Overview and Schedule

Training requirements by program/level and full schedule.

Position Specific Training

Training requirements by program/level.

Skill & Supplemental Training

First Aid, CPR, Wilderness Survival, OKPIK and others.

Wood Badge

Advanced leadership training for all Scouters.  Information and dates

Powderhorn

High adventure training for Adults and Scouts 16 and older.

EVERY YOUTH DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER

Training is an important part of learning to become an effective leader. The important scouting position you hold will be easier and more effective once you develop the skills necessary to deliver a quality scouting program every Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Sea Scout, and Venturer desires. Every youth member of Scouting deserves a Trained Leader.

Trained leaders are critical to the success of Scouting. Every young person involved in the Scouting program needs and deserves a leader who understands the aims of the program and knows how to deliver it with enthusiasm and fun. Trained leaders are more effective at delivering the promise of Scouting because they understand their role, responsibilities, and the resources available to them.

WHAT MAKES A TRAINED LEADER?

Adult unit leaders are considered trained, and eligible to wear the official “Trained” emblem, once they have completed the basic training requirements outlined below. Supplemental and advanced training for adults and youth training opportunities are also listed below.

PLEASE NOTE:
Training Scholarship Applications are reviewed quarterly and must be submitted on the 1st of the Month (March, June, September, & December) to be reviewed later that same month. Scholarships will be awarded based on a portion of the total cost as posted on the registration website (the amount will vary based on event).

UPCOMING TRAINING COURSES

Search All Training Opportunities

POSITION SPECIFIC TRAINING

Youth Protection and most Position Specific Training can be taken online at My.Scouting.  There are in-person options for many of these training courses as well – check the calendar or scroll down for in-person options.  

For the most up to date listing of courses required to be considered “Trained”, visit the Scouting America Position Specific Requirements page.

Required of every registered Scouting Leader every two years.  Protecting our youth is our number one priority.  True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety for all youth and adults.

Within the first two months of joining you should complete Basic Training. Basic Training for all Cub Scout Leaders consists of two courses: Youth Protection Training and Position-Specific Training. Youth Protection Training is required for all volunteers prior to registration and must be taken every two years

Within the first two months of joining you should complete Basic Training. Basic Training for all Scouts BSA Leaders consists of two courses: Youth Protection Training and Position-Specific Training. Youth Protection Training is required for all volunteers prior to registration and must be taken every two years.

Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. All adults involved in Venturing are required to take Youth Protection Training; in addition, Crew Advisors, Associate Advisors and Crew Committee members should complete position-specific training.

Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training is the first step in training for all Sea Scout leaders focusing on the skills and attributes necessary to be an effective advisor in the Ship’s deliverance of service to youth through program and resources, while emphasizing personal skills necessary for the development of youth in the Sea Scout program. In addition, Sea Scout adult leaders must complete Youth Protection Training every two years.

Exploring Leader should complete the Exploring Leader modules.  In addition, Exploring Leaders are required to complete Youth Protection Training every two years.

Once you’ve grasped the basics of the Scouting program it’s time to take your Scouting experience to the next level. Attending an Advanced Training such as Wood Badge or Powder Horn will prepare you to lead your Scouts more effectively and take them on the adventure of a lifetime.

District and Council volunteers should complete training courses specific to their role at the district or council level.  These training include District Committee Workshop, Commissioner Basic Training and Merit Badge Counselor training to name a few.  District and Council registered Scouters must also complete Youth Protection Training every two years.

IN-PERSON POSITION SPECIFIC TRAINING

None currently scheduled

What: Leader, Scoutmaster / Asst Scoutmaster, Committee Member. E.D.G.E. training
When: November 2, 2024
Where: WMU Parkview Campus, Kalamazoo

TRAINING AWARDS

A Trained Leader is a Prepared Leader.  And those Prepared Leaders should be recognized.  Check out the Training Awards below for your level.

Den Leader Training Award

Den Leader Training Award

1 year service - All Cub Leaders

Scouters Training Award

2 years service - All Cub, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scout Leaders

Scouters Key

Scouters Key Award

3 years service - Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Advisors, and Skippers

SUPPLEMENTAL AND SKILL-BASED TRAINING

First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid

A leader is always prepared.  And part of being prepared is knowing how to respond to medical emergencies at meetings, outings, and high adventure events.  Even a simple cut can become infected and turn into a major medical event, so know how to treat all of the common injuries and conditions your Scouts and leaders may encounter on the trail.  These courses are recommended for adult leaders and older Scouts.

Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available, i.e.,  being an hour or more away from advanced care.  WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.  Youth (14 years old and up) and adult Scout leaders are encouraged to take a 16-hour WFA course based on the specific curriculum developed by the BSA, which includes a management dimension that most course fail to address.   High adventure bases have requirements on the number of participants that must be current with their WFA training (which lasts for two years).

Course: Red Cross Blended Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Dates: 10/11/24
Location: Camp Teetonkah, Jackson

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: October 12, 2024
Location: Camp Teetonkah, Jackson

Course: Red Cross full Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Dates: 11/2/24
Location: Riverbend Friends Church, Tecumseh

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: January 4 & 18, 2025
Location:
Dauch Scout Center, Detroit

Course: Red Cross Blended Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Dates: 4/5/25, 4/25/25, 5/31/25, 6/7/25, 6/13/25, 9/27/25, 10/10/25
Location: Camp Teetonkah, Jackson

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: March 1 & 15, 2025
Location:
Dauch Scout Center, Detroit

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: April 25, 2025
Location:
Camp Teetonkah, Jackson

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: April 4-6, 2025
Location:
Cole Canoe Base, Alger

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: April 11-13, 2025
Location:
Cole Canoe Base, Alger

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: June 14, 2025
Location:
Camp Teetonkah, Jackson

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: September 26-28, 2025
Location:
Cole Canoe Base, Alger

Course: ECSI Wilderness First Aid courses
Dates: October 11, 2025
Location:
Camp Teetonkah, Jackson

Other Upcoming Training

What: BALOO – Chippewa
When: October 4-6, 2024
Where: Camp Agawam

What: IOLS – Chippewa
When: October 5-6, 2024
Where: Camp Agawam

What: BALOO – Irish Hills
When: October 5-6, 2024
Where: Camp Teetonkah

What: BALOO – Lakeshore
When: October 5-6, 2024
Where: Gerber Scout Reservation

What: BALOO – Pathfinder
When: October 11-12, 2024
Where: Bridge Church Portage

What: IOLS – Pathfinder
When: October 11-12, 2024
Where: Bridge Church Portage

What: Short Term Camp Admin Training
When: October 26, 2024
Where: Camp Rotary

What: University of Scouting
When: November 2, 2024
Where: Allendale, MI

What: Range Safety Officer Training
When: November 2-3, 2024
Where: Camp Rotary

What: Leave No Trace Instructor Training Course
When: November 22-24, 2024
Where: Gerber Scout Reservation

What: C.O.P.E and Climbing Level 1 Cert
When: April 25-27, 2025
Where: Camp Rotary

OKPIK Winter Outdoor Training

OKPIK, which is Inuit for “Snowy Owl,” is the Cold Weather Camping Adventure program offered by the Boy Scouts of America.  OKPIK will give you the skills to go where few dare.

This two day and two night adventure develops confidence and skills in camping and living in the outdoors during extreme weather conditions. Receive training in physical preparation, cold weather dress, first aid and emergency procedures, food and water, equipment use while experiencing cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter shelter building.

OKPIK is state-of-the-art training to give leaders, (both youth and adult), confidence in taking groups into a cold environment and support a year-round camping program. Our cold weather training is appropriate only for those leaders and campers who already have basic Scouting skills and mild weather camping experience. Our training includes skills that can ensure a successful, fun and safe cold weather camping experience. These must know skills are important because cold weather camping mistakes can be serious and certainly are not something upon which to build young Scout’s experience.

Level 1: Participants learn basic winter camping skills and spend both nights indoors
Level 2: Participants put the skills learned in Level 1 into practice and spend 1 night indoors and 1 night outdoors in a shelter they build
Level 3: Participants learn advanced winter camping skills and spend both nights outdoors in a shelter they build
Veteran: Participants who have completed all 3 levels of OKPIK can come back as a Veteran, spending the whole weekend outdoors and learning how to become an OKPIK Staff member.

Ages 13 – Adult

Regular Leader Training to Keep Current

Safety Afloat Training

BSA groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years. Cub Scout activities afloat are limited to council, district, pack, or den events that do not include moving water or float trips (expeditions). Safety Afloat standards apply to the use of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, floating tubes, sailboats, motorboats (including waterskiing), and other small craft, but do not apply to transportation on large commercial vessels such as ferries and cruise ships. To access the updated training, log onto my.Scouting.org and search the catalog in the BSA Learn Center for “Safety Afloat.”

All new direct contact leaders must complete Hazardous Weather Training to be considered position trained. Many Scouting programs take place in the outdoors. This training discusses how to manage risks from the weather to our Scouting family. There are several incident reviews which are appropriate to share with leaders who may question why an appreciation of the risks in our outdoor classroom are important.

This course is available around-the-clock in the BSA Learn Center by logging in to your account on My.Scouting.org

BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean. Safe Swim Defense does not apply to boating or water activities such as waterskiing or swamped boat drills that are covered by Safety Afloat guidelines.

This course is available around-the-clock in the BSA Learn Center by logging in to your account on My.Scouting.org

“Wood Badge opened my eyes to the vast diversity
within Scouting and how Scouting helps all people.”

CARSON HOLMES, GARLAND, TX

“Through Wood Badge my unit became
more youth focused and youth led.”

JIM GROSSMAN, CHESTERFIELD, MO

“I highly recommend taking Wood Badge and taking
it earlier in your Scouting career, rather than later.”

CHAS CLIFTON, PORT NECHES, TX

WHAT IS WOOD BADGE?

Reflecting the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country.

Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to insure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing  advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders. Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the Boy Scouts of America and also draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.

WHY ATTEND?

By taking Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning and leading change.  Participants will better learn to understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders are able to deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves.

By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, Empowering.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Cub leaders, Scoutmasters and
assistants, Venturing Crew Advisors, Committee Chairs and members. Additionally Scouters serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge.

To attend a Wood Badge course, individuals must:

  1. Be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. (Youth 18 and older may attend as long as the appropriate Youth Protection guidelines are followed. They do not need to be registered in an adult leadership role.)
  2. Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
  3. Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical Record form.

UPCOMING WOOD BADGE COURSES

Jan 31 – Feb 2 & Mar 1-2, 2025
D-Bar-A Scout Ranch
Course Director:
Matt Majchrzak, Sr.
winterwb2025@gmail.com

April 25-27 & May 17-18, 2025
Gerber Scout Reservation
Course Director:
Jack Faas
cst9.780.25.2@gmail.com

POWDERHORN COURSES

Do you want to learn how to take your Unit’s program to the next level? Do you want to experience exciting high adventure activities first hand? Do you want to go home with resources that you need to add these activities to your program? Then Powder Horn is for you!!

The Powder Horn course is designed to help the troop, team, or crew by exposing older Scouts, Venturers, and adult leaders to safely conducted outdoor/high-adventure activities of a fun and challenging nature. The course provides an introduction to the resources needed to successfully lead youth through a program of outdoor adventure and is based upon giving participants an exposure to some outdoor/high-adventure activities. The course presenters are expert consultants, from inside and outside of Scouting, in each outdoor high adventure activity. It is for any youth or adult interested in experiencing a unit-level, high-adventure program.

UPCOMING POWDERHORN COURSES

STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING DATES

SEA BADGE

Sea Badge is not about boating or nautical skills.  It is a leadership and management training focused on the guiding and teaching older youth, which will make you a better leader as you develop your youth into the best versions of themselves.  Sea Badge does not cover topics like boating, knots, or other program-related materials found in the Sea Scout Manual.

Previously this course has been offered in an online format.  Stay tuned for future dates.