From the IWC Training Committee

Everyone requires training for anything that is to be done well. Individual jobs with Scouting are no different; therefore, it is essential that every leader is trained in their individual job and its importance. A trained leader is knowledgeable and confident in the role being performed. The knowledge and confidence of a trained leader are quickly sensed by the Scouts and are a positive influence on their lives.
 
There are four levels of training:

1 - ORIENTATION / FAST START TRAINING
Fast start training is designed to get a new leader off to a fast start. Its purpose is to acquaint families, new leaders, and others with the program of the Boy Scouts of America and give specific information about the program phase involved. Fast Start Training Online

2 - BASIC TRAINING

a) NEW LEADER ESSENTIALS is the initial training for adult leaders serving youth in units. Through a series of lively presentations, the 90-minute training presents an overview of the core elements of Scouting, including the organization’s mission, aims, and methods. It also provides new leaders with a look at the resources available to them through the BSA, and a clear understanding of Scouting’s expectations of its adult leadership. Who attends New Leader Essentials? All new adult leaders of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers should attend. A Scout leader needs to attend New Leader Essentials only once.

b) Upon completion of New Leader Essentials, volunteer leaders take part in LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING to prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities relating to their leadership positions with Scouting. Examples of these trainings would be Tiger Den Leader, Wolf & Bear Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Cubmaster, and Webelos Leader Outdoor Training. Leader Specific training is also an opportunity for new leaders to get answers to questions they may have about their roles and about the BSA in general.

c) Youth Protection Training - Youth Protection Training is required for all adults present during any event or activity. In support of our continued efforts to offer training to as many Scouters as possible, a 30-minute internet version of youth protection training has been developed. “Youth Protection Guidelines for Adult Leaders and Parents” training course can be completed by clicking on www.indianwaters.org.  This resource can ONLY be accessed through the approved BSA local council websites. This new online training course will help ensure that no activities will need to be cancelled because a youth protection-trained leaders is not available.  A leader may take either the online course or the regular youth protection course that the council has been offering.

3 - SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING
This includes a variety of courses given on a district or council level. They are designed to give additional information on specific areas of Scouting. Some of the methods touched upon in basic training are treated in greater depth in supplemental training courses. Some courses are held on a regular basis as a continuing source of information. Examples of supplemental training courses are Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientations (BALOO) and Games, Songs, Skits, Crafts, Climb on safely, Safe Swim Defense and any courses offered at your district ROUNDTABLE.