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TRAINING
OVERVIEW |
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Training Is IMPORTANT Because Every Youth Deserves a Trained Leader,
Council Training Schedule
2008 Wood Badge
The leadership training philosophy of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide adult leaders with fundamental information about the aims and purposes of the movement, as well as specifics about their particular roles in Scouting.
The journey from Fast Start to Wood Badge is a seamless progression for adults and an unending benefit for BSA youth. Fast Start Orientation and New Leader Essentials—the first two steps in new-leader training—introduce new leaders to the Boy Scouting program. Leader Specific Training, as the name implies, focuses on specific leader roles and will require several days to complete, depending on an individual's previous outdoor skills experience. Wood Badge has evolved into the premier leadership course of the BSA, strengthening a leader's ability to effectively work with groups of youth and adults.
A trained leader is knowledgeable in the role being performed. The knowledge and confidence of a trained leader are quickly sensed by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers and are a positive influence on their live.
There are three types of training situations:
Group training is the most common and the most effective method. There are occasions however, when Scouting leaders cannot participate in group training and it is necessary to use another approach.
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 What Makes a Trained Leader?
- 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 , 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.
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Fast Start Training
Leaders should have a clear understanding that leadership training is a process that continues as long as an individual is actively involved in the Scouting program.
 Welcome to Scouting! As a new Scout leader, you are joining our Scouting family, and we want you to understand how the program works. The Fast Start Orientation video and guide will help explain it.
As the first section of Basic Leader Training, New Leader Essentials is a 90-minute introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting and provides new leaders with a look at the resources available to them. New Leader Essentials often is offered as the first part of Leader Specific Training.
The New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific basic training courses are designed to give job-related information to all Scouting volunteers, regardless of position, within a given program. Basic training courses have limitations. Because of time available, only a few topics can be covered in detail. Some skills are introduced in training sessions, but skills themselves are developed by practice over a longer period of time. One of the aims of basic training is to encourage leaders towards continuous self-development.
These training courses include leader specific training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders; an introduction to outdoor leader skills; and the new Wood Badge course.
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, Cubmasters, and pack committee members can complete this training in one day or two or three evenings. The leader is considered trained upon completion of New Leader Essentials and the Leader Specific training for that position.
Troop Committee Training Syllabus, No. 33643 |
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 full day or three evenings. The fourth part, which focuses on outdoor skills, lasts approximately a day and a half, depending on the skill level of the new leader. 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. By following the Troop Committee Training Syllabus, participants can complete the challenge in three hours, after which they are considered trained.
Venturing Leader Specific Training
Developed for Venturing Advisors, assistant Advisors, and crew committee members, this training incorporates Venturing's current adult leader training. New Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training can be completed in one day, after which the leader is considered to be trained.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, No. 33640 |
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.
The course is a day and a half long, but a leader can move at an accelerated pace by demonstrating mastery of a specific skill. The emphasis is on the skill, rather than on attending the course.
Wood Badge for the 21st Century
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.
There is always something new to learn and experience in BSA training.
Most BSA local councils offer additional training for Scout leaders, focusing on outdoor skills, Youth Protection, and youth leadership development. At the national level, a number of training courses are conducted each summer at the Philmont Training Center in northern New Mexico. Courses focus on everything from teaching outdoor skills to working with the troop committee. They are designed to give additional information on specific program areas.
Some of the methods touched upon in basic training are treated in greater depth in supplemental training courses. Some courses are held on a regular basis as a continuing source of information. Examples of supplemental training courses are: Youth Protection Training, District Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing Roundtables, Cub Scout Leader Pow Wows, University of Scouting, Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), Philmont National Training Center, High Adventure Training, and Life Guard training, etc.
Another supplemental training opportunity is the monthly district roundtable—meetings that bring together Scout leaders from a number of troops to share ideas and teach skills. Each meeting is an opportunity for enjoying fellowship and fun with others who are committed to Scouting's aims and ideals.
Since supplemental training is intended to enrich the leader's experience, there are no prerequisites.
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Cub Scout Leader Roundtables: for Cub Scouters
Roundtables are held monthly for the purpose of giving adult leaders the skills and ideas they need to deliver an exciting Cub Scout program to boys. The roundtable serves also to renew each leader's enthusiasm and dedication. Each roundtable features ceremonies, games, and activities for den and pack meetings built around the next month's theme. |
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Webelos Leader Outdoor Training: for Cub Scouters
Designed specifically for Webelos den leaders and their assistants, Webelos Leader Outdoor Training teaches outdoor skills through demonstration and hands-on practice. It also prepares the leader to conduct Webelos overnight camping with the boys and parents of the den. In addition to covering basic camping skills, this training features planning campouts and finding resources. |
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Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Staff Training: for Cub Scouters
Roundtable training for the district Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Roundtable staff. Training can be completed in three hours covering topics such as promotion, importance of games and songs and planning meetings. Presented by the council. |
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Pow Wow: for Cub Scouters
Supplemental training for all Cub Scout leaders. Workshop style training usually held on a Saturday with 6 one-hour sessions chosen by the participant. Presents fun classes on the outdoors, crafts, ceremonies and many more topics. Pow Wow is a council activity of fun-filled day of learning new and specific information that you can immediately bring back and use in the operation of your den and pack. |
Trainer Development Conference: for All Scouters
An eight-hour long course designed for all Scouters, doing any type of training. Topics include why and how we train leaders, planning courses, training technology, methods and pizzazz in training. Includes hands on activities. Presented by the council. |
BALOO, Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation: for Cub Scouters
BALOO training gives each trainee information on equipment, health and safety, first aid, campfires, locating campsites, outdoor cooking, and much more and is required for Cub Scout leaders to be qualified to sign a BSA Tour Permit. |
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Boy Scout Leader Roundtables: for Boy Scouters and Varsity Scouters
Roundtables are held monthly for the purpose of giving adult leaders the skills and ideas they need to deliver an exciting Boy Scout program to boys. The roundtable serves also to renew each Scouter's enthusiasm and dedication. The subject of each roundtable is selected to emphasize important aspects of the Boy Scout program. |
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Units of Training: for Cub Scouters, Boy Scouters and Varsity Scouters,
Units of training have been developed on a number of subjects and leadership skills to fortify learning for Scoutmasters and other adult leaders as they feel the need. The units of training can be "plugged in" by trainers as the need becomes apparent. Subjects covered are as follows: Boy Scout Advancement Training, Merit Badge Counselor Orientation, Youth Protection: Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing Leader Training and Selecting Quality Leaders. |
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University of Scouting: for Boy Scouters and Varsity Scouters
For all leaders, this seven hour council led event will help you be a better Scout leader. Participants choose from a variety of classes in Membership, Finance, Service, Program and General Studies areas. |
Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Staff Training: for Boy Scouters
Roundtable training for the district Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Roundtable staff. Training can be completed in three hours covering topics such as role of the commissioner, making displays, how to do demonstrations and planning through annual, quarterly and monthly meetings. Presented by the council. |
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Outdoor Skills Instruction: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
These "super Scouting weekends" can improve leaders' outdoor skills as well as be fun and helpful in building morale. Training topics include, Outdoor Skills, Team, Rock Climbing/Rappelling, Survival, Backpacking, and Topping Out. |
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Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is 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. The course is a day and a half long, but a leader can move at an accelerated pace by demonstrating mastery of a specific skill. The emphasis is on the skill, rather than attending the course. |
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Climb On Safely: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
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. |
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High Adventure Training (HAT): for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
HAT’s key purpose is to provide supplemental training for leaders in advanced outdoor skills.
High Adventure Training (HAT) |
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Trek Safely: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters and Venturing
Designed to help youth and adult leaders plan and carry out a safe trekking experience. The 40-minute session presented by unit, district or council trainers with trek experience. Covers seven points of Trek Safely, qualified supervision and discipline and resources for planning a trek. |
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Campmaster: for All Scouters
The campmaster corps is a group of selected, trained, and registered Scouters who serve at council weekend camps whenever troops, teams, Webelos dens, or crews are using any part of the camp property. |
Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense
Are now available as online training! |
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Safety Afloat: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
Each troop is required to have a person trained in Safety Afloat (and CPR) before going on any trip that involves canoeing, sailing, rafting, or boating.
Safety Afloat |
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Safe Swim Defense: for All Scouters
Each troop is required to have a person trained in Safe Swim (and CPR) before going swimming. Also offered at summer camp.
Safe Swim Defense |
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The Powder Horn: for Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing
The Powder Horn course is designed to introduce and expose Venturing and Boy Scouting adult unit leaders to the activities and resources necessary to operate a successful outdoor/high adventure unit-level program. |
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Sea Badge: for Venturing/Sea Scouters
An advanced weekend training conference for Sea Scouting leaders is conducted on a regional basis or region-approved council invitational basis. |
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Selling Venturing to the Head of an Organization: for Venturing
This video gives tips and techniques on how to prepare for and effectively sell the Venturing program to the head of a potential chartered organization. |
Briefing the Organizing Committee: for Venturing
This is a video for use with step two of the Venturing new crew organization process. It is designed for briefing the new crew organizing committee. |
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Leave No Trace: for All Scouters
Organized or presented by the Unit Training Coordinator, district or council. Leave No Trace is a great training program for leaders or youth members interested in the best methods of wilderness camping.
Leave No Trace: |
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Health and Safety Training: for Council/District
Use the course syllabus, No. 19-100, for district and unit Scouters. |
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The Relationships Conference: for Council/District
A unit of training designed for the heads of chartered organizations and other organization leaders to help them understand how the Boy Scouts of America supports their youth-serving objectives. |
Training the Chartered Organization Representative: for All Scouters
A unit of training to help chartered organization representatives understand the important role they play in the organization of Boy Scouts of America as representatives of the chartered organization to the district committee and the local council.
Training the Chartered Organization Representative: |
Council Officer Training: for Council/District
This attractive pamphlet provides essential information for all new board members, including important reflections on the meaning of board membership (a new item). |
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District Committee Training Workshop: for Council/District
A training program designed for councils to train district committee members on how to implement the standard district operation plan. |
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Continuing Education for Commissioners: for All Commissioners
This course shows how to incorporate training into many commissioner functions. These functions include monthly district and council commissioner staff meetings, annual commissioner conferences, college of commissioner science, and personal coaching.
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Volunteer Conferences at Philmont for All Scouters
Many volunteer training conferences are offered at the Philmont Training Center, Cimarron, New Mexico, during the summer. Cub Scouting conferences are also offered at the Florida Sea Base.
An invitation to attend a conference at Philmont in the summer enables Scouters and their families to enjoy a productive conference along with a unique western vacation. All conferences begin check-in on Sunday and end the following Saturday with breakfast. This allows Scouters to fit a conference into a one-week vacation period.
Councils recommend individuals to the Philmont Training Center. Scouters receive a personalized invitation from the Chief Scout Executive. Those who accept the invitation are asked to return the approved reservation form and the required deposit to Philmont where they will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Typical volunteer conferences at Philmont include: |
| Administration of Commissioner Service |
District Key 3 |
| Administration of Venturing |
Council Key 3 |
| Advanced Camping Skills |
National Junior Leader Instructor Camp (Junior Leaders) |
| Boy Scout Advancement |
Order of the Arrow Advisers |
| Boy Scout Leader Training |
Quality Cub Scout Roundtables |
| Boy Scout Roundtables |
Scouting as a Youth Ministry |
| Chartered Organizations and Growth |
Scouting in the Catholic Church |
| Communicating the International Story |
Scouting in the Jewish Community |
| COPE Instructor/Inspector |
Scouting in the LDS Church |
| Council and District Activities |
Scouting in the United Methodist Church |
| Council High-Adventure Trek Planning |
Scouting the Environment |
| Cub Scout Camping |
Scoutmaster Basic Camping Skills |
| Cub Scout Den Program |
Sea Scouting |
| Cub Scout Pack Program |
Strictly for Cubmasters |
| Cub Scout Pow Wow Leadership |
The Unit Commissioner |
| The District Committee |
Tiger Cub Den Program |
| Endowment Development Seminar |
Training Management Seminar |
| Health and Safety/Risk Management |
Venturing—The Crew |
| High-Adventure Trek (Council/Unit) |
Venturing—Council and District Administration |
| Hispanic Awareness |
Webelos Scout Program |
| Implementing the New Trainer Development Conference |
Working With Older Scouts and Junior Leaders |
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