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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

New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins. Youth Protection Training must be completed every two years to remain current. You can take the course online.

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: This is Scouting and Leader Specific Training, which is based on the leaders unit level position.

This is Scouting (This replaces New Leader Essentials) - provides an overview of the Scouting movement, including history, values, programs, youth protection, community involvement, training, and so on. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes You can take the course online

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, This is Scouting, and the Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.
	Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, This is Scouting, 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, This is Scouting, and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.
	Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start, This is Scouting, 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, This is Scouting, 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.