
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
If you had a magic wand, would you use it to make the Scouting program better and more fun for youth so they stayed in Scouting longer, so it had a larger impact on their lives? What if the same magic wand made leadership roles easier, more rewarding, and led to better retention among adult leaders? Would using that magic wand be a top priority?
Well, such a magic wand does exist-in the form of the learning programs for leaders in Scouting America.
Common sense tells us that training is important, and research shows the importance of trained leaders. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!
These pages contain many of the “magic wands” and resources. Scout them out!
Upcoming Training Event:

BALOO/IOLS:
- BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training prepares Cub Scout leaders to safely plan and lead outdoor experiences, including overnight camping, in a Cub Scout-appropriate setting. It equips leaders with essential skills in safety, program planning, and age-appropriate outdoor activities. Taking BALOO is important because it ensures Cub Scouts can enjoy meaningful outdoor adventures while leaders meet Scouting America’s requirements and keep youth safe.
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a hands-on Scouting America training that teaches Scouts BSA leaders the core outdoor skills Scouts learn, including camping, cooking, navigation, knots, and outdoor safety. It’s important because it gives leaders the confidence and practical knowledge to support a youth-led program and ensure outings are safe, fun, and true to the Scouting experience.
Upcoming Training Calendar
- BALOO & IOLS Training (Mar 6th, 6:00 PM - Mar 8th, 2026, 12:00 PM)
- Range and Target Work Day (Mar 7th, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
- Life to Eagle Workshop March 2026 (Mar 28th, 2026, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
- Wilderness First Aid (Mar 28th, 9:00 AM - Mar 29th, 2026, 4:00 PM)
- Eagle Scout Proposal Reviewer Training (Apr 15th, 2026, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
- Eagle Scout Proposal Reviewer Training (Apr 18th, 2026, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Den Chief Training (May 9th, 2026, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
Council Training Chair: Donna Sword Dsword@me.com
Staff Advisor: Peter Jensen Peter.Jensen@scouting.org