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Leader Path: Scouts BSA Leader Training Guide
Scouts BSA Leader Training
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader and the Grand Canyon Council has a 100% Trained Leader Initiative that says all volunteers will be trained for their specific registered position. The first step in your training process is to create a My.Scouting.org Account.
When am I Considered Trained?
Being a “trained” Scouts BSA leader includes two main requirements: Youth Protection and position-specific training. You must do Youth Protection before contact with youth in the program. Your goal should be to complete position-specific training* within 90 days of taking your position.
(1) I . Youth Protection Training
All adults in ANY position in Scouting must complete YPT. Any adult staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be registered as an adult volunteer or adult program participant, which requires YPT. Youth Protection training must be completed every two years in order to remain valid. Training can be done online at My.Scouting.org. Learn more about Scouting’s Youth Protection guidelines and its barriers to abuse here.
(2) II. Position-Specific Training
Each adult leader position in Scouts BSA has its own specialized training to get you on the fast track to leading an energetic group of Scouts! These basic training courses can be taken online at My.Scouting.org. See below for a list of position-specific training available for Scouts BSA Leaders.
Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster (SM/ASM):
- SM/ASM Position-Specific Training*
- Hazardous Weather
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (in person, see next section)
Committee Chair or Member:
Committee Member/New Member Coordinator:
Unit Scouter Reserve (YPT Only)
*Every Position-Specific Training has a first module designated as “Before First Meeting.” The timeline “A Scouts BSA Leader’s Path” below offers suggested timings for completing all position-specific training modules.
Why Get Trained?
Going through Scouts BSA Leader Training will:
- Save you time in the long run by reducing “discovery learnin.g”
- Give you access to helpful planning and organizing resources.
- Provide a common vocabulary with other Scout leaders so you can all communicate more effectively.
What’s Next?
Go beyond the basics to learn more about Scouting and how to be an effective Scouts BSA leader! Some courses are available online while others are available in-person.
(1) I. Baden-Powell University
At the Spring Homecoming, the Council offers Baden-Powell University (BPU), supplemental training for adult Scout leaders. BPU offers diverse courses for all Scouting levels, whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned veteran. Discover engaging courses on Scouts BSA and general studies applicable to all Scouting programs. The Spring Homecoming also features our annual calendar reveal, so you can start making plans for next year’s program!
(2) II. Roundtables
We want you to feel supported the whole year round, so we offer monthly Roundtables. These virtual-only one-hour sessions are heavily focused on leader-level breakouts. If you’re a Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster, you’ll get program-specific ideas and guidance. If you’re a Committee Member, you’ll hear from subject matter experts on a wide array of crucial items.
(3) III. Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
This weekend course gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. In addition, the teaching methods, activities, and games model the variety of teaching used in effective and engaging Scouting programs. In addition to standalone courses, IOLS may also be offered in conjunction with council Scouts BSA overnight events—check the calendar for details!
(4) IV. E-Learning
Some courses are available in the e-Learning section of My.Scouting.org. A login is required, but anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA must provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. These include:
(5) V. Advanced-level training—Wood Badge
Advanced-level training is available for Scouters who want to get the most out of their Scouting experience for the benefit of the youth they lead.
(6) VI. Get Recognized for Your Hard Work
Leaders who follow the BSA training system will not only provide the best Scouts BSA program possible, they can also be recognized for their hard work with training awards.
- Scouter’s Training Award for Scouts BSA Leaders
- Scoutmaster Key
Exceptional service may be recognized by one of several council-level honors.
Why go beyond the basics?
- Meet like-minded Scouters from elsewhere in council with great ideas that can support your program.
- Learn leadership, management, and planning skills that you can put to use outside of Scouting.
- Encounter diverse perspectives that push your thinking and grow your awareness.
A Scouts BSA Leader’s Path
We know the information on the previous couple of pages is a LOT to take in. Below is a suggested timeline for Scouts BSA Leader Development that balances getting you up to speed as quickly as possible with taking on a sustainable tempo of events.
0 Days—Youth Protection Training / 1st Position-Specific Training Module: Online (MyScouting); YPT must be complete before contact with youth. Each position training has a “Before First Meeting” module.
30 Days—GCC 3.0 Orientation Online: Council Learning Management System
60 Days*—Council Roundtable**: Online (Zoom); Held monthly, first Thursday, 7 PM, see Council Calendar for link.
90 Days*—Position-Specific Training Online: (My.Scouting) see “When am I Considered Trained?” for specific elements by position.
180 Days—Baden-Powell University: In-Person, typically in April/May; see Council Calendar for schedule.
1 Year—Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills: In-person; see Council Calendar for schedule and locations.
1-2 Years—Wood Badge: In-person; see Council Calendar for schedule
2-3 Years—Lead a Roundtable Session: Coordinated through GCC Training / Roundtable Planner
3-4 Years—Teach a Class at Baden-Powell University: Coordinate through GCC Training
Branch A—Sea Scouts/Venturing/Exploring Leader Service
Your child may choose to transition to one of Scouting’s senior youth programs. Consider volunteering with their crew/post as an adult leader. GCC has similar documents to this one that lay out training timelines for those positions.
Branch B—Council Role Service
Your experience to this point makes you ideally suited for a Council Role such as a Unit Coach or Council Committee member. Fill out the Volunteer Engagement Survey to explore some options!
*First attendance at this kind of event; ideally, leaders should attend these on a recurring basis.
** Online Roundtables are periodically supplemented with local in-person gatherings – consult your Unit Coach for details!