Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters

Scoutmaster and
Assistant Scoutmaster Training

Boy Scout Fast Start

An hour-long video which includes the following segments:

The Troop Meeting: This is the primer on how to run a troop meeting. Produced for new leaders and commissioners, it covers planning, parts of the meeting, the patrol method and resources.

The Outdoor Program: Running troop meeting is one thing; running a successful outdoor activity is another. This program goes into planning, organization, ideals and the BSA policy for outdoor activities. It also touches on long-term and high-adventure activities.

The Troop Organization: This program starts with the charter concept--the chartered organization, the district and the council, and their relationship to the troop. Each leadership and committee position is described. An excellent program for commissioners, troop committees, troop leaders and chartered organizations.

How to get Boy Scout Fast Start:

Take the Boy Scout Fast Start Training On-Line
Your troop may conduct a session or loan you the video
Contact your District Training Chairman

New Leader Essentials

All new adult leaders in all Scouting programs should participate in this course as soon as possible after volunteering.

New Leader Essentials is a 90-minute introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. New Leader Essentials is the initial training for adult leaders serving youth in the Boy Scouts of America. The course presents an overview of Scouting, including the organization's mission, aims, and methods. It also provides new leaders with a look at the resources available to them through the Boy Scouts of America, and a clear understanding of Scouting's expectations of its adult leadership.

Course topics include:

Goals of Scouting
How Youth Grow and Develop
Where You Fit In
Where You Get Help
Who Pays for Scouting
Keeping Scouting Safe
Your Bridge to Scouting

After completing New Leader Essentials, volunteer leaders take part in leader-specific training to further prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities relating to their leadership positions.

The course is presented in one half-day session, or one evening session. Check the Council calendar for upcoming training dates.

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training

Essential training for all Scoutmasters and Assistants

Following New Leader Essentials Training, this course is phase two of a new Scoutmaster's introduction to the Boy Scouts of America and to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful troop leadership experience. Course topics include:

The Role of the Scoutmaster
Troop Organization
Troop Meetings
Working with Boy Leaders
The Patrol Method
The Patrol Leaders' Council
The Outdoor Program
The Advancement Program
Program Planning
Membership
Paperwork
Finances

The course is presented in one full-day session, or three evening sessions.

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

Essential Training for All Adults in Boy Scouting

This course is intended for every adult leader in every Boy Scout Troop. It is designed to provide a working knowledge of the basic outdoor skills necessary to succeed as a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start a program right.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Coaches. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal for Venturing leaders because it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences.