Boy Scout Leader Training

Boy Scout Leader Position-Specific Training

Studies show that trained leaders provide a higher quality Scouting program that attracts and retains members.  Studies also show that boys who stay in Scouting five or more years have even greater benefits from Scouting. 

The various training programs provided by Scouting will not only benefit Scouts, but also have a positive impact on adults.

Boy Scout Leader Position-Specific, along with “Youth Protection Training”, “This is Scouting”, “Boy Scout Fast Start”, and “Outdoor Leader Skills” will meet the requirements for a leader to be fully trained.

Training has been developed to give new leaders the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.  For Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, this training is divided into four parts.  The first three are completed in a full day or three evenings.  The fourth part, which focuses on outdoor skills, is a weekend course.   The lead Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

Youth Protection Training and This is Scouting are both available online here.

Boy Scout Leader Specific Training

For Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters, this training is divided into four parts. The first three parts concentrate on troop operation and can be completed in one 10 hour course, or three evenings. The fourth part, which focuses on outdoor skills is a weekend course. The leader is considered trained upon completion of New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

For troop committee members, Leader Specific training includes the Troop Committee Challenge. This training is available online at www.myscouting.org.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start a program right.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout coaches. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal for Venturing leaders because it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences.

This is a weekend long course, held in mid-October and mid-April.  See the Council Calendar for specific dates. (Link to Council Calendar tab).

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS:

• Enrolled in Boy Scout Specific Leader Training.
• If you completed Boy Scout Leader Specific Training, but did NOT complete the Outdoor Training portion of this training at that time, and now wish to fulfill that training, please contact your District Training Chair, or District Executive.  Contact information located under “Contact Us” tab.(Link to Contact Us tab)

Wood Badge has evolved into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The new Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer's ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.

NOTE:  The next Wood Badge training session will be held in 2013.

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 (available April 2012), 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