New Leader Training

BSA has designed a comprehensive program of training to help you deliver a high quality program to our youth. Often referred to as the Training Continuum, the BSA training program consists of individual on-line self-study programs as well as group training delivered in a classroom setting. Remember, one of the most effective "classrooms" that the Boy Scouts have to offer is the outdoors, and there are plenty of training programs offered outdoors.

Question: I'm a brand new leader. What do I need to do to get trained for my Scouting position?

First of all, thank you for volunteering for your position and welcome to the Boy Scouts of America. Immediately BEFORE becomming a new leader, BSA requires that you complete Youth Protection Training, specific to your program. A new leader's registration form will not be processed until Youth Protection training is completed.Youth Protection Training is available at the BSA On-line Learning Center.

Please note, effective June 1, 2010, the Boy Scouts of America REQUIRES that each new leader complete Youth Protection Training BEFORE initially assuming a leadership position, and then every two years thereafter. The health and safety of our youth are extremely important to all of us, and Youth Protection Training will help assure one important aspect of their good health and safety. Click here for more information.

Question: I recently completed youth protection training with another youth organization I am involved in. Can I use that training in place of the BSA training program?

No. The BSA program of Youth Protection Training is highly specific, and there are no effective alternative training programs. While many youth organizations have adopted some of the youth protection guidelines used by BSA, the methods employed by BSA are unique.

After completing Youth Protection Training, we ask that you complete Fast Start Training, specific to your program, and in the case of Cub Scouts, specific to your position. Fast Start Training (except for Varsity Leader and Chartered Organization Repesentative) is available at the BSA On-line Learning Center.

Fast Start Training is designed for new leaders to give them a quick program overview. This training will provide the leader with an immediate comfort level and enable them to say, "I can do this!" Fast Start Training should be the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers with a Unit,  and before he or she meets with any youth member. Click here for more information.

For leaders who have completed Fast Start Training, BSA has deveveloped an on-line video that helps new leaders get a "big picture" view of of all aspects of scouting. "This Is Scouting" picks up where Fast Start left off and introduces participants to the following areas of the Scouting program: Mission, Vision, and Values; Programs for All Ages and Abilities; Scouting Is Fun; Scouting in the Community; Protecting Our Youth; and Scouting’s Legacy. It replaces New Leader Essentials (effective March 15, 2009), and addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. We recommend that a Scout leader complete "This Is Scouting" within 6 months of assuming a leadership position. Once a leader completes "This Is Scouting" it need not be taken again, even if a leader moves to a new Scouting position. Available through the BSA On-Line Learning Center, the material is presented during a 45-minute training session. Click here for more information.

Question: I previously completed New Leader Essentials. Do I need to take "This Is Scouting"?

No. New Leader Essentials only needed to be completed one time, no many how many different Scouting jobs you've had. Since "This Is Scouting" is the replacement for New Leader Essentials, you don't need to take "This Is Scouting".

The on-line training programs listed above are introductory in nature. The next level of training is referred to as Basic Training (also Basic Leader Training and Leader Specific Training). Basic Training provides a leader with training specific to his or her position in Scouting. Basic Training programs are not available on-line or over the internet. These training programs are offered within each District at convenient locations hosted by dedicated volunteers who want to help make your Scouting experience enjoyable. To find what specific leader training programs are available in your District, please consult the Council Training Calendar and your District website. Click here for more information. District programs are offered for  geographic convenience. You may attend training programs offered in ANY District.

A leader should complete Basic Leader Training within 12 months of assuming a leadership position.

Question: After I complete Basic Leader Training, am I considered officially trained?

Yes. A leader who completes Youth Protection Training, Fast Start, This Is Scouting, and Basic Training is officially considered trained, and may wear the "Trained" patch on his or her uniform sleeve.

Question: What if I'd like additional training?

BSA offers various courses of Advanced Training. First and foremost among these is Wood Badge, Scouting's premier Leadership Development Program. Offered annually , usually in the Fall, over two 3-day weekends, Wood Badge is designed to provide Leaders in all Scouting programs with advanced leadership skills.  Click here to learn more.

Top notch program development is offered through Powder Horn training. Typically offered every other year, Powder Horn is designed for the Venture Crew or Boy Scout Troop offering high adventure programs. Participants get hands-on experience in a number of different high adventure programs, as well as learn how to bring the programs into the Troop, Crew, or Ship. Powder Horn will next be offered in Fall 2010. Click kere to learn more.

A specialized program and leadership course for Sea Scout Leaders is Seabadge, offered annually by the Northeast Region.  Seabadge is the official advanced training program of Sea Scouting. This 3-day course is designed to provide the program specific management techniques that can improve the quality of the Ship's program. Click here to learn more.

Summary of Leader Training

The table below summarizes the primary training programs available to Scout leaders, from Youth Protection Training, through Fast Start and This Is Scouting, and Basic (Leader Specific) Training. Beyond that, Advanced Training programs are identified. 

Download This Summary in Matrix Form (PDF)

Question: What if I'd like some specialized training?

BSA has a wide range of Supplemental Training modules available. Subjects include Leave No Trace, Climb on Safely, Campmaster Training, Chain Saw Safety, Conducting Boards of Review, Supporting Scouts with AD/HD, and many others. Click here for more information.

Question: Aren't there outdoor skills training for Cub Scout leaders?

Yes. BSA offers BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) as well as Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, to help Cub Scout leaders run an effective outdoor program. These programs are generally offered once or twice a year by each District. Please consult the Council Training Calendar and your District website. District programs are offered for  geographic convenience. You may attend training programs offered in ANY District.

As described on the BSA Tour Permit, at least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed BALOO Training.

Question: Are there other training requirements for Tour Permits?

Yes, there are a number of specific requirements for a Tour Permit. BSA policy requires at least two adult leaders on all camping trips and tours. Coed Venturing crews must have both male and female 21-year-old leaders for overnight activities. All registered adults participating in any nationally conducted event or activity must have completed BSA Youth Protection Training. At least one registered adult who has completed BSA Youth Protection Training must be present at all other events and activities that require a tour permit. Youth Protection training is valid for two years from the date completed.

Activity Standards: Where swimming or boating is included in the program, Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat standards are to be followed. If climbing/rappelling is included, then Climb On Safely must be followed. At least one person must be trained in CPR from any recognized agency for Safety Afloat and Climb On Safely. At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). At least one adult must have completed Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather training for all tours. The listed BSA training is valid for two years.

Download Tour Permit Training Requirements in Matrix Form (PDF)

Download This Training Continuum Chart (PDF)