Training Opportunities
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.
Training courses traditionally offered in a classroom setting are now available at my.Scouting Tools by selecting Home, then My Dashboard. This allows users to take training courses online at their convenience and bookmark their place in a course thereby allowing them to return at a later date and complete the course.
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. Youth Protection is required to be completed every two years.
What makes a trained leader?
Basic Leader Training is a seamless training program that helps leaders easily graduate through the courses quickly and with minimal duplication. It begins with Youth Protection Training, then Fast Start training, continues through This is Scouting, and is followed by Leader Specific training for each adult's role in the unit. Cubmaster & Assistants
- Youth Protection - Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
- Cubmaster Leader Specific
Den Leaders
- Youth Protection - Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
- Leader Specific, by position
Pack Committee
- Youth Protection - Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
- Leader Specific, by position
Scoutmaster and Assistants
- Youth Protection - Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
- Scoutmaster Leader Specific
- Scout Leader Outdoor Orientation - SLOO
Troop Committee
- Youth Protection - Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
- Troop Committee Challenge - 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
Venturing
- Youth Protection - Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
- Venturing Leader Specific
Additional Training
Fast Start Training
Fast Start training is offered for all new leaders who are not able to immediately attend the leader specific training for their position, and need to get up to speed right away. New leaders choose the Fast Start they need to take: Cub Scout Leader, Scouts BSA Leader, or Venturing Crew Leader. All Fast Start can be completed via e-learning at my.scouting.org . This Is Scouting
This Is Scouting is a course designed to help Scouting leaders gain a better understanding of how Scouting works. It includes six modules of training, which cover the Mission of Scouting, Programs for All Ages, Scouting Is Fun, Scouting in the Community, Keeping Our Youth Safe, and Scouting’s Legacy. This training is available on DVD or can be completed via elearning at my.scouting.org .
Supplemental Training
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.
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.
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.
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 Scouts BSA 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.
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.
Scouts BSA Leader Assessment Tool
This tool is designed to help Scouts BSA leaders assess their strengths and weaknesses in regard to the current Scouts BSA leader training courses. Your results will be used to help the national Scouts BSA organization and your local council to improve their training courses and help identify the training needs of the general membership.
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.
The Fundamentals of Training
This 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.
