Varsity Leader Training

To be qualified to receive and wear the "Trained" strip as a Varsity Coach you must participate in Fast Start Training, New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training for your position.

Fast Start Training: The initial training for all leaders in all programs. It is a quick job description with basic tips to manage until training is available. This training is available online, through your pack or district and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Fast Start Training Online

New Leader Essentials: Designed for all volunteers and provides the basics of the Scouting programs, the age appropriateness of those programs, and our values and methods. This training is usually delivered by the district training committee and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.  This training is offered several times a year.  Check the calendar for Training Events.

Varsity Coach Specific Training: Coach specific includes three sessions designed to provide coaches with a good working knowledge of Team Operation. Offered at the District level. This training is offered several times a year.  Check the calendar for Training Events.

Youth Protection Training: This training increases awareness in youth protection issues, reviews all of the BSA youth protection policies and is required for all of the Leader training awards. Youth Protection Training is required for all registered leaders participating in any nationally conducted event or activity and is recommended for anyone working directly with the youth. Youth Protection training is available online or through your district. Time to complete varies. Youth Protection Training Online

Note: Once the "Trained" strip has been earned Varsity Coaches are highly encouraged to take part in the following training opportunities:

Introduction To Outdoor Leadership Skills: Weekend training focused at improving leaders outdoor skills, as well as being fun and helpful in building morale. Offered at the District level. This training is offered several times a year.  Check the calendar for Training Events.

Powder Horn: Powder Horn is a training opportunity designed to expose Venturing Leaders, Boys Scout Leaders to activities and resources necessary to operate a successful Venturing Ranger or Troop High Adventure Program. Offered at the Council level. 

Wood Badge: Weeklong or multiple weekend training course designed to provide adults with advanced leadership skills and a more dedicated involvement in Scouting. Offered at the Council level. 

Merit Badge Counselor Orientation: Helps a Merit Badge Counselor understand his/her job as a coach and counselor who provides realistic learning experiences to a boy in his study of a Merit Badge subject. Offered at the Unit and District level

Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat Training: This training is required for your unit to participate in ANY aquatic activity. Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat training is available online or through council courses. Time to complete varies. Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat Training Online

National Training Conferences: Held at Philmont Training Center located in Cimarron, New Mexico. Invitational training held during the summer to enhance knowledge, skills and attitude to improve performance of District and Council level Scouting roles. Philmont Training Center