Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America's Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, you will answer questions about that section's topic. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online.

Log in to MyScouting to take this course online 

Venturing Youth Protection Training

This course is required for all adult Venturing leaders. This training will help leaders understand and guide youth through possible problems as it relates to abuse. You will also learn about the issues you may face as a leader to help provide a safer environment for the crew members and to protect yourself from false accusations. This training is available online or on a DVD. Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.

Log in to MyScouting to take this course online 

Youth Protection Pledge Cards

Take the pledge to keep our Scouts safe by following the BSA's Youth Protection policies. Half the pledge is signed and given to the council; the other half stays with you in pocket card format as a reminder. The links below, in English and Spanish versions, will print four-up on a sheet.

English  | Spanish 

Fast Start Orientation Training

Intended to be taken by pack, troop, team, and crew leaders, as well as unit commissioners and chartered organization representatives immediately following the acceptance of their new role.

Log in to MyScouting to take this course online 

This Is Scouting

This Is Scouting provides an overview of the Scouting organization, including history, values, programs, Youth Protection, community involvement, and training. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes.

Log in to MyScouting to take this course online 

STEM Orientation

These courses are intended to be used to provide an orientation for Scouts, Scouters, and parents about Scouting and the STEM program and the STEM opportunities in Scouting. The instructor-led course is designed to be used with the STEM Orientation slide deck at roundtables and other training events.

Sea Scout Adult Leader Fast Start Training

Sea Scout Adult Leader Fast Start Training is designed for anyone wanting to learn more about the basics of the Sea Scout program. It will provide an orientation of the program and show how Sea Scouts work to better serve the youth involved in the program.

What Makes a Trained Leader

Need to know what are the requirements to be trained for your unit leadership role? This sheet explains the training requirements for all unit-level leaders.

More Information 

Den Leader Position-Specific Training

The links below are to the syllabi that are to be used by trainers in presenting the stand-alone den leader position-specific courses. These courses are intended to provide Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den leaders with the information and tools they need to conduct successful den meetings. Den leaders who complete the Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear training and Youth Protection training are considered trained for all three positions. Den leaders who complete the Webelos training and Youth Protection training are considered trained as Webelos den leaders.

Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (NEW)

The instructor's guide below is intended to be used by trainers leading Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training. The course will provide Scoutmasters with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Boy Scout troops. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who complete this course, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, and Youth Protection Training are considered "trained" for those positions. There is no change to the My.Scouting Tools code (S24) for the course.

Intructor Syllabus  (December 2014)

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Boy Scout Troops and Varsity Scout Teams, in order to be considered "trained".

Instructor Syllabus 

Varsity Coach Position-Specific Training—“Varsity Vision”

“Varsity Vision” is designed to be conducted at the council, district, or chartered organization level. It is the position-specific training for Varsity Scout Coaches and assistant Coaches, but youth team members, team committee members, and other interested Scouters are encouraged to attend. The course consists of a single 12- to 14-hour experience that can be delivered in either an overnight or a single-day format. This course, along with Youth Protection training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, will make a Varsity Scout Coach or assistant Coach “trained.”

Instructor Syllabus 

Venturing Advisor Position-Specific Training

Below is the instructor's guide for the Venturing crew Advisor and assistant training. The course will provide an introduction to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful Venturing crew leadership experience.

Instructor's Guide 

Chartered Organization Representative Training

The training outline and resources for training chartered organization representatives can be found at the link below.

Crew Committee Challenge—Crew Committee Position-Specific Training

The Crew Committee Challenge is designed for crew committee members and becomes the course (along with the Venturing version of Youth Protection training) crew committee members need to be considered “trained.” The instructor’s guide below is for trainers to conduct the course for crew committee members.

Team Committee Challenge—Team Committee Position-Specific Training

The Team Committee Challenge is designed for team committees and becomes the course (along with Youth Protection training) team committee members need to be considered “trained.” The instructor’s guide below is for trainers to conduct the course for team committee members.

Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training

The link below is to the instructor guide that is to be used by trainers in presenting the stand-alone Cubmaster and assistant Cubmaster position-specific course. This course is intended to provide Cubmasters with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout pack. Cubmasters and assistants who complete this training and Youth Protection training are considered “trained” for both positions.

Pack Committee Challenge—Pack Committee Position-Specific Training

The Pack Committee Challenge is designed for pack committees and is the course (along with Youth Protection training) pack committee members need to be considered “trained.” The instructor’s guide below is for trainers to conduct the course for pack committee members.

STEM Nova Counselor Training

These courses are intended to provide training for STEM Nova counselors. The intructor-led course is designed to be used with the training slide deck at group courses.

STEM Supernova Mentor Training

This course is a self-study training course for STEM Supernova mentors.

Roundtable Planning Guides

Providing knowledge, program ideas, skills, and fun resources is the purpose behind the Roundtable Planning Guides for Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders. Using this guide along with local resources, roundtable commissioners can enable and motivate unit leaders to deliver an outstanding program to their Scout troops. The guide is designed to allow program topics to be used in the order best suited for your district.

2013 - 2014 Cub Scout Roundtable Planning Guide 

2013 - 2014 Boy Scout Roundtable Planning Guide 

Cubcast and Scoutcast

The podcasts are monthly audio presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders.

Powder Horn

Open to both registered adults and youth who are at least 13 and have completed the 8th grade, Powder Horn is a hands-on resource management course designed to give you the contacts and tools necessary to conduct an awesome high-adventure program in your troop, team, crew, or ship. Contact your area training chair for information about upcoming courses in your area.

Download Syllabus 

Generational Diversity

Take this session and have a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the diverse range of ages and life experiences of the volunteers and professionals in our organization. You will be able to recognize and define the four generational groups of people currently in the BSA.

Take Generational Diversity training now! 

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

This one day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for those leaders who are interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO is an instructor-led course which is conducted at the Council level. BSA's Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience.

Completion of this course is mandatory for at least one adult on a Pack overnighter.

The course syllabus is available from your local council or throughScoutstuff.org .

Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders (OWL)

This course is designed to help Webelos leaders enhance the outdoor program for the Webelos Scouts in their den by teaching some basic outdoor skills as well as skills needed to complete many of the Webelos activity badges. This course can be taught as a stand-alone experience but is often presented in conjunction with Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS).

Instructor Syllabus 

Camp Health Officer Training

This presentation provides a detailed briefing for individuals selected to serve as a camp health officer at a council or district camping facility.

View online 

Kodiak Challenge

The Kodiak Challenge is designed to be an adventure that pushes the boundaries of every participant - one that will encourage you to try new things that may be out of your comfort zone. It is an experience—but one that has its underpinnings in the application of the leadership skills they learned in the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops or Crews, NYLT, and/or NAYLE. It is, as is all of Scouting, an adventure with a purpose

Instructor Syllabus 

Passport to High Adventure Training Outline

This training outline teaches how Scouts can plan and safely carry out council and unit high-adventure treks using Leave No Trace techniques.

The Fundamentals of Training

This is the first part of the three-part train-the-trainer continuum (T³, or T-Cubed) in the Boy Scouts of America. The course introduces teaching techniques and skills to new Scout trainers but is also designed to help all Scouters, regardless of their experience, present effective training. Intended for both youth and adult trainers, the course will help those who might have trained for other organizations learn the BSA's training techniques, and it will help freshen up the skills of current BSA trainers.

The Fundamentals of Training Syllabus  
PowerPoint: Good, Bad, and Ugly 

The Trainer's EDGE

While the Trainer's EDGE is a required train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge and NYLT staffs, it is also for other trainers wishing to enhance their training and presentation skills.

Instructor Syllabus 

Guide to Leader Training

This new guide outlines the basic responsibilities for volunteer leader training committees and the methods of BSA volunteer training. To be sure that information is up-to-date, the guide does not include the forms and other resources that are more easily available, and more current, via Scouting.org. The training pages of Scouting.org will help you find the current resources, forms, and courses available—as well as the latest in BSA training.

Guide to Leader Training 

Training Forms 

Application for a Council to Conduct Wood Badge and NYLT

The first step for a council to conduct one of these advanced training courses is to submit an application. A form has been developed that will serve for applying for Wood Badge and NYLT. Simply fill out the form and send it to the Volunteer Development Team for processing.

Application to Conduct a SEABADGE Course

The first step for a council, area, or region to conduct the advanced national training course known as SEABADGE is to submit an application. A new form has been developed that serves as the method for making application. Simply fill out the form and send it to Keith Christopher, National Director, Sea Scouts, BSA for processing.

Application 

Fillable Training Cards

In conjunction with the Volunteer Development Team, the National Supply Group has released the latest version of the pocket-sized certificate of training. Simply specify SKU 615012 when ordering from your local Scout Shop or through scoutstuff.org. Click on the link below to open a pdf template that has been created for convenience in filling out these portable training records.

Fillable Training Cards 

Philmont Training Center

Since 1950 The Philmont Training Center (PTC) has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, and a fun family program for every member of the family.

More info  View promo video 

Florida Sea Base

Choose from three weeks of volunteer training conferences. Located in the beautiful Florida Keys, the Sea Base Conference Center is the site for these trainings that will provide instruction with experienced and informed Scouters and ample time for sharing ideas and best practices.

Click here to register for the January 2015 conferences. 

2014 Course Director's and Area Training Conference Registration

Click here for the most up-to-date listing of Wood Badge and NYLT Course Director's Conferences in your region or area and across the nation. The accompanying links for registering for each conference will be available as listed. Many of this year's Course Director's Conferences have been combined with other functional conferences, creating an atmosphere of learning on a larger scale and allowing for the sharing of resources and ideas. You will find these Area Training Conferences listed here as well.

Training Awards for Adult Leaders in Units

The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Progress record forms with the 2012 requirements for these awards can be found at the links below.

• Den Leader Training Award 
• Training Awards
  • Cub Scouting 
  • Boy Scouting 
  • Varsity Scouting 
  • Venturing 
  • Sea Scouting 
• Keys
  • Cubmaster 
  • Scoutmaster 
  • Coach 
  • Advisor 
  • Skipper 

District Committee Awards

The files below contain updated requirements for the Scouter's Key for District Committee Members and new requirements for the Scouter's Training Award for District Committee Members. See the Spring 2013 Training Times for additional details.

District Committee Key 

District Committee Scouter's Training Award