Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
BALOO is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including packing camping, overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. BALOO training is comprised of two components – an online component, and a practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a trained Cub Scout outdoor leader and to receive the BALOO recognition patch. The online component contains introductory and basic information and must be completed prior to the practical component at my.scouting.org. The practical component is an overnight outdoor camping experience that takes about 16-hours to complete. A minimum of one BALOO trained adult must attend every pack overnighter. Most courses include meals.*
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Host District (Training Location) |
Contact |
Cost* |
Registration Link |
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Climbing Training
Topping Out is a climbing tower instructor's course for adults that spans two evenings and two weekends. Climb on Safely is a prerequisite, and may be taken online at My.Scouting.org. The classes must be attended in the correct sequence: an evening class, a two-day tower class at Tellepsen Scout Camp, a second evening class, and a two-day real rock class at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, near Fredericksburg, TX. Participants learn about climbing equipment such as cams, stoppers, hexs, and anchors. Participants also learn how to effectively supervise climbing and rappelling activities.
First Aid
First Aid/CPR/AED: First aid training gives participants the information and skills needed to help during many emergency situations. First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) trainings are universally recognized for their effectiveness. It can help ensure that everyone from the Scout working on a First Aid merit badge to a Scouter leading a unit on a high-adventure trek is fully prepared. This blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion (~two hours) must be completed before attending the in-class portion.
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course: This course will train instructor candidates to teach basic-level American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED courses. This is a blended learning course consisting of online content, a pre-course skill session and classroom segments. Prerequisites: Possess a current basic-level American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age on the last day of the instructor course. Complete online classes prior to attending the classroom activities (instructions will be sent with registration confirmation).
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the assessment of and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. Participants will learn how to assess, treat, and (when possible) contain emergencies within the scope of their training. Course prerequisites: Minimum age 14; current certification in an adult CPR course; completion of AED training. Certification: Organizations and individuals may provide students who successfully complete the 16-hour curriculum a certificate of completion of a class that meets the criteria of the Boy Scouts of America for Wilderness First Aid. The content of this course may not deviate, either through additions or deletions, from the approved curriculum. Who is this for? Youth and adult Scout leaders are encouraged to take this first-aid course, which offers a management dimension that most curriculums fail to address. Scout leaders will likely find it the most valuable program they’ll ever take. The BSA requires at least one person (two preferred) per unit to be WFA-certified for certain high-adventure camp and backcountry experiences. This certificate will be valid for two years.
Note: Equivalent First Aid, CPR, AED and WFA training from the following nationally-recognized organizations: American Red Cross (ARC), and Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) meet the BSA training requirements. Other courses accepted by the BSA are listed here and here (page 2). BSA does not accept online CPR classes.
| Date |
Course
(click link for course description) |
Location |
Contact |
Time |
Cost |
Register |
| April 29-30, 2023 |
Wilderness Remote First Aid |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
In-class session: 9 am - 5 pm for 2 days |
$95 |
Full |
| May 20, 2023 |
ARC Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 9:00 am - 10:15 am or 11 am - 12:15pm |
$42 |
Register |
| August 12, 2023 |
ARC Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 9:00 am - 10:15 am or 11 am - 12:15pm |
$42 |
Registration opens ~June |
| September 9, 2023 |
ARC Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 9:00 am - 10:15 am or 11 am - 12:15pm |
$42 |
Registration opens ~June |
| September 16, 2023 |
ARC First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Class |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 8am - 5 pm |
$95 |
Registration opens ~June |
| October 7, 2023 |
ARC Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 8am - 5 pm |
$42 |
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| November 04, 2023 |
ARC Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 8am - 5 pm |
$42 |
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| November 11, 2023 |
Wilderness Remote First Aid |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
In-class session: 9 am - 5 pm for 2 days |
$95 |
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| November 12, 2023 |
Wilderness Remote First Aid |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
In-class session: 9 am - 5 pm for 2 days |
$95 |
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| December 9, 2023 |
ARC Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED |
Cockrell Scout Center |
Gidget Swift |
An online class will need to be completed prior to in-class session. In-class session: 8am - 5 pm |
$42 |
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Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with basic training, this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in troops in order to be considered trained. The training is a weekend course and takes about 15 hours to complete. Most courses include meals.* What to bring to training.
| Date |
Time |
Host District (Training Location) |
Contact |
Cost* |
Registration Link |
| May 20-21, 2023 |
Sat at 8:00 am - Sun at noon |
Twin Bayou (Sealy, TX) |
Charles Williams |
$41.50 |
Register |
Leave No Trace Trainer Course
The Leave No Trace Trainer Course is an overnight course for individuals, ages 14 and up who wish to guide units in developing a culture that effectively demonstrates responsible outdoor choices that reduce impacts of Scouting activities. Leave No Trace Trainers, outdoor ethics guides, and outdoor ethics advisors are the backbone of Scouting’s outdoor ethics program, providing instruction to individuals and units wishing to adopt cutting-edge outdoor ethics into their unit programs.
The Leave No Trace Master Outdoor Ethics Educator Course is a 5-day course conducted over two weekends. The Master Educator Course is the summit of Leave No Trace training and may be taken by individuals, ages 18 and up who wish to be accredited as Master Educators by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Prior completion of a Leave No Trace Trainer course is recommended.
Scouting with Special Needs
The council is committed to making Scouting accessible and enjoyable to all Scouts, regardless of their abilities. Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has included fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. The BSA's policy is to treat members with disabilities as much like other members as possible. It has been traditional, however, to make some accommodations in advancement if absolutely necessary. By adapting the environment and/or our instruction methods, most Scouts with disabilities can be successful in Scouting. The disability awareness committee offers a variety of training courses. Courses are typically offered during University of Scouting.
Shooting Sports
In Scouting events and activities, the BSA’s primary consideration is the safety of its youth and adult members. To achieve that goal, the BSA, in consultation with other organizations, has created specific guidelines for shooting sports. These organizations also provide training and instructor certification by discipline-specific subject matter experts to prepare those individuals who will serve in a leadership or supervisory role in the various shooting sports activities.
Learn More about Shooting Sports
*Basic Instructor Training (BIT) must be current when taking the basic shooting or basic instructor class; the certification lasts two years.
Trainer's EDGE
Trainer's EDGE is BSA's trainer development course designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences. Trainer's EDGE is offered at the Council level typically 4 times per year, during University of Scouting & during late winter & during early fall.
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Online Classes
Chaplain's Aide Training
Chaplain's Aide Training is for Scouts to learn the duties, responsibilities, and opportunities of chaplaincy service in troops.
Commissioner Training
A trained commissioner is an effective commissioner. Basic training has been changed from one course for all commissioners to position-specific courses for unit commissioners, assistant district commissioners, assistant commissioners and roundtable commissioners.
Crew Committee Challenge Training
Crew Committee Challenge is intended to provide Venturing crew committee members with the basic information they need to help manage a crew. The training takes about two and a half hours to complete.
Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training
The Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training course is intended to provide Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters with the basic information they need to conduct successful pack meetings. The training takes about four hours to complete and can be taken in a classroom setting or online.
Den Chief Training
Den Chief Training is basic training for Scouts in troops interested in becoming den chiefs for a Cub Scout den, and for adult leaders who wish to know more about this vital position. This course can be completed in a classroom setting or online.
Den Leader Position-Specific Training
The Den Leader Position-Specific Training course provides Cub Scout den leaders with the basic information they need to conduct successful den meetings. The training takes about four hours to complete and can be taken in a classroom setting or online.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
The purpose of Merit Badge Counselor Orientation is to provide council- or district-approved and registered merit badge counselors with an understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of Boy Scouts of America and can be taken in a classroom setting or online.
Pack Committee Challenge - Pack Committee Position-Specific Training
The purpose of the Pack Committee Challenge-Pack Committee Position-Specific Training is to familiarize pack committee members with the various responsibilities of the individual members of the committee as well as the committee as a whole. The goal is to help each pack committee work as a team to improve the Scouting experience for adult and youth members. The training takes about four hours to complete and can be taken in a classroom setting or online.
Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (S24)
Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training is intended to provide troop leadership with the information and tools they need to lead successful troops. Scoutmasters and assistants who complete this training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), and Youth Protection training are considered "trained." The training takes about four and a half hours to complete and can be taken in a classroom setting or online.
Sea Scouts
Sea Scouts Adult Leader Basic Training gets back to basics and covers important key subjects including program unit resource management, training opportunities, youth advancement and recognition, program planning, effective leadership, and more. Learn more about Sea Scouts training.
Short-Term Camp Administrator Training (STCA)
Short-Term Camp Administrator Training is the training for short-term camp administrators. The short-term camp administrator ensures that councils and districts overnight events that are three nights are less (e.g., camporees, Webelos Scout events, training) are conducted safe and have quality outdoor programs and that all activities at the short-term camp complies with the applicable BSA National Camp Standards. Register and learn more about Short-Term Camp Administrator Training.
STEM NOVA Counselor and SUPERNOVA Mentor Training (D82/D83)
Training the Chartered Organization Representative (COR)
Training the COR helps Chartered Organization Representatives better understand their roles and responsibilities. The training takes about two to two and a half hours.
Troop Committee Challenge
Troop Committee Challenge training helps troop committee members better understand their roles and responsibilities. This training enables troop committee members to give support to the troop, Scouts, and Scoutmasters. Troop Committee Challenge is an in-person course only. The training takes about two to two and a half hours to complete and can be taken in a classroom setting or online.
Troop Guide Conference
Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively. The Troop Guide Conference is an all-day training that provides tips and tools for being a successful troop guide. Learn what to and how to assist the adult troop leaders and Scouts.
Venturing Advisor Position-Specific Training (P21)
Venturing Advisor Position-Specific Training provides participants with an introduction to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful Venturing crew leadership experience. The training takes about three and a half hours. This course can be taken in a classroom setting or online.