TRAINING
Research shows the importance of trained leaders in Scouting 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!
Position Specific Training is a course required for registered leaders of all Scouting programs levels (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, 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 Scouting 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 up to Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
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. Some of the courses offered include Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, Climb on Safely and Trek Safely. These can be accessed through the eLearning area of Training.Scouting.org.
The Scouting 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, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs. Over the decades, the Scouting 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 Scouting 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 and click on My Training 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.
Introduction 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 Scouts BSA 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. Scouting America’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.