Cub Scout Leader Guide: Training

Position-Specific Training

A cornerstone of the Scouting program is training. Some of the training will be conducted in your unit; others are available for you to work on by yourself. The Boy Scouts of America has designed a program to train leaders in a variety of positions including:

• Cubmasters and assistants
• Pack committee
• Den leaders and assistants (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos)
• Pack trainers

Youth Protection Training 

Youth protection training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After the completion of three modules, you will complete a test. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online and member ID is linked to an account.

Training Required for Cub Leaders 

Youth Protection

True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels.

Position-Specific Training

This course is intended to provide Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den leaders with the information and tools they need to conduct successful den meetings. Den leaders who complete the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos training, along with Youth Protection training, are considered trained for their position.

Weather Hazard Training

Supplemental and Advanced Training

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a pack overnighter.

CubCasts and ScoutCasts

The podcasts are monthly audio presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders.

University of Scouting

Safety Afloat

Safe Swim Defense

BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean.

Trainer’s EDGE

Wood Badge

Roundtable (offered monthly in your area)