Supplemental training modules are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in New Leader Essentials 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. Many of the outlines typically require about an hour to complete, although some programs are more extensive. 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. Additional training units are being developed and will be continually added.

A superb source of Supplemental Training is found at District Roundtables, held monthly in each District. Contact your District Commissioner for more information, and a schedule of topics being covered.

Outdoor Programs

Guide to Safe Scouting

The Guide to Safe Scouting prepares adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through 90-plus years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures. All volunteers participating in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting. More information here.

Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing

Safe Scouting can happen if you follow the Scout motto—Be Prepared. This unit of supplemental training describes how to plan and conduct a safe Scout outing. More information here.

Troop Program Features

These three volumes in PDF format are a complete guide to troop program planning. Each volume features 12 months of program helps. Also: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3.

Troop Program Resourses

Excellent manual in PDF format. This companion piece for the Scoutmaster Handbook contains resources, forms, and ideas for providing a dynamic program for Scouts

Scouting Adventures for Older Boys

Older Scouts (those who are at least 13 years old or have completed the seventh grade) seek challenge and variety. How does Scouting capture their interest? Through diverse high-adventure and outdoor opportunities. Scouting not only provides adventure but also emphasizes values through ideals that reinforce God, country, and personal growth.

Climb on Safely

Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America's recommended procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower.

Teaching Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is not simply a program for visiting the backcountry, it is an attitude and a way of life. Learning about Leave No Trace begins with your unit. See this overview of Leave No Trace.

Passport to High Adventure

This training outline teaches how Scouts can plan and safely carry out council and unit high-adventure treks using Leave No Trace techniques.

Discover High Adventure

The BSA high-adventure program directory is a service to all units desiring to locate a high-adventure program opportunity at any local council. The directory lists all council-operated high-adventure trekking programs that span at least five nights and six days. A few programs of lesser duration are included as specialty adventure programs.

Campmaster Training

The campmaster corps is a group of selected, trained, and registered Scouters who serve at council weekend camps whenever troops, teams, Webelos dens, or posts are using any part of the camp property. The training prerequisite is determined by the council. It is important that the person have outdoor experience and people skills.

Geocaching to Promote Scouting

Geocaching is an exciting new sport that uses GPS navigation to find hidden treasures. It provides another tool for the fun-with-a-purpose toolbox and can combine outdoor adventure with advancement, recruiting, retention, and public relations.

 

Camp Health Officer (PPT)

This presentation provides a detailed briefing for individuals selected to serve as a Camp Health Officer at a council or district camping facility.

 

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.

Unit Administration

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.

 

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.

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.

 

Chartered Organization Representative

The chartered organization representative holds a key position in Scouting. While there is honor attached to this position, it is not an "honorary" one. The primary function is to ensure that the chartered organization's Scouting program succeeds.

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.

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. Information here and here.

 

The Adult Leadership Training Continuum

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

 

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.

 

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience - NAYLE (PPT)

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.

 

Advanced Training Programs

 

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is Scouting's premier training course, open to adult leaders in all Scouting Programs (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing, including Sea Scouts).

 

Powder Horn

Powder Horn is a superb training opportunity designed as an action-packed, hands-on outdoor course, designed to expose Venturing and Boy Scout leaders to activities and resources necessary to operate a successful Venturing Ranger Award or Troop High Adventure program.

 

Seabadge

Seabadge is the official advanced training program of Sea Scouting. This course is designed to provide the specific management techniques that can improve the quality of the Ships' programming.