Boy Scout Leader Training is typically offered once in the fall and once in the spring.  To discover the training is required (and recommended) for your position, consult this chart, provided by the Council Training Committee.  If leaders from your troop cannot work with the scheduled times, contact the training chairman to explore other arrangements.

The new Boy Scout leader, whether a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or a Committee Member, should begin with Boy Scout Leader Fast Start training, available online or by contacting the Training chairman.

The next logical step is Youth Protection Training (available online or in person), which is a must for all leaders who deal directly with youth.  The Thunderbird Training Team highly recommends that all leaders take Youth Protection in person for the first time around.  It is wise to review the materials online or in person at least every two years.

To continue training, attend one of the district’s scheduled courses, including New Leader Essentials.  Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters should attend the “Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific” course.  They are also required to attend the Outdoor Leaders Skills course, typically offered as an evening and an overnight.  Scoutmasters and Assistants will also profit from the Troop Committee Challenge course, but this is not required for them to be considered fully trained.

Troop Committee Members and Chairs should attend New Leader Essentials and the Troop Committee Challenge.  They are encouraged, but not required, to take the Scoutmaster/ASM Specific course and the Outdoor Leader Skills course.

These hours of training will provide an investment that can touch dozens of boys over many years.  Your boys are worth it!