Training

Adult training is essential to improve leadership skills and deliver a quality program. Everything from required to supplemental training is available.

I’m a New Scout Parent.  Where Can I Learn More?

Parent’s Guide

The well-being and safety of your Scout is our highest priority. Everyone needs to know and understand the guidelines. Learn about what the BSA is doing to keep your Scout safe while having fun!

I’m a New Leader.  Where Do I Begin?

Youth Protection Training

Before you can submit your adult application, you must complete this mandatory training and include the completion certificate (which will be emailed to you) with your application. 

Position Specific Basic Training

Each program requires specific training for your position to be considered “basic trained”. To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. Click on Menu > My Training
  3. Under Training Courses by Program, select your program
  4. Under Learning Plans, select your position

Click the button to see individual modules for each position within a program and course times for each position.

BALOO & IOLS – Outdoor Skills Training

For Cub Scout Leaders to conduct outdoor events & pack overnighters:       BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)

For Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting Leaders to teach outdoor skills:   IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills)

Hazardous Weather Training

Direct contact leaders must complete this training to be considered position trained.  To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. Click on Menu > My Training
  3. Under Training Courses by Program, select Expanded Learning
  4. Under Expanded Learning, select Program Safety
Safe Swim Defense

BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. Click on Menu > My Training
  3. Under Training Courses by Program, select Expanded Learning
  4. Under Expanded Learning, select Program Safety
Safety Afloat

BSA groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training. To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. Click on Menu > My Training
  3. Under Training Courses by Program, select Expanded Learning
  4. Under Expanded Learning, select Program Safety
Climb On Safely

Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower. To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. Click on Menu > My Training
  3. Under Training Courses by Program, select Expanded Learning
  4. Under Expanded Learning, select Program SafetyLog into your
Drive Safely

Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower. To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. Click on Menu > My Training
  3. Under Training Courses by Program, select Expanded Learning
  4. Under Expanded Learning, select Program Safety

How Can I Improve Beyond ‘Basic’ and Program Safety Training?

Roundtable

Monthly Council Roundtables provide all unit leaders, both program and administrative, with the skill to do and the will to do what is needed to ensure that every member of every unit has a great Scouting experience.  They build upon the foundation provided by position-specific basic training and each leader’s commitment to serving youth through Scouting.

Wood Badge

For new leaders who have completed basic training and want to improve upon the basics in order to achieve the mission of the BSA and be able to deliver an improved Scouting program for youth today. This course allows you to experience Scouting in a way that will help you understand what the youth of today need and how to engage them in a fun and meaningful way.

University of Scouting

Supplemental training courses offered in a single day, covering a wide variety of topics designed to enhance your knowledge and skill in each program area of the BSA. Choose from a comprehensive list of courses taught by experienced leaders in a classroom setting conducive to learning and open discussion.

Powder Horn

A hands-on resource management course designed to give you the contacts and tools necessary to conduct an exciting high-adventure program in your troop, crew or ship. You will have the opportunity to be introduced to a variety of high adventure activities, experience them as a Scout would and see what’s involved. Open to adults and youth alike.

College of Commissioner Science

The College of Commissioner Science is an annual training event for registered commissioners, but also those who wish to become Commissioners and want to see what it’s all about… we invite you to participate! It is an opportunity to have a continuing education experience in a college environment.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Scouting

New training to educate volunteers on key aspects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion! Learn how to support diverse youth, to promote a culture where every youth and adult feels a sense of belonging, and to build communities where every person feels respected and valued. To start your training:

  1. Log into your my.scouting.org account
  2. In the right image menu, select Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Scouting

Activity Skills Training

Archery Instructor
  • USAA Level 1 Archery Instructor
  • USAA Level 2 Archery Instructor 
Aquatics Training
  • BSA Aquatics Supervision
  • BSA Paddle Craft Safety 
BSA Climbing Instructor

This training is designed for units that want to develop and run their own Rock Climbing program. Climbing and Rappelling are among the few BSA activities which challenge and captivate the imagination of all ages.

Medical Certifications
  • First Aid
  • CPR-AED
  • Wilderness First Aid
Shooting Sports Training
  • Shooting Sports Skills Development
  • NRA Home Firearm Safety
  • NRA Pre-Qualifications (Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Pistol)
  • NRA Instructor Training (Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Pistol)
  • Cub Range Master
  • RSO (Range Safety Officer)