What makes a trained leader?
Different amounts of training are required for different levels of the program. You are considered trained for your position, and can wear the "trained" patch, when you have completed all of the training segments appropriate for your program and position.
Remember that the "New Leader Essentials" segment is only taken once during your Scouting career. So, when you change positions, you are given credit for that course if you've taken it before.
What training is required for my position?
- New Leader Essentials
- Cub Scout Leader Specific Training for your position (Cubmaster, Wolf/Bear Den Leader, Tiger Cub Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Committee Member)
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters [2]
- New Leader Essentials
- Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
- New Leader Essentials
- Troop Committee Challenge (Committee version of Leader Specific training)
Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants [4]
- New Leader Essentials
- Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Venturing Crew Advisors, Assistant Advisors, and Crew Committee members [5]
- New Leader Essentials
- Venturing Leader Specific Training
Online Learning Center (OLC) [6]
The National BSA Online Learning Center (OLC) is the easiest way to complete your Fast Start Training for the BSA programs in which you are serving in, as well as future program-levels for which you would like training. This is also the place where you can complete your Youth Protection Training, and all other supplemental trainings (Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, etc.)
Most of these online training courses can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes. First time OLC users should have their BSA membership card available as part of OLC registration to ensure correct online reporting and matching of your participation with the BSA ScoutNet Training Records kept by the San Francisco Bay Area Council. Your unit can go to internet advancement [7] and print out temporary cards with your membership number.
Right now OLC has:
Youth Protection Guidelines for Adult Leaders and Parents
-Aquatics Safety, including Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat
-Cub Scout Leader Fast Start
-Boy Scout Leader Fast Start
-Venturing Advisor Fast Start
-Venturing Crew Orientation
Additional Training Requirements
In order to supervise certain activities, leaders must also complete some specialized training.
Leaders on Outings
Youth Protection Training [8] is strongly recommended for all adults working with youth in a Boy Scouting program.
It is required for outings that need a local tour permit, for all adults (over 18) participating in any "out of council" event or trip with youth, including National or International Jamborees, and for Quality Unit Awards.
Cub Scout Camping (Overnighters):
Adults giving leadership to a pack overnighter must complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) [9] to properly understand the importance of program intent, youth protection guidelines, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation.
Wilderness Camping - Backpacking:
At least one adult on the trek/outing needs to have completed the HAT Basic Backpacking Course [10]. The Council local tour permit requires a HAT certification number for approval. A re-certification course [11] is required after 5 years.
It is strongly recommended that at least one person in the group be currently certified in first aid through the American Red Cross or any recognized agency. Adult supervisors are trained in and committed to compliance with the seven points of the BSA's Trek Safely procedure. The lead adult is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently trained in first aid appropriate to the type of trek and the environment. American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic [12] (a 16-hour course) and CPR are recommended.
Swimming Activities and Boating:
Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense [13]training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.
Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), All supervisors must complete BSA Safety Afloat [14]and Safe Swim Defense [15] training and rescue training for the type of watercraft to be used in the activity, and at least one must be trained in CPR. It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained as a BSA Lifeguard [16] to assist in the planning and conducting of all swimming and boating activities afloat.
Scuba (Venturers and older Scouts only):
Any person possessing, displaying, or using scuba equipment in connection with any Scouting-related activity must be currently certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). These two agencies are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for scuba training and instruction. Alternatively, if PADI or NAUI training and instruction is not available, certification may be accepted from other agencies that comply with Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) guidelines, provided that such acceptance has been expressly approved by the BSA local council in consultation with the BSA national Health and Safety Service.
Shooting Activities:
All training and shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified instructor or coach who is 21 years of age or older.
Climbing and Rapelling Activities:
A qualified rock climbing instructor who is at least 21 years of age must supervise all BSA climbing/rappelling activities. The climbing instructor has successfully completed a minimum of 10 hours of instructor training for climbing/rappelling [17] from a nationally or regionally recognized organization, a climbing school, a college-level climbing/rappelling course, or is a qualified BSA climbing instructor. [18]
NOTE: Any adult Scouter who successfully completes training in Climb On Safely is entitled to wear the temporary patch, No. 8631. A Climb On Safely Training Outline, No. 20-101, is available from your local council service center.
This adult supervisor is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of the Boy Scouts of America's Climb On Safely [19] procedure. The adult supervisor is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR (a 6 1/2-hour course). In addition, the two-hour module "First Aid—When Help Is Delayed" is recommended. A course of equivalent length and content from another nationally recognized organization can be substituted. A higher level of certification such as emergency medical technician (EMT), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and licensed health-care practitioner is also acceptable. The ARC's Emergency Response, a 43 1/2-hour course that includes CPR, is highly recommended.