Cub Scout Position-Specific Training
Facilitated Learning Materials (for use by Council/District Training Staff)
Instructor Syllabus
Spanish Instructor Syllabus
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
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. Click here to access the prerequisite training.
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.
Facilitated Learning Materials (for use by Council/District Training Staff)
This course should not be taught with IOLS. As part of a two-part blended learning format, the on-line modules are the first step to become BALOO trained. The on-line training modules contain introductory and basic information that will be built upon during the practical training that is completed during an in-person, council instructed course. The on-line component must be completed prior to the practical component and the course facilitator should check this before allowing enrollment into this part of the course. The in-person syllabus is facilitated by the council training committee and the syllabus must be followed to include the overnight portion of the training. Otherwise the training code will not be awarded.
CubCast
The podcasts are presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout.
Scouts BSA Position-Specific Training
This training is intended to provide the following positions with the information and tools they need to conduct a successful program:
- Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster
- Merit Badge Counselor (for teaching Citizenship
in Society Merit Badge please take the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting Volunteer Training – click here to go to the course.) - Troop Committee
- Troop Committee Chair
Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who complete the online or facilitated training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills are considered “trained” for those positions.
All other positions who complete the online or facilitated training are considered “trained” for their positions.
Facilitated Learning Materials (for use by Council/District Training Staff)
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”.
Facilitated Learning Materials (for use by Council/District Training Staff)
Instructor Syllabus
Spanish Version
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
The purpose of the ILST course is to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role. It is intended to help Scouts in leadership positions within their troop understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. ILST is the first course in the series of leadership training offered to Scouts and is a replacement for Troop Leadership Training. Completion of ILST is a prerequisite for Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).
The Adventure Plan (TAP)
The Adventure Plan (TAP) now available on tap.scouting.org which provides Unit leaders a digital tool kit of all resources useful in planning and conducting outdoor adventures.
ScoutCast
The podcasts are presentations that provide information on topics of interest to and Scouts BSA leaders.
Venturing Position-Specific Training
This training is intended to provide the following positions with the information and tools they need to conduct a successful program:
- Crew Advisor/Associate Advisor
- Merit Badge Counselor
- Crew Committee
- Crew Committee Chair
- Crew Board of Review
Leaders who complete the online or facilitated training are considered “trained” for those positions.
Facilitated Learning Materials (for use by Council/District Training Staff)
Instructor’s Syllabus
Spanish Syllabus
Crew Committee Challenge
The Crew Committee Challenge is designed for crew committee members and becomes the course (along with the Venturing version of Youth Protection training) crew committee members need to be considered “trained.” in lieu of the online training. The instructor guide below is for trainers to conduct the course for crew committee members.
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC)
The Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews Course (ILSC) has been created to help Venturers learn and practice the attitudes and skills that good leaders demonstrate. The course is a series of lessons divided into three modules: Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading Crews. The syllabus contains six and a half hours of instruction, but a course length may vary depending on facilitators’ choice of games, the content chosen for more extensive discussion, and the needs of the crew.
Completion of ILSC is a prerequisite for Venturers to participate in the more advanced leadership courses, such as, National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) and Kodiak.
The 2021 Revision of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) instructor-led course includes the following major changes:
- This version of ILSC was reviewed by the NYLT task force to ensure that it was compatible with the new NYLT syllabus
- Course format revised to make it easier to read online or as a downloaded document.
- EDGE is now referred to as Scouting EDGE to align with NYLT during the Team Development session.
- Leadership tied to the Venturing motto “Lead the Adventure”
- Venturing terminology updated
- Vision session revised to align with NYLT “Start with Why” (reference to mission statement eliminated).
- Distinction between delegating and tasking added to the session on delegating.
- Session on calendaring (time management) added
- Session on keeping the crew on task added
- New games/activities with options added (a few activities were “retired”).
- Feedback from Venturers included as sidebars.
Passport to High Adventure
A guidebook to enable older Scouts and Venturers, with guidance from their adult leaders, to plan and safely carry out unit high-adventure treks using Leave No Trace techniques.
Sea Scouts Basic Leader Training
Leaders who complete the online or facilitated training are considered “trained” for those positions.
Facilitated Learning Materials (for use by Council/District Training Staff)
Click here for other Sea Scouts Leader Training such as Seabadge.
National Courses
Wood Badge
To learn more click here.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home crews. The program is usually presented by individual Scout councils in a week-long program, although it can be split over two weekends.
To learn more click here.
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is an exciting program where Venturers can enhance their leadership skills at the National High Adventure bases. Scouts will expand upon team-building and ethical decision-making skills learned in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
To learn more click here.
NYLT Leadership Academy
The NYLT Leadership Academy trains youth staff to be top-notch presenters, evaluators, and leaders of their councils’ National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) courses. This intensive one-week course will improve course (NYLT) knowledge and problem-solving skills, which will help them run world-class NYLT programs.
To learn more Click Here
NAYLE and Leadership Challenge
Leadership Challenge at the Summit – click here to learn more.
Leadership Challenge at Philmont – click here to learn more.
Powder Horn
The Powder Horn syllabus is currently undergoing a review to ensure it aligns with the current NCAP and Health and Safety standards. If your council has plans to conduct a Powder Horn course in 2024 and you have not already communicated this information to Scouting U, please contact Kathy Craig at kathy.craig@scouting.org.
Additionally, Scouting U is not accepting Powder Horn applications for 2025.
Wood Badge / NYLT Course Director Conference Registration
For schedule and registration links click here.
Application for a Council to Conduct Wood Badge and NYLT
The first step for a council to conduct one of these advanced training courses is to submit an application. A form has been developed that will serve for applying for Wood Badge and NYLT. Simply fill out the form and send it to the Volunteer Development Team for processing.
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