Leader Training in the Boy Scouts of America

Leaders are trained so that young people receive a worthwhile experience full of fun and adventure. How effectively the Boy Scouts of America can influence the lives of young people depends to a large extent on their leaders’ abilities and understanding of the aims, principles, and techniques of their various jobs within Scouting.  Click here for the BSA Online Learning Center.

The BSA's Four-Level Training Plan

The four-level training plan applies to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing leaders.  The majority of training is offered at the Unit and District level. Other training opportunities come through the Council and from the National BSA.

1. Fast Start Training (Orientation)

This training should take place as soon as the leader accepts the position. Normally the training is delivered through self-study, or through the national BSA Online Learning Center. The purpose of this training is to acquaint new leaders with Scouting, and provide specific information about the leaders’ new responsibilities. This training establishes a foundation for further training.

2. Basic Training

Basic training courses include a series of training sessions designed to give leaders the job-related information they need. Each program area (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing) has specific training sessions that help the leaders do their job. Most of these Training Courses are put on by the Districts of the Atlanta Area Council; a Calendar showing what Training Courses are being held when, and linking you to District Training Pages and /or Training Contacts, is on our Training Calendar. 

It is extremely important that the Council Training Records are accurate and current. To be sure that YOURS is correct click here for the training form and return it to Susie Mahoney, Council Training Chair, at Aactraining@aol.com, your District Executive, or the Council Program Center. 

When a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Tiger Leader, Wolf/Bear Leader, Webelos Leader, Pack Trainer, Troop or Pack Committee Chair have completed their required training, send Susie Mahoney (Aactraining@aol.com), Council Training Chair, the unit number (Pack 00), names and positions of the leaders and you will be receive a "Trained" ribbon for your unit flag.    

3. Supplemental Training

Supplemental training includes a variety of courses that may be conducted on a district, council, area, regional, or national level. The supplemental training courses are designed to give leaders additional information on specific areas of Scouting. Some of the procedures touched on in basic training are discussed in much greater detail during the supplemental training courses. Here are some examples of supplemental training:

Roundtables held in each district, Scouters Academy, Wilderness 1st Aid, Commissioner Conferences and the College of Commissioner Science, Powder Horn (high adventure leadership) Training, Camp Allatoona Aquatics Base, BB and Archery Certification, COPE, Climbing and Caving Program Training, CPR Training, Philmont Training Center conferences and many more.

4. Advanced Training

Wood Badge is an intensive course designed to develop leadership skills and promote a deeper, more dedicated involvement in Scouting.