Adult Training

EVERY SCOUT DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER …

… And, every Leader deserves training so s/he can successfully deliver the scouting program! Leaders, and in fact anyone, can take BSA training classes. You just need visit my.scouting.org to get started. (For more info about how to register for that site, go to THIS page.)

  • Scout Leaders are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, This is Scouting, and Scout Leader Specific training for their position.

  • Committee Members are considered trained when they have completed Youth Protection, This is Scouting, and Committee Specific Training.

Training of adults to successfully deliver the Boy Scout program has evolved into a well-presented, thorough, curriculum of courses to be completed in sequence. IMPORTANT! – once you’ve completed any new training (or re-certified in any training you’ve taken before), you need to forward a copy of your Certificate of Completion (or the little card thingee) to either the Scoutmaster so we can update our Troop & BSA records. Here are the courses you need to fulfill your commitment of an adult leader.

Fast Start Training

The first step for any new adult volunteer in our Troop, no matter what the position may be. The Fast Start training is short and should be taken as soon as possible after you have accepted a leadership position. The Fast Start program has been designed to provide an immediate comfort level for new leaders and enables them to say, ‘I can do this!’, but it should be soon followed by more comprehensive training. This should be taken every time you take on a new leadership position. In fact, since these are so short, why not take them all! Boy Scout Fast Start Training.

Youth Protection Training

YPT ensures boys involved in scouting are kept safe. At least one adult on every Scout outing must be Youth Protection Trained. Before being involved with boys, EVERY adult should complete Youth Protection online and all registered adult volunteers must complete it and fully understand the Youth Protection Policies of the BSA before submitting registration paperwork with the Troop. We also recommend this training for every adult associated with the Troop. This training MUST be re-taken every TWO years. Guides on youth protection are printed in the front of Scout handbooks. These should be reviewed when joining Scouting. Pacifica District also offers in-person Youth Protection classes at Roundtables and University of Scouting (Dec). For additional information on Youth Protection Training, visit the Official BSA Youth Protection page.

This is Scouting

The next step in training for adult leaders who have completed Fast Start Training. This is Scouting is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting. It addresses 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. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers-Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders-take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. You only need to complete the This is Scouting training once.

Leader Specific Training

Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the scouting program, training for a specific Scouting position continues through Leader Specific training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies. You should take the appropriate training each time you switch leadership positions. Leader Specific training has been developed for the following positions and their assistants:

  • Scoutmasters

  • Troop Committee Members

Outdoor Leader Skills

Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. 

  • HAT – High Adventure Training is for available for all Boy Scout leaders. This training course covers the skills & resources needed … tbd. This is district-scheduled training.

Supplemental and Ongoing Training

There are many more opportunities for volunteers to improve their skills and understanding of the Boy Scout program. Some are required before holding certain types of events.

  • Wood Badge: Advanced training in leadership and team development, bringing together all programs – Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. By pooling their ideas, sharing meaningful experiences, and learning from highly qualified instructors, participants will return to their home units with new skills and resources, greater confidence, and deeper dedication to deliver the values of Scouting. This training includes approximately six days of instruction that are often held as two 3-day weekend sessions, followed by working on the goals the participant sets for him or herself. Each council organizes and schedules sessions as needed. Click here for more information about the Wood Badge.

  • Monthly District RoundTable: A leaders’ meeting held in each district where leaders find information about upcoming district and council events and learn ways to improve the program. Most Roundtables will cover material based on participants’ interest. Leaders & Adults can learn a new skill or get advice on how to solve a problem. Participation at Roundtables is required for some Leader square knot awards.

  • Hazardous Weather: (Valid for two (2) years) planning and decision making regarding weather for a safe outing. There must be one adult on every outing that has completed this training. This training must be re-taken every TWO years. This training can be taken online at my.scouting.org.

  • Safe Swim Defense: (Valid for two (2) years) introduction to BSA water safety policies. Training takes about 20-30 minutes and participants receive a completion card good for 2 years. Swimming events require Safe Swim Defense trained leaders. Can be taken online at my.scouting.org.

  • Safety Afloat: (Valid for two (2) years) introduction to BSA boating policies. Training takes about 20-30 minutes. Watercraft events required Safety Afloat trained leaders. This training can be taken online at my.scouting.org.

  • Climb On Safely: This training lasts about 45 minutes and provides all the information you need to meet the minimum requirements for a climbing activity. This does not consist of any training or certifications in climbing, but provides the essential components of a safe outing.