Training Programs
The leadership training philosophy of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide adult leaders with fundamental information about the aims and purposes of the movement, as well as specifics about their particular roles in Scouting.
A trained leader is knowledgeable and confident in the role being performed. The knowledge and confidence of a trained leader are quickly sensed by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venture Scouts and are a positive influence on their lives.
The objective of leadership training program is to meet the needs of leaders by providing learning opportunities related to each of the adult unit positions. The plan allows for both individual and group training experiences. It also incorporates a recognition program that motivates and rewards those who progress in the leadership training programs of the Boy Scouts of America.
To learn about a few of these training awards for adults, check out the web page on Adult Recognition Awards.
For an overview of training for your program, click on one of the links listed below. You will be taken to a page showing the specific steps you’ll need to complete to become ‘Trained’ in that position, as well as information about supplementary training.
- Cub Scout Leader Training
- Boy Scout Leader Training
- Venture Leaders Training
- Commissioner Training
- District Committee Training
- Council Board Training
Council Training Policy
In order to provide a quality and safe program for the youth that we serve, Los Padres Council has established certain training standards that all adult volunteers must adhere.
Los Padres Council Training Policy
Scoutmaster, Asst. SM, Varsity Coach & Venture Advisor
Training for these positions include online “Joining Courses” such as Youth Protection Training; “Orientation Courses” including Fast Start & This Is Scouting; and classroom “Position-Specific” training courses.
Scroll down for more information and links to online training.
To see when the next classroom training courses are scheduled, click on the blue “Training” tab in the left hand column and choose your course from the drop down menu.
Every Youth Deserves a Trained Leader
Why Do Leaders Need Training?
Every Scout should have a trained leader to support the program. Know how to do the job helps make the job easier and more fun for all.
Who Should Attend Training?
For Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters, Pack Committee, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee, Crew Advisors, Assistant Crew Advisors, Crew Committee, District Committee, Commissioners and more.
What Training Is Available?
Orientation Training
* Fast Start Training – Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing (online courses)
Fast Start training provides an immediate comfort level for new leaders and enables them to say: “I can do this!” Fast Start training is the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers and before he or she meets with any youth member. Fast Start training is provided in video and on-line formats.
* This Is Scouting – is an 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. Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 90-minute training session. Each leader completes This Is Scsouting training only once.
Required Basic Leader Training:
*Position-Specific Training – Once a volunteer has an overview of the BSA’s values-based program, he or she can begin training for a specific Scouting position through Leader Specific training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role.
Scoutmaster, Asst. SM, Varsity Leader and Venture Advisor Specific trainings are given in a 4 hour classroom setting. See the training calendar for the next scheduled class for your position.
*Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – This outdoor training presented in an overnight campout is a requirement for “direct contact” Boy Scout, Varsity and Venture leaders (Scoutmasters, Asst. Scoutmasters, Varsity Coaches & Asst. Coaches, Venture Advisors and Asst. Advisors).
Supplementary Training:
The three levels of training are sustained and supported with supplementary online training, Roundtables, Publications, and the University of Scouting.
To help keep your knowledge current, Youth Protection Training (Online Course), The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety, Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, and the Guide to Safe Scouting are available on-line at my.Scouting.org .
Trained Leader Patch
A Trained Leader emblem is for all leaders who have completed the required training programs appropriate to their positions.
Following each training session each leader is given a progress record card for the leadership position he or she holds. Training knots are presented up completion of required tenure and performance requirements.
