TrainedA cornerstone of the Scout programs is training. Some of these training courses are conducted by districts and some by the council; others are available through the Scouting America Online Learning Center.

                 Learn More About Training           Trainers: Submit a course!

                   

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Cub Scout Basic Training

Supplemental Training

See the Specialized Training tab for more trainings.


 


 

Upcoming Training Courses  

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) C32

BALOOBALOO is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping, overnighters, and Webelos and Arrow of Light den overnighters. BALOO training comprises two components – an online component and a practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a trained Cub Scout outdoor leader and to receive the BALOO recognition patch. The online component, which contains introductory and basic information, must be completed prior to the practical component at my.scouting.org. The practical component is an overnight outdoor camping experience that takes about 16 hours to complete. At least one BALOO-trained adult must attend every pack overnighter. Most course fees include meals.*

Date Link / Contact Training Location Host District
September 12-13, 2026 Register Spring, Tx George Strake
September 26-27, 2026 Register Tomball, Tx Orion
October 17-18, 2026 Register Bovay Scout Ranch (Navasota, Tx) Mustang
October 23-24, 2026 Register Richmond, Tx Arrowhead

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) (S11)  

TrainedWorking as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders with the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with basic training, this course requires all direct contact leaders registered in troops to be considered trained. The training is a weekend course and takes about 15 hours to complete. Most courses include meals.*  What to bring to training.

Date Link /
Contact
Training
Location
Host District Notes 
September 12-13, 2026 Register Spring, Tx George Strake  
September 26-27, 2026 Register Camp Strake Twin Bayou  
December 5-6, 2026 Register Sweeny, TX Thunder Wolf Includes Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training

Aquatics Training

LifeguardLifeguard Training: An American Red Cross lifeguard class teaches participants to recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies through hands-on training in skills like water rescue, First Aid, CPR, and AED use. The program includes a prerequisite swim test and ends with final skills assessments, resulting in a nationally recognized certification that satisfies workplace requirements. Courses are offered in various formats, including fully in-person and blended (online plus in-person) options, and cover different aquatic environments such as pools and waterfronts. This is a blended learning course. Participants must complete approximately 6-7 hours of online coursework before the in-person course. Participants will receive the links after registering.  The American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification course typically lasts 23-27 hours, comprising both online and in-person components, with the specific duration varying depending on the delivery format and whether it's a deep-water or shallow-water class. Prerequisites: Participants must pass a swimming skills test that includes strong swimming abilities at the beginning of the course. Participants must be at least 15 years old. Participants must complete an online course. At the end of the course, participants must successfully complete written and practical assessments, including skill scenarios such as CPR and rescue responses. This course will be very intense and demanding. 

Date Link / Contact Course Location       
August 14-16, 2026 Register Lifeguard Training Camp Strake
August 28-30, 2026 Register Lifeguard Training Camp Strake

Cub Scout Leader Training

  • Den LeaderDen Leader Position-Specific Training (C42) provides Cub Scout den leaders with the basic information they need to conduct successful den meetings.
  • Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training (C40) is intended to provide Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters with the basic information they need to conduct successful pack meetings.  
  • Pack Committee Challenge and Pack Committee Position-Specific Training (C60) is intended to familiarize pack committee members with the various responsibilities of the individual members of the committee as well as the committee as a whole. The goal is to help each pack committee work as a team to improve the Scouting experience for adult and youth members. 

These trainings can be taken in classroom setting or online at my.scouting.org               

Date Link / Contact Course(s) Host District Location
10/17/26 Register Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training Twin Bayou Houston, Tx

First Aid

first aidFirst Aid/CPR/AED (NO6): First aid training gives participants the information and skills needed to help during many emergency situations. First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) trainings are universally recognized for their effectiveness. It can help ensure that everyone from the Scout working on a First Aid merit badge to a Scouter leading a unit on a high-adventure trek is fully prepared. This blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion (~two hours) must be completed before attending the in-class portion.  

First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course (NO9): This course will train instructor candidates to teach basic-level American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED courses. This is a blended learning course consisting of online content, a pre-course skill session and classroom segments. Prerequisites: Possess a current basic-level American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age on the last day of the instructor course. Complete online classes prior to attending the classroom activities (instructions will be sent with registration confirmation).

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) (NO2) is the assessment of and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. Participants will learn how to assess, treat, and (when possible) contain emergencies within the scope of their training. Course prerequisites: Minimum age 14; current certification in an adult CPR course; completion of AED training.  Certification: Organizations and individuals may provide students who successfully complete the 16-hour curriculum a certificate of completion of a class that meets the criteria of Scouting America for Wilderness First Aid. The content of this course may not deviate, either through additions or deletions, from the approved curriculum. Who is this for? Youth and adult Scout leaders are encouraged to take this first-aid course, which offers a management dimension that most curriculums fail to address. Scout leaders will likely find it the most valuable program they’ll ever take. At least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) must be a WFA-certified for certain high-adventure camp and backcountry experiences. This certificate will be valid for two years.

Note: Equivalent First Aid, CPR, AED and WFA training from the following nationally-recognized organizations: American Red Cross (ARC), and Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) meet the training requirements. Other courses accepted are listed here and here (page 2). BSA does not accept online CPR classes.

First aid classes are held at the Cockrell Scout Center (2225 N  Loop W, Houston  77008).

Date Link / 
Contact
Course
(click link for course description)
Time   Notes

August 15, 2026

 

Register Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 8:30 - 10:15 am or
10:30 - 12:15 pm
A blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Instructions will be provided in the receipt. When the 8:30 am class fills, we will open the 10:30 am class option.
September 19, 2026 Register Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 8:30 - 10:15 am or
10:30 - 12:15 pm
A blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Instructions will be provided in the receipt. When the 8:30 am class fills, we will open the 10:30 am class option.
September 26, 2026 Register First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course 7:30 am - 5:00 pm A blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Instructions will be provided in the receipt.
October 24, 2026 Register Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 7:15 - 8:30 am A blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Instructions will be provided in the receipt. W
October 24-25, 2026 Register Wilderness Remote First Aid 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Only two individuals from each unit will be accepted.  Lunch is not included. Must have current CPR training.
November 14, 2026 Register Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 8:30 - 10:15 am or
10:30 - 12:15 pm8:30 - 10:15 am or
10:30 - 12:15 pm
A blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Instructions will be provided in the receipt. When the 8:30 am class fills, we will open the 10:30 am class option.
December 19, 2026 Register Adult First Aid/CPR/AED   A blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Instructions will be provided in the receipt. When the 8:30 am class fills, we will open the 10:30 am class option.

 

Range and Target Activities

shooting sportsIn Scouting events and activities, the primary consideration is the safety of its youth and adult members. To achieve that goal, Scouting America, in consultation with other organizations, has created specific guidelines for shooting sports. These organizations also provide training and instructor certification by discipline-specific subject matter experts to prepare those individuals who will serve in a leadership or supervisory role in the various shooting sports activities.

Learn More about Range and Target Activities      


 

Date Link /
Contact
Time Area Course  Series^ Location
             

*Basic Instructor Training (BIT) must be current when taking the basic instructor class; the certification lasts two years.    
^To become an instructor, candidates must take Part 1  (basic), Part 2 (BIT), and Part 3 (instructor) in the discipline they wish to be certified (rifle, pistol or shotgun)

 

Fundamentals of Training: Craft of Training (H96)

Trainer's EdgeFundamentals of Training: Craft of Training (formerly Trainer's EDGE) is the second part of the train-the-trainer continuum. As trainers develop their training skills, this course provides an opportunity for trainers to practice and refine their abilities through experiential learning, paired with feedback from faculty members and peers. This course also supplements the training development sessions offered during faculty development for advanced leadership training courses (e.g., NYLT, Wood Badge). Prerequisite:  Part 1 (Science of Training) needs to be completed online at my.scouting.org before the course.

Date Link / Contact Location
August 1, 2026 Register The Woodlands

Climbing & COPE Training

climbing

During Climbing Training, participants learn to teach Scouts how to climb and rappel at the unit, district, or council level. The training covers the skills and information needed to staff any climbing program.  Learn more about the climbing training courses and prerequisites.

COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) is an exciting program that teaches important lessons, but the classroom is like no other. COPE uses mental and physical challenges, low- and high-above-ground, to teach confidence, self-esteem, trust, leadership, team building, and problem-solving. Learn more about COPE training courses and prerequisites.

Date Link / Contact Course Location       
       

Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (S24)

Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (S24) is intended to provide troop leaders with the information and tools they need to lead successful troops and teaches practical ways to instill the Scouting methods into troop programs and covers the roles of the Scoutmasters and assistants in a Scout-led troop.

Date Link / Contact Training Location Host District 
10/17/26 Register Houston Twin Bayou