Every Youth Deserves a Trained Leader

Training is the most important key to successful Scouting for both leaders and Scouts. Think about it, would you want to trust your children to untrained teachers or daycare providers? If not, then why would you ask parents to trust their Scouts with untrained leaders? Training helps leaders make Scouting safe and fun for everyone, while making sure that the goals of Scouting are accomplished.

The Northern Lights Council has a group of committed, talented trainers for both Council and District training events. Read on to learn more about the different types of training available to you. You will find our courses valuable whether you are just starting out as a leader, or whether you’ve been a leader for a while.

Basic Training

Basic Training provides information regarding the Scouting program and, for some courses, experience with some of the skills that we expect our Scouts to master. Basic training is different for each program (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, and Varsity Scouting) and different for different types of leaders within each program.

No matter what your program or position, you’ll have fun getting trained. More importantly, you’ll learn what it takes to be a successful Scouting leader, and how to use the extensive resources that Boy Scouts of America provides to its leaders.

All basic Training can be found at www.my.scouting.org 

Download: 2018 Position Trained Requirements

Beyond Basic Training

We offer many courses beyond the courses required for basic training. Some of these – like Safe Swim Defense, Outdoor Webelos Leader Training, or BSA Lifeguard – focus on specific skills that leaders need to conduct successful activities. Others – like Wood Badge – are more general courses that focus on leadership.

Adult Training Roadmap

Each Scouting leadership position has a specific set of training courses designed to help you provide the best program for the youth you guide. To find which ones you should take, look for your position in the left column of the table below. If you change positions in the future (for example, if you are now a Cub Scout Den Leader and you become a Webelos Den Leader), you should refer to this chart to determine which new training you will need. Completing Leader Specific Training allows you to wear the “Trained” patch.

You should complete Orientation and Leader Specific Training for your position as soon as possible after you register in your leadership position. Please consider participating in supplemental and advanced courses to continue developing your Scouting and leadership skills, and to be a life-long learner!