SCOUTS BSA LEADER TRAINING
Welcome to Scouts BSA!
If you are a new leader who has not yet completed S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training, please start here.
Scouts BSA serves youth ages 11 through 17. Youth may also join at age 10 if they have completed fifth grade and earned the Arrow of Light Award, or if they are age 10 and joining after March 1 of their fifth-grade year. Through advancement, outdoor adventure, teamwork, and leadership opportunities, Scouts build confidence, set goals, and develop skills that help prepare them for their Trail to Eagle and beyond.
We encourage every adult volunteer to become a trained leader. Every Scout deserves a trained leader, and every leader deserves the confidence and knowledge that training provides. Training helps you understand the Scouts BSA program, strengthen your leadership skills, and better support the Scouts in your unit.
Trained leaders are better prepared to deliver a quality program, support youth leadership, and create stronger Scouting experiences. Training can positively influence program quality, leader retention, and youth participation.
RESOURCES
Scouts BSA Leader Position-Specific Training
Scouts BSA Leader Position-Specific Training is Scouting America's foundational training for adult leaders serving Scouts BSA troops. Training is available online through My.Scouting.org or through in-person courses led by experienced Scouts BSA leaders.
Online training creates a learning plan based on your registered position and allows you to complete training modules at your own pace. In-person training provides opportunities to ask questions, learn practical tips, and connect with other leaders.
COURSES
Scoutmaster Training
Scoutmaster Training is designed for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters. Leaders learn proven techniques for supporting an effective Scout-led troop and applying the aims and methods of Scouting.
Training covers the methods of Scouts BSA, including Scouting ideals, the Patrol Method, outdoor programs, advancement, adult association, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform.
To be considered trained, Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) and Hazardous Weather Training through My.Scouting.org.
Troop Committee Training
Troop Committee Training is designed for Committee Chairs and Committee Members. The troop committee supports unit leaders in delivering a quality program and helps manage troop administration, finances, policies, outdoor program support, boards of review, and other essential responsibilities.
Committee members play an important role in helping the Scoutmaster and youth leadership deliver a successful troop program.
Merit Badge Counselor Training
Merit Badge Counselor Training introduces volunteers to the merit badge process and the responsibilities of a Merit Badge Counselor. Training includes guidance on working with Scouts, supporting advancement, and helping youth learn through the merit badge program.
Merit Badge Counselors should also understand Scouting America's advancement policies and the role merit badges play within the broader Scouts BSA program.
Additional Training Requirements
All adult leaders must complete and maintain current S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training to remain trained and registered in their positions.
Some in-person Scouts BSA Leader Position-Specific Training courses may focus on a single role, while others may offer training for Scoutmasters, Committee Members, and Merit Badge Counselors during the same event.
- Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters benefit from understanding how the troop committee supports the unit.
- Committee Chairs and Committee Members can better support the Scoutmaster when they understand troop leadership responsibilities.
- Many troop leaders also serve as Merit Badge Counselors and benefit from understanding how the merit badge process supports advancement.
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