Adult Training
Welcome to the Training Page! Got questions on training? Perhaps we can help. Click on the questions you have below for help.
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Why should I get trained?
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Where is e-learning available?
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What kind of safety, first aid and health training is available?
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How do I get trained in Outdoor Leader Skills
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I am new to scouting! Where can I get trained the basics?
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What else is available for training? (Supplemental)
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How can I get recognized or recognize my leaders for their training?
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How do I know if I'm doing a good job as a boy scout leader?
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Where can I get up-to-date information on training?
Why should I get trained for my position?
- The Scouts: They deserve a trained, knowledgeable leader.
- The Scout's Parents: They expect the person leading their child to be trained, prepared and knowledgeable.
- Because the IMPACT you will have on YOUTH is HUGE. You are a role model and a leader; take advantage of the training available to you to get the skills and knowledge you should have.
- Yourself: You will learn and be a more confident leader and better person.
- The FUN of it: You want (need) to have fun too!
In short, you will be able to deliver a better program (productive fun meetings, quality time with the Scouts, new games, etc.) A better program delivers a better unit. A better unit reults in a better person. A better person changes the world into a better place!
What Makes a Trained Leader?
All unit leaders, commitee members and any other adult who will be in direct contact with a youth meber of the Boys Scouts of America is require to take Youth Protection Training. It is highly recomended to take this course before the leader works directly with any scouts and is done before their application is turned in. Youth Protection Training is offered at the September, October, November, December, and May Roundtables. It is also offered online. This certification lasts two years.
Cub Scout leaders are considered trained when they have Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position. This is an hour long course offered at the October Roundtable and can also be taken anytime online. Any leader wishing to take their pack camping is required to have one adult take the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) course. This Course is offered in October and May at Camp Klaus, and is a full day training. WEBELOS Den Leaders planning campouts for thier den are required to take the WEBLOS Leader Outdoor Training. See below for details on council outdoor traning.
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed, Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training. This is a district level training course typically held indoors and offered in April, November and for the entire council at summer camp. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are also required to take Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), which is held in conjunction with WEBLOS Leader Outdoor Training. This course is taken over a weekend and requires an overnight stay. IOLS is held twice a year once in October and once in May at Camp Klaus. If you plan to take your scouts on a trip Hazardous weather training is required for the Tour Plan, depending on the planned activity addtional safetly and health training may be required. Check your tour plan for details.
Venture Crew Advisors are considered trained when they have completed, Venture Leader Specific Training. This is a district level training course typically held in the winter as needed. Contact your unit commisioner for details and to set up a training. Crew Advisors who advise an outdoor focused program, are also required to take the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills course.
Unit Commitee Members are considered trained when they have taken the Commitee Challange. This is an hour long course offered by a district leader or commisioner, the training can be done in a "game" or lecture format and can also be taken anytime online. Charter Representative Training is offered at Roundtable in November Decemember, April and May. Please contact your unit commisioner for detials.
E-Learning Resource Website:
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.
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.
Log in to MyScouting to take this course online
Safety and Health Courses
Weather Hazards
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.
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.
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.
CPR and First Aid
The BSA recommends that every leader be trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as an endeavor to revive victims of cardiac arrest (no breathing, no pulse). CPR may be taught by instructors currently trained by a nationally certified provider such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Emergency Care and Safety Institute, or American Safety and Health Institute. CPR Training is offered through the districts check the Council Calendar for dates.
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the assessment of and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. Participants will learn how to assess, treat, and (when possible) contain emergencies within the scope of their training. Youth and adult Scout leaders over age 14 are invited to participate and earn their certification. This course is offered through the council in the spring and fall of the year. A minimum of one leader is required to be certified in WFA for any high adventure trek. Estimated time to complete: 4 hours.
Got question about this course?
This course is also offered through the local American Red Crss Chapter check here for details.
Council Outdoor Skills Training
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
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.
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).
Basic Supplemental Training
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.
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.
Additional Supplemental Training
Supplemental training modules are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in This Is Scouting and leader-specific training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study. Most of the outlines should require about an hour to complete. Consider each unit of study to be an introduction to the subject. Scouters are welcome to download subjects that are of interest for personal or unit use. There are no training credits associated with the completion of these units of study. Additional training units are being developed and will be continually added to this site.
How to Conduct a Pinewood Derby
Like many popular Scouting programs, the pinewood derby began at one unit and spread nationwide like wildfire. The grassroots program—because of its very nature, its inherent merit, and the fact that it is just plain fun—went from one father’s idea at a California Cub Scout pack to sweeping the nation in the early 1950s. This module will teach you the history and help you host a derby of your own.
Beginning Cold Weather Camping
For many troops and crews, the first chilly days of winter mark the arrival of camping doldrums for the outdoor program. Units otherwise skilled in camping during the fair months of the year feel unprepared to handle the more challenging camping situations of winter. The following training along with the publication, Okpik: Cold –Weather Camping (available at your local Scout Service Center), provides both leadership and practical approaches for leaders wishing to bolster their camping program to a year–round one.
Cooking Without Utensils
Cooking without utensils, while no longer a rank requirement, is a long-time scouting tradition. Its novelty makes it a great deal of fun and an adventure to some extent. It can teach a great deal about heat management, meal planning, and nutrition. It can be much more than a marshmallow or hotdog on a stick – and it should be.
Leave No Trace: Preserving the Beauty and Maintaining Our Access to the Land
Learn to identify personal nature awareness and stewardship goals, and learn advanced skills, but simple ones, that will help ensure a minimum-impact (Leave No Trace) experience on all outdoor experiences.
Disc Golf in Support of Scouting
Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities among youth and young adults. This course will teach you how disc golf can help you to improve your Scouting program, including using disc golf as an activity, for advancement, and as a great source of service projects. And, of course, you’ll learn how to play disc golf—and teach others to play.
Mentoring
Mentoring is an opportunity to help a person grow through discovery. This session will address various mentoring models and ways to be a mentor to Scouts and Scouters.
Chain Saw Safety
Council properties rely on chain saws to help clear trails, remove deadfalls, clear timber, and stockpile wood for campfires and heating buildings. This training outline provides local councils with the resources to train chain saw operators on council property.
Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide
This module will guide new and potential merit badge counselors through their responsibilities in the role and will give them an understanding of the methods of counseling Scouts. It is intended as a short orientation course for new merit badge counselors before they begin working with Scouts.
Board of Review Training
This module will train troop committee members and others in the purposes of the board of review, offering suggestions for the types of questions that can or should be asked. Geocaching to Promote Scouting
The Order of the Arrow and Your Troop
This session discusses the benefits to the individual, troop, district, and council as a result of the Order of the Arrow's influence in your troop.
Orientation for New Boy Scout Parents
This brief orientation is designed to draw new parents into the troop experience and give them the information they need to enjoy the program and help their sons succeed.
Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing
Safe Scouting can happen if you follow the Scout motto—Be Prepared. This unit of supplementary training will describe how to plan for and conduct a safe Scout outing.
Recruiting Quality Training Staff
Recruiting is an ongoing responsibility. This session will provide an overview of the steps involved in recruiting quality district or council training staff and will allow participants to take a step-by-step practice run through the recruiting process.
Scoutmaster Conference Training
This module will teach Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and other troop leaders about the purposes of the Scoutmaster's conference and will offer suggestions for questions that could be asked at these conferences.
Selecting Quality Leaders
This session will provide an overview of the seven steps to recruiting a key adult unit leader and will prepare participants to recruit new leaders for their units' needs.
Bullying: Prevention and Intervention Tips for Scout Leaders and Parents
The values of Scouting make it clear that bullying cannot be tolerated. Scouting leaders have a unique opportunity to teach respect and acceptance of others.
Conducting an Interfaith Service
Scouts and unit leaders can learn to conduct an interfaith service (formerly a Scouts' Own) that is inclusive for all participants.
Cub Scout Commissioner Roundtable Fast Start
This module provides a general overview of roundtable commissioners responsibilities, as well as an outline for roundtable meetings.
Supporting Scouts With AD/HD .PPT ADHD 
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The aims and methods of the Scouting program make it an outstanding opportunity for those with AD/HD characteristics to develop and enhance the skills that can lead to success in school, in relationships with other, and in life.
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience NAYLE
NAYLE will provide Scouts with a Philmont-based wilderness encounter that motivates them to follow a life of helping others succeed based on the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.
Training Awards for Adult Leaders in Units
The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Progress record forms with the 2012 requirements for these awards can be found at the links below.
- Training Awards
- Keys
Check out the most recent updates on training at "The Training Times."