What Makes a Trained Leader

Training Programs

The leadership training philosophy of Scouting America is to provide adult leaders with fundamental information about the aims and purposes of the movement, as well as specifics about their particular roles in Scouting.

A trained leader is knowledgeable and confident in the role being performed. The knowledge and confidence of a trained leader are quickly sensed by Cub Scouts or Venture Scouts and are a positive influence on their lives.

The objective of leadership training program is to meet the needs of leaders by providing learning opportunities related to each of the adult unit positions. The plan allows for both individual and group training experiences. It also incorporates a recognition program that motivates and rewards those who progress in the leadership training programs of Scouting America.

To learn about a few of these training awards for adults, check out the web page on Adult Recognition Awards.

For an overview of training for your program, click on one of the links listed below. You will be taken to a page showing the specific steps you’ll need to complete to become ‘Trained’ in that position, as well as information about supplementary training.

Council Training Policy

In order to provide a quality and safe program for the youth that we serve, Los Padres Council has established certain training standards that all adult volunteers must adhere.

Los Padres Council Training Policy


Scoutmaster, Asst. SM & Venture Advisor

Training for these positions include online “Joining Courses” such as Safeguarding Youth Training; “Orientation Courses” including “Position-Specific” training courses.

Scroll down for more information and links to online training.

Every Youth Deserves a Trained Leader

Why Do Leaders Need Training?
Every Scout should have a trained leader to support the program. Know how to do the job helps make the job easier and more fun for all.

Who Should Attend Training?
For Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters, Pack Committee, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee, Crew Advisors, Assistant Crew Advisors, Crew Committee, District Committee, Commissioners and more.

What Training Is Available?

Orientation Training

This Is Scouting –  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. Each leader completes This Is Scouting training only once.

Required Basic Leader Training:

*Position-Specific Training – Once a volunteer has an overview of Scouting America’s values-based program, he or she can begin training for a specific Scouting position through Leader Specific training. This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role.

*Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – This outdoor training presented in an overnight campout is a requirement for “direct contact”  Venture leaders (Scoutmasters, Asst. Scoutmasters, & Asst. Coaches, Venture Advisors and Asst. Advisors).

Supplementary Training:

The three levels of training are sustained and supported with supplementary online training, Roundtables, Publications, and the University of Scouting.

To help keep your knowledge current, Safeguarding Youth Training(Online Course) ,  and the Guide to Safe Scouting are available on-line at my.Scouting.org .

Trained Leader Patch

A Trained Leader emblem is for all leaders who have completed the required training programs appropriate to their positions.

Following each training session each leader is given a progress record card for the leadership position he or she holds. Training knots are presented up completion of required tenure and performance requirements.

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