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.

  • Cub Scout Leaders can wear the Trained patch when they have completed Youth Protection and Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
  • Pack Committee Members can wear the Trained patch when they have completed Youth Protection and Committee Specific Training.
  • BALOO – Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout leaders is a one-day training event that introduces participants to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping.  This training is required for any adult who is in charge of planning a pack campout, and it is required that at least one adult per pack complete BALOO training in order to apply for tour permits.  BALOO training is offered by individual districts.
  • 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.