Guide to Adult Leader Training

ONLINE VERSION UPDATED 9/27/08


TRAINING HELPS THE TROOP:
This online guide to Scout leader training is intended to serve as an overview and reference to required and optional training available to adult volunteers for Boy Scouts. The training environment is dynamic, with new classes and content changing frequently to keep up with the evolving program. URL references provide additional information resources.

Every Youth deserves a trained leader.  Read what B.S.A. National Council says about the importance of a trained leader. Here is briefly how you can help.

  • Every Troop relies on trained and registered adult leaders to conduct a high quality program, obtain local tour permits for activities and to qualify for the annual National Quality Unit Award.
  • New adults with volunteer registration must complete Youth Protection and Fast Start within 90 days.
  • New leaders can obtain training both online and at periodic training sessions sponsored by the Flint River Council or during Summer Camp. Review the Flint River Council pages for New Leader Essentials/ Boy Scout Leader Specific and Troop Committee Challenge training or the Summer Camp Leaders Handbook for specific classes offered and schedule.
  • Please keep track of your training sessions attended, your training certificates and provide a copy of the certificate to the Troop Committee for official record keeping. 
TRAINING RECOGNITION:
What Makes a Trained Leader?  You are considered trained by B.S.A. and entitled to wear the trained leader tab when you have completed the following classes for each registered position. Special Note: Youth Protection is required for all registered volunteers in Troop 175.

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters
1. Fast Start

2. New Leader Essentials (NLE)
3. Position Specific Training (SALT)
4. Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLTS)


Committee Chairman and Committee Members
1. Fast Start

2. New Leader Essentials (NLE)
2. Position Specific Training (TCC)

Merit Badge Counselors
Orientation either by review of Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide, or a similar training program by the Troop or District Advancement Committee. See also our Troop level training.

DISTANCE LEARNING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
The BSA Online Learning Center offers several key classes for volunteers.   You will be required to register for a MyScouting account to take the training and to record your participation.  Be sure to record your account information so you can use it again.  You do not have to be a registered volunteer to take any training, or have your current membership number, but it is helpful if you do to ensure all training taken is credited to you.  You must review the material before taking the test and printing off the certificate. Do not attempt to bookmark or go backwards during the test - you will have to start all over from the beginning of the training.

  • Youth Protection Training (YPT) (1 hour)
    Required for any adult working with our youth. Provides adult leaders and interested parents with youth protection guidelines as outlined by the BSA.
  • Boy Scout Fast Start (1 hour)
    Provides information to aid new leaders in planning and conducting their first meetings and to introduce them to the Basic Leader Training for their position.

  • Troop Committee Challenge (TCC) (1 hour)

    Helps each troop committee work as a team to improve the Scouting experience for adult and youth members.

    INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

  • New Leader Essentials (NLE) (2 hours)
    For all new adults in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. Introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.

  • Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training (SALT) (3x 2.5 hours - varies in execution)

  • Troop Committee Challenge - Leader Specific Training (3 hours)

  • Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (ITOLS) (1 1/2 days with overnight) Outdoor training for Boy Scout Leaders. The skills taught are based on the Scouting skills found in the Boy Scout Handbook.

  • Woodbadge for the 21st Century (week long or several weekends / nights) The premier advanced leadership training experience. Ask any Scouting veteran. Read the BSA Factsheet

    ACTIVITY SPECIFIC TRAINING:

  • Trek Safely (1 hour – training card only from instructor-led class) Trek Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s recommended procedure for organizing and carrying out outdoor treks that involve Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers. Trek Safely applies to all types of outdoor experiences that involve trekking, including hiking, backpacking, canoeing, horseback riding, caving, rafting, kayaking, sailing, ski touring, mountain climbing, and mountain biking. Read the Overview or the Training Outline

  • Safe Swim Defense (1/2 hour) and Safety Afloat (1/2 hour) Both BSA Aquatics Safety programs are online courses or offered at summer camp. These should be completed by all adults to support our many troop water activities. Online Training.

  • Climb On Safely (1 hour – training card only from instructor-led class) Boy Scouts of America's recommended procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower. Read the Overview or the Training Outline.

  • Leave No Trace (Troop Program) This is a BSA supported national outdoor skills and ethics education program with recognition for accomplishment. Read the Overview or Teaching Leave No Trace.

    SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING MODULES: These are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in New Leader Essentials and leader-specific training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for your self-study. Visit the Supplemental Training website.

    • Orientation for New Boy Scout Parents
    • The Youth Leadership Training Continuum
    • Selecting Quality Leaders
    • Board of Review Training
    • Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing
    • Scoutmaster Conference Training
    • The Order of the Arrow and Your Troop
    • Geocaching to Promote Scouting
    • Supporting Scouts With ADHD
    • Mentoring
    • Chain Saw Safety
    • Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide
    • The Order of the Arrow and Your Troop
    • Scoutmaster Conference Training
    • The Youth Leadership Training Continuum
    • Bullying: Prevention and Intervention Tips for Scout Leaders and Parents
    • Conducting an Interfaith Service

    CONTINUING EDUCATION: Scheduled by the Flint River Council.

    • Scout Leader Roundtable (Third Thursday of each month | 7:00 PM | Fayetteville 1st Baptist Church, 205 Stonewall Ave)
    • Scout Leader PowWow (Annual)
    • University of Scouting (Annual)
    • College of Commissioner Science (Annual)

    BOY SCOUTING LITERATURE & RESOURCES: Read a brief overview of BSA Publications.

     

    UNIFORMING: Official Placement of insignia for Adults