Youth Protection Training

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs.

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all new registered leaders, and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. YPT is designed to help keep our youth safe from abuse. Participants will learn the Boy Scouts of America's youth protection guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. Every registered leader must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online at my.Scouting.org. A login is required, but anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA may provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. 

Take YPT online 

Cub Scout Leader Training

Cub Scout Leader Basic Training

Cub Scout leaders are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

Basic Leader Training Course Descriptions:

Cub Scout Leader Training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Cub Scout Leader Training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. The Den Leader Position-Specific Training course provides Cub Scout den leaders with the basic information they need to conduct successful den meetings. The Cubmaster and Assistant Position-Specific Training course is intended to provide Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters with the basic information they need to conduct successful pack meetings. The purpose of the Pack Committee Challenge - Pack Committee Position-Specific Training is to familiarize pack committee members with the various responsibilities of the individual members of the committee as well as the committee as a whole. The goal is to help each pack committee work as a team to improve the Scouting experience for adult and youth members. These training classes are offered online at my.Scouting.org, at University of Scouting and Top Leader Training, and taught by the district training team.

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all new registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. YPT is designed to keep our youth safe from abuse. Participants learn the Boy Scouts of America's youth protection guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. Every registered leader must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online at my.Scouting.org. A login is required, but anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA may provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. 

Hazardous Weather Training. Weather conditions are an important factor in any outdoor Scouting activity. The online training is designed to help participants plan and prepare for hazardous weather.

Additional Cub Scout Training Opportunities

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including packing camping, overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. BALOO training is comprised of two components – an online component, and a practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a “Trained” Cub Scout outdoor leader and to receive the BALOO recognition patch. The online component contains introductory and basic information and must be completed prior to the practical component at my.scouting.org. The practical component is an overnight that takes about 16-hours to complete. Find a course near you.

Cubcast - The podcasts are monthly audio presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout leaders.                                                                                            

BSA Supplemental Training Site offers over 20 supplemental training modules, designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study.

Fast Start Training is intended to be taken by leaders immediately following the acceptance of their new role, and is offered online at my.Scouting.org.                                                                             

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) - During this hands-on course, participants work as patrols. Leaders learn the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. This course is recommended for leaders and parents of 5^th grade Webelos Scouts. Find a course near you.

Range Master Training: BSA requires all Cub Scout shooting sports to be supervised by a BSA certified range master. Shooting sports include Cub Scout archery, BB guns, wrist rockets (slingshots), catapults or rockets needs to take range master training. Range master training covers setting up a range, safety, handling equipment, using a bow stringer, maintaining and storing equipment and instructing Scouts. Find a course.

Roundtable is a monthly program to provide leaders with program ideas; update information on policy, events, and training opportunities; and offer an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders.

This is Scouting provides an overview of the Scouting organization, including history, values, programs, youth protection, community involvement, and training. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz and can be taken online at my.Scouting.org.

Safety Training: The Boy Scouts of America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. A variety of classes are offered including bullying prevention and intervention, Cyber Chip, first aid and CPR, Hazardous Weather, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.   

University of Scouting is a one-day supplemental training with a variety of courses designed to give additional information in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, commissioner service, high adventure, and conservation. 

Wood Badge is a six-day advanced training program which gives participants a great understanding of Scouting aims and methods and highlights personal and unit level leadership development. Topics include team building, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution and many other useful skills. These skills can be taken directly back to packs, troops, ships, crews and teams to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs.

Youth Training courses are available for Webelos Scouts such as Basic Aid Training (BAT).                                                                                                                                    
 

Online Training

There are many training courses that can be taken online. To access the training courses, go to my.scouting.org and then:

• Create an account — this can be done with or without your BSA membership ID.
• If you enter your membership ID, your training records will be updated at the council office.
• If you are not yet registered, you can still take training. Just print the certificate at the end of each course.
• After your account is created, you will receive an email with a link. Click the link to activate your my.scouting.org account. This must be done before you can log in. If you do not receive an email, check your spam/junk folder.
• Once you log in to my.scouting.org, click E-Learning on the left side. Program-related trainings are listed under tabs (Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and general).
• Submit your certificate of completion to your district training chair.
• Click on training validation to review what courses you have taken. This includes courses recorded at the council office.

Training Validation:  After logging onto my.scouting.org, click on “Training Validation” to determine if your trainings have been recorded in the council's computer system.  If you notice any discrepancies in your training records, contact the district training chair .

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

Troop Committee Members are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

1. Youth Protection Training (YPT) online at my.scouting.org, and
2. Troop Committee Challenge online at my.scouting.org

Basic Leader Training Course Descriptions:

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all new registered leaders, and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. YPT is designed to keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America's youth protection guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. Every registered leader must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online. Registered members of the BSA should provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. 

Scoutmaster Position-Specific Basic Training provides troop leadership with the information and tools they need to lead successful Scouts BSA troops. Find a course near you. 

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS): 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. Find a course near you.

Troop Committee Challenge helps troop committees work as a team to improve the Scouting experience, helps build the commitment of individual members and cultivates a better troop committee team. This online course focuses on the core beliefs, aims, and methods of Scouting. Specifically, it helps each committee member learn and identify his or her role and responsibilities in support of the adult leaders in the unit, to provide a quality troop experience for the Scouts.

Hazardous Weather Training. Weather conditions are an important factor in any outdoor Scouting activity. The online training is designed to help participants plan and prepare for hazardous weather.

Additional Training Opportunities

Aquatics Training courses such as BSA Paddle Craft Safety and Kayaking BSA training teach the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water.

BSA Supplemental Training Site offers over 20 supplemental training modules, designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study.

Climbing:  The climbing committee offers several different levels of climbing and rappelling courses that begin with a tower course at a council camp and finishes with a real rock course at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Conservation:  The conservation committee offers several courses, including Leave No Trace, Outdoor Ethics and Project Wild.                                    

COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) facilitator training teaches how to help COPE participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and think of solutions to a variety of activities.

Fast Start Training is intended to be taken by leaders immediately following the acceptance of their new role, and is offered online at my.scouting.org.                                                                     

The Order of the Arrow offers a variety of training courses for Colonneh Lodge members such as Lodge Leadership Development, and OA Unit Representative Summit.                                                                                              

Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six-day course on high adventure resources to help Scouts and Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their units. Leaders from all Scouting programs and Scouts age 14 and older are eligible to attend.

Roundtable is a monthly program to provide leaders with program ideas; update information on policy, events, and training opportunities; and offer an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders.

Safety Training The Boy Scouts of America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. A variety of classes are offered including bullying prevention and intervention, Cyber Chip, first aid and CPR, Hazardous Weather, Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.  

Scoutcast is a monthly podcast that provides information on topics of interest to Scouts BSA leaders.                                                                                                                        

Shooting Sports: The shooting sports committee offers a variety of trainings including range master, Range Safety Officer (RSO) training, USA Archery, and NRA Instructor training for pistol, rifle, muzzle loader and shotgun. This certification is required to use any of the council's shooting sports ranges or to have troop and district shooting sports programs.

This is Scouting provides an overview of the Scouting organization, including history, values, programs, youth protection, community involvement, and training. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz and can be taken online at my.scouting.org.

University of Scouting is a one-day supplemental training with a variety of courses designed to give additional information in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, commissioner service, high adventure, and conservation. 

Wood Badge is a six-day advanced training program which gives participants a great understanding of Scouting aims and methods and highlights personal and unit level leadership development. Topics include team building, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution and many other useful skills. These skills can be taken directly back to packs, troops, ships, crews and teams to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs.

Youth training courses are available for Scouts including Chaplain's Aide Training, Den Chief Training, National Youth Leader Training (NYLT), Powder Horn, and Troop Guide Conference.                                                                        

Online Training

There are many training courses that can be taken online.  To access the online training, go to my.scouting.org and then:

• Create an account — this can be done with or without your BSA membership ID.
• If you enter your membership ID, your training records will be updated at the council office.
• If you are not yet registered, you can still take training.  Just print the certificate at the end of each course.
• After your account is created, you will receive an email with a link. Click the link to activate your my.scouting.org account. This must be done before you can log in. If you do not receive an email, check your spam/junk folder.
• Once you log in to my.scouting.org, click E-Learning on the left side. Program-related trainings are listed under tabs (Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and general).
• Submit your certificate of completion to your district training chair.
• Click on training validation to review what courses you have taken.  This includes courses recorded at the council office.

Training Validation: After logging onto my.scouting.org, click on “Training Validation”, and confirm if your trainings have been recorded in the council's computer system. If you notice any discrepancies in your training records, contact the district training chair.

Venturing Leader Basic Training

Venturing Leader Basic Training Course Descriptions:

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all new registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. YPT is designed to keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America's youth protection guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. Every registered leader must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online at my.scouting.org. Registered members of the BSA should provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. 

Venturing Advisor Position-Specific Training provides crew leadership with the information and tools they need to lead successful crew. This course can be taken online or find a course near you.

Hazardous Weather Training. Weather conditions are an important factor in any outdoor Scouting activity. The online training is designed to help participants plan and prepare for hazardous weather.

Additional Venturing Leader Training Opportunities

Aquatics Training courses such as BSA Paddle Craft Safety and Kayaking BSA training teach the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water.

BSA Supplemental Training Site offers over 20 supplemental training modules, designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study.

Climbing:  The climbing committee offers several different levels of climbing and rappelling courses that begin with a tower course at El Rancho Cima and finishes with a real rock course at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Conservation:  The conservation committee offers several courses, including Leave No Trace, Outdoor Ethics and Project Wild.                                    

COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) facilitator training teaches how to help COPE participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and think of solutions to a variety of activities.

Fast Start Training is intended to be taken by leaders immediately following the acceptance of their new role, and is offered online at my.scouting.org.                                                                     

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) - During this hands-on course, participants work as patrols. Leaders learn the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Find a course near you.

The Order of the Arrow offers a variety of training courses for Colonneh Lodge members such as Lodge Leadership Development, and OA Unit Representative Summit.                               

Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six-day course on high adventure resources to help Scouts and Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their units. Leaders from all Scouting programs and Scouts age 14 and older are eligible to attend.

Roundtable is a monthly program to provide leaders with program ideas; update information on policy, events, and training opportunities; and offer an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders.

Safety Training The Boy Scouts of America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. A variety of classes are offered including bullying prevention and intervention, Cyber Chip, first aid and CPR, Hazardous Weather, Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.  

Scoutcast is a monthly podcast that provides information on topics of interest to Scouts BSA leaders.                                                                                          

Shooting Sports: The shooting sports committee offers a variety or trainings including: range master, Range Safety Officer training, USA Archery, and NRA Instructor training for pistol, rifle, muzzle loader and shotgun. This certification is required to use any of the council's shooting sports ranges or to have troop and district shooting sports programs.

This is Scouting provides an overview of the Scouting organization, including history, values, programs, youth protection, community involvement, and training. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz and can be taken online at my.scouting.org.

University of Scouting is a one-day supplemental training with a variety of courses designed to give additional information in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, commissioner service, high adventure, and conservation. 

Wood Badge is a six-day advanced training program which gives participants a great understanding of Scouting aims and methods and highlights personal and unit level leadership development. Topics include team building, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution and many other useful skills. These skills can be taken directly back to packs, troops, ships, crews and teams to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs.

Youth Training courses are available for Scouts BSA including Chaplain's Aide Training, Den Chief Training, National Youth Leader Training (NYLT), Powder Horn, and Troop Guide Conference.                                                                        
 

Online Training

There are many training courses that can be taken online.  To access the online training, go to my.scouting.org and then:

• Create an account — this can be done with or without your BSA membership ID.
• If you enter your membership ID, your training records will be updated at the council office.
• If you are not yet registered, you can still take training.  Just print the certificate at the end of each course.
• After your account is created, you will receive an email with a link. Click the link to activate your my.scouting.org account. This must be done before you can log in. If you do not receive an email, check your spam/junk folder.
• Once you log in to my.scouting.org, click E-Learning on the left side. Program-related trainings are listed under tabs (Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and General).
• Submit your certificate of completion to your District Training Chair.
• Click on training validation to review what courses you have taken.  This includes courses recorded at the council office.

Training Validation: After logging onto my.scouting.org, click on “Training Validation”, and confirm if your trainings have been recorded in the council's computer system. If you notice any discrepancies in your training records, contact the district training chair.

Sea Scouts Leader Basic Training

Sea Scouts Leader Basic Training Course Descriptions:

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all new registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. YPT is designed to keep our youth safe from abuse. Participants will learn the Boy Scouts of America's youth protection guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. Every registered leader must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online at my.scouting.org. Registered members of the BSA should provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit. 

Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training
provides the nuts and bolts of organizing, running, and growing the Sea Scout program. SSALBT is offered at Sea Scout Academy, University of Scouting or on special request. Contact the council Sea Scouts committee to schedule a course. Find a course near you.

Hazardous Weather Training. Weather conditions are an important factor in any outdoor Scouting activity. The online training is designed to help participants plan and prepare for hazardous weather.

Required courses to lead water activities

BSA requires the following training courses to conduct water activities and file a tour plan:

1. Safety Afloat online at my.scouting.org (every 2 years)
2. Safe Swim Defense online at my.scouting.org (every 2 years)
3. Weather Hazard Training online at my.scouting.org (every 2 years)
4. Trek Safely online at my.scouting.org (required for a long cruise or extensive trek)
5. First Aid from American Red Cross or American Heart Association (every 2 years)
6. CPR from American Red Cross or American Heart Association (adult, youth and infant, every 1 to 2 years)AED from American Red Cross or American Heart Association (every 1 to 2 years)
7. National Association of State Boating Laws Administrators (NASBLA) approved state boarder course

Highly Recommended Supplemental Training

Technical boating training is offered by the United States Power Squadrons (USPS) and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA).  We strongly recommend that you meet the skill standards of one of these two organizations, or that of a Coast Guard licensed deck officer.

• Seabadge is the advanced leadership and management course for leaders of the Sea Scouting program.
• Seabadge Underway is a three full day or two-weekend practical leadership laboratory typically using a 40-foot power or sail boat.  Participants function as Sea Scout youth with instructors in the adult role.  Participants will be able to see how the ideal Sea Scout ship should operate.  Participants must already have the Ordinary and most of the Able Piloting skills and pass a test on seamanship and a test on piloting.
• Wood Badge is a six-day advanced leadership training for leaders of all Scouting programs.
• United States Power Squadrons. USPS (www.usps.org) offers many courses.

1. NASBLA approved course mentioned above under the title “America's Boating Course.”
2. Seamanship introduces many seamanship topics, expands on the NASBLA course content.
3. Sailing teaches the basics of sailing terminology, procedures and techniques.
4. Piloting teaches chart reading, position plotting, dead reckoning, and GPS navigation.
5. USPS offers Advanced Piloting and several offshore navigation courses that include celestial.  They also offer many two-hour seminars on specific topics that will be of use to Sea Scouts and leaders.

• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. USCGA offers several courses.  Their format is somewhat different than USPS.  http://cgaux.org/boatinged

1. NASBLA approved course mentioned above under the title “About Boating Safety.”
2. Boating Skills and Seamanship is designed for power boaters and covers how to handle a power boat and many basic seamanship topics.  This course expands on the NASBLA content.
3. Sailing Skills and Seamanship is designed for sail boaters and covers how to handle a sailboat, terminology, procedures, techniques.  This course expands on the NASBLA content.
4. Weekend Navigator covers piloting topics based on chart reading, position plotting, dead reckoning, and GPS navigation.

• United States Coast Guard. Many schools offer a Coast Guard captain's license.  The “Six-Pack” license usually takes 40 hours or so of instruction.  Scouters who operate a vessel requiring a license must acquire that license before operating in command.

Additional Training Courses

Aquatics Training courses such as BSA Paddle Craft Safety and Kayaking BSA training teach the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water.

BSA Supplemental Training Site offers over 20 supplemental training modules, designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study.

Climbing:  The climbing committee offers several different levels of climbing and rappelling courses that begin with a tower course at El Rancho Cima and finishes with a real rock course at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Conservation:  The conservation committee offers several courses, including Leave No Trace, Outdoor Ethics and Project Wild.                                    

COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) facilitator training teaches how to help COPE participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and think of solutions to a variety of activities.

Fast Start Training is intended to be taken by leaders immediately following the acceptance of their new role, and is offered online at my.scouting.org.                                                                     

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) - During this hands-on course, participants work as patrols. Leaders learn the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Find a course near you. 

The Order of the Arrow offers a variety of training courses for Colonneh Lodge members such as Lodge Leadership Development, and OA Unit Representative Summit.                               

Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six-day course on high adventure resources to help Scouts and Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their units. Leaders from all Scouting programs and Scouts age 14 and older are eligible to attend.

Roundtable is a monthly program to provide leaders with program ideas; update information on policy, events, and training opportunities; and offer an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders.

Safety Training The Boy Scouts of America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. A variety of classes are offered including bullying prevention and intervention, Cyber Chip, first aid and CPR, Hazardous Weather, Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.  

Scoutcast is a monthly podcast that provides information on topics of interest to Scouts BSA leaders.                                                                                                                       

Shooting Sports: The shooting sports committee offers a variety or trainings including: range master, Range Safety Officer (RSO) training, USA Archery, and NRA Instructor training for pistol, rifle, muzzle loader and shotgun. This certification is required to use any of the council's shooting sports ranges or to have troop and district shooting sports programs.

This is Scouting provides an overview of the Scouting organization, including history, values, programs, youth protection, community involvement, and training. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz and can be taken online at my.scouting.org.

University of Scouting is a one-day supplemental training with a variety of courses designed to give additional information in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, commissioner service, high adventure, and conservation. 

Wood Badge is a six-day advanced training program which gives participants a great understanding of Scouting aims and methods and highlights personal and unit level leadership development. Topics include team building, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution and many other useful skills. These skills can be taken directly back to packs, troops, ships, crews and teams to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs.

Youth Training courses are available for Scouts BSA including Chaplain's Aide Training, Den Chief Training, National Youth Leader Training (NYLT), Powder Horn, and Troop Guide Conference.                                                                        
 

Online Training

There are many training courses that can be taken online.  To access the online training, go to my.scouting.org and then:

• Create an account — this can be done with or without your BSA membership ID.
• If you enter your membership ID, your training records will be updated at the council office.
• If you are not yet registered, you can still take training.  Just print the certificate at the end of each course.
• After your account is created, you will receive an email with a link. Click the link to activate your my.scouting.org account. This must be done before you can log in. If you do not receive an email, check your spam/junk folder.
• Once you log in to my.scouting.org, click E-Learning on the left side. Program-related trainings are listed under tabs (Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and General).
• Submit your certificate of completion to your district training chair.
• Click on training validation to review what courses you have taken.  This includes courses recorded at the council office.

Training Validation: After logging onto my.scouting.org, click on “Training Validation”, and confirm if your trainings have been recorded in the council's computer system. If you notice any discrepancies in your training records, contact the district training chair.