Training Overviews

Boy Scouts of America and its member Councils/Districts provide training for adult leaders, volunteer parents, and Scouts. The BSA, NCAC, and Powhatan District all provide overviews of available programs. Many courses are offered online; for those, you will need to set up a user account and password.

Note: Refer to the NCAC Calendar for specific training dates.

Adult Training

Training is available, and in some cases required, for all adult leadership and parent volunteers. Much of this training is available online through the BSA Online Learning Center or elsewhere on the BSA website by following the links below. Some of this training is also offered during evenings/weekends by our District/Council. The Powhatan District Training website has information about this training.

NOTE: After completing any training, inform the Troop Committee Training Coordinator to ensure you are credited within the troop as being trained.

Youth Protection Training: REQUIRED for ALL adults working directly with the Scouts, including troop leadership, troop committee members, and merit badge counselors. Available online.
Boy Scout Leader Fast Start: Recommended for all adults —leaders and parents— to get a high-level overview of the Scout program. Available online.
Basic Leader Training: Recommended training for new unit-level leaders and volunteers and consists of two parts (see more information at the BSA website). Check the NCAC Powhatan District Calendar for training dates:

New Leader Essentials: Recommended for all new leaders.
Leader Specific Training: Required for positions including Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and troop committee members (Troop Committee Challenge also available online.)

Board of Review Training: This module trains troop committee members and others in the purposes of the board of review, offering suggestions for the types of questions that can or should be asked.
Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing: Safe Scouting can happen if you follow the Scout Motto "Be Prepared." This supplementary training unit describes how to plan for and conduct a safe Scout outing.
Scoutmaster Conference Training: This module teaches Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and other troop leaders about the purposes of the Scoutmaster's conference and offers suggestions for questions that could be asked at these conferences.
Youth Leadership Training Continuum: This supplemental training module is designed for Scout leaders and parents who want to understand the youth leadership training continuum.
Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide: This module guides new and potential merit badge counselors through their role responsibilities and gives them an understanding of the methods of counseling Scouts. It is intended as a short orientation course for new merit badge counselors before they begin working with Scouts.

Scout Training

Troop Leader Training: Program conducted within the troop to prepare new patrol leaders and troop staff for Scout leadership positions.
Den Chief Training: Available online and also conducted locally by the district (check Powhatan District Calendar for dates) for Scouts interested in or currently serving as Den Chiefs to Cub Scout dens. Scouts should take both training courses to become fully trained. The District training course provides you with your Den Chief handbook, handouts, and a "trained" patch.
National Youth Leadership Training Conference (Impeesa): Council-run training for building leadership skills (conducted during summer months).