Welcome to the wonderful world of Boy Scouting. Whether you are a Troop Committee Member, a Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster, we have training to get you up and running as fast as you need! Eager and energetic boys will be looking to you for fun, adventure, and leadership. Have no fear, there is plenty of training and resources available to make you a great success!
Step 1 Fast Start Training
Fast Start is a program designed to help you get up and running as a Boy Scout leader. You'll find out about the Boy Scout program and the specific responsibilities of your job, be it Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or many of the other positions available to adult leaders. Boy Scout Fast Start Training is available on videotape from your district training staff (call the Scout Service Center at 916-929-1417), or you can take it online. You can start right now!
Boy Scout Fast Start Training is available through the BSA Online Learning Center (olc.scouting.org). and as a registered scouter it will automatically update your training records.
Step 2 - New Leader Essentials (Basic Leader Training Part I)
New Leader Essentials is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached at an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting Varsity Scouting and Venturing. Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 90-minute training session. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers - Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing leaders - take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once.
Here are some of the topics you'll be discussing:
- What are the goals I'm trying to accomplish?
- How do youth grow and develop?
- Where do I fit in?
- Who pays for Scouting?
- How do I keep Scouting safe?
- Your bridge into Scouting.
- Additional Program-specific topics.
Step 3 - Position Specific Training (Basic Leader Training Part II)
After the New Leader Essentials Training, you're well on your way! Your next step is to receive the training specific to the position you hold. For Troop Committee members, there is a 3 hour Troop Committee Challenge course. For Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, there is are three 2.5 hour sessions that teach you the basics you'll need to be a successful leader of a Boy Scout Troop. The Position Specific Training should be taken any time you change your position of responsibility.
TROOP COMMITTEE MEMBER TRAINING
As a member of your troop committee, completing New Leader Essentials and Troop Committee Challenge qualifies you as a Trained Boy Scout Leader, and makes you eligible to wear the Trained patch for your position.
Troop Committee Challenge training for Boy Scout troop committees has been developed to help troop committee members better understand their roles and responsibilities. Through hands-on experiential learning, this training will also enable troop committee members to better deliver the promise in support of the troop, Scoutmaster and Scouts.
This training is best when delivered to all of the troop committee at once. It should also include the Scoutmaster and, if possible, assistant Scoutmasters.
Step 4 - Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
A required course for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, this hands-on program gives adult leaders some of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.
is designed to help the new Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster get up to speed quickly with their new leadership position! This training is divided into three parts:
Part I: The Role of the Scoutmaster in a Boy-Led Troop
Part II: The Outdoor Program and the Advancement Program
Part III: Program Planning and Troop Administration
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is a hands-on program that gives adult leaders the practical skills to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. The skills taught will introduce the participants to the basic Scout outdoor skills through the First Class rank.
This course is offered in a single weekend format some of the areas of focus are:
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Setting up a campsite
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Pitching a tent
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Hiking
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Outdoor cooking
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Acquire the skills and confidence necessary to plan and carry out a successful Boy Scout-level overnight activity.
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Increase your knowledge of the resources available from the BSA for carrying out this activity.
Check the calendar for a list of upcoming Outdoor Leader Skills training dates.
Additional Training
There's lots more training available to help you as a Boy Scout leader. You can take the additional training anytime!
Roundtable - Groups of Boy Scout leaders meet every month to discuss ideas, share new resources, and solve problems. Get in on the fun and learning. Check out the District WebPages for a Roundtable Schedule!
High Adventure - A good Scouting program requires outdoor activities that provide challenge and adventure. It's the reason boys come to Scouting. As a Scouting leader, you need to be prepared to deal with the challenges high adventure presents.
Youth Protection Program - All adult leaders should consider attending the Youth Protection Program to ensure that they are up to date on the rules associated with working with youth and creating a safe scouting environment. For Youth Protection training dates, use the calendar link on the left.
Self-Study - You don't have to wait for a class to begin learning about Boy Scouting and creating adventurous programs. The Scout Shop has lots of books and resources to help get you going! Take a look at a sample.