Training Coordinator
The Training Coordinator ensures that all adult leaders in the troop are properly trained and supported so they can deliver the best possible program for the scouts. By keeping track of required trainings, encouraging ongoing development, and connecting leaders with resources, the coordinator helps create a safe, well-run, and meaningful scouting experience. As the saying goes, “every scout deserves a trained leader”—this role makes that promise a reality, ensuring scouts benefit from leaders who are prepared, confident, and equipped to guide them.
In addition to adult leader training, the Training Coordinator also supports youth training by encouraging scouts to take part in programs like Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), and other leadership development opportunities. These experiences give scouts the tools to lead their peers, solve problems, and grow in confidence. By promoting youth training, the coordinator helps strengthen the troop’s leadership core and ensures scouts are prepared to step into meaningful roles, making the troop truly youth-led.
Reports To
Section titled “Reports To”Committee Chair
Responsibilities
Section titled “Responsibilities”- Ensure that all adult leaders are up-to-date on their Safeguarding Youth Training
- Ensure that all adult leaders are know about and complete their required positon-specific training
- Monitor and promote supplemental training opportunities that are available outside the troop, for both adults and youth, including NYLT and Wood Badge
- Facilitate in-troop training programs for youth and adults, as needed
- Report to the Troop Committee at each meeting
Scouting America Training Resources
Section titled “Scouting America Training Resources”Scouting America maintains a training info site with lots of information, resources, and links. Familiarize yourself with these pages to find out more.
Training For Adults
Section titled “Training For Adults”BSA Learn Center
Section titled “BSA Learn Center”The BSA Learn Center is a portal for accessing all of Scouting’s online self-directed training course. It’s located at training.scouting.org, and you must be logged into a my.scouting account to access it.
Safeguarding Youth Training
Section titled “Safeguarding Youth Training”Every registered adult in Scouting is required to complete or re-certify in Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) every year. SYT is mandatory and you can’t register as an over-18 member without it. Anyone can take SYT without being a registered member. SYT is an online course taken through the Learn Center. There’s also a spanish version.
You can see a report on the SYT training status of everyone in the troop through my.scouting.
Position-Specific Training
Section titled “Position-Specific Training”Different adult positions in Scouting have different sets of required training. Be aware of what training is required for Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Member, and make sure our leaders stay up-to-date on their requirements. See here for more info.
You can see a report on the position-specific training status of everyone in the troop through my.scouting.
Wood Badge
Section titled “Wood Badge”Wood Badge is the premiere training program for all adult volunteers in Scouting. It combines two weekends of classroom instruction with an 18-month “ticket” where participants work towards a set of goals for their Troop, under the continued guidance of a trainer. For scouters who’ve completed their required training and are eager to keep learning, Wood Badge is a great next step. Wood Badge courses are offered at the council level.
University of Scouting
Section titled “University of Scouting”University of Scouting is an annual, council-run event where scouters can take live courses in a wide variety of topics, ranging from leadership and coaching to backcountry cooking and rope work. After completing enough courses in certain areas over the course of multiple years, scouters can earn “degrees”.
Training for Youth
Section titled “Training for Youth”Equally important to adult training is youth training. Youth training is a great way to help scouts learn leadership skills and become better leaders for the troop.
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Section titled “Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)”ILST is a troop-level training program for all youth leaders. It covers the basics of leadership, including vision and goalsetting, teamwork, coaching, and communication. Troop 1607 runs an ILST course at least once every year.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
Section titled “National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)”NYLT is a week-long council-run leadership training camp for youth leaders who’ve completed ILST. It’s the next level of youth training, and strongly recommended for incoming SPLs, ASPLs, and Patrol Leaders.
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Section titled “National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)”NAYLE is the highest-level youth training in BSA, offered at the National level. This one is not often done, but may be worth recommending to some scouts.
Den Chief Training
Section titled “Den Chief Training”Our district often holds special training courses specifically for Den Chiefs. These should always be encouraged for Den Chiefs when the courses are available.
Finding Training Opportunities
Section titled “Finding Training Opportunities”Check the CT Rivers Council calendar often for upcoming training events. You should keep the troop calendar updated with info about the major training events, including ILST, NYLT, IOLS, Wood Badge, University of Scouting, and Troop Committee Challenge. There are also many other supplemental training courses to be aware of, such as:
- Leave No Trace Training
- Paddlecraft Safety
- Range Instructor Training
Be aware of these and encourage select scouts and scouters to attend them, when appropriate.