Everyone starts with Safeguarding Youth Training
Welcome — we’re glad you’re volunteering. Every registered adult completes this free online course, whether you’ll be a den leader, a committee member, or helping out at events. It has to be on file before your registration can be finalized.
Start Safeguarding Youth TrainingAbout an hour, done online at my.scouting.org. Must be renewed every two years.
What you’ll need
- A free my.scouting.org account (you can create one on your first visit)
- About an hour in one sitting
- Your certificate once you finish — keep a copy for your unit
The training trail at a glance
Every waypoint from your first day to Wood Badge on one map. Find yours, then use the paths below for details.
Find your training path
Scouting calls this the Leader Development Continuum — think of it as a marked trail. Pick where you are today.
Your first months, one waypoint at a time
You don’t have to do it all at once. Only step 1 is required before you start — the rest can happen over your first few months.
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Safeguarding Youth Training
Required before you beginA short online course on keeping kids safe — why two adults are always present with Scouts, and how to report a concern.
Take it at my.scouting.org -
New Leader Orientation
First couple of weeksA quick overview of how the Cub Scout or Scouts BSA program runs day to day — meetings, ranks, and who does what.
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Position-specific training
First month or twoA course built for the exact job you signed up for — Den Leader, Scoutmaster, Committee Member, and so on. This is where it starts to feel like your actual meeting night.
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Outdoor skills: BALOO or IOLS
Before your first campoutHands-on, in-person training. BALOO is for Cub Scout leaders; IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) is for Scouts BSA leaders. You’ll learn to run a campout, not just approve one.
See upcoming council courses -
Roundtables
Any time — monthlyInformal monthly gatherings with other local leaders. Come whenever you have a question; there’s no need to wait for a milestone.
See Roundtable dates
What does my role need?
Open your role to see your checklist.
Cub Scout pack leaders (Den Leader, Cubmaster, Assistants)
- Safeguarding Youth Training
- New Leader Orientation
- Den Leader or Cubmaster position-specific training
- BALOO, if your pack camps
Scouts BSA troop leaders (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster)
- Safeguarding Youth Training
- New Leader Orientation
- Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster position-specific training
- IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills)
Committee members, chartered org reps and other support roles
- Safeguarding Youth Training
- New Leader Orientation
- Committee Member (or your role’s) position-specific training
Outdoor skills training is optional unless you’ll help lead campouts.
Stay current and keep growing
Already on the trail? Here’s how to keep your training up to date and where to go next.
Renew Safeguarding Youth
This training must be renewed every two years. If yours lapses, your registration can’t be renewed.
Check your expiration dateCheck your training record
Your my.scouting.org dashboard shows every course you’ve completed and anything still needed to be “trained” for your position.
Open my.scouting.orgChanged roles?
Moving from Den Leader to Cubmaster, or joining the committee, means new position-specific training for the new job.
Finish outdoor skills
If you haven’t taken BALOO or IOLS yet, the council runs in-person sessions through the year.
See council training datesLearn alongside other leaders
Monthly Roundtables share program ideas and news, plus optional specialty courses on inclusion, safety, and outdoor ethics.
See Roundtable datesReady for more? Wood Badge
Scouting’s advanced leadership course — a multi-day experience for volunteers growing into bigger roles across a unit, district, or council. Most people get here after a year or more.
Learn about Wood BadgeCommon questions
Still unsure where to start? Your unit leader or district training chair can help, or call the council office.
What is my.scouting.org?
It’s the account system all Scouting America volunteers use for training, registration, and unit records. If you don’t have a login yet, you can create one for free the first time you visit.
Do I need to be registered before I take the training?
You can take Safeguarding Youth Training before or right after you submit your volunteer application, but it has to be complete before your registration is finalized — so it’s easiest to do it right away.
How long will this take?
Safeguarding Youth Training is about an hour online. New Leader Orientation is shorter. Position-specific training varies by role, but most courses are under two hours.
Do I have to finish the whole trail before I start volunteering?
No. Safeguarding Youth Training is the only must-do-first step. Orientation, your role-specific course, and outdoor skills can happen over your first few months.
I’ve been a leader for years. Do I need to retake anything?
Safeguarding Youth Training must be renewed every two years. If you take on a new position, you’ll also need that role’s position-specific training. Check your record on my.scouting.org to see what’s current.
Ready for an Unforgettable Summer?
Don’t miss out on the thrill of archery, swimming, and STEM adventures. Whether you are joining us for one week or the full summer, your journey starts here.
