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updated 4/3/2026
SYT: Safeguarding Youth Training
SYT: Safeguarding Youth Training
90 minute course first time you take it
15-20 minute refresher and retest every year
Safeguarding youth is a value at the core of the Scouting movement. It is vital to maintain a culture of active supervision, awareness, and safety at all levels of Scouting. Safeguarding Youth training will help you prevent harm to youth, is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement. You must complete all the lessons in this course and achieve an 80% or better score on the Course Test to receive credit for this training.
Safeguarding youth is a value at the core of the Scouting movement. It is vital to maintain a culture of active supervision, awareness, and safety at all levels of Scouting. Safeguarding Youth training will help you prevent harm to youth, is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement. You must complete all the lessons in this course and achieve an 80% or better score on the Course Test to receive credit for this training.
Youth Protection Training has been replaced with
Safeguarding Youth Training in My.Scouting.org
Youth Protection Training has been replaced with
Safeguarding Youth Training in My.Scouting.org
Announced on May 16, 2025, from the National Annual Meetings:
Safeguarding Youth Training is required, just the same as the current course.
You do not have to take it until your current Youth Protection Training expires, or May 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
After taking it the first time, you will be required to take an annual refresher, not the full course, each year.
Great Trail Policy
Great Trail Policy
It is the policy of the Great Trail Council that every adult volunteer must be trained in Safeguarding Youth and must renew that training annually. Volunteers who allow their Safeguarding Youth Training to expire will have their registration terminated three business days before the end of the month their training expires, will be immediately removed from the active volunteer list, and be unable to attend any Scouting meetings and events.
click here for more detailIt is the policy of the Great Trail Council that every adult volunteer must be trained in Safeguarding Youth and must renew that training annually. Volunteers who allow their Safeguarding Youth Training to expire will have their registration terminated three business days before the end of the month their training expires, will be immediately removed from the active volunteer list, and be unable to attend any Scouting meetings and events.
Your Safeguarding Youth Training is good for one year from the date you originally take or renew it. When your training is about to expire, you will be notified by National beginning 90 days before it is due to expire at the email address you used in registering for Scouting. You can check your status anytime at my.scouting.org. Click here for a How To Guide to take Youth Protection Training.
This policy, effective March 2023, refers to both adults and adult-participants 18 and over.
What if my Safeguarding Youth Training expires before I was able to renew it?
Any registered adults and adult-participants over 18 will have their registration expired without refund three business days prior to the last business day of the month in which their Safeguarding Youth Training expires.
What if my registration is terminated?
No refund of fees paid will be made, and if you want to reinstate your registration you will need to complete Safeguarding Youth Training and a new Adult Application in its entirety, pay the appropriate registration fees and go through the registration and background check process like any other new volunteer.
What if I have received notification that my Safeguarding Youth Training is expiring and my records say it is current?
Please forward a copy of the unexpired SYT certificate that was emailed to you by the national office to your District Executive, to update your personal profile. This certificate is the only acceptable proof of your status.
What if I am no longer participating in Scouting?
Contact your District Executive.
What if I have a question not listed here or want more clarification?
Contact your District Executive.
Great Trail Council SYT Expiration Dates
The council will expunge members who allow their SYT to lapse on these dates in 2026. Registrations will be expired by noon (12:00 pm ET) on the dates below if not showing as current in My.Scouting.org.
Required Training
Required Training
Safeguarding Youth Training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement.
Safeguarding Youth Training must be taken annually. The first year a volunteer takes the course, they will take the full 90-minute course. Each year afterwards, there will be a 15-20 minute "refresher" course will be taken. If a volunteer allows their Safeguarding Youth certification to expire without renewing the training, the volunteer will be deregistered.
Video for Parents on Safeguading Youth
From the National WebsiteVideo for Parents on Safeguading Youth
Youth Protection
Click here to view this National page in its own windowYouth Protection
Youth Protection and Adult Leadership
From the Guide to Safe ScoutingYouth Protection and Adult Leadership
Click here to break out the following page into its own window
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