Cubscouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers get the latest info on programs, events, and outdoors at Old Colony Council
Adult Leader Training - Courses
To learn about adult leadership training opportunities, browse the available courses listed below or select a category:
Note: The 
icon signifies a training course that
is required in order to wear the "Trained" patch on your uniform.
This patch indicates that you are trained for your position in
Scouting. See the Awards and Recognition page for more information about
the requirements for this award.
Fast Start
A quick introduction to Scouting for all adult leaders.Online Version
BSA Online Learning Center
This Is Scouting
An introduction to the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.Online Version
BSA Online Learning Center
This course will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
Youth Protection
Explains BSA policies and precautions to protect youth from harm and protect adult volunteers from getting into potentially improper situations.
Effective June 1, 2010: All registered adults are required to take this training every 2 years. Likewise, all new adults are required to take this training before registering as an adult.Online Version
BSA Online Learning Center
Leaders are encouraged to take "refresher" training every few years.
Wood Badge
BSA's core leadership skills training, designed to help every adult grow as a leader. The course is a six-day presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and participatory activities based on the best of Scouting traditions and the latest in team-development theory. Wood Badge is relevant to leaders at all levels of the Scouting program.Participants from previous courses: Visit your course website for information on completing your tickets:
Hazardous Weather
Planning and decision making regarding weather for a safe outing.
Effective January 1, 2009: To get a tour permit, at least one leader on the trip must have completed this training.Online Version
BSA Online Learning Center
Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat
Safe Swim Defense training covers the basic principles that units must follow to ensure that they're running a safe aquatics program. Swimming events require leaders who are trained in the eight points of Safe Swim Defense. Get trained, and if it's been awhile, take a refresher!Safety Afloat training covers the basic principles that ensure that BSA boating activities are safe and successful. Boating activities require leaders who are trained in Safety Afloat.
Online Version
BSA Online Learning Center
Leave No Trace
Hands-on training in the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) and how to apply them. LNT camping is growing in popularity, and many camping areas now require you to use LNT methods. LNT has also been added to the Boy Scout advancement requirements. Take this training to become more familiar with LNT and gain valuable skills to share with your unit.This training is for youth and adult leaders.
Wilderness First Aid
Certification in basic wilderness first aid. Learn first aid for backcountry situations where emergency medical services are not readily available.This training is for youth and adult leaders. Space is limited to 16 participants AND precedence is given to those attending Philmont and Northern Tier in 2011.
Trek Safety / Passport to High Adventure
Learn how to plan and safely carry out a high adventure trek.
Philmont Training Center
Visit the Philmont Training Center Web site for a catalogue of available courses.
Philmont Training Center (PTC) at Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, provides a unique environment for the training of volunteer and professional leaders. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and family members attend PTC. Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. Invitation to these conferences is upon recommendation of the local council or a national committee.
Cubscout Leader Specific /
Pack Adult Leader (PAL)
A three-hour course that covers the requirements for Den Leader training (Tiger, Cub, and Webelos), Pack Committee training, and Cubmaster training.As of Fall 2010, you can also take an online version of this training for your position in the Cub Scouting program. Go to www.myscouting.org to access the training through your MyScouting account (or to set up an account if you don't already have one).
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
A one-day training event that introduces leaders to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly Pack camping.
Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders (OWL)
A hands-on introduction to outdoor skills for the Webelos program. Sometimes taught in conjunction with the Boy Scout Outdoor Leader Skills course.
Cubcast
An audio podcast featuring a variety of how-to and information topics for Cubscout Leaders and parents. It's updated with new topics monthly, so check back often!
Available online.
Scoutmaster Basic 1,2,3
Training on how to operate the Scouting program, geared for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. Typically taught as three evening sessions or one all-day session.
Outdoor Leader Skills
Introduction to basic outdoor skills like knife and ax, cooking, and pioneering. Taught as a hands-on weekend session. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters must take this training in order to wear the "Trained" patch.
Troop Committee Challenge
Training on how to operate the Scouting program, geared for Troop Committee members.Online Version
BSA Online Learning Center
Merit Badge Counselor Training
A course designed to provide merit badge counselors with an understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the Boy Scout advancement program.
Merit Badge University - Counselor Training/Orientation
This is a follow up to the MB counselor training course. The MBU training provides MBU counselor orientation.
Venturing Leader Specific
An introduction to the methods of the Venturing program and the responsibilities of a Crew Advisor.
Powderhorn
A training opportunity designed to help Venturing leaders and Scouters safely conduct outdoor activities. This course is based on the Venturing Ranger requirements. Participants will have the option to participate in a variety of hands-on activities.
About Training ...
There are two main types of courses:
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In-person training. Some courses are offered at the council level, while others are offered by different districts at different times. Although your own district might offer the most convenient location, district courses are generally open to leaders from throughout the council. To register for an upcoming course, follow the links in the list below.
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Online training. The national council training portal and myscouting online learning center provide online training and support materials for all scouting programs. visit them today at www.scouting.org/training and myscouting.scouting.org.
Training Quick Guides
To help get started with training or see what to pursue next, use these quick guides:
