Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants

Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants

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.

Varsity Specific

It is recommended that every adult associated with the unit should attend this course.

For LDS units, that would include Bishoprics, Young Men’s Presidencies, Committee Members, Scout Leaders, parents, and any others interested.
For non-LDS or individuals interested in the program (though not currently affiliated with a unit), you are more than welcome to join the discussion about how to develop this valuable part of the BSA program!
Open to all Scouters, Leaders, and those interested, not just members of Tres Ranchos District!

The Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training covers the following topics:

Summarizes the purposes and methods of Varsity Scouting.
Discusses the characteristics of young men 14 through 17 years old.
Explains how a Varsity Scout team is organized and led by young men with guidance from adults.
Reviews Varsity Scouting's five program fields of emphasis.
Gives details about how to plan and conduct a Varsity Scout team's activities and meetings.
The BSA's Youth Protection Guidelines.

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.