The Steps to Becoming a Trained Leader

The Basic Leader Training program is the culmination of more than two years of work by professionals and volunteers from throughout the nation. Their goal was to revise and update the volunteer leader training materials for the Boy Scouts of America. The result is a seamless training program that helps leaders easily graduate through the courses quickly and with little duplication.

The package provides the district training committee with tools to achieve 100 percent trained unit volunteers. It begins with the existing Fast Start training, continues through New Leader Essentials, and is followed by Leader Specific training for each adult's role in the unit.

Here is a brief overview of the components of the training continuum.

Fast Start Training Fast Start training is the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers and before he meets with any youth member. This is done via video (see your Scoutmaster to obtain a copy) or online at the BSA Online Learning Center and takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Basic Leader Training New Leader Essentials 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. Videos, discussions, and hands-on reinforcement are presented during the 90-minute training session. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers-Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders-take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once.

Benefits of New Leader Essentials 

Okama offers New Leader Essentials training at 8:00 a.m. of Session 1 for anyone who needs it.

Leader-Specific Training Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the Boy Scouts of America's values-based program, they can then begin training for their specific Scouting position through Leader Specific Training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role.

These training courses include leader specific training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders.

If you are in Boy Scouting, or are a Webelos Leader / Assistant Leader, then you'll need to complete your Basic Training with the Introduction to Outdoor Skills experience. These outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program and are based on the Scouting skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is ideal for any leaders since it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in the outdoor camping environment.

Okama sessions 1 & 2 cover Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific training. Sessions 3 & 4 cover the introduction to outdoor leader skills to an in-depth level and you get to try out your new skills in some friendly patrol games.

Troop Committee Training is offered on Sunday of Session 3 if there is any interest. Okama will also send a training team to a meeting of your choice to give this training as well. Email Chuck Lamb to set up a training session (other than Session 3).

Advanced Training Wood Badge for the 21st Century is the most advanced training available to Boy Scout Leaders. It is designed to train adult volunteers using the latest leadership skills and techniques. It is a once in a life time training experience.

On-going Supplemental Training In Scouting, training never really ends. Continuing training is offered at Round tables, Pow Wows, and many additional training events. Attend the monthly Roundtable; this is where you get new and up-to-date information and ideas for your program. Plan to attend some of the  other training opportunities as well as they help keep your knowledge current and your skills sharp. See below for a list of some supplemental courses. Click here to see other training opportunities.