BSA Outdoor Ethics Training Overview

Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace are key components of all core BSA outdoor training programs.

The following specialized courses provide more advanced awareness and skills training, and develop youth and adults capable of effectively teaching these important outdoor skills and ethics.

Course instructors - See our Resources page for all the resources you need to organize, teach, and report your courses.

General BSA Outdoor Ethics:

BSA Outdoor Ethics Orientation

The goal of this course is to introduce the concept of Outdoor Ethics in a fun and engaging way to a group with little experience in outdoor ethics. It should help youth and adults at all program levels understand the general principles behind Scouting's outdoor ethics program.

See our Resources page for the class Lesson Plan / Instructor Guide.

BSA Leave No Trace Training:

Leave No Trace Basics

This 3-4 hour class is designed to help youth and adults at all program levels to understand the general principles of Leave No Trace and how to apply them in the BSA outdoor program.

It is also designed to give adults the confidence to assess youth understanding and skills when signing off on scout rank requirements or Venturing award requirements.

 

BSA Leave No Trace Trainer Course

This 16-hour, overnight course trains adults and youth ages 14 and up to serve as Leave No Trace Trainers.

It is recommended training for the Outdoor Ethics Guide troop junior leadership position.

It is also highly recommended for camp staff, members of the council and district outdoor program and training teams.

 

BSA Leave No Trace Master Educator Course

This 5 days/nights course is for developing Master Educators who will instruct Leave No Trace Trainer Courses.

 

For additional details, please see the BSA Outdoor Ethics Training information.

 

Tread Lightly! Training

Tread Trainer

The Tread Trainer program is designed to train participants in innovative, practical methods of spreading outdoor ethics to the public with a curriculum specifically focused on motorized and mechanized recreation. Once a participant becomes active in the Tread Trainer program he or she is equipped to present the Tread Lightly! message to other educators, clubs, employees, visitors, enthusiasts or community members.

 

Master Tread Trainer

Tread Lightly's Master Tread Trainer course is a two-day course designed to provide an in-depth look at outdoor ethics focusing on motorized and mechanized recreation on both land and water. Participation in the course qualifies individuals to present the Tread Lightly! message consistently to others in their state or region.

 

For additional details, please see the Tread Lightly! Trainer page.

Other Outdoor Ethics Training

Council Outdoor Ethics Advocate Training

These trainings provide guidance to council professional staff and volunteers on implementing BSA's Outdoor Ethics programs in the local council. They are particularly designed for individuals currently serving as a council Outdoor Ethics Advocate or interested in serving in that position.
They are instructed by members of the BSA Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Subcommittee and successful council outdoor ethics advocates.

These workshops offered at Philmont Training Center, and as pre-conference workshops at the National Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Conferences.

Please check the calendar for dates and locations, and contact your Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Coordinator with questions.

Other BSA Instructor Training

The first two classes of BSA's three-part Train-the-Trainer continuum (T-Cubed or T3) are aimed at improving your teaching skills.

The Fundamentals of Training

This class, intended for both youth and adult trainers, introduces new Scouting trainers to effective teaching techniques and skills, as well as providing a refresher for experienced trainers.

(Syllabus)

 

Trainer's EDGE

This next level class, intended for both youth and adult trainers, is required training for Wood Badge and NYLT staffs. It is also for any Scouter who works in a training capacity with Unit Leaders, District Leaders and Council Leaders.

(Syllabus)

 

The Strategic Training Plan (formerly Master Trainer)

The third part of the continuum is the Strategic Training Plan course which "focuses on developing the skills needed to manage a council or district training program, as well as the skills needed to identify and develop training team members."