Basic Leader Training

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: New Leader Essentials for all unit-level leaders and Leader Specific training, which is based on the leader's unit-level position.

Basic Leader Training is designed for maximum flexibility. The sessions can be delivered over time—training on one or more evenings a week or month—or in a one-day training event that incorporates all program areas. It is suitable for large or small groups and may be presented to leaders of one or more units each time. Each council and district may decide the appropriate delivery method, keeping in mind that the focus is to remove roadblocks and achieve 100 percent trained leaders.


New Leader Essentials:
· Program Specific Book with CD-ROM, No. 38470
· Training Video, No. AV-02V016
· Poster Set, No. 34872

New Leader Essentials

New Leader Essentials 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. Ideally, all unit-based volunteers—Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders—take this session at the same time, so they understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once.

Benefits of New Leader Essentials

  1. Assistance in implementing the full Scouting program with chartered organizations
  2. A better understanding of the advantages of encouraging youth and adult volunteers to move through the traditional program as their youth mature
  3. An awareness of the different aspects of the Scouting program, which may result in leaders taking advantage of those programs for a child in a different age group

Leader Specific Training

Once a volunteer has a solid overview of the BSA'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. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies. Leader Specific training has been developed for the following positions and their assistants:

  • Tiger Cub den leaders
  • Cub Scout den leaders
  • Webelos den leaders
  • Cubmasters
  • Pack committee members
  • Scoutmasters
  • Troop committee members
  • Venturing committee members
  • Venturing Advisors

How Long Will Training Sessions Last?

Title Time Needed
New Leader Essentials (all leaders) 90 minutes

Leader Specific training
Tiger Cub den leaders 2 hours, 35 minutes
Cub Scout den leaders 2 hours, 40 minutes
Webelos den leaders 2 hours, 55 minutes
Cubmasters and assistants 2 hours, 40 minutes
Pack committee members 2 hours, 40 minutes
Scoutmasters and assistants 3 sessions, 2.5 hours each
Troop committee members 3 hours
Venturing crew Advisors 5 hours
Venturing crew committee members 5 hours