Adult Training Opportunities

The BSA offers seemingly endless learning opportunities for adults. It doesn’t matter if you were raised in the Scouting program, or are looking to buy your very first tent, there are training opportunities available for every step of your Scouting Journey.

BSA Adult Training Quick Links

My.Scouting.Org

Woodbadge Registration Link

Youth Protection Training

The very first training every adult should take is the BSA Youth Protection Training. This training is mandatory for any adult who wants to participate in BSA activities. Our primary goal is to create the most secure environment possible for our youth members. True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting.

More Information on YPT Training

Youth Protection Training can be accessed through my.scouting.org.

Step-by-step instructions on how to take YPT.

The STC Youth Protection Webpage

Position-Specific Training

Position-Specific Training 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 roles covered in the course.

Need to know what are the requirements to be trained for your unit leadership role? This sheet helps to explain the training requirements for various leadership roles such as Scoutmaster, Den Leader, and more.

More Info on Position-Specific Training

Position-Specific Training can be accessed through my.scouting.org.

How to Earn the Trained Strip

Position-Specific Training Info Sheet

BALOO and IOLS

BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation and covers everything Pack leaders need to know to run a safe and fun camping event. All packs must have at least one BALOO-trained leader on every campout, but it is recommended to have more.

IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) covers all skills from Tenderfoot to First Class and is a required course for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. It is also highly recommended for all adult leaders regardless of skill level, to help prepare them to teach and supervise youth.

More Info on BALOO & IOLS

BALOO and IOLS are two Position-Specific trainings that have to be completed in-person. There is no Online Completion option.

BALOO and IOLS are also Prerequisite classes for attending Woodbadge.

BALOO and IOLS Trainings are offered by the Council periodically throughout the year.

Stay Tuned for the Next Available Training Date!

Woodbadge

Wood Badge designed to challenge, test limits, and offer insight into the emotional roller coaster of Scouts as they advance through the program. It gives meaning to time spent in Scouting and provides you with valuable skills to make the job of a leader easier.

It might also just be the most fun you’ll have in Scouting.

Wood Badge will make you a better Scout leader and provides a dynamic management training experience that will make you more effective and productive in all areas of your life.

More Information on Woodbadge

Register for Woodbadge Here

The South Texas Council Woodbadge Page

Philmont Training Center

The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the 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 for every member of the family. Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters.