Boy Scouts of America - TROOP 414
Spring, Texas
Training boys to become godly men
A variety of training opportunities are regularly provided to Scouts at the unit (troop), District, Council, and/or National BSA level. These courses permit Scouts to participate in specific events or serve in specific positions of responsibility.
Q. What is required for youth to receive and wear the 'Trained' patch on their Class-A uniform?
A. Complete at least one Troop Leadership Training class
The following courses must be completed for adult leaders to be 'fully trained' and receive the 'Trained' patch (Online courses noted with **):
Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmasters:
Troop Committee:
BSA and other BSA-related entities provide many online, classroom, and hands-on outdoor skill training courses for adults. While some of these classes are 'optional' they are ALL beneficial for successful delivery of a fun and safe Scouting program. Certification for most classes is good for two to three years from the date taken.
NOTE:
The list of classes below is not exhaustive, but represents the main training courses needed for a troop to offer a broad spectrum of high adventure activities and comply with BSA Safe Scouting requirements. Obviously the more adults that complete each course, the easier it is for the troop to meet the minimum number of certified adults required for a given activity.
So, look over this list, determine what you still need or want to take, and get trained as soon as possible! Be sure to let the Scoutmaster or Committee Training Chair know as soon as you complete a course.
Training Courses
Training Courses Offered Outside of B.S.A.
2010 BSA Shooting Sports Training Classes information email from Bruce Robinson
Additional Adult Training Resources
Chaplain Aide Training
This course is designed to prepare Scouts to serve as their Troop's Chaplain's Aide. Participants will talk about how to help the Troop Chaplain, overview how to encourage fellow Scouts to earn their faith's religious emblem, write several meal graces and prayers, and plan a Scouts Own religious service for a Troop campout. Scouts will leave with several resources to help them throughout the year to encourage Troop members to strengthen their relationships with God.
Approximate Duration: 6 hours
Chartered Organization Representative
The Boy Scouts of America, in its relationship with chartered organizations, depends on the COR to be the liaison between the local council and the organization. As the representative of the organization, you have the responsibility to share information between the council and the organization and vice versa. This training will give you a solid overview of the scouting program and teach you how to help your units grow and be successful in the scouting program.
Approximate Duration: 2 hours & 15 minutes
Climb on Safely
Covers 8 key safety points about climbing and rappelling, and is recommended for adult leaders organizing any type of climbing outing. Includes a brief video broken into three sections, with questions after each section.
Approximate Duration: 30 minutes
Den Chief
The Den Chief plays an important roll for both his troop and the pack. Den Chief training works best if the Den Leader or the Cubmaster take the training along with the Den Chief. This helps the pack leaders know how to use the Den Chief in the den. For the Den Chief, it helps them know their job and the pack leadership is behind him. For the troop, the Den Chief provides an excellent example of Boy Scouting to the Cub Scouts and help encourage them to join the troop their Den Chief is from. Den Chief training will show the Den Chief how to help the Den Leader with the den activities from meeting to meeting. These can include games, skills, songs, and stories & adventures from someone who is a Boy Scout close to their own age.
Approximate Duration: 6 hours
Fast Start: Boy Scout
This is the first step to take for any volunteer new to Boy Scouting and should be taken before beginning youth activities. This course explains the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America's core program, then zeros in on the job. The seven parts of the unit meeting, the unit committee, outdoor program, and other basic concepts of Scouting, are all covered in this one short online experience. It's the best way for someone new to the program to quickly grasp how Troop Scouting works and where additional resources can be found.
Approximate Duration: 45-60 minutes
Hazardous Weather Training
Hazardous Weather training must be completed prior to requesting a tour permit from the BSA. The module presents safety precautions for eight different types of weather, as well as planning, preparation, and traditional weather signs.
Approximate Duration: 30-45 minutes
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
This hands-on program gives adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Imagine having hands-on knowledge setting up a campsite, pitching a tent, hiking, outdoor cooking -- all the skills necessary to see the outdoor program of the Boy Scouts of America come to life.
The skills sessions presented in Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills closely follow the Boy Scout Handbook and are meant to serve as an adult training outline. By using these skills sessions in conjunction with the Boy Scout Handbook, trainers can be sure new leaders are proficient in the basic outdoor skills through First Class rank. Each skills session references specific chapters in the handbook.
The course builds confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences. Subjects covered include: flag etiquette, plant identification, packing and hiking techniques, map and compass, cooking and first aid, among others. Districts offer this training.
Approximate Duration: A weekend, encompassing 1 1/2 days, with an overnight campout in between.
Leave No Trace
Organized or presented by the Unit Training Coordinator, district or council. Concepts are best presented over a series of weeks or months in 15 to 30 minute segments. Suggested activities take 45-75 minutes. This training covers how to camp in ways that will make the least impact on the environment. Great training for any leader or youth interested in best methods for camping in wilderness areas.
Merit Badge Counselor
The purpose of this training unit is to provide council or district-approved and registered merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of Boy Scouts of America. The merit badge counselor's role is to bring about learning on the part of the Boy Scout.
As a 'coach' the counselor advises the Scout concerning steps he should take to fulfill the requirements for the merit badge. As a 'counselor' he evaluates the Scout's performance and determines whether or not the Scout has met the prescribed objectives in the requirements.
Approximate Duration: 1 hour
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
A week long council presented course for troop junior leaders. Leaders must be at least First Class and age 13 to attend. Participants gain knowledge of eleven skills of leadership, share ideas with others from around the council and confidence they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what he must KNOW, and what he must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
NYLT is a six-day course. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much faster.
Built on the legacy of past Junior Leadership Training successes, the new NYLT integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio-visual support, NYLT participants will be engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give them the skill and confidence to lead well. Through a wide range of activities, games, and adventures, participants will work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer.
This is provided by the Council or can be taken at National BSA camps.
Powder Horn
Powder Horn is an exciting training opportunity designed to present local resource individuals in all areas of high adventure covered by the Venturing programs Ranger award, including: First Aid, Communications, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Land Navigation, Leave No Trace Camping, Wilderness Survival, Conservation, Backpacking, Cave Exploring, Cycling/Mountain Biking, Ecology, Equestrian, Fishing, Hunting, Lifesaving, Mountaineering, Outdoor Living History, Physical Fitness, Plants and Wildlife, Project COPE, Scuba, Shooting Sports, Watercraft, and Winter Sports.
The program will also help leaders in working with teens and how to address issues related to co-ed Venturing crews.
Powder Horn can help establish a successful high adventure program for older Scouts and Ventures in several ways, including:
Safety Afloat & Safe Swim Defense
These are two separate courses that are almost always taught together. These courses are designed to train adult unit leaders in the basics of water safety and unit aquatic activity planning. Participants who attend this training will receive a Safety Afloat certification and a Safe Swim Defense certification.
The courses focus on the seven points of Safe Swim Defense and the nine points of Safety Afloat. The classes address major concerns about aquatic and boating safety and water rescue. Participants will receive Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training pamphlets.
This certification is required in order to obtain a tour permit for outings with aquatic activities. It is recommended that all adult leaders achieve this certification. Safety Afloat & Safe Swim Defense certifications are valid for two years.
Approximate Duration: 60-90 minutes
Scoutmaster & Asst. Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training
During the This is Scouting online training, Scouters are introduced to the eight methods of Scouting. Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training expands that foundation by teaching Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters practical ways to instill these methods into their troop programs. This course focuses on the essentials of being a good Scoutmaster, including such topics as advancement, patrol method, outdoor program and program planning.
Approximate Duration: 8 hours
This is Scouting
This Is Scouting is an online interactive learning experience that is divided into six modules. It replaces New Leader Essentials and picks up where Fast Start left off, introducing participants to the following areas of the Scouting program:
Approximate Duration: 30-45 minutes
Trek Safely
Designed to help youth and adult leaders plan and carry out a safe trekking experience. This course covers seven key safety points about trekking, qualified supervision and discipline, and resources for planning a trek. It is recommended for adult leaders organizing any type of trek.
Approximate Duration: 30-45 minutes
Troop Committee Challenge
This online course has been developed to help troop members better understand their roles and responsibilities. Committee members will learn who has responsibility for various tasks and how to work together within the group.
Approximate Duration: Approximate Duration: 1 hour
Wood Badge for the 21st Century
Woodbadge is the advanced training program for all adult Scouting leaders. It is designed to increase participants' leadership skills. The Wood Badge program consists of two parts - practical training and application. The practical leadership experience is gained in a training setting (held over two three-day weekends) where leadership skills can be learned and practiced. At the conclusion of the practical training, each participant makes a commitment to complete a set of personal goals related to his/her Scouting position. In this way, the Wood Badge experience contributes to a stronger unit, district or council, as well as provides an opportunity to practice the leadership skills learned on the course.
This new contemporary training program focuses on leadership and “people” skills, and not Scoutcraft or outdoor skills. Participants will learn techniques to make them better leaders, and also how to lead groups to achieve objectives. The 21st Century Wood Badge incorporates the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience in addition to drawing upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful outdoor leadership organizations throughout the country. Skills developed from Wood Badge training will help a volunteer leader do a better job in any BSA program, at any level of involvement.
Any adult Scouters that has completed the basic training courses for his/her registered Scouting position, AND has completed the outdoor skills training program required for his/her Scouting position (Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters) is eligible to attend Wood Badge training.
For the full suite of information, training dates, forms and registration guidelines go to
Youth Protection Training (YPT) is a program that has been developed to safeguard both youth
and adult members in the scouting program. This training teaches Scout volunteers what resources
are available to educate scouts about child abuse, how to avoid it, how to identify abuse, and
how to deal with it. Youth Protection certification is valid for two years and must be taken online.
Approximate Duration: 90 minutes
University of Scouting (UOS) is a day of supplemental training and Scouting insights provided by fellow adult Scouters with years of experience. This training costs just $13 per person and features approximately 100 courses and workshops, most lasting just one hour. Workshops for Boy Scouts include Chaplain Aide, Den Chief, and Troop Guide training. All other UOS training is for adults only.
The 2010 University of Scouting will be held on Saturday, February 12. The day's schedule, general information, and a map and directions to the event are available at http://www.shac.org/training/council_training_events/university_of_scouting
The UOS day consists of six one-hour sessions and attendees may take up to six classes, though most folks take just four or five so they have time to peruse the Midway, talk with fellow Scouters, and eat lunch. With a little planning a troop sending several adults to UOS can arrange their collective schedule so that between them all they attend all the classes that most interest them and best benefit the troop.
Registration requires submission of a Participant Reservation Form, either by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the Cockrell Scout Center. Submit your registration form AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to be sure you get the courses you want; they fill up fast!
Lunch is provided during the 3rd or 4th session, but note that payment MUST be made in advance when you submit your UOS registration form.
Want more information about UOS? Go to http://www.shac.org/training/council_training_events/university_of_scouting OR talk with Scoutmaster Byrne or Paul Taylor.
See the SHAC training web site for Council-wide training opportunities this year ( http://www.shac.org/training/training_schedule). Note that you are NOT required to attend a training class offered by Phoenix District; you MAY attend a training class offered by any District in any BSA Council.
Phoenix District training opportunities are listed at http://www.phoenixbsa.org/training/.
Most of the training courses relevant to our troop are included on the calendar below.
As you complete each course, or if you have already completed each course, please send the course name and completion date to the Scoutmaster so it can be entered into our TroopMaster database.
After completing an online course be sure to print out the certificate and keep it in a safe place.
The following course completion certificates/cards (or a copy) should be carried to campouts or activities as noted:
Once you have completed the courses required to be fully trained in your position you will receive the 'Trained' patch to put on your Scout shirt. Affix the 'Trained' patch below your position patch on the left sleeve of the tan, Class-A shirt.
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