The Training Program
 

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New Youth Protection Procedure effective June 1, 2010 

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA. To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies.  Click here for more details. Click here for our FAQs.

Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.

New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration.

Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered . 

What makes a trained leader?

Different amounts of training are required for different levels of the program. You are considered trained for your position, and can wear the "trained" patch, when you have completed all of the training segments appropriate for your program and position.

Remember that the "This is Scouting" segment is only taken once during your Scouting career. So, when you change positions, you are given credit for that course if you've taken it before.

What training is required for my position?

Cub Scout Leaders

• FAST START TRAINING
• Youth Protection Training
• This is Scouting NEW!
• Cub Scout Leader Specific Training for your position
  (Cubmaster, Wolf/Bear Den Leader, Tiger Cub Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Committee Member)

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters

• FAST START TRAINING
• Youth Protection Training
• This is Scouting NEW!
• Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training
  Leader Specific Training is divided into four parts. The first three parts are designed to teach troop operations and can be completed in one full day or three evenings. The fourth part is completing "Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills," which are the skills required for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Because emphasis is placed on a leader's previous knowledge of the skill rather than course attendance, a new leader can complete this course at an accelerated pace.

  A new troop leader is considered trained upon completion of Fast Start Orientation, This is Scouting, and all  parts of Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training. Troop committee members and Webelos leaders who plan to move into a leadership position in a troop are encouraged to complete this training as well.

Troop Committee Members

• This is Scouting NEW!
• Troop Committee Challenge (Committee version of Leader Specific training)

Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants

• This is Scouting NEW!
• Youth Protection Training
• Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training

Venturing Crew Advisors, Assistant Advisors, and Crew Committee members

• VENTURING FAST START
• Youth Protection Training
• This is Scouting NEW!
• Venturing Leader Specific Training

Additional Training Requirements

In order to supervise certain activities, leaders must also complete some specialized training.
 

Hazardous Weather Training

See our information page HERE.

Leaders on Outings

Youth Protection Training is a requirement for all adults working with youth in a Boy Scouting program.

It is required for outings that need a local tour permit, for all adults (over 18) participating in any "out of council" event or trip with youth, including National or International Jamborees, and for Quality Unit Awards.

Cub Scout Camping (Overnighters):

Adults giving leadership to a pack overnighter must complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO, No. 34162A) to properly understand the importance of program intent, youth protection guidelines, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation.

Wilderness Camping - Backpacking:

It is strongly recommended that at least one person in the group be currently certified in first aid through the American Red Cross or any recognized agency. Adult supervisors are trained in and committed to compliance with the seven points of the BSA's Trek Safely procedure. The lead adult is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently trained in first aid appropriate to the type of trek and the environment. American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic (a 16-hour course) and CPR are recommended.

Training in Leave No Trace is also crucial.

Swimming Activities:

Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.

It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained as a BSA Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conduct of all swimming activity.

Boating Activities:

Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), All supervisors must complete BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training and rescue training for the type of watercraft to be used in the activity, and at least one must be trained in CPR. It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained as a BSA Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conducting of all activity afloat.

Shooting Activities:

All training and shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified instructor or coach who is 21 years of age or older.

NOTE: Contact our Service Center for additional information on training.

Climbing and Rappelling Activities:

Qualified Instructors: A qualified rock climbing instructor who is at least 21 years of age must supervise all BSA climbing/rappelling activities. The climbing instructor has successfully completed a minimum of 10 hours of instructor training for climbing/rappelling from a nationally or regionally recognized organization, a climbing school, a college-level climbing/rappelling course, or is a qualified BSA climbing instructor.

NOTE: Contact our Service Center for additional information on training.  Any adult Scouter who successfully completes training in Climb On Safely is entitled to wear the temporary patch, No. 8631. A Climb On Safely Training Outline, No. 20-101, is available from your local council service center.

Qualified Supervision: This adult supervisor is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of the Boy Scouts of America's Climb On Safely procedure. The adult supervisor is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR (a 6 1/2-hour course). In addition, the two-hour module "First Aid—When Help Is Delayed" is recommended. A course of equivalent length and content from another nationally recognized organization can be substituted. A higher level of certification such as emergency medical technician (EMT), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and licensed health-care practitioner is also acceptable. The ARC's Emergency Response, a 43 1/2-hour course that includes CPR, is highly recommended.