Boy Scout Training

Boy Scout Leader Training Courses

Fast Start

Boy Scout adult leader training begins with the Boy Scout Fast Start.  It is the new leader's first exposure to the Boy Scout program.  This video-based training is intended to acquaint the adult leader with the basic information about Boy Scouts.  The Boy Scout Fast Start video includes the following segments:

• The Troop Meeting - This is the primer on how to run a troop meeting. Produced for new unit leaders and commissioners, the video covers planning, parts of the meeting, the patrol method, and resources.
• The Outdoor Program - Running a troop meeting is one thing; running a successful outdoor activity is another.  This program goes into planning, organization, ideals, and BSA policy for outdoor activities. It also touches on long-term and high adventure activities.
• The Troop Organization - This program starts with the charter concept - the chartered organization, the district, and the council, and their relationship to the troop.  Each leadership and committee position is described.  This is an excellent program for commissioners, troop committees, troop leaders, and chartered organizations.

Troop-administered self-study is the primary method of delivery for Fast Start training.  Your Scoutmaster or Training Chair usually supports the new leader during this training period.  Talk to your Scoutmaster, Training Chair, or Committee Chair about the video.  If they do not have it, you can check it out from the Council Service Center (Call to reserve it at 909-983-4534).

New Leader Essentials

New Leader Essentials is an introductory session for all leaders that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.  It addressed how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style within Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing.  Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 90-minute training session.

Leader Specific Training

Leader Specific Training is divided into four parts.  The first three parts concentrate on troop operation and can be completed in one full day or three evenings.  The forth part, which focuses on outdoor skills, lasts approximately a day and a half, depending on the skill level of the new leader.  The new Boy Scout leader is considered trained upon completion of New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific training, and the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills course.

High Adventure Training (HAT)

HATs key purpose is to provide supplemental training for leaders in advanced outdoor skills.  In addition, the High Adventure Team sponsors outdoor awards, prepares special related literature and maintains liaison with the U.S. Forest Service in support of their conservation effort.

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is the pinnacle of leadership training within the Boy Scouts of America.  This program represents the single advanced training course for adults involved in leadership throughout Scouting including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturing, council and district leaders, and professionals.  Training is focused on practical and broad based leadership and "people" skills.  Skills developed from Wood Badge training will help the leader do a better job in any BSA program or at any level of involvement.

Training Dates