New Leader Essentials is the initial training for adult leaders serving youth in the Boy Scouts of America. Through a series of lively presentations, the 90-minute training presents an overview of the core elements of Scouting, including the organization's mission, aims, and methods. It also provides new leaders with a look at the resources available to them through the Boy Scouts of America, and gives new leaders a clear understanding of the expectations Scouting places upon its adult leadership.
 
Who should attend New Leader Essentials?

All new adult leaders of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers, and it is suggested for new members of district committees and council executive boards.

Upon completion of New Leader Essentials, volunteer leaders take part in leader-specific training to prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities relating to their leadership positions with the Cub Scout program, the Boy Scout program, or the Venturing program. Leader-specific training is also an opportunity for new leaders to get answers to questions they may have about their roles and about the BSA in general. In the months and years to come, adult leaders will discover a wealth of other BSA training opportunities to hone their leadership skills. A Scout leader needs to attend New Leader Essentials only once.

We are leaders and teachers, we commit ourselves to delivering the "Promise of Scouting" to our Youth. To do this we need to know:

• How do we make Scouting FUN? What is Youth Protection? How do we protect our youth and ourselves from abuse?
• What is the Promise of Scouting?
• What is a Safe Haven? How do we create and maintain one? What are the Benefits?
• What are the programs offered? What are the Aims and Methods of Scouting?
• How do we develop an effective youth run unit? What is a full program that serves youth to age 18? To age 20?
• What are the Scouting skills? What is high adventure?
• What are the leadership skills we teach and use? How do we effectively manage our committees?
• How do we teach effectively? What resources are available to us?
• How do we learn? How do we develop fellowship, build teams and solve problems?
• How do the Scouts learn? Why are some units more successful than others?

• Training is a great bargain, as the staff is made up of dedicated volunteers.
• Training and learning is also FUN and develops friendships among staff and participants.
• Training (particularly Wood Badge training) is also an opportunity to learn lifetime skills, which help us in our business, family and personal lives.
• Training is something we owe ourselves, our youth and our units. Some of our units are in a catch-up mode to meet BSA and our Council's training standards. Getting your Adults and Scouts trained can be done easily, and your Council and District Training Teams are ready to help. The more we work and learn together the better we can "Deliver the Promise" to our kids.

A unit must also have its unit leader & one other leader qualified by the completion of basic training for the unit to be eligible for the Quality Unit Award. It is also recommended at least two Scouters per unit should also be CPR trained and that the registered Leader for any tour permit be qualified by attending Basic Training.

The BSA Training Program, following the "Leadership Training –– Plans, Procedures, and Materials" guidebook, generally provides four levels of training for adult volunteers and parents.

These levels are:

• Orientation
• Basic Training
• Supplemental Training
• Advanced Training

These levels of training can be achieved through self-study materials, personal coaching, or group training sessions. Most Training Materials are created by National and Area Training Staffs. The approved course outlines are then presented by your District / Council Training Staffs.