Training

Every Leader deserves training so s/he can successfully deliver the scouting program!

Youth Protection Training (YPT)

Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement.

Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.

If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.

Learn more about Youth Protection.

  • All adults agree to take leader-specific training when they sign their application form as a requirement for registration.
  • Cub Scout leaders and committee members are considered to be trained and can wear the red-border TRAINED patch when they have completed both Youth Protection and Cub Scout Leader Specific Training (CSLST) for their position.  CSLST is offered monthly.  All leaders and interested parents can attend.  Register by clicking on the course on the calendar in the Upcoming Events section of this website. There is no fee.
  • Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is an introductory Cub Scout outdoors program course for leaders.  At least one BALOO-trained adult is required to plan and in-person supervise any Cub-level program overnight camping activity.  BALOO covers safety, planning, and practical outdoor skills.  There are two-parts:  online pre-requisite training at my.scouting.org, and a one-and-a-half-day outdoor, overnight component.  Participants provide their own tent and overnight camping gear.  All leaders and interested parents can attend.  Register by clicking on the course on the calendar in the Upcoming Events section of this website.  The course fee is $25 plus a pro-rated cost for food and materials, usually less than $15. 
  • Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters can wear the Trained patch when they have completed Youth Protection, Scoutmaster Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
  • Troop Committee Members can wear the Trained patch when they have completed Youth Protection and Committee Specific Training.
  • Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide Boy Scout leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start and guide a program the right way.  Completion of this course is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters.  The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook The course is normally a day and a half long and conducted at a local scout camp on a weekend.
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  • Leaders can wear the Trained patch when they have completed Youth Protection and Leader Specific training for their position.
  • Leaders can wear the Trained patch when they have completed Youth Protection and Leader Specific training for their position.
Supplemental and Ongoing Training

Monthly Roundtable: A leaders’ meeting held in Colonial district where leaders find information about upcoming district and council events and learn ways to improve the program. Most Roundtables will cover material based on participants’ interest. Leaders can learn a new skill or get advice on how to solve a problem.

Wood Badge: Advanced training in leadership and team development, bringing together all programs – Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. By pooling their ideas, sharing meaningful experiences, and learning from highly qualified instructors, participants will return to their home units with new skills and resources, greater confidence, and deeper dedication to deliver the values of Scouting. This training includes approximately six days of instruction that are held as two 3-day weekend sessions, followed by working on the goals the participant sets for him or herself. NCAC level training.

Hazardous Weather: planning and decision making regarding weather for a safe outing. Can be taken online at BSA Hazardous Weather by going to MyScouting.org.

Safe Swim Defense: introduction to BSA water safety policies. When taught in-person, takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Swimming events require Safe Swim Defense trained leaders. Can be taken online at BSA Aquatics by going to MyScouting.org. 

Safety Afloat: introduction to BSA boating policies. In-person training takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Water craft events required Safety Afloat trained leaders. Can be taken online at BSA Aquatics by going to MyScouting.org.

Climb On Safely: This training lasts about 45 minutes and provides all the information you need to meet the minimum requirements for a climbing activity. This does not consist of any training or certifications in climbing, but provides the essential components of a safe outing.

CPR Certification: Normally not offered through a BSA unit, but at least two currently CPR certified adults are required on many high adventure outings.

First Aid Certification: Normally not offered through a BSA unit, but at least two currently first aid certified adults are required on many high adventure outings.

Philmont Training Center is the national training center at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The training center offers a wide selection of 6-day courses, covering all aspects of Scouting operations, and generally training those who will bring the program back to train the rest of their unit.