A trained leader is knowledgeable and confident in the role being performed. This knowledge and confidence is quickly sensed by the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers they work with. A trained leader is better equipped to deal with their role, more enthusiastic about the program, more effective at providing a quality program, and inspires those with whom they come into contact. Trained leaders have more fun, serve more youth, and better retain the youth they serve. The aim of the Orange Frontier training committee is to provide all adult leaders with fundamental information about the Scouting movement and specific information relating to the role they have volunteered.  Leaders need training as soon as possible in the best situation available. We strive to make this happen from Fast Start & orientation materials, abuse prevention training, to advanced leadership development and ongoing training opportunities.

Training Continuum - The Training Continuum provides volunteer leaders with a seamless transition from one program to the next, with little repetition in content and much flexibility in presentation and scheduling.

What Makes a Trained Leader?

• Cub Scout Leaders are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and the Cub Scout Leader Specific Training for their position.

• Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

• Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific Training.

• Varsity Scout leaders and assistants are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials, Varsity Scout Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

• Venturing Crew Advisors and crew committee members are considered trained when they have completed New Leader Essentials and Venturing Leader Specific Training.

Qualified leaders wear the Trained Leader Emblem on the left sleeve of their uniform shirt, immediately below and touching the emblem of office for which it was earned.

The above information was printed in the October 2002 edition of Scouting Magazine

Some points for clarification:

• A person has to complete New Leader Essentials only once.  If their position changes, they merely have to attend the additional courses listed for their new position to be considered trained.

• Youth Protection Training is required for every registered leader in the Council.  This training must be renewed every three years. This training has been commonly included in Leadership Training events because it is convenient for leaders. 

• Fast Start Training should be taken by a leader within 48 hours of their taking a volunteer position, and it is recommended that it be completed before any part of the training process. Cub Scout and Boy Scout fast start videos are also great as parent orientation tools.  Cub Scout and Boy Scout Fast Start training are also available as self guided online learning sessions.

• BALOO training, or completion of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, is required of the person in charge of a Cub Scout Pack campout. 

• Training beyond the requirements listed above is helpful, but cannot be required, e.g. insisting that Troop Committee members complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

The BSA Training Continuum

The Leadership training philosophy of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide adult leaders with information about the aims and purposes of the movement as well as specifics about particular roles in Scouting.

A trained leader is knowledgeable and confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders have a positive influence on the lives of Scouts with a quality program.

Training is available at four levels in Scouting.

1. Orientation/Fast Start Training
Fast Start Training is designed to immediately orient leaders to their Scouting role before their first meeting with youth.  A Fast Start counselor uses the appropriate video and viewer guide to meet with new leaders. Fast Start can also be used as parent's and chartered organization leaders first exposure to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, or Venturing. Its purpose is to acquaint families, new leaders, and others with the program of the Boy Scouts of America and give specific information about the program. Fast Start should motivate leaders to complete basic training. Fast Start should be presented within a few days of leaders registering.

2. Basic Training
Basic training courses are designed to give job-related information to all Scouting volunteers, regardless of position, within a given program. Basic training courses have limitations. Because of time available, only a few topics can be covered in detail. Some skills are introduced in training sessions, but the skills themselves are developed by practice over a longer period of time. One of the aims of basic training is to encourage leaders toward continuous self-development. When theories and principles are discussed in training courses, leaders should be encouraged to realize that all will become more meaningful as they put the ideas into practice.

New Leader Essentials is for all Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing volunteers. It provides the basics of the Scouting program including values and methods.
Leader Specific Training is designed to present in depth information for a new leader in a specific leadership position such as den leader, Scoutmaster, etc.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is designed to provide basic outdoor skills used by the Boy Scouts of America. It is a required element of basic training for Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who desire achieving the status of being a trained leader. It is recommended as supplemental training for Webelos leaders, Venturing leaders and other adults who will be camping with youth.

3. Supplemental Training
This includes a variety of courses given on a district, council, area, regional, or national basis. They are designed to give additional information on specific areas of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing.

Some of the methods touched upon in basic training are treated in greater depth in supplemental training courses. Some courses are held on a regular basis as a continuing source of information. Examples of supplemental training courses are Cub Scout Pow Wow and University of Scouting, both are workshops. Supplemental training is also offered in conferences at the Philmont Training Center. Youth Protection and Health and Safety Training are also examples of supplemental training.

Since supplemental training is intended to enrich the leaders' experience, there are no prerequisites.

4. Advanced Training
Leaders desiring a deeper dedicated involvement in the program, and who are otherwise qualified, will find advanced training highly rewarding. Wood Badge serves as the advanced training program for Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting and Venturing

Successful completion of basic training for current registered position is a prerequisite for advanced training.