What is a Trained Leader

A Scout leader is entitled to wear the Trained leader emblem when he or she has completed some basic but important training courses. A direct contact Scout leader is considered fully trained and entitled to wear the Trained leader emblem when he or she has completed the following training courses and the specific training for the position:

• Fast Start Training (available online - see below)
• Youth Protection Training (available online - see below)
• This Is Scouting (available online - see below)
• Position Specific Training (available via district training sessions)

The Training Umbrella of Scouting

Learn more about Boy Scouts of America's training courses. This provides an overview of training available based upon your needs.

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. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 50 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.

Climb On Safely

"Climb On Safely" covers eight key safety points about climbing and rappelling and is recommended for adult leaders organizing any type of climbing outing. 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.

Chartered Organization Representative Fast Start

As a chartered organization representative, you hold a key position in Scouting. While there is honor attached to this position, it is not an "honorary" one. Your primary function is to ensure that the chartered organization's Scouting program succeeds. This course is designed to present you with the basics you need to carry out your new responsibilities as a chartered organization representative. After finishing the online training, you may print a certificate of completion. Estimated time to complete: 15 minutes.

Hazardous Weather

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.

Troop Committee Challenge

This training is required for every troop committee member to complete basic training. This online course focuses on the core beliefs, aims, and methods of Scouting. Specifically, it helps each committee member learn and identify his or her role and responsibilities in support of the adult leaders in the unit to provide a quality troop experience for the Scouts. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.

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.

Boy Scout Leader Fast Start Training

This is the first training step for all new leaders and should be taken immediately after they register and before they meet with any youth memebers in the troop. Following this training, you will understand the basics of the Boy Scout program and will have the necessary tools to oversee your first troop meeting. This training course is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.

Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Training

Prior to running your first den or pack meeting, Cub Scout Leader Fast Start is the initial training course required for you to complete so that you may understand the fundamentals of the Cub Scouting program. There are separate fast start training courses for all Cub Scout leaders, catered to specific leadership roles in the pack. You will learn your specific responsibilities, how to keep your meetings fun and exciting, and what other resources there are to help assist you in planning for your den or pack meetings. This training is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.

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.

Varsity Leader Fast Start Training

As a new Varsity Scout leader, it is essential that each adult complete this training prior to the Varsity team's first meeting. This training focuses on how Varsity Scouting's concept is more team-related within the BSA and focuses on five program fields of emphasis. You will also learn how to incorporate these fields of emphasis into regularly scheduled team meetings, activities, and service projects. This training is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 30 mintues.

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.

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.

Staffing the District Committee

This session will assist you in recruiting the right people to get Scouting done in your district. Learn how the coordinated meeting makes the best use of time, as it breaks out into six operating committees that interact with one another.

ScoutParents Unit Coordinator Fast Start

The ScoutParents initiative is a great way to involve parents of new or existing youth in all of our BSA programs to become more active in their child's Scouting experience. Each unit is required to have at least one ScoutParents unit coordinator to implement this program. The first step for the coordinator is to take this fast start training course. The course will help assist the coordinator in understanding the role and gives tips on how to effectively use the ScoutParents program to involve more parents in all of our Scouting programs. Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes.

Unit Commissioner Fast Start

The main purpose of the unit commissioner is to make units successful. To do this, a unit commissioner should have people skills and a Scouting background and live by the ideals of Scouting. A good commissioner will often be a counselor, a doctor, a teacher, and an adviser.

Generational Diversity

Take this session and have a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the diverse range of ages and life experiences of the volunteers and professionals in our organization. You will be able to recognize and define the four generational groups of people currently in the BSA.

Venturing Advisor Fast Start

This is the first training step for all new leaders and should be taken immediately after they register and before they meet with any youth members in the crew. Following this training, you will understand the basics of the Venturing program and will have the tools necessary for you to oversee your first crew meeting. This training course is offered online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes.

2010 Volunteer Development Training Conference at Florida Sea Base

Scout leaders will have the opportunity to attend a Philmont-style training conference at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base the week of January 18-23, 2010. Each conference will be staffed by experienced, informed Scouters. The conference schedule includes ample time to enjoy the mild climate and natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

The Trainer's EDGE

The Trainer's EDGE replaces the Trainer Development Conference (BSA 500) as the required train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge and NYLT staffs. It is meant to supplement the practice offered through Wood Badge and NYLT staff development, with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to the staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to "train the trainer" on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media.

New Troop Leadership Training

Troop Leadership Training, No. 34306A, has been rolled out to replace the Scoutmaster Junior Leader Training Kit.

Philmont Training Center

The Philmont Training Center (PTC) provides a unique environment for the training of volunteer and professional leaders.

Supplemental Training Modules

Supplemental training modules are designed to provide leaders in Boy Scouting with orientation beyond the basic training offered in This Is Scouting and leader-specific training.

Boy Scout Leader Assessment Tool

This tool is designed to help Boy Scout leaders assess their strengths and weaknesses in regard to the current Boy Scout leader training courses. Your results will be used to help the national Boy Scout organization and your local council to iprove their training courses and help identify the training needs of the general membership.

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.

Camp Health Officer Training

This presentation provides a detailed briefing for individuals selected to serve as a camp health officer at a council or district camping facility.

Passport to High Adventure Training Outline

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

Teaching Leave No Trace

The purpose of this manual is to further Leave No Trace skills and awareness of outdoor ethics.

Soccer and Scouting Basic Training

Use this DVD when training coaches and helpers in the BSA's Soccer and Scouting program. It includes a slide show and five video clips in a single presentation. The DVD, BSA bin number 13-566, is available through local council service centers. Both English and Spanish versions of the training are provided on the same DVD.