AnOverview of Boy Scout Leader Training 

FastStart Training

FastStart training should be made available to every new leader within a few daysof when they accepted the job. It is readily available on the NCAC websiteunder the training tab. But while a good introduction to the program, it isjust a teaser of better training to come. It is the responsibility of the unitcommittee, to ensure that new leaders take fast start training and then go onto complete the full training described below

YouthProtection Training

YouthProtection Training provides adult volunteers with an understanding about childabuse and the youth protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Thiscourse is appropriate for every adult working with youth and may be mandatory towork at or participate in certain Councilor National sponsored events.Re-certification is mandatory every two years beginning January 1, 2009.

Basic Training

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: This IsScouting for all unit-level leaders and Boy Scout Leader Specific Training.

This is Scouting

This Is Scouting is an online interactive learningexperience that is divided into six modules. It picks up where Fast Start leftoff and introduces participants to the following areas of the Scoutingprogram. 

·     Mission, Vision, and Values

·     Programs for All Ages and Abilities

·     Scouting Is Fun!

·     Scouting in the Community

·     Protecting Our Youth

·     Scouting’s Legacy

This Is Scouting replaces New Leader Essentials,and can be found on the Online Learning Center. It takes about an hour tocomplete, and it is also available on DVD (No. 36118). Participants mustcorrectly answer questions at the end of each module, and upon successfulcompletion, they will receive a certificate of completion.

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training (BSLST)

This is a day-long class focusing on the tasks that Scoutmastersand Assistant Scoutmasters have to deal with routinely.  It will provide you with a basic understandingof what it means to become a Boy Scout leader and how to foster and lead a boy-run,patrol method based troop.

Introduction toOutdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

This is the weekend training session that is requiredoutdoor training for all Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and VarsityScout coaches. It is designed to address the outdoor training needs ofScoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee Members, Venturingleaders, and Webelos Den Leaders. Attendees will camp out using their own orshared equipment and will cook their meals in a patrol setting. Formal skills trainingsessions include hands-on work and information for Scouting leaders in: leaveno trace, ropes (whipping, tying, lashing), woods tools (knife, saw, ax), firesite preparation & building, cooking, first aid, plant identification, campgadgets, campfire preparation, packing & hiking techniques, map &compass reading, animal identification.

Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scoutingprogram, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide leaders withthe basic outdoor skills information needed to start a program right.

Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are consideredtrained when they have completed This is Scouting, Scoutmaster and AssistantScoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor LeaderSkills. 

Please note, individuals who were trained inScoutmaster Fundaments (SMF) or any of the previous versions of Boy ScoutLeader training) need not take BSLST and/or IOLS to be considered trained.

WoodBadge for the 21st Century

Wood Badge has evolved into thecore leadership skills training course for the BSA. The new Wood Badge coursefocuses on strengthening every volunteer's ability to work with and lead groupsof youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are moreeffectively addressed in other courses.

Committee Members

Committee member should attend the Troop Committee Challengesession.  This is a three hoursession.  Troop committee membersare considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting and the TroopCommittee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.