There are about three main groups of leaders, and some overlap. All Scouts deserve Trained Leaders, so here's what is takes in Training and Paperwork to get involved. Check this out for a Pictorial Overview
UPCOMING TRAINING: Here's the latest we've heard about The Trainers Edge, become a Scouting Trainer: February 2, 2013; June 1, 2013; August 24, 2013; December 14, 2013
BALOO, IOLS & OWL Training at Echockotee , November 14-16, 2014
IOLS Training in St. Augustine , November 21-22, 2014
Wilderness First Aid at Echockotee , December 5-7, 2014
See the NFC Calendar for many opportunities and NFC Adult Leader Training page
If you have trouble with the online training website, especially during logon, call 800-627-3025 and select “volunteer”. You will receive human assistance.
Occasional Volunteers: drivers, helpers, Merit Badge Counselors, ad hoc needs
BSA ADULT APPLICATION , making sure to complete and sign the "APPLICANT BACKGROUND CHECK" section
Annual Health and Medical Record , Parts A & C
Youth Protection Training: available online at http://olc.scouting.org/ and takes about 1 hour
For Merit Badge Counselors, Merit Badge Counselor Information form
See a List of Merit Badges & the National BSA Guide for Merit badge Counselors
Here's a concise "Merit Badge Counselor" Training module: Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide
Committee Members: Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Transportation, etc.
As appropriate the same as an Occasional Volunteer
Youth Protection Training: available online at http://olc.scouting.org/ and takes about 1 hour
"This Is Scouting" (replaces "New Leader Essentials"), available online at http://olc.scouting.org/ and takes about 1 hour
"Troop Committee Challenge" as their "Leader Specific training": These are class room taught, and offered throughout the year
Assistant Scoutmasters: Those that work closely with the Scouts
As appropriate the same as an Occasional Volunteer
Annual Health and Medical Record , Parts A, B, & C
Youth Protection Training: available online at http://olc.scouting.org/ and takes about 1 hour
"This Is Scouting" (replaces "New Leader Essentials"), available online at http://olc.scouting.org/ and takes about 1 hour
"Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training" as their "Leader Specific training": These are class room taught, and offered throughout the year See the NFC Calendar
"Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills", again offered throughout the year
Other certifications we need by some ASMs include "Safety Afloat", "Hazardous Weather", and "Safe Swim Defense" Online Training. First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and CPR are desirable, too.
For the Ph.D. in Scouting, there is Wood Badge, the most advanced training available for Scout Leaders
It may seem daunting, but it really does not take much. So jump right in!
A great overview of Scouter Training is available here