Training
Become a Trained Leader
Training helps you make the Scouting program more fun, more effective, and more rewarding for your youth, for your adults, and for YOU! Training helps us all get past the nervousness of performing a role for the first time, whether it’s leading a meeting or leading a camping trip or field trip program.
Adult leaders in units are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem when they have completed Youth Protection Training and the training courses outlined below, or have completed Youth Protection Training and a previous basic training course when it was current.
FIND THE POSITION-REQUIRED TRAINING CLASSES HERE
HOW TO PRINT YPT & TRAINING CERTIFICATES
FIND THE MY.SCOUTING ONLINE TRAINING WEBSITE HERE
- Create an account - this can be done with or without your BSA membership ID.
- If you enter your membership ID, your training records will be updated at the Council office.
- If you are not yet registered, you can still take training. Just print the certificate at the end of each course.
- Submit your certificate of completion to your District Training Chair.
YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING |
YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members.
True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels. You do not have to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America to take Youth Protection training.
New to Scouting? Click here to login and take Youth Protection training
CUB SCOUT LEADER TRAINING
Cub Scout Leader Training has been developed to give new leaders the knowledge and skills, as well as to generate the enthusiasm, that they need to be successful. The course is designed to provide Cub Scout leaders with the basic information they need to successfully carry out the duties of their position. The course is intended to be conducted in a group setting with space available to break out the group into the different leader positions.
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
BASIC ADULT OUTDOOR LEADER TRAINING (BALOO)
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training has recently been revised and is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping, overnighters and Webelos den overnighters.
The BALOO training is open to any Den Leaders or interested Scouter. The Training is fun, helps you to better understand some of reasons why BSA does what it does and helps the pack out at the same time. This training is required for any adult who oversees planning a pack campout, and it is required that at least one adult per pack complete BALOO training.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation - BALOO is a one-time required training.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout leaders is a three-part training event that includes
1). An online portion at https://my.scouting.org/
2). Hands on practical session which enables participants to learn skills needed to plan and conduct pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping.
WHO: For all Cub Scout Leaders and interested Scouts.
DATES: Participants must participate in both events, virtual & practical training.
COST: $30, Food will be provided, but participants in BALOO training will be doing the cooking!
MAX PARTICIPANTS: Limited to the first 20 participants.
PACKING LIST (For the practical session):
- Face mask
- Hand Sanitizer
- Tent
- Sleeping gear
- Cup/bowl/spoon
- Pen/pencil/paper
- Camp chair
- Bug spray (in case)
- Class A shirt and other clothing according to the weather.
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
September 16-17, 2023, REGISTER HERE
CUB SCOUT LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING
Leader Specific Training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Den leaders (tiger wolf, bear) and Webelos den leaders are provided with the information and tools needed to conduct successful den meetings. Cubmasters and pack committee members are provide with information and tools needed to successfully plan a successful pack program. These trainings can also be taken online.
DEN LEADER TRAINING
This is for all Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light den leaders and is intended to provide them with the experience, basic information, and resources they need to conduct successful den meetings. It is also designed to address some of the primary skills that den leaders need.
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
CUB SCOUT LEADER'S POW WOW - (Cub Scout Leader & Parent Training!)Cub Scout leader, new and seasoned leaders, and parents are invited.
Cub-masters
Assistant Cubmasters
Den Leaders
Assistant Den Leaders
Lion Parents
Cub Scout Parents
Pack Committee Chairs & Members
Event/Activity Chairpersons
Chartered Organization Representatives
and anyone interested in having a better Cub Scout Program!!!
Training sessions are on relevant topics for every position and will help you become a better leader while making your Cub Scout Program more fun for the Scouts and you too. Pow Wow is an all-day training event and the course sessions are intended for adults only. We do not have provisions or accommodations for children watching and day care. Thank you.
PLEASE BRING: Cub Scout uniform, notepad & pen
COST: November 6, 2021 (Bring or go out for lunch)
LOCATION: Alvin Community College
Classes to include:
- Cub Scout STEM
- Cub Scout Knots
- Pack Games
- Cub Scout Awards – Youth and Adult
- Annual Planning*
- Cub Scouts and Service
- How To Get And Keep Volunteers*
- Keeping the Outing In Scouting In The Bay Area
- Dealing with Difficult Parents
- Cub Scout Pack Financial Procedures and Budgeting *
- Advanced Cub Scout Leaders*
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
SCOUTMASTER & ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER TRAINING
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters Basic Leader Training is intended to provide troop leadership with the information and tools they need to lead successful Scouts BSA troops.
PLEASE BRING: Boy Scout Handbook, paper & pen
COST: Complimentary
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS (IOLS)
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is an adult hands-on skills training in the outdoors, designed to help you master basic camp skills required for Tenderfoot to First Class. You will learn how to set up camp, cook, work with wood tools, knots, first aid, plan campfire programs, map and compass skills, hiking and backpacking techniques, nature identification and Leave No Trace.
Not required for Cub Scout leaders.
COST: $30. Food is provided and the participants in the IOLS training will be helping with the cooking!
PLEASE BRING:
- Boy Scout/Webelos Handbook
- Tent
- Sleeping gear
- Eating utencils/cup/bowl
- Pen/pencil/paper
- Camp chair
- Bug spray (in case)
- Field uniform and other clothing according to the weather.
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
April 29-30, 2023 (BOTH DAYS Required), Camp Karankawa, 3249 FM 1459 Rd., Sweeny, TX 77480, REGISTER HERE
DEN CHIEF TRAINING (YOUTH)
Den Chief Training is basic training for Scouts 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 taken online.
KAYAKING SAFETY
Kayaking BSA provides an introduction to kayaking skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for Boy Scout, Varsity, and Venturing units in camp or out.
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
Prepare for an intensive weekend course which will take a Scout or adult through the required Boy Scouts of America Lifeguard Certification.
Once obtained, the certification will assist the individual in volunteering at the unit level for swims and boating programs, plus can lead to employment positions in both the internal Scouting community and beyond.
Participants must be at least 15 years of age to receive certification.
COST: $150. Limited to the first 24 participants. CPR & First Aid Training is also provided.
CONTACT: Charlie Tinsley at charlie.tinsley@scouting.org
FOR DATES & REGISTRATION CLICK HERE
PADDLE CRAFT SAFETY
Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water.
SAFETY AFLOAT
Safety Afloat must be completed for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed training within two years. Cub Scout activities afloat are limited to council or district events that do not include moving water or float trips. Safety Afloat standards apply to the use of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, floating tubes, sailboats, motorboats, waterskiing, and other small craft, but do not apply to transportation on commercial vessels, such as ferries and cruise ships. Parasailing, kitesurfing, and recreational use of personal watercraft are not authorized BSA activities. Training is available online at myscouting.org.
SAFE SWIM DEFENSE
Safe Swim Defense must be completed for all swimming activities. Supervising adult leaders of a swimming activity must have completed training within two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply in backyards, hotels, apartments, public pools, rivers, beaches, state parks and lakes. Safe Swim Defense does not apply to boating or water activities, but applies to other non-swimming activities whenever participants enter water over knee deep, or when submersion is likely. For example, when fording a stream, seining for bait, or constructing a bridge as a pioneering project. Because of concerns with hyperventilation, competitive underwater swimming events are not permitted in Scouting. Training is available online at myscouting.org.
SCUBA SAFETY
Scuba BSA introduces qualified Boy Scout, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving.
SNORKELING SAFETY
Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting group snorkeling at a private or public pool, wilderness pond, stream, or wherever the water looks inviting enough to take a dip.
SWIMMING & WATER RESCUE
Swimming & Water Rescue training provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training.
CLIMB ON SAFETY
Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility, such as a climbing wall or tower. Leaders should be aware that Climb On Safely is an orientation only, and does not constitute training on how to climb or rappel. Climb on Safely training may be obtained from the BSA Online Learning Center at www.myscouting.org.
CPR, FIRST AID & WILDERNESS FIRST AID |
CPR & FIRST AID
The Scout Oath instills in youth that, "On my honor I will do my best … to help other people at all times." Emergency care is no exception. CPR Training teaches Boy Scouts of America volunteers, staff members and Scouts how to provide life-saving care in the event of an emergency. (If you are taking Wilderness First Aid on the same weekend as CPR, you may spend the night at camp. Please register for Wilderness First Aid separately.)
COST: $45
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
First Aid/CPR is required to take Wilderness First Aid. This registration will ask if you need First Aid/CPR. The cost for that portion is an additional $45.
Learn about the new practices that go way beyond what Scouting leaders may already know as "first aid." This will help you cope with medical emergencies in the wild and perhaps more importantly, to be a more effective manager in any crisis. This course is a BSA Policy Requirement. As of 2008, the requirement is for at least one leader in each group, not just unit, must have this certification for high adventure camps. So, if your unit has a trek that will be broken into multiple groups you will need one leader per group trained.
PREREQUISITES Must be at least 14 years of age or older.
PLEASE BRING:
-Tent
-Personals
-Closed-toed shoes
-Clothes that can get dirty
COST: $150 (For week-long events - during Fall & Winter Camps only - dinner will also be provided.)
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
HAZARDOUS WEATHER (Required for all Direct-Contact Leaders)
Hazardous Weather training must be completed by all direct-contact leaders. The training module presents safety precautions for eight different types of weather, as well as planning, preparation, and traditional weather signs. Hazardous Weather training may be obtained from the BSA Online Learning Center at www.myscouting.org. Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.
HIGH ADVENTURE
The Philmont Training Center is the only national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, and a fun family program. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses; council approval is no longer required.
View online
POWDERHORN
Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on course which helps Scouts and Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their troop, crew or ship. Would you like to expose your troop, crew or ship to rock climbing, Dutch oven cooking, geocaching, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, firefighting, search and rescue, trekking in a different countries, mountain biking, fly fishing, canoeing, wilderness first aid, astronomy, shooting sport (e.g., rifle, shotgun, handgun, archery), equestrian, 1860 baseball, wilderness survival, NYLT, Sea Scouts, the Kodiak Challenge, the Hornaday award, Messenger of Peace, living history, Leave No Trace, vendors, Jamboree, event planning, tying flies, scuba diving, and more.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Open to youth and adults ages 14 and up.
REGISTRATION: www.samhoustonbsa.org/powder-horn
MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR TRAINING |
MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR TRAINING
The Merit Badge Counselor is a key player in the Boy Scout advancement program. Whatever your area of expertise or interest—whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications) — as a counselor, you can play a vital role in stirring a youth's curiosity about that particular topic. By serving as a counselor, you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest.
Training is available online at myscouting.org.
NATIONAL CAMP SCHOOLS
Long-term Camps
Short-term Camps
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING |
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING
NYLT models a month in the life of a unit. It represents an activity cycle in the life of a typical Scouting unit. The first three full days of the course represent the planning stages, complete with leadership council meetings, unit meetings and planning for a larger event.
Oct. 7-9 (Check-in at 8 a.m. Check-out at 4 p.m. on Sunday) AND Oct. 14-15, 2023 (Check-in at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Check-out is at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday) at Camp Karankawa
FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION, CLICK HERE
RECHARTER TRAINING
Bay Area Council will be conducting a Recharter Training class annually. Please check back for training opportunities. The purpose of the training is to discuss the process of online rechartering. We will go through step by step the procedure that units should be following. It is essential that at least one person from each unit attend the training. Recharter packets will be available for all units. Question and answer time for membership and advancement issues will happen at the end of the meeting.
COST: Complimentary
CONTACT: Kelly Meacham at kelly.meacham@scouting.org
NRA RANGE SAFETY OFFICER
What does it take to go shooting with your Scouts BSA unit? It takes NRA trained Range Safety Officer Training and a certified NRA Instructor in either rifles (if you want to shoot rifles) or shotguns (if you want to shoot shotguns.)
COST: $105.00.
There is a non-refundable $30 fee on top of the standard 15% cancellation fee for this class.
CONTACT: Charlie Tinsley at charlie.tinsley@scouting.org
NRA TRAINING
NRA instructor trainings are designed to develop NRA certified instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely teach the NRA basic firearm training courses. Through the NRA training, adults that already have subject matter expertise, learn how to conduct a firearms class the NRA way so the candidates earn the NRA Instructor certification. Learn more about becoming an NRA instructor.
RANGEMASTER TRAINING - CUB SCOUTS
Operation of BB and archery ranges for Cub Scout activities and events require qualified, trained range masters. BSA requires all Cub Scout shooting sports to be supervised by a BSA certified range master. Range master training covers setting up a range, safety, handling equipment, using a bow stringer, maintaining and storing equipment and instructing Scouts. Shooting sports/Range Master training needs to be renewed every two years.
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
SHOOTING SPORTS
The Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Sports Manual (No 30931) contains specific guidelines for shooting sports. Important updates were made to the manual in January 2014. See the Guide to Safe Scouting: shooting sports section for additional information.
STEM NOVA COUNSELOR TRAINING
These courses are intended to provide training for STEM Nova counselors. The instructor-led course is designed to be used with the training slide deck at group courses.
Counselor Training slide deck
Counselor Training Instructor’s Guide
Counselor Self-Study slide deck
Counselor Self-Study Guide
STEM SUPERNOVA TRAINING
This course is a self-study training course for STEM Supernova mentors.
Mentor's Guide
TREK SAFELY
Trek Safely is designed to help Scouting groups be fully prepared for a backcountry trek. It will help each youth member and adult leader recognize situations that could develop, in which the group will have to adjust its schedule or route, or even make camp for the night because of weather circumstances or an injured or ill crew member. Crews that address possible scenarios in advance are less likely to be surprised on the trail. Contingency planning is critical to the success of every trip. Trek Safely may be obtained from the BSA Online Learning Center at myscouting.org.
COMMISSIONER BASIC TRAINING
A trained commissioner is an effective commissioner. This five-hour course, designed for unit commissioners, examines: what a commissioner is, what a commissioner does, and how a commissioner does it.
Upon completion participants understand: the 4 objectives of unit service, the function of council and district operations, the commissioner's role in supporting units, the primary tools available to unit commissioners, the methods and steps of good unit program planning, and the commissioner's priorities and how to be an effective leader as a commissioner.
DATE: TBD
COST: Complimentary. You may bring your own lunch.
CONTACT: Derick Meadows at dr_meadows@comcast.net
CHARTERED ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING
The Chartered Organization Representative Training (Course D72) is for the Chartered Organization Representative (CR) who has not completed their training to become a “Trained Leader.” This training is the in person training that the BSA requires for CRs. Required online training for CRs include Youth Protection (Course YPT01 for all but Venturing, Ships, and Posts which require YPT02 instead), This is Scouting (Course WA01), and Chartered Organization Representative Fast Start (Course D62).
Once all the above training is completed, the CR is considered a ‘trained leader’ for their specific position and authorized to wear the respective Cub Scout (Red) or Scouts BSA/Venture/Exploring (Green) patch.
COST: Complimentary
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
COMMITTEE MEMBER TRAINING
This training is for Pack, Troop and Crew Committee Members and is intended to provide them with the experience, basic information, and resources they need to be trained Committee Members.
COST: Complimentary
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
VENTURE CREW LEADER TRAINING
This training is designed to introduce adult Venturing crew leaders to the basic information needed to operate a crew.
COST: Complimentary
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
Wood Badge - NST7-574-24-1
Grow & Serve
Wood Badge is the premier adult leader training program in Scouting. The program highlights personal and leadership development with courses in team building, problem solving, communication, conflict resolution and many other useful skills. These skills can be taken directly back to packs, troops, ships, crews and teams to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs. Wood Badge is a fun, challenging and inspirational Scouting experience for all leaders who wish to improve their leadership skills.
Here are some of the benefits:
• Transformation. The experience of the course is transformational; you will experience growth in your leadership skills and abilities.
• Line of Sight to the Youth. When working the goals set forth in the ticket, you will have a positive impact on Scouts, units, and districts throughout Bay Area Council
• What and why of Scouting. You will have a deeper understanding of the Scouting Movement and why we embrace it.
• Experience. You will learn and experience things that you will use in your personal life and your Scouting position.
• Fun. You will have fun and you will meet interesting people.
• Other groups. You will make your other groups, like work, church, even family, stronger
The Ticket
You may have heard about Scouters “Working their ticket” and wondered what that meant. The ticket is a group of five goals you set for yourself that contribute to the Scouting Movement. You can start working your ticket as soon as the instructional part of the course completes. You learn more about this in the course.
DOWNLOAD THE FLYER HERE. (Coming soon)
Registration
The Course consists of TWO FULL WEEKENDS Weekend #1 is Friday-Sunday. Weekend #2 is Saturday-Sunday. (Register for Weekend #1 only.)
Patrol meeting(s) between weekends.
Participants MUST ATTEND both weekends and all patrol meetings.
TIME & DATE:
Wood Badge Weekend #1: Feb. 16-18, 2024
Wood Badge Weekend #2: March 9-10, 2024
PLACE: Camp Karankawa, 3249 FM 1459 Rd., Sweeny, TX 77480
COST:
Participants - $275 (3% Convenience fee applies.) $75 deposit required at time of registration.
Staff - $175 (3% Convenience fee applies.) $75 deposit required at time of registration.
PARTICIPANTS: Course size is limited to 48 participants.
(A minimum of 30 participants must be registered, with fees fully paid 30 days before the first scheduled date of the course per National BSA guidelines.)
PLEASE BRING: BSA Health Form (Parts A, B & C) completed within one year of course must be turned in for each participant.
TO REGISTER: Please have your name, address, phone, email, council, district, unit type, scouting position, and t-shirt size ready when registering.
CONTACT: Wood Badge Course Director Derick Meadows at dr_meadows@comcast.net.
REGISTER BY: Jan. 16, 2024
Wood Badge - NST7-574-22-1
CONTACT: Wood Badge Course Director Bill Griffin at bill_griffin@bmc.com or Assistant Course Director Derick Meadows at dr_meadows@comcast.net.
FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAINING
The Fundamentals of Training is the first part of the three-part train-the trainer continuum (T3) in Scouting and is intended for both youth and adult trainers. This session is designed to introduce new Scouting trainers to teaching techniques and skills. This first part of the T3 continuum, The Fundamentals of Training, is designed to help Scouters, regardless of their experience, present effective training.
The purpose of this course is to introduce experienced Scouters and Scouts to the skills needed to provide effective training. At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to understand the principles of how people learn, understand four primary methods of instruction used by the BSA, and practice the BSA’s training techniques.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
- Trainers for Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, Varsity, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Order of the Arrow & Den Chiefs
- Unit Training and Training Coordinators
- Current or New District or Council Training Team Members
- Anyone who wishes to Instruct at a Bay Area Council Training Event
CONTACT: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
TRAINER'S EDGE
Trainer's EDGE is BSA's latest version of the Training Conference that instructs leaders on better ways of making presentations at trainings and allows the participants to practice the EDGE training model (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide & Enable) and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences.
Participants should include those individuals that will be delivering training to adults and youth leaders in all parts of the Scouting program including University of Scouting instructors, council and district trainers, Roundtable staff, unit trainers, commissioner trainers, NYLT & Wood Badge staff, Order of the Arrow trainers, and Scouts who are interested in improving their training & presentation skills.
Participants must prepare a presentation (about five minute duration) before the course and bring the material, equipment, and/or props they need to deliver the presentation. They will be given an opportunity to practice this presentation in a small group setting and receive feedback.
DATE: TBD
CONTACT: Derick Meadows at dr_meadows@comcast.net
RESOURCES
CONTACT
TRAINING CHAIR: Andy Tirpak at andyt.bactraining@gmail.com
REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE: Sonya Harvey at sonya.harvey@scouting.org
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