What Makes a Trained Leader?

Different levels of Scouting require different amounts of training. Leaders are considered to be "Basic Leader" Trained and can wear a training patch when they have completed all of the training appropriate for their programs and positions. When a Trained Leader changes his or her role in Scouting, the Trained patch should be removed until the basic leadership courses appropriate to their new position have been completed.

New Leader Essentials, a 90-minute course, need only be taken once during a leader's Scouting career. If leaders have taken this course and change positions within Scouting, they are given credit for its completion but should take additional courses appropriate for their new roles.
 

What Training Is Appropriate For My Position?

Cub Scout Leaders
 

New Leader Essentials

Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
Cubmaster

Wolf and Bear Den Leader

Tiger Cub Den Leader

Webelos Den Leader

Committee Member

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters
 

New Leader Essentials

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training

Introduction To Outdoor Leader Skills

Troop Committee Members
 

New Leader Essentials

Troop Committee Challenge

Varsity Scout Leaders and Assistants
 

New Leader Essentials

Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training

Introduction To Outdoor Leader Skills

Venturing Crew Advisors, Assistant Advisors and Crew Committee Members
 

New Leader Essentials

Venturing Leader Specific Training

Additional Training Requirements

In order to supervise certain activities, leaders must also complete specialized training.
 

Cub Scout Camping

Adults giving leadership to a pack overnighter must complete the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO, No. 34162A) to properly understand program intent, youth protection guidelines, health and safety issues, site selection, age-appropriate activities and sufficient adult participation.

Wilderness Camping - Backpacking

It is strongly recommended that at least one person in a backpacking group be currently certified in First Aid through the American Red Cross or any recognized agency. Adult supervisors are trained in, and committed to compliance with, the seven points of the B.S.A.'s Trek Safely procedure. The lead adult is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently trained in First Aid appropriate to the type of trek and environment. American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic (a sixteen-hour course) and CPR are recommended.
Training in Leave No Trace is also crucial.

Swimming Activities

Before a B.S.A. group engages in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader from the group must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them and agree to use the eight defenses outlined in the training.

It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained as a B.S.A. Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conducting of all swimming activity.

Boating Activities

Before a B.S.A. group engages in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tub or other craft), all supervisors must complete B.S.A. Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training, as well as rescue training for the type of watercraft to be used in the acitivity. At least one leader in the group must be trained in CPR. It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained as a B.S.A. Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conducting of all activity afloat.

Scuba (Venturers and Older Scouts Only)

Any person possessing, displaying or usiing scuba equipment in connection with any Scouting-related activity must be currently certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). These two agencies are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for scuba training and instruction. If PADI or NAUI training and instruction is not available, certification may be accepted from other agencies that comply with Recreational Scuba Training Council guidelines, provided that such acceptance has been expressly approved by the Los Angeles Are Council in consultation with the B.S.A. National Health and Safety Service.

Shooting Activities

All training and shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified instructor or coash who is twenty-one years of age or older.

Climbing and Rappelling Activities

A qualified rock climbing instructor who is at least twenty-one years of age must supervise all B.S.A. climbing and rappelling activities. The climbing instructor must successfuly complete a minimum of ten hours of instructor training for climbing and/or rappelling from a nationally or regionally recognized organization, climbing school, college-level climbing and rappelling course, or is a qualified B.S.A. climbing instructor.

Note: any adult Scouter who successfuly completes training in Climb on Safely is entitled to wear the temporary patch, No. 8631. A Climb on Safely Training Outline, No. 20-101, is available at the Los Angeles Area Council Service Center.

Qualified Supervision

This adult supervisor is trained in, and committed to compliance with, the eight points of the Boy Scouts of America Climb on Safely procedure. The adult supervisor is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR (a 6 1/2-hour course). In addition, the two-hour module, "First Aid - When Help is Delayed," is recommended. A course of equivalent length and content from another nationally recognized organization can be substituted. A higher level of certification such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) and licensed healthcare practitioner is also acceptabble. The American Red Cross Emergency Response, a 43 1/2-hour course that includes CPR, is highly recommended.