TRAINING

COUNCIL TRAINING EVENTS

When and Where Can I Attend Training?

In an effort to better the serve the volunteers of the Sam Houston Area Council we offer various training course throughout the year. Check the Council Training Schedule for a list of when these courses are offered. Courses are hosted by districts throughout the different geographic areas of the council. You may attend at any location that is convenient for you.

Course Descriptions - Basic Training

Fast Start Training
Fast Start training is designed to provide newly recruited leaders the information and resources they need to conduct their first meeting – be it a den meeting, pack meeting, troop meeting, crew meeting, or committee meeting that they are in charge of. Fast Start Training may be completed online. This training is available online at www.MyScouting.org.

Youth Protection Training
The problem of child abuse has become one of the most significant problems facing our nation. Youth Protection Training is based upon the policies and procedures BSA has developed to ensure that all volunteer leaders and parents are aware of the problem and that Scouting provides a safe environment for all participants. The online version of this training (available at www.MyScouting.org) is required for leaders attending summer camp, winter camp, or day camp. See http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/camping_and_events/camps/youth_camp_compliance

YPT certification is good for two years from the date taken.

This is Scouting
This course is an online introductory session that presents an overview of key components of the overall Scouting program. Its goal is to help leaders from all program areas understand that they are all striving for the same results with the youth they serve. Each leader completes This is Scouting only once. This training is available online at www.MyScouting.org.

Leader Specific Training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role in the position for which he or she is registered. Because each course is designed for a specific leadership position, the training time varies from course to course. Leader Specific Training has been developed for the following positions and their assistants:

Tiger Cub den leaders
Cub Scout den leaders
Webelos den leaders
Cubmasters
Pack committee members
Pack trainers
Troop committee members (see Troop Committee Challenge below)
Venturing leaders
Varsity coaches and assistant

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is a third component of basic leader training for Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity coaches. This weekend camping course emphasizes the skills required for First Class rank and helps you plan and conduct an outdoor camping experience with your unit.

Troop Committee Challenge is the leader specific training for troop committee members. It has been developed to help troop committee members better understand their roles and responsibilities. Through hands-on learning and activities, this training will also enable troop committee members to better "deliver the promise" in support of the troop, Scoutmaster, and Scouts. Thils training is available online at www.MyScouting.org.

Supplemental Training

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)

For Cub Scout leaders and parents

BALOO teaches introductory camping skills and safety procedures that will insure a fun and safe camping experience for Cub Scout families. Pack overnighters are required to be organized and led by an adult who has successfully completed BALOO. If your pack is planning a camping trip during the coming year, make sure a pack representative attends this training.

Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders Training

For Webelos den leaders and assistants.

This supplemental training course gives Webelos den leaders information and hands-on practice in the outdoor skills needed to work with Webelos Scouts. Recommended prior to conducting a Webelos den overnight campout.

Safe Swim Defense & Safety Afloat

For all leaders planning aquatic activities

These courses are available online at MyScouting.

Safe Swim Defense –Instructs on the importance of advanced preparation and planning in preventing accidents and maintaining safety during any swimming activity.
Safety Afloat – Instructs on the planning, training, and preparation required for any activity using watercraft.

Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow

Traditionally held the first Saturday in November – November 5, 2011 - for all Cub Scout leaders

Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow, an annual council event, is a day-long series of workshops, chosen individually by the leader, to increase his or her knowledge and skills in their particular area of the Cub Scout program. Registration forms and further information will be available on Sam Houston Area Council’s web site.

University of Scouting

Traditionally held the 2nd Saturday in February - February 12, 2011 - for every adult leader.

Like Akela's Trail, University of Scouting is a day-long series of workshops chosen individually by the leader to help him or her plan a better program for the boys they work with. University of Scouting, however, is for all program leaders – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Venturing, and commissioner service. Registration forms and further information will be available on Sam Houston Area Council’s web site.

Wood Badge

Conducted several times during the year – for every adult leader.

Wood Badge is the leadership training course of Boy Scouts of America. Open to adult leaders in all program areas who have completed basic training for their position, it is the goal of BSA for all leaders to complete Wood Badge within the first two years of their becoming a leader. Conducted over two three-day weekends, several courses are available each year. Check the Sam Houston Area Council web site for details.

Powder Horn

Conducted every 18 months – for Boy Scout and Venturing leaders.

This course is designed to introduce and expose Venturing and Boy Scouting adult unit leaders to the activities and resources necessary to operate a successful outdoor/high adventure unit-level program. Conducted over two three-day weekends, Powder Horn is generally conducted every 18 months. Check the Sam Houston Area Council Venturing web site for details.