Scouts BSA Leader Training
Welcome to Scouts BSA!
If you are a new leader who has not yet taken “Youth Protection Training” please click here!
Scouts BSA members are ages between 11-18 (or 10 years old and in fifth grade if the Scout either (a) has earned the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouting, or (b) is joining after March 1). They work on skills and advancement to help them become confident, goal orientated, work in teams, and many other skills on their Trail to Eagle.
We encourage you to become a trained leader. Every Scout deserves a trained leader, and every leader deserves to be trained. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Training will help you understand the Scouts BSA program, give you confidence in your abilities, and enable you to help your Scouts succeed.
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, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!
Scouts BSA Leader Position-Specific Training is the BSA’s initial level of training for the top leaders of Scouts BSA Troops. It is designed with modules for the following roles which may be taken as on-line training through My.Scouting (where you select your program and position and a learning plan will be created for you – the plan consists of a series of modules that you may take at your leisure) or through in-person “live” training led by an experienced Scouts BSA Leader (where will learn tricks of the trade with other Scout leaders and get to ask questions):
- Scoutmaster Training for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters. Leaders will learn and apply proven techniques for running an effective Scouts BSA Troop. They will also learn how to meet the Aims of Scouting by applying the eight methods of the Scouting program: Scouting Ideals, Patrol Method, Outdoor Programs, Advancement, Adult Association, Personal Growth, Leadership Development, and wearing a Uniform. Scoutmaster and Committee training modules cover general Troop organizational structure and position-specific topics, providing a 360 degree perspective of your position. Note: to be considered “trained”, Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters must complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) – an in person “live” course, plus “Hazardous Weather Training” through My.Scouting.
- Troop Committee Training for Committee Chairs and Committee Members. A Scouts BSA Troop Committee’s primary responsibility is supporting troop leaders in delivering quality program and handling troop administration. The troop committee is responsible for conducting the business of the troop, setting policy, and helping the Scoutmaster and Scouts with the outdoor program and other planned activities. The committee also has the responsibility to provide adults for boards of review. This is an important responsibility and is one area where help is always needed and appreciated. The committee consists of parent volunteers or other adults who fulfill various roles on the committee.
- Merit Badge Counselor Training for Merit Badge Counselors. Introduces the Merit Badge Process and what a Merit Badge Counselor does in counseling Scouts through the learning and work of earning a Merit Badge. Training includes detail on the Advancement method as well as an overview of the Methods of Scouting. Note: every Counselor for “Citizenship in Society” Merit Badge must complete Citizenship in Society Facilitator Training.
To be considered “trained” in their positions, all Adult Leader roles above must complete and maintain current Youth Protection Training.
Some live Scouts BSA Leader Position-Specific Trainings will only cover one of the roles (Scoutmaster, Committee or Merit Badge Counselor) others will cover all or have separate sessions for each.
- Scoutmasters and Assistants benefit from knowing how a Committee can assist them, and Committee Chairs and Members can better help Scoutmasters and Assistants if they understand their roles in the Troop.
- Many Troop Leaders will also be Merit Badge Counselors and all Troop Leaders benefit from knowing the Merit Badge process and how it fits in with the Troop’s Advancement method.
See the notes in any Training below for which roles will be trained or contact the organizer noted below.
Upcoming Scouts BSA Position-Specific Trainings:
Date | Time | Location / Contact | Registration |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | TBD | Life University | part of University of Scouting | |
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Volunteer Service Center, 1800 Circle 75 Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 | part of the Training Extravaganza |
Need help with registration? Yes, you need to click “Complete” plus “Checkout” and then scroll down to “Place Order” to finish Registration.