Training is an important part of learning to become an effective leader. We appreciate our volunteers and want to help you succeed in your role. Training will help you have more fun and do a better job in your leadership position. Every Scouting program has a basic training course that will help you get started and do your job as den leader, Cubmaster, or other roles you wish to pursue. After that, there are additional training courses you can take if you’d like, to learn more specialized skills.
Scouting America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. With that in mind, Safeguarding Youth Training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers.
Required Adult Training
Cub Scouts
There are a LOT of training courses you can take as a Cub Scout leader. But, there are only a few main courses we consider required if you are going to be a den leader, Cubmaster, or committee chair; you’ll find them below in the “Required Cub Scout Courses” section. Most of these required courses are available online through Scouting America’s My.Scouting.org training portal.
There are additional courses you may take that will expand your knowledge of how Scouting works or help you learn new Scouting skills. You’ll find those listed below in the “Optional” section.
Pack Camping
Every pack campout MUST include at least ONE BALOO trained leader.
Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders
Cubmasters and Assistant Cubmasters
Committee Members
Scouts BSA
As a Scouts BSA Leader, you owe it to your youth members to learn as much as you can about Scouting and how to run your troop. For all positions, you must complete Safeguarding Youth Training and the position-specific training for your registered Scouting position. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters must also take Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) and Hazardous Weather Training.
You’ll find all of the required training courses below in the “Required Scouts BSA Courses” section. Most of these required courses are available online through Scouting America’s My.Scouting.org training portal.
There are additional courses you may take that will expand your knowledge of how Scouting works or help you learn new Scouting skills. You’ll find those listed below in the “Optional” section.
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters
Committee Members
Merit Badge Counselors
Venturing
As a Venturing leader, you owe it to the youth members you mentor to learn as much as you can about Scouting and how to run your crew (although when done right, your youth lead the crew and you supervise and coach). All adult positions in Venturing need to complete Safeguarding Youth Training.
You’ll find all of the required training courses below in the “Required Venturing Courses” section. Most of these required courses are available online through Scouting America’s My.Scouting.org training portal.
There are additional courses you may take that will expand your knowledge of how Scouting works or help you learn new Scouting skills. You’ll find those listed below in the “Optional” section.
Advisors and Associate Advisors
Crew Committee
Exploring
Exploring Advisors are volunteers, aged 21 and older, who excel in their career fields. They have volunteered their time and skills to be advisors and choose to work with the Exploring program. They enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience in their career field with youth. All adult positions in Exploring need to complete Safeguarding Youth Training and the position-specific training for your registered Scouting position.
Exploring Post Advisor
Exploring Post Committee
Optional Adult Training
Youth Training
We offer training for youth designed to help our members improve leadership skills and further enhance the overall Scouting experience.
