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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:

Charter Organization Position Specific Training

The training offered will not only get you trained in your position but will offer a practical training using the my.scouting.org tools for the Chartered Organizational Representative.  You can take the training online at my.scouting.org and request just a refresher course on the my.scouting.org tools.  If you are not approving adult applications online or checking training status, you are missing an opportunity to streamline the process.  If you have authorized someone to do this job, please share this link.  If you want to know how to delegate, please take this class.

The dates and times this  class is being offered :
Wed 2/11/ 2026 11:30 to 12:30pm
Tues 2/17/2026  12:00 to 1:00pm
Sunday  2/22/2026 3:00 to 4:00pm

February 11,17,22
2026 March- IOLS & BALOO Training Post

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

Council Training Chair: Donna Sword Dsword@me.com

Staff Advisor: Peter Jensen Peter.Jensen@scouting.org