Training makes Scouting easier to deliver – and more fun! Numerous trainings are available for adult Scouters (and older Scouts/Venturers) that explain how Scouting works and teach the best ways to carry out the various different jobs within Scouting.
Taking as many trainings as possible is highly recommended, as each training course you complete will give you a new insight into the multifaceted Scouting program. However, there are certain training courses which are required to be taken due to a person’s age or position within Scouting. For example, Scoutmasters would be required to take Youth Protection, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills, and Scoutmaster Specific Training for their position, and might be required to take other courses (such as Safe Swim Defense) depending on the activities which thier unit is doing.
By far, the best way to determine which trainings you need to take is to log into my.Scouting, click on My Dashboard, and then click on Requirements. The website will tell you exactly which trainings you need to take and give you direct links to online training courses. Plus, you can also see when you’ll need to retake courses in order to stay current. If you want to view the training requirements for all positions, click here.
Many trainings are available online at my.Scouting and may be done whenever you have time, but some courses are taught in-person to give you the opportunity to learn directly from experienced Scouters and receive hands-on training. Below is a general overview of some of the most common trainings, but you can find the full list on the national BSA website.
Youth Protection Training
Keeping our youth safe is one of Scouting’s top priorities. Because of this, all new members over 18 are required to take Youth Protection Training in order to be registered with the BSA, and all members over 18 must renew YPT every two years. The training takes around an hour to complete and is available online on my.Scouting. Additionally, some districts conduct YPT training at a Roundtable during the year.
Position-Specific Courses
These instructor-led courses are designed to help Scouters learn how to effectively carry out their Scouting roles. In most cases, completing the course will make a Scouter “trained” for the role(s) covered in the course. As always, check my.Scouting, the training requirements, and the national BSA website for updates.
- Cub Scouting
- Den Leader Position-Specific
- Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific
- Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
- Pack Committee Challenge
- Chartered Organization Representative Training
- Scouts BSA
- Scoutmaster Position-Specific
- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills
- Troop Committe Challenge
- Chartered Organization Representative Training
- Venturing
- Venturing Advisor Position-Specific (Venturing)
- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills
- Crew Committee Challenge
- Chartered Organization Representative Training
Additional Courses
These courses are designed for adult Scouters (and older youth) to receive training applicable to specific outdoor situations which a unit may encounter. Every Scouter is highly encouraged to take all the trainings listed below, which are all available on my.Scouting.
- Safe Swim Defense
- Safety Afloat
- Weather Hazards
- Climb On Safely
- Trek Safely