EVERY SCOUT DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER

Trained leaders are critical to the success of Scouting. Every young person involved in the Scouting program needs and deserves a leader who understands the aims of the program and knows how to deliver it with enthusiasm and fun. Trained leaders are more effective at delivering the promise of Scouting because they understand their role, responsibilities, and the resources available to them.

WHAT MAKES A TRAINED LEADER?

Adult unit leaders are considered trained, and eligible to wear the official “Trained” emblem, once they have completed Youth Protection Training and the position-specific training requirements for their Scouting role. Supplemental and advanced training for adults and youth training opportunities are also available.

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources it’s programs.

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all adult leaders at the time of registration. Paper applications from new leaders must be accompanied by a Youth Protection Training completion certificate, which must be filed with the application.

Heart of New England Council requires Youth Protection Training to be renewed annually.    

Learn more about BSA Youth Protection Training.

POSITION SPECIFIC TRAINING

Position Specific Training provides overall knowledge and tools to help volunteers be successful in their Scouting role. These include: Cubmaster, Den Leader, Scoutmaster, Crew Adviser and unit committee. Assistant leaders to those positions are also encouraged to take these trainings.

Heart of New England Council has adopted a Mandatory Training Policy requiring all registered leaders to be fully position trained. Learn More 

Position Specific Training is available online 24/7 and are typically offered in-person multiple times throughout the year.

Learn more about BSA Adult Training Courses

E-LEARNING

Many training courses are available online at my.Scouting.org. Anyone may create a my.Scouting user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA may provide their member number as part of their user profile to receive credit.

OUTDOOR SKILLS TRAINING

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) training for Scouts BSA and Venturing Leaders, and BALOO training for Cub Scout leaders help prepare volunteers to deliver a safe, and fun outdoor program for the Scouts in their unit.

WOOD BADGE TRAINING

One of the advanced leadership training courses you can take as a Scout leader is Wood Badge. Wood Badge is a five-day course occurring over two separate weekends. Your first weekend is all about learning different leadership styles, listening, communicating, teaching, leading, and so much more. You will learn more about yourself and how to be a better leader. Your second weekend is the practical part of the course, honing your skills and connecting with your fellow Scout leaders. During your Wood Badge course, you will begin to envision changes or improvements you can make within your Scouting unit. Those visions and ideas will become part of a project (called a Ticket) that you will work on following the completion of your course.

Learn more about Wood Badge

CUB SCOUT POW WOW

Cub Scout Pow Wow is a great opportunity for Scout leaders to learn more about different events and activities and how to plan them. Some of the topics may include how to plan Blue & Gold banquets, cross-over ceremonies, Pinewood Derbies, annual calendar planning for your pack or den, and so much more!