The Leadership training philosophy of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide adult leaders with information about the aims and purposes of the movement as well as specifics about particular roles in Scouting.

A trained leader is knowledgeable and confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders have a positive influence on the lives of Scouts with a quality program.

Training is available at four levels in Scouting. 

1. Orientation/Fast Start Training

Fast Start Training is designed to immediately orient leaders to their Scouting role before their first meeting with youth.  A Fast Start counselor uses the appropriate video and viewer guide to meet with new leaders. Fast Start can also be used as parent's and chartered organization leaders first exposure to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, or Venturing. Its purpose is to acquaint families, new leaders, and others with the program of the Boy Scouts of America and give specific information about the program. Fast Start should motivate leaders to complete basic training. Fast Start should be presented within a few days of leaders registering. 

2. Basic Training

Basic training courses are designed to give job-related information to all Scouting volunteers, regardless of position, within a given program. Basic training courses have limitations. Because of time available, only a few topics can be covered in detail. Some skills are introduced in training sessions, but the skills themselves are developed by practice over a longer period of time. One of the aims of basic training is to encourage leaders toward continuous self-development. When theories and principles are discussed in training courses, leaders should be encouraged to realize that all will become more meaningful as they put the ideas into practice.

New Leader Essentials is for all Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing volunteers. It provides the basics of the Scouting program including values and methods.

Leader Specific Training is designed to present in depth information for a new leader in a specific leadership position such as den leader, Scoutmaster, etc.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is designed to provide basic outdoor skills used by the Boy Scouts of America. It is a required element of basic training for Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who desire achieving the status of being a trained leader. It is recommended as supplemental training for Webelos leaders, Venturing leaders and other adults who will be camping with youth. 

3. Supplemental Training

This includes a variety of courses given on a district, council, area, regional, or national basis. They are designed to give additional information on specific areas of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing.

Some of the methods touched upon in basic training are treated in greater depth in supplemental training courses. Some courses are held on a regular basis as a continuing source of information. Examples of supplemental training courses are Cub Scout Pow Wow and University of Scouting, both are workshops. Supplemental training is also offered in conferences at the Philmont Training Center. Youth Protection and Health and Safety Training are also examples of supplemental training.

Since supplemental training is intended to enrich the leaders' experience, there are no prerequisites. 

4. Advanced Training

Leaders desiring a deeper dedicated involvement in the program, and who are otherwise qualified, will find advanced training highly rewarding. Wood Badge serves as the advanced training program for Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting and Venturing

Successful completion of basic training for current registered position is a prerequisite for advanced training.