What Makes a Trained Leader?

A direct-contact Scout leader is considered fully trained and entitled to wear the Trained leader emblem when he or she has completed the below-mentioned training courses.

Youth Protection Training (YPT)

  • Required for all leaders who have direct contact with youth
  • Recommended for parents of all youth
  • Teaches do’s and don’ts of working with youth
  • Offered through MyScouting.org, or your district/council

Fast Start Training

  • Take immediately after registering as a leader and before meeting with youth members
  • Course is specific to the program (Cub Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, Varsity Coach, or Venturing crew leader).
  • Offered through MyScouting.org, or available on DVD

This Is Scouting

  • New online training session that replaced New Leader Essentials
  • Offered through through MyScouting.org
  • DVD (No. 36118) available for areas with limited Web access

Position-Specific Training

  • Hands-on training in how to run meetings and work with youth
  • Based on leader’s position
  • Cub Scout leaders, assistants, pack committee, and pack trainers
  • Boy Scout leaders and assistants
  • Varsity Coaches and assistants
  • Venturing crew leaders and assistants
  • Offered by the district or council as group training, small group training, or personal coaching

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

  • Teaches Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Coaches basic outdoor leader skills
  • Offered by the district or council as hands-on training