and Area Training Conferences
2020 Course Director’s and Area Training Conference RegistrationClick here for the most up-to-date listing of Wood Badge and NYLT Course Director’s Conferences in your region or area and across the nation. The accompanying links for registering for each conference will be available as listed. Many of this year’s Course Director’s Conferences have been combined with other functional conferences, creating an atmosphere of learning on a larger scale and allowing for the sharing of resources and ideas. You will find these Area Training Conferences listed here as well.
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is advanced Scout leader training that began in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and Wood Badge’s first director. It came to America in 1948 and has been updated to reflect current BSA policies and programs. Incorporating the best techniques available, Wood Badge has become the most advanced leadership training course in Scouting!
Wood Badge is the highest level of Scout leadership training and provides you with the tools to be a superior leader. The leadership skills taught are for leaders from all Scouting areas including Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing and the district and council. The 1st half of the course utilizes a classroom environment and practical exercises to teach the essentials of leadership. You’ll learn what makes leadership work for you in Scouting and your personal life. The 2nd half offers classroom and outdoor experiences to help you learn the application of leadership skills. Finally, you will write and complete a “Ticket”. The “Ticket” consists of five written goals. These goals connect your new leadership knowledge to your role in Scouting.
Any Scouter who has attended basic training for their registered position and serves in a leadership role in Scouting or in a position that directly supports a unit can attend.
