Training Overview

One of the keys to a successful Scouting experience for young people, second only to the selection of the right person for each responsibility, is trained volunteer leadership. Leadership training provides adult leaders with fundamental information about the aims and methods of the movement, as well as specifics about their particular roles in Scouting.

For this reason, the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is committed to provide top quality training opportunities for leaders, parents and Scouts at the district and council levels. Through these efforts, the delivery of a better and quality Scouting program can be provided to our entire youth membership.

The training program of the National Capital Area Council and the Boy Scouts of America is designed to meet the needs of each volunteer leadership position. These training opportunities are varied and flexible enough to reach all leaders through group training experiences, personal coaching, self-study, or on-the-job training.

What Makes a Trained Leader?

Cub Scout  and Webelos Leaders are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting, the Cub Scout Leader Specific training for their position and Youth Protection training.  Webelos leaders are also encouraged to attend their appropriate outdoors course. 

Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training.

Varsity Scout leaders and assistants are considered trained when they have completed This is Scouting, 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 This is Scouting and Venturing Leader Specific Training.

This is Scouting has replaced the former New Leader Essentials.  

New Leader Training online information
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start online self-study course
Leader Specific Training online information

Updates and information for upcoming and on-going NCAC training events may be obtained in the NCAC newsletter The Scouter Digest, at your monthly district roundtable, or on this Web site.

Each of our districts conduct monthly leader's roundtables where elements of training are included. Consult the district pages for your district's dates and location. 

This is to notify you that the Den Chief Training offered on the national Web site is DEN CHIEF FAST START Training, not the Den Chief training which is required for the award.  The boys should be encouraged to take the online training before they attend an in-person Den Chief Training.