Leadership Training

Training is an essential part of being a Boy Scout Leader. In order for your unit to operate successfully and safely, all leaders must go through a series of training sessions. Some trainings can be done online through the national Boy Scouts of America website, while other trainings are done in-person with a qualified instructor.

Please read: Hoosier Trails Council Adult Leader Training Policies

Training Schedule

All upcoming training events (dates, times, locations, details, & registration information) can be found on the Council Calendar. Click on the event in the calendar to open details about the event.

Additionally, many course may now be completed at anytime through the Online Learning Center of MyScouting.

Who is Qualified to Be a Trainer?

Click Here to learn more.

Orientation Training

• Youth Protection Training provides an overview of the child abuse prevention policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America, including reporting requirements. New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins. Youth Protection Training must be completed every two years to remain current.Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. This is Scouting is available through the Online Learning Center of MyScouting. 
• This is Scouting 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.  All unit-based volunteers - Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing Leaders - take this session, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes This is Scouting training only needs to be completed once. The module consists of six video sections, each followed by a brief quiz. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. This is Scouting is available through the Online Learning Center of MyScouting. Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes.
• Fast Start training is required for most positions. It is designed to provide a quick overview of the position and cover the very basic essentials until a leader can complete Basic Position-Specific Training. Fast Start training is available through the Online Learning Center of MyScouting. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online.

Cub Scout Leader Training

Required Courses:

• Youth Protection Training
• This Is Scouting
• Fast Start (position-specific)
  • Den Leader (any)
  • Cubmaster
  • Pack Committee
• Leader Position-Specific Training
  • Tiger Cub
  • Wolf
  • Bear
  • Webelos
  • Cubmaster
  • Pack Trainer
  • Pack Committee
• Webelos Leaders Outdoor Skills Training is required for Webelos Den Leaders (please attend Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, which is offered each May and October at Maumee Scout Reservation. Check Council Calendar for current information.)

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is required for packs to go on overnight camping trips. BALOO is offered each May and October at Maumee Scout Reservation. Check Council Calendar for current information.

Boy Scout Leader Training

Required Courses:

• Youth Protection Training
• This Is Scouting
• Fast Start (position-specific)
  • Boy Scout Leader
  • Varsity Leader
• Leader Position-Specific Training
  • Boy Scout Leader - offered in a classroom setting. Check Council Calendar for current information. 
  • Varsity Leader - offered in a classroom setting. Check Council Calendar for current information. 
  • Troop Committee - the Troop Committee Challenge is available online.
• Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills Training is required for Boy Scout Leaders and is offered each May and October at Maumee Scout Reservation. Check Council Calendar for current information.

Venture Leader Training

Required Courses:

• Youth Protection Training (Venturing Version)
• This Is Scouting
• Fast Start (position-specific)
  • Boy Scout Leader
  • Varsity Leader
• Leader Position-Specific Training
  • Venturing Leader - offered in a classroom setting. Check Council Calendar for current information. 

Supplemental Training

Roundtable Meetings are held in each district monthly, except during July.  Leaders from all facets of Scouting come together to discuss issues of common concern and to offer supplemental training in programs, activities, advancement, and unit operations.

ScoutParents Unit Coordinator Fast Start

Unit Commissioner Fast Start

Staffing the District Committee

Health & Safety Courses

Safe Swim Defense Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.

Safety Afloat Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe unit activity afloat. Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, floating in an inner tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat Training, No. 34159, have a commitment card, No. 34242, with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all ninepoints of Safety Afloat.

Climb On Safely

Physical Wellness

Trek Safely

Weather Hazards

Wilderness First Aid is an intense two-day course simulating situations that might be encountered during typical Scouting activities. A working knowledge of basic first aid skills is essential to the successful completion of the course. Current certification in CPR is helpful, but not required.

Advanced Training

Wood Badge for the 21^st Century is one the most enjoyable experiences in which a registered adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America has the opportunity to participate.  Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to attend the highest level of adult leadership training the Boy Scouts of America has to offer. Wood Badge is offered over two weekends. You must have attained certain levels of training prior to attending Wood Badge.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an intense, week-long training experience held at Maumee Scout Reservation for youth leaders in Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing. This training is offered each summer.

Trainers EDGE - The purpose of the Trainer's EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer. It is meant to supplement the practice offered through Wood Badge and NYLT staff development, with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to the staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to "train the trainer" on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media. Trainers EDGE is offered in the spring and fall; check the Council Calendar for the next opportunity.