Welcome to Scouting! You’re joining a force of volunteers a million strong who are striving to change the world and their communities by having a powerfully positive impact on the young people. We have been where you are, and we understand just how intimidating the job can be. Scouting America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence and reinforce ethical standards. Scouting prepares youth for responsible citizenship along with the values of faith and family. They can count on the principles learned in Scouting for the rest of their lives. All this is accomplished through volunteers, just like you.
Safeguarding Youth training is a joining requirement for all Adult volunteers and must be taken every two years. Training found at my.scouting.org.
Need to know what are the requirements to be trained for your unit leadership role? This sheet explains the training requirements for all unit-level leaders.
These instructor-led courses are designed to help Scouters learn how to effectively carry out their Scouting roles. In most cases, completing the course will make a Scouter “trained” for the role(s) covered in the course. E-learning versions of these courses are available in my.scouting.org.
Our Council will offer a few courses throughout the year but we encourage you to complete this training online.
(BALOO) Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation is a one-and-a-half day course designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program. The training has two components: online pre-requisite and an outdoor overnight hands on component.
Our Council is pleased to offer the overnight component multiple times throughout the year.
(IOLS) 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.
Our Council is pleased to offer multiple courses throughout the year.
Leave No Trace is a key component of Scouting outdoor ethics- It provides the modern standard for how we use the natural outdoors and how Scouting can lead the way and set the example for others.
This course is a must-do for unit leaders (especially those involved in planning or leading their unit’s outdoor programs), Staff for any Scouting training course such as BALOO or IOLS, Unit Commissioners, District Committee Members (Like Program Chairs, Camporee Chairs, and Camping Chairs), Council-level volunteers, Scouting Professionals (Camp Rangers, Commissioned Professionals, and District Executive Staff), and Summer Camp Staff Members.
The next Leave No Trace Skills Course is November 7-9, 2025 at Camp Jackson. The course starts at 7pm and will conclude on Sunday, November 9th, by 3pm. The cost for the course is $45 and covers insurance, course supplies, and meals. Registration can be found by following this link. If you have questions or want to know more, you can contact course director Charlie Thorpe.
Roundtable is exactly what it implies – it is an opportunity for Scouters to receive quality resources, knowledge, and skills and work as a group to have an opportunity for an equal exchange of ideas. Roundtables focus on program highlights for upcoming months and are held in all districts. The objectives of roundtables are to provide leaders with program ideas; information on policy and events; and training opportunities. It is a forum for sharing experiences and enjoying fun and fellowship with other Scout leaders. Roundtable will inspire, motivate, and enable you to provide a stronger program for your Scouts.
The podcasts are monthly audio presentations that provide information on topics of interest to Cub Scout and Scouts BSA leaders.
Up to date training information from the National Organization.
The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the national volunteer training center for Scouting America. Since 1950, the PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteers, creating leaders, and hosting family friendly experiences and adventures. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and their families attend the PTC.
Every conference at the PTC features tools, techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses; council approval is not required.