Trained Scout leaders provide a quality, fun-filled program for youth.  When leaders understand the “whys” and “hows” of Scouting, they are more effective in their roles.  Trained leaders know how to use the available resources to provide an exciting and worthwhile program for the youth.  Trained leaders also have confidence in carrying our their roles and responsibilities.  As a result, Scouts receive a program designed to achieve Scouting’s aims of citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.

The Basic Leader Training program is a seamless training program that helps leaders easily graduate through the courses quickly and with little duplication.  It begins with Fast Start, Youth Protection Training, and This is Scouting, which are all available online.  After that, it continues in a path that is tailored to the leader’s specific needs and position.  By the end of 2012, BSA national policy will require that all top leaders (Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, and Venturing Crew Advisers be fully trained.

What Makes A Trained Leader?

Cub Scout leaders are considered trained when they have completed  these courses:

• Cub Scout Leader Fast Start (This course is available online.)
• Youth Protection Training (This course is available online.)
• This is Scouting (This course is available online.)
• Cub Scout Leader Specifics—which includes: This Is How We Have Fun, Introduction to Cub Scouting, and the position specific course. (These courses are available online.  They are also available in person on a limited basis.)

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed these courses:

• Boy Scout Leader Fast Start (This course is available online.)
• Youth Protection Training (This course is available online.)
• This is Scouting (This course is available online.)
• Boy Scout Leader Specific Training (AKA: Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Training)
• Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting, Youth Protection Training, and the Troop Committee Challenge as their leader specific training. (All three are available online.)

Venturing Crew Advisors and Associate Advisers are considered trained when they have completed these courses:

• Venturing Leader Fast Start (This course is available online.)
• Youth Protection Training (This course is available online.)
• This is Scouting (This course is available online.)
• Venturing Leader Specific Training

My Scouting – Online Learning Center

The Boy Scouts of America has made several training courses available to all leaders via its online learning center.  Every Scouter with a valid membership ID number (found on his or her membership card) can set up a My Scouting account through the My Scouting link at www.scouting.org.  Courses available at My Scouting include Fast Start, This is Scouting, Cub Scout Leader Specific, Youth Protection, plus all the safety courses that are required for tour permits like Save Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Hazardous Weather Safety Training, Trek Safely, and Climb On Safely. Upon completing the course, the training will be recorded in the participants Scouting record.  The participant may also print a certificate of completion.