Overview

The new Basic Leader Training program is the culmination of more than two years of work by professional and volunteers from throughout the nation. Their goal was to revise and update the volunteer leader training manuals of the Boy Scouts of America. The result is the seamless training program that helps leaders easily graduate through the courses quickly and with little duplication.

Here is a brief overview of the components of the training continuum.

Youth Protection

Youth Protection is not required to be considered trained in your position but it is strongly recommended for all leaders in Scouting. You can take the course online or by watching a brief video presentation.

 

Guide to Safe Scouting

The Guide to Safe Scouting is a basic part of all training for leaders in Scouting. The Guide covers the basics about how to keep the youth in Scouting safe.

The Guide to Safe Scouting can be accessed online and you can save a copy to your local computer.

 

Fast Start Training

Fast Start Training is the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers and before he or she meets with any youth member.

More detailed information concerning Fast Start training is available here.

 

Basic Leader Training

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: New Leaders Essentials for all unit level leaders and Leader Specific Training, which is based on the leaders unit level position.

 

 

Leader Specific Training

These training courses include leader specific training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders; an introduction to outdoor leader skills; and the new Wood Badge Course.

 

BALOO / Outdoor Leader Skills Training

BALOO and Outdoor Leader Skills Training are courses that cover camping and basic outdoor skills that leaders need to know. In order to run a Cub Scout camping activity, at least one BALOO-trained leader must be present.

 

 

 

Safe Swim Defense / Safety Afloat

In order to run any Scouting events around the water, swimming or boating, at least one leader trained in Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat (as appropriate) must be present. The training for these courses is now available online.

What does it mean to be a Trained Leader?

Requirements

	Cub Scout Leaders are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, New Leader Essentials and the Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
	Pack Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, New Leader Essentials and the Committee Specifics as their Leader Specific training.
	Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, New Leaders Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
	Troop Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, New Leader Essentials and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.
	Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
	Venture Crew Advisors, Assistant Advisors, and Crew Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, New Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training.

Recognition

If you have completed the requirements above for your position, you may wear the "Trained" insignia below your position patch on your uniform. Please refer to the Insignia Guide for proper placement.