All registered Boy Scout leaders must now complete the following four training courses to earn the Trained Leader emblem:
- Fast Start Training for their position (online or instructor-led)
- This is Scouting (online)
- Youth Protection Training (online or instructor-led)
- All four parts of Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training
Fast Start Training
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. Click any of the links below or in the Links section on the left side of this page to select an online Fast Start training module.
Boy Scout Leader Fast Start
This is Scouting
While continuing to address many of the “essentials” that give beginning adult leaders an understanding of the program, the new training, titled, “This Is Scouting,” stresses some important points for leaders to consider as the BSA moves forward into the future.Although continuing to address organization, goals, history and traditions, and funding, the new course places increased emphasis on the BSA’s mission, vision, and values; its programs for boys of all ages and abilities; its role in the community; its aim to protect youth members; and its legacy. And it stresses the fun boys can have when they join Scouting.
This is Scouting
Youth Protection
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders the following online, video, and print resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs.
Youth Protection Training
Leader Specific Training
Once a volunteer has a solid 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. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies.
Leader Specific Training is divided into four parts. The first three parts are designed to teach troop operations and can be completed in one full day or three evenings. The fourth part is completing "Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills," which are the skills required for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Because emphasis is placed on a leader's previous knowledge of the skill rather than course attendance, a new leader can complete this course at an accelerated pace.
Additional Leader Specific training has been developed for the following position:
Troop Committee Challenge