WHAT MAKES A 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 New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

Troop Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.

Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, 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 New Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training.

What are the Steps to Getting Trained?

Step 1: FAST START

Fast Start is the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers and before he or she meet with any youth member. It’s purpose is to acquaint new families, new leaders, and others with the program of the BSA and give specific information about program phase involved. It’s a video training to aid new leaders and motivate them to attend Basic Leader Training.

It is a 90-minute group training session, which is an overview of the core elements of Scouting. It also provides new leaders with a look at the BSA resources available, and a clear understanding of Scouting’s expectations of its adult leaders. WHO MUST ATTEND? - All new adult leaders of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers. This course is a pre-requisite for all Basic Leader Specific training.

NOTE: "The Boy Scout of America general offices has instructed that all leaders must participate in the "New Leader Essentials" training prior to the end of 2002. In order for an adult to register as a leader in 2003, he/she must have participated in this training." - Reprint from Frontier District Rifle shot, February 13, 2002

This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Each course is designed for a specific leadership position.

Step 4: INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS

This is a hands-on training program to give adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. This is a required outdoor training for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout coaches. It is also a recommended training for Webelos Leaders and Venturing Leaders.

SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING - These courses give additional information on specific areas of the BSA programs.