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. Many of the courses can be taken online. 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.
General
Cub
Scouting
Boy
Scouting
Varsity
Venturing
What is a Trained Leader
A Scout leader is entitled to wear the Trained leader emblem when he or she has
completed some basic but important training courses. A direct contact Scout leader
is considered fully trained and entitled to wear the Trained leader emblem when
he or she has completed the following training courses and the specific training
for the position.
The Training Umbrella of Scouting
Learn more about Boy Scouts of America’s training courses. This provides an overview
of training available based upon your needs.
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. Completion
is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced
online. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes.
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.
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Training
Prior to running your first den or pack meeting, Cub Scout Leader Fast Start is
the initial training course required for you to complete so that you may understand
the fundamentals of the Cub Scouting program. There are separate fast start training
courses for all Cub Scout leaders, catered to specific leadership roles in the pack.
You will learn your specific responsibilities, how to keep your meetings fun and
exciting, and what other resources there are to help assist you in planning for
your den or pack meetings. This training is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated
time to complete: 45 minutes.
Boy Scout Leader Fast Start Training
This is the first training step for all new leaders and should be taken immediately
after they register and before they meet with any youth memebers in the troop. Following
this training, you will understand the basics of the Boy Scout program and will
have the necessary tools to oversee your first troop meeting. This training course
is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.
Varsity Leader Fast Start Training
As a new Varsity Scout leader, it is essential that each adult complete this training
prior to the Varsity team’s first meeting. This training focuses on how Varsity
Scouting’s concept is more team-related within the BSA and focuses on five program
fields of emphasis. You will also learn how to incorporate these fields of emphasis
into regularly scheduled team meetings, activities, and service projects. This training
is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 30 mintues.
Venturing Advisor Fast Start
This is the first training step for all new leaders and should be taken immediately
after they register and before they meet with any youth members in the crew. Following
this training, you will understand the basics of the Venturing program and will
have the tools necessary for you to oversee your first crew meeting. This training
course is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes.
Crew Officer Orientation
This new training offers a much-needed support to Venturing crews with their officers.
The sections that it covers are: crew officers roles and responsibilities, resources
crew officers need and use, working with advisors and older adults, how to plan
your crew’s annual program, planning resources.
Troop Committee Challenge
This training is required for every troop committee member to complete basic training.
This online course focuses on the core beliefs, aims, and methods of Scouting. Specifically,
it helps each committee member learn and identify his or her role and responsibilities
in support of the adult leaders in the unit to provide a quality troop experience
for the Scouts. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.
Supplemental Training
Supplemental training modules are designed to provide leaders in Boy Scouting with
orientation beyond the basic training offered in This Is Scouting and leader-specific
training.
Early Rank Requirements Video
Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank requirements video.
The Youth Leadership Training Continuum
This supplemental training module is designed for Scout leaders and parents who
want to understand the youth leadership training continuum.
Troop Leadership Training
Troop Leadership Training, No. 34306A, has been rolled out to replace the Scoutmaster
Junior Leader Training Kit.
Philmont Training Center
The Philmont Training Center (PTC) provides a unique environment for the training
of volunteer and professional leaders.
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.
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.
Adult Training Awards
An overview of training for Boy Scout leaders that covers the journey from Fast
Start to Wood Badge, including the Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award and Scoutmaster’s
Key.
Kodiak
Kodiak teaches leadership skills in a fun way that is internalized by the Venturers
who take the course. In other words, it is a challenging high-adventure trek with
a simple and fun leadership course included. Kodiak is not taught indoors or in
a classroom; it is done completely outdoors using nature’s examples of leadership.
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.
Unit Commissioner Fast Start
The main purpose of the unit commissioner is to make units successful. To do this,
a unit commissioner should have people skills and a Scouting background and live
by the ideals of Scouting. A good commissioner will often be a counselor, a doctor,
a teacher, and an adviser.
Chartered Organization
Representative Fast Start
As a chartered organization representative, you hold a key position in Scouting.
While there is honor attached to this position, it is not an “honorary” one. Your
primary function is to ensure that the chartered organization’s Scouting program
succeeds. This course is designed to present you with the basics you need to carry
out your new responsibilities as a chartered organization representative. After
finishing the online training, you may print a certificate of completion. Estimated
time to complete: 15 minutes.
ScoutParents Unit Coordinator Fast Start
The ScoutParents initiative is a great way to involve parents of new or existing
youth in all of our BSA programs to become more active in their child’s Scouting
experience. Each unit is required to have at least one ScoutParents unit coordinator
to implement this program. The first step for the coordinator is to take this fast
start training course. The course will help assist the coordinator in understanding
the role and gives tips on how to effectively use the ScoutParents program to involve
more parents in all of our Scouting programs. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.
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.
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.
Teaching Leave No Trace
The purpose of this manual is to further Leave No Trace skills and awareness of
outdoor ethics.
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.
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.
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.
Climb On Safely
“Climb On Safely” covers eight key safety points about climbing and rappelling and
is recommended for adult leaders organizing any type of climbing outing. 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.
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.
Soccer and Scouting Basic Training
Use this DVD when training coaches and helpers in the BSA’s Soccer and Scouting
program. It includes a slide show and five video clips in a single presentation.
The DVD, BSA bin number 13-566, is available through local council service centers.
Both English and Spanish versions of the training are provided on the same DVD.