As a Scouts BSA Leader you owe it to your scouts to learn as much as you can about Scouting and how to run your Troop. For all positions, You need to complete Youth protection and the position-specific training for your registered Scouting position. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters must also take Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS).
Youth Protection + Position Specific Training = Trained.
Often leaders receive notification that they are not trained to their surprise. Most often, the volunteer was actually not registered in the position they are holding. Sometimes they have not completely registered in My.Scouting.org and their trainings are not being recorded. Leaders can email training@cpcbsa.org to get answers to their training status and questions.
Scouts BSA Position Trained Requirements
Youth Protection Training
Adult YPT training is REQUIRED for all volunteers! This training reviews the policies and procedures that registered adult leaders and parents in Scouting must know and enforce during any Scouting activity. Training also covers what to do if a youth protection incident occurs and how to report the incident to local authorities and Scouting officials. Adult leaders take this training in addition to their position specific training to be considered basic trained. Parents (non-leaders) are encouraged to take the training, too. Youth Protection Training is to be renewed at a minimum of every two years.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
In-person training – click here for dates
Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training
The course will provide Scoutmasters with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Scouts BSA troops. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who complete this course, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, and Youth Protection Training are considered trained for those positions.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
In-person training – click here for dates
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 outdoors. 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 Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered trained.
Troop Committee Training
Position Specific Training designed for the Troop Committee Chair and Committee Members.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
STEM Nova Counselor and Mentor Trainings
The BSA STEM Nova awards program enables youth to explore STEM fields as they discover the science, math, technology, and engineering all around them as they earn awards. Nova Counselors are an important part of the STEM Nova program. They learn skills to help guide Scouts in earning the Nova awards, such as reviewing the requirements, as well as understanding the duties and responsibilities of this important position.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
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, crew, or ship.
Click here for more information.
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
Click here for more information.
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.
Passport to High Adventure Guidebook
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
Click here for more information.
Safety Afloat
BSA groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years. Cub Scout activities afloat are limited to council or district events that do not include moving water or float trips (expeditions). Safety Afloat standards apply to the use of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, floating tubes, sailboats, motorboats (including waterskiing), and other small craft, but do not apply to transportation on large commercial vessels such as ferries and cruise ships. Parasailing (being towed airborne behind a boat using a parachute), kitesurfing (using a wakeboard towed by a kite), and recreational use of personal watercraft (small sit-on-top motorboats propelled by water jets) are not authorized BSA activities.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
Cascade Pacific Council offers this training at Scouts BSA Summer camps.
Safe Swim Defense
BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean. Safe Swim Defense training may be obtained from the my.scouting.org at some council summer camps, and at other council or district training events.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
Cascade Pacific Council offers this training at Scouts BSA Summer camps
Climb On Safely
Climb On Safely is the BSA’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower.
All unit-sponsored/planned climbing activities, regardless of where they are held, fall under Climb On Safely. This applies to a single unit or multiple units that may be participating in a joint unit climbing activity.
There is inherent risk in climbing and rappelling. With proper management, that risk can be minimized. Leaders should be aware that Climb On Safely is an orientation only and does not constitute training on how to climb or rappel.
How to take this training
Online at my.scouting.org
Cascade Pacific Council offers this training at Baldwin or Meriwether Summer camp.
Cubcast and Scoutcast
The podcasts are monthly audio presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout and Scouts BSA leaders.Cubcast and Scoutcast
