Adult Training
"Every Scout Deserves Trained Adult Leaders!"
Training Basics
(Must be Completed by EVERY Registered Leader)
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Setup an Account at my.scouting.org: If you used online registration to sign up your child you may already have an account. Once you have an account you can access online training.
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Take Youth Protection Training at my.scouting.org in the "BSA Learn Center": The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. This training must be completed every TWO years.
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Complete Position-Specific Training at my.scouting.org in the "BSA Learn Center". Select your program and position and a learning plan will be created for you. The plan includes modules that are designed to allow you to complete them at your own pace.
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader...
Will That Be YOU?
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If you had a magic wand, would you use it to make the Scouting program better and more fun for youth so they stayed in Scouting longer, so it had a larger impact on their lives? What if the same magic wand made leadership roles easier, more rewarding, and led to better retention among adult leaders? Would using that magic wand be a top priority?
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Well, such a magic wand does exist—in the form of the learning programs for leaders in the Boy Scouts of America.
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Common sense tells us that training is important, and research shows the importance of trained leaders. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!
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Some people learn better in person...many leaders find the live version more rewarding and more fun! It also gives you a chance to meet other leaders, share ideas, and experiences.
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For in-person Cub Scout Position-Specific Training Opportunities, click HERE.
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For in-person Scouts BSA Position-Specific Training Opportunities, click HERE.
Outdoor Skills Leader Training
BALOO (Cub Outdoor Leader Training)
This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry our a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter. For upcoming training opportunities, click HERE.
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IOLS (Scouts BSA Outdoor Leader Training)
Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered “trained”. For upcoming training opportunities, click HERE.
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Supplemental Training
Supplemental training includes a variety of live and on-line courses that may be conducted on a district, council, regional or national level -- or training to benefit those who may have ancillary roles with Scouting Units. The supplemental training courses are designed to give leaders additional information on specific areas of Scouting. Many topics touched in basic training are covered in much greater detail during the supplemental training courses. Here are some examples of supplemental training:
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BSA Lifeguard
BSA Certified Lifeguards are necessary for all aquatics activities in the BSA including boating and swimming. The BSA Lifeguard certification is a separate certification from the common Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. These trainings are taught in-person at local Scout Camps and other training facilities.
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CPR Certification
CPR Certification is required for a number of other Scouting Training and some advancement requirements for youth. The Atlanta Area Council offers two CPR Saturdays each year, where Scouts and Leaders can be certified in CPR by the Red Cross. Click HERE to learn more about CPR Certification.
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Climb on Safely
Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower.
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COPE/Climbing Instructor Training
Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) and Climbing Instructors are volunteers who are specially trained to deliver programs involving climbing, rappelling and other high ropes elements. Training for these instructor positions are held in-person at local Scout Camps. Click HERE for more information on COPE/Climbing Instructor Training.
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Shooting Sports Trainings
Specialty training are available for volunteer rangemasters who supervise shooting sports events including Archery, BB Guns, Rifles, Shotguns and Pistols. These trainings are offered in-person at local Scout Camps and other training facilities. Click HERE for more information on Shooting Sports Trainings.
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Safety Afloat
Safety Afloat is the required training for Adult Leaders participating in or supervising all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years. Safety Afloat is available online through My.Scouting.org.
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Safe Swim Defense
Safe Swim Defense is the required training for Adult Leaders participating in or supervising all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense is available online through My.Scouting.org.
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Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid is a series of courses designed to train Leaders in how to respond to emergencies on backcountry and high adventure outings. These courses are taught in-person at local Scout Camps. Click HERE for more information about Wilderness First Aid.