Becoming a Trained Leader

Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader

If you had a magic wand, would you use it to make the Scouting program better and more fun for youth so they stayed in Scouting longer, so it had a larger impact on their lives? What if the same magic wand made leadership roles easier, more rewarding, and led to better retention among adult leaders? Would using that magic wand be a top priority?

Well, such a magic wand does exist—in the form of the learning programs for leaders in the Boy Scouts of America.

Common sense tells us that training is important, and research shows the importance of trained leaders. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!

How to become trained:

STEP ONE: SET UP A MY.SCOUTING ACCOUNT

Visit My.Scouting and create an account (if you used online registration to sign up your child you may already have an account). Once you have an account you can access online training.

STEP TWO: TAKE YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. You must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) if you want to be a registered and trained leader.  After logging into your My.Scouting account navigate to "My Training" to check your YPT status and take the course if incomplete. 

STEP THREE: POSITION SPECIFIC TRAINING

Adult leaders in units are considered “trained” and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem when they have completed Youth Protection Training and the training courses outlined this linked document.

The BSA Learn Center is at My.Scouting. Select your program and position and a learning plan will be created for you. The plan includes modules that are designed to allow you to complete them at your own pace.