TRAINING
Research shows the importance of trained leaders in the Boy Scouts of America. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be! Sign up to receive our Training Times newsletter sent quarterly throughout the year. This newsletter contains all of the latest training updates, events and more! To learn more about the Training Times, and for newsletter archives, click here.
Position Specific Training is a course required for registered leaders of all Scouting programs levels (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing) to earn their “Trained” status. The Position Specific Training program is tailored to the specific position that the leader holds. It provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Position Specific Training is available online at the BSA Learn Center through my.scouting.org. You can also attend a training taught by informed volunteers on a district or council level.
Wood Badge is the ultimate leadership training program for the adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America. Similar courses on the corporate side cost thousands of dollars per attendee and may not offer the same depth. Wood Badge is a modern format of training that delivers the latest in 12 leadership skills that will help you be the best leader possible. These are skills that will become part of your everyday life. You will use these skills at home, church, and anywhere leadership is needed.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting and powerful program designed to provide members of the Boy Scouts of America (ages 13 and over) with leadership skills and experience they can use to lead themselves and others. This week-long outdoor experience represents a month in the model life of a typical Scout unit. This course is designed to compliment leadership training at the unit level and is a follow on to Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth (age 14 and up) to the exciting high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The course supports the mission of strengthening units so they can achieve the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. One common denominator of successful courses is that creativity and variety play a role in the delivery of the curriculum. Each course is somewhat different, and that is a good thing. Some courses have had participants arrive by canoe, horseback, or bike, or even on skis. Creativity is fun, too! The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the Powder Horn course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them. This will lead to a more exciting and robust program, which in turn should lead to increased membership and a higher retention rate in our units.
Scouting U (Scouting University classes) is a one-day leader training program designed for YOU, the volunteers and leaders in Scouting. The day provides ideas and resources in areas to benefit your Pack, Troop, Team or Crew. Scouting U is offered once a year to assist all Scout volunteers in their Scouting positions.
Supplemental training is designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in leader-specific training. Many courses like Safe Swim Defense, Weather Hazards, Trek Safely, and others are required for a Tour Permit. These can be accessed through the eLearning area of MyScouting.org.
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs. Over the decades, the Boy Scouts of America has been a leader in developing training and policies designed to keep young people safe. Over time, these policies have become standard with organizations across the nation. True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels.
Many trainings are available online. Log in to your My.Scouting.org account to access your personal training record.
Visit the Training Calendar to see when and where training is in your area.
Visit the Unit Leader Resources page for Unit Leader Tools that are designed to give volunteer leaders some tools and resources to help them fulfill their role in their unit.
Being prepared in Scouting often means being ready to render first aid. As we go farther into the backcountry with our units, some additional training is needed. Wilderness first aid (WFA), the next step up from the basic first aid, focuses on teaching assessment skills and using available resources when professional responders may be hours or even days away. It can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of emergencies, injuries, and illnesses. It can mean the difference between life and death.
ntroduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) gives adult leaders the practical knowledge they need to help Scouts to learn outdoor skills. The skills presented closely follow the Boy Scout Handbook and rank advancement requirements. All the skills from Tenderfoot to First Class are covered in this training.
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is a 1.5 day introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for units interested in offering a camping component to their Pack activities. This training consists of an online prerequisite component, plus an in-person overnight camping experience that provides hand-on practical skills. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies are taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units conduct a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.