General Scouter Training

New Leader Essentials (2-2.5 hours)

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: New Leader Essentials for all unit-level leaders and Leader Specific training, which is based on the leader's unit-level position.

New Leader Essentials 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. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once.

Benefits of New Leader Essentials

Assistance in implementing the full Scouting program with chartered organizations
A better understanding of the advantages of encouraging youth and adult volunteers to move through the traditional program as their youth mature
An awareness of the different aspects of the Scouting program, which may result in leaders taking advantage of those programs for a child in a different age group

Youth Protection (2 hours)

View a video tape and take part in a very informative discussion of your obligations as a Scout Leader. This course may also be taken online through the council site - click on Training and go to the Online Training section.

Required for all National events, all trips requiring a National Tour Permit, High Adventure, all units getting Quality Unit designation, and the protection of youth…and Adult Leaders. We recommend that all Scouters take part in this brief training session.

TFC Training Academy (1 day)

The TFC Training Academy is an annual get-together of Scouting Leaders from the entire council. The Academy offers exciting, fun-filled, and informative training, --with something for everyone. Training sessions go well beyond the basic issues covered in basic leader training, with sessions on song leading, crafts, recruiting leaders, and many other topics that time does not permit to be covered during the basic training. Offered in the fall of each year, the Academy offers Scouting volunteers approximately 55 different courses throughout the day-long session. Virtually every aspect of Scouting is covered in these extensive training sessions.

We encourage all leaders from every unit to attend this event - you'll enjoy the various sessions, as well as get the opportunity to meet with many other leaders from throughout the council.

Wood Badge for the 21st Century (2 weekends + 1 day)

Wood Badge has evolved into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The new Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer's ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.

For more information on Wood Badge training, please visit the Training pages of the council site.

Leave No Trace (Self-Paced)

Leave No Trace is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics awareness program to reduce our impact on the environment and on the experiences of other visitors.

The BSA is committed to Leave No Trace, which is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics awareness program. Its seven principles are guidelines to follow at all times.

Along with the Leave No Trace online study guide are the requirements and PDF application form for the Leave No Trace Awareness Award for Scout and Adventurer youth and adults.

Passport To High Adventure (Varies)

Many older Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Explorers, and Venturers consider high adventure the highlight of their outdoor Scouting experiences. The Passport to High Adventure tells how they can—with guidance from their adult leaders—plan and safely carry out council and unit high-adventure treks using Leave No Trace techniques. Older youth seek out these programs; it's what keeps them high on Scouting. High adventure challenges and inspires them—and their leaders—and broadens their appeal for Scouting. This is why Scoutmasters and Advisors must make high-adventure opportunities a priority, promoting participation by unit members who are qualified for these elite outdoor activities.