Scouting Training for Adult Volunteers
Youth Protection Training
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venturing programs.
Youth Protection Training
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venturing programs.
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!
In addition to leader position-specific training, all adults are required to take Weather Hazards Training in order to be considered trained In their position. (Updated September 2021)
Here are simple instructions to help you:
Three Steps to Becoming a Trained Leader
All adult leaders are first required to take Youth Protection Training. When that is completed, training for each position is available on-line. There are additional in-person training courses available throughout the year.
1
Set-Up a My.Scouting Account
Visit My.Scouting and create an account. Once you have an account you can access online training.
2
Take Youth Protection Training
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members.
3
Take Position-Specific Training
Visit the BSA Learn Center. Select your position and a learning plan will be created for you. The plan includes modules that are designed to allow you to complete them at your own pace.
Position Training "Trained" Leader Emblem
Leaders who complete Youth Protection Training and Position Specific-Training earn the right to wear the trained patch on the left sleeve of their uniform, beneath the patch representing the position for which they are trained.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight outdoor camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.
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. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered “trained”.
The Boy Scouts of America is committed to implementing Leave No Trace at all levels of the program.
Wood Badge Premier Training
Wood Badge is known as the premier training course in the BSA. Offered by council, it is held over a period of a week or two full weekends. It includes an outdoor camping experience.
Those who complete Wood Badge are presented iconic wooden beads as a symbol of their commitment to provide a quality Scouting program.