The Basic Leader Training program is the culmination of more than two years of work by professionals and volunteers from throughout the nation. Their goal was to revise and update the volunteer leader training materials for the Boy Scouts of America. The result is a seamless training program that helps leaders easily graduate through the courses quickly and with little duplication.

The package provides the district training committee with tools to achieve 100 percent trained unit volunteers. It begins with Fast Start training, continues through "This is Scouting", and is followed by Leader Specific training for each adult's role in the unit.

To see the training schedule for your District click here.

Here is a brief overview of the components of the training continuum.

Youth Protection Training

The BSA places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. All Cub Scout and Boy Scout adult volunteers should take this course. It covers the BSA's Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper reporting procedures.

Fast Start Training 

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.

Basic Leader Training

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: "This is Scouting" for all unit-level leaders and Leader Specific training, which is based on the leader's unit-level position.

Leader-Specific Training

These training courses include leader specific training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders;  Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters must also complete the outdoor portion of leader-specifc training, called Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. These trainings are available through your District.

What Makes a Trained Leader?

Cub Scout leaders are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and the Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position.

• Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed "This is Scouting," Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed "This is Scouting" and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.
• Varsity Scout leaders and assistants are considered trained when they have completed "This is Scouting," Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Venturing crew Advisors, assistant Advisors, and crew committee members are considered trained when they have completed "This is Scouting" and Venturing Leader Specific Training.