The Scout Motto is “Be Prepared”, which means all the youth and adults in the unit have a collective responsibility to take on the appropriate training and ensure we are holding up the highest traditions of the BSA program.
Training is crucial for both Scouts and adults ensuring safety, effective leadership, and the successful development of youth members. Scouts gain valuable life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and self-reliance, while trained adults are equipped to guide them through structured activities and maintain a safe environment. Proper training helps adults lead with confidence, plan programs that meet the scouts’ needs, and model good citizenship and leadership.
YOUTH:
These 3 trainings go in order, from troop-based to council-based to national-based, and are all excellent opportunities for Scouts to further their knowledge and skills:
ILST
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops* is the first course in the series of leadership training offered to Scouts. Its purpose is to teach Scouts about leadership positions within the troop and how to most effectively reach success in certain roles. ILST focuses on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, preparing Scouts for these leadership roles.
*Completion of ILST is a prerequisite for National Youth Leadership Training, and is offered by our unit every November campout
NYLT
National Youth Leadership Training is a council-led training program that is exclusive to youth who meet the eligibility requirements*. The training expounds on what is covered in ILST through the use of activities, presentations, challenges and discussions, providing youth leaders with more skills and experience they can use in their home units.
*Eligibility: Youth need to be at LEAST 13 years old, hold the rank of First Class or above, and have completed ILST
NAYLE
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience is an exciting national-based program* that enhances leadership skills and expands upon the team-building and ethical decision-making skills learned in NYLT by emphasizing on leadership, teamwork, and selfless service… very few scouts (or scouts turned adult leaders) have taken this course.
*NAYLE is only offered at 2 locations: Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico) or The Summit (West Virgina)
*Eligibility: Youth need to be at LEAST 13 years old, hold the rank of First Class or above, and have completed ILST and NYLT
ADULTS:
These trainings all vary based on how an adult leader wishes to contribute, whether in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, on a Venturing Crew, as a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Committee Member, and so on!
BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation is a training course for adult leaders* that covers the fundamentals of outdoor camping, covering a wide range of topics like safety, camping equipment, and program planning… BALOO aims to equip adult leaders with the skills needed to plan and conduct successful outdoor experiences in Cub Scouts
*Any adult leader or parent who will take Cub Scouts on outdoor events… At least one BALOO-trained adult must be present at any Cub Scout den or pack overnight activity
Click here for more information
IOLS
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is a hands-on training course that teaches adult leaders the outdoor skills necessary to guide Scouts, from their first year in the unit up to First Class rank… IOLS covers topics like camping, cooking, knot-tying, and map reading, preparing leaders to deliver an effective outdoor program in Scouting America
*this training is required for anyone seeking to become a Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster… While it is not required for regular adult leaders/parents, our unit likes to have at least 2 adults who have been IOLS-trained on each campout
Click here for more information
University of Scouting
University of Scouting is a district/council-based training event for Scout leaders and volunteers that offers a wide range of classes and workshops on various Scouting topics… UoS also provides opportunities for leaders to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and stay updated on general Scouting practices, regardless of program (Cubs, Scouts BSA, Venturing, etc.)
*attending UoS is a requirement for the Scouters’ Training Award
Click here for more information
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is an advanced leadership training course for adult Scout leaders, focusing on team development, communication, and problem-solving skills… Wood Badge typically spans over 2 weekends and provides leaders with tools to enhance their leadership abilities in their home units
*completion of Wood Badge can fufil the advanced/supplemental training requirement in the Scouters’ Training Award
Click here for more information
Online Trainings
There are many other positions (unit, district, council, etc.) that have classroom/in-person training options but are also taught in online modules. These positions include, but are not limited to:
- Committee Chair/Member
- Chaplain
- Merit Badge Counselor
- District Executive
- Council Board Member
- Commissioner
The BSA Learning Center is your go-to place for online training, just log in using your BSA credentials and select the learning plans for your desired position(s)