Adult Leader Training

Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader.

Training gives volunteers the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver a safe, organized and engaging Scouting program. Start with the requirements for your position, then keep building your skills as your Scouting journey continues.

Start here: Safeguarding Youth Training is required for all registered Scouting America volunteers and must be kept current.

Your Training Path

Start Where You Are

New volunteers can begin online, outdoor leaders can build practical skills in person, and experienced Scouters can continue growing through advanced and specialty training.

Scouting volunteers participating in leader training

Begin Online

Online Training

Start with Safeguarding Youth and the learning plan for your registered position. Most foundational leader training can be completed through My.Scouting at your own pace.

Start Online Training →
Scouting leaders participating in hands-on training

Learn by Doing

Hands-On Training

Courses like BALOO and IOLS take training into the field. Learn alongside other volunteers while practicing the outdoor skills and program techniques you will use with Scouts.

Find Upcoming Training →
Scouting volunteers continuing their leadership training

Build Your Skills

Keep Growing

Wood Badge, University of Scouting and specialty courses give volunteers opportunities to strengthen their leadership, expand their skills and bring new ideas back to their units.

Explore Advanced Training →

Required Training

Start With Safeguarding Youth

Safeguarding Youth Training is required for registered Scouting America volunteers. Complete the course online and keep your training current.

Safeguarding Youth

Your Position

What Training Do I Need?

Training requirements depend on your registered position. Use this as a quick starting point, then check the current Scouting America requirements for your exact role.

Cub Scout Leaders

  • Complete Safeguarding Youth Training.
  • Complete the learning plan for your registered position.
  • Pack overnighters require at least one BALOO-trained adult.
  • Additional safety training may apply to specific activities.

Scouts BSA Leaders

  • Complete Safeguarding Youth Training.
  • Complete position-specific training for your registered role.
  • Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters also complete IOLS.
  • Activity-specific safety training may also be required.

Venturing & Sea Scout Leaders

  • Complete Safeguarding Youth Training.
  • Complete the position-specific learning plan for your role.
  • Complete additional training required for planned activities.

Commissioners & District Volunteers

  • Complete Safeguarding Youth Training.
  • Commissioners complete commissioner basic training.
  • District volunteers complete the learning plan for their function.

Need the Exact Requirements for Your Position?

Scouting America maintains the current position-trained requirements and learning plans for every registered role.

View Position Requirements

Local Training Support

Council Training Committee

Our council and district training volunteers help provide in-person courses, connect leaders with training opportunities and support volunteers as they build the skills needed to deliver a strong Scouting program.

Have a training question? Click your district training chair's name below to email them directly.

Council Training Chair

Greater Tampa Bay Area Council

District Training Chair

Chautauqua

Sarah Cline

District Training Chair

Fort Brooke

Anthony Alessi

District Training Chair

Heartland

Amee Spec

District Training Chair

Suncoast

Nicole Hahn

District Training Chairs

Timucua

Stephanie Crawley  &  Pete McKeever

District Training Chair

Withlacoochee

Brandon Thomas

Not Sure Who to Contact?

Email Council Training Chair Alex Sobtzak and he can help connect you with the right training resource or volunteer.

Email Council Training Chair

Learn In Person

Upcoming Training

Find upcoming council and district training opportunities. If a local date does not work for you, training completed through another Scouting America council can still count toward your record.

Have questions or feedback about this page? Last updated September 8, 2026

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Stephen McKellar

Marketing Specialist

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