National Capital Area Council > George Mason > Training (Adult) > Required Training

Required Training

Instead of going stir crazy, now would be a good time to do your on-line training.

Complete (or renew) your Youth Protection Training (YPT). Or Hazardous Weather, or Physical Wellness, or Safety Afloat, or Safe Swim Defense, or Trek Safely.

In addition, below is a reminder of what it takes to be considered “Trained”:  (Note –  all but one of the training courses listed below are available on-line.  The one exception is IOLS [for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters].)

Cub Scout Leader Basic Training – Cub Scout leaders are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed: 

  1. YPT, and
  2. Leader Specific Training for their position:
    • Den Leader Position-Specific Training
    • Pack Committee Challenge – Pack Committee Position-Specific Training
    • Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training, and
  1. Hazardous Weather

Scouts BSA Basic Training

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

  1. YPT, and
  2. Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, and
  3. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), and
  4. Hazardous Weather

Troop Committee Members are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

  1. YPT, and
  2. Troop Committee Challenge  

Venturing Leader Basic Training

Venturing leaders are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

  1. YPT, and
  2. Venturing Advisor Specific-Position Training, and
  3. Hazardous Weather

Chartered Organization Representative Basic Training

Chartered Organizational Representatives are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

  1. YPT, and
  2. Chartered Organizational Representative  Specific-Position Training

Merit Badge Counselors Basic Training

The official Trained emblem is not authorized for Merit Badge Counselors (MBCs). However, there are computer-based training courses for MBCs on my.scouting.org (My Training).  The two required courses are:

  1. YPT, and
  2. Merit Badge Counselor Specific Training

While not required, it is also recommended that MBCs take the BSA Diversity-Equity-Inclusion training located here.  

Now would be a good time to make sure that all of your Merit Badge Counselors are registered with the District’s new Merit Badge Dean – Margee Egan.

Supplemental and Ongoing Training

There are many more opportunities for volunteers to improve their skills and understanding of the Scout program.  Some are required before holding certain types of events.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Monthly RoundTable:  A leaders’ meeting held in George Mason 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.
  • Philmont Training Center: 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.