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!

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 is comprised of 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 contains introductory and basic information and 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. A minimum of one BALOO-trained adult must attend every pack overnighter. Most course fees include meals.*

Date Link /
Contact
Training Location Host District
September 6-7, 2025 Register Spring, Tx George Strake
October 10-11, 2025 Register Camp Brosig (Sealy, TX) Texas Skies
October 18-19, 2025 Register Camp Brosig (Sealy, TX) Mustang
October 24-25, 2025 Register Spring, TX Phoenix
November 8-9, 2025 Register Hearne, TX Arrowmoon

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.

For more information about COPE and climbing training, contact Chris Hanson.

Date Link /
Contact
Course Location       
September 19-21, 2025 Register Climbing Level 1 (CS73) Camp Strake
September 19-21, 2025 Register Climbing Level 2 (CS76 - artificial structures) Camp Strake
September 19-21, 2025 Register COPE Level 1 (CS67) Camp Strake
December 5-7, 2025 Register Climbing Level 2 (CS74  - real rock) Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

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
9/13/2025 Register 3 Cub Leader Training Courses (DL, CM, CC) Texas Skies Katy, TX
9/27/2025 Register 3 Cub Leader Training Courses (DL, CM, CC) Phoenix Spring, 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 (two preferred) per unit 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 16, 2025 Register 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 20, 2025 Register 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 27, 2025 Register First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course 8:30 am - 5:30 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 18, 2025 Register 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.
October 25-26, 2025 Register Wilderness 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 15, 2025 Register 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.
December 6, 2025 Register 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.

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 6-7, 2025 Register Spring, Tx George Strake  
October 3-4, 2025 Register Houston, Tx Apollo  
October 25-26, 2025 Register Spring, Tx Phoenix Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training
is also being offered Friday night.
November 8-9, 2025 Register Hearne, Tx Arrowmoon  

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

LNTThe Leave No Trace Skills Course is an overnight course. Participants learn Leave No Trace skills, ethics, and have several opportunities to practice these low-impact techniques during the course. Skills Courses typically occur over two consecutive days and involve spending more than half of the course outdoors. Leave No Trace Skills Course graduates are prepared to discuss the Leave No Trace principles with others and to practice low-impact skills and techniques on future endeavors.

The Leave No Trace Instructor Level 1 Course  (D78) is an overnight course for leaders who wish to guide units in developing a culture that effectively demonstrates responsible outdoor choices that reduce the impacts of Scouting activities. Leave No Trace Instructor Level 1, outdoor ethics guides, and outdoor ethics advisors are the backbone of Scouting’s outdoor ethics program, providing instruction to individuals and units wishing to adopt cutting-edge outdoor ethics into their unit programs. 

The Leave No Trace Master Outdoor Ethics Instructor Level 2 Course (D79) is a 5-day course conducted over two weekends. The Instructor Level 2 course is the summit of Leave No Trace training and may be taken by individuals, ages 18 and up, who wish to be accredited as Instructor Level 2 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Prior completion of a Leave No Trace Instructor Level 1 course is recommended.  

Date Link /
Contact
Course Location    
September 26-28, 2025 Register Leave No Trace Skills Course  Camp Brosig

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
Aug. 23, 2025 Register Sat. 8 am - 1 pm pistol NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (ILT-BPS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp  Strake
Aug.  23, 2025 Register Sat. 2 - 8 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 3 Camp  Strake
Sept. 5-6, 2025 Register  Fr. 6:30 pm -
Sat. 9 am
shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (ILT-BSS)  Part 1 of 3 Tellepsen Scout Ranch
Sept. 6, 2025 Register Sat. 9 am - 3 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 3 Tellepsen Scout Ranch
Sept. 6-7, 2025 Register Sat. 3 pm -
Sun. 2 pm
shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor (BSI) Part 3 of 3 Tellepsen Scout Ranch
Sept. 13, 2025 Register Sat. 8 am - 6 pm pistol NRA Basic Pistol Instructor (BPI) Part 3 of 3 Camp  Strake
Sept. 13, 2025 Register Sat. 8 am - 1 pm rifle NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS) Part 1 of 3 Camp  Strake
Sept. 13, 2025 Register Sat. 1 - 6 pm shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (ILT-BSS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp  Strake
Sept. 17, 2025 Register Wed. 6 - 9:30 pm RSO NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Part 1 of 2 Cockrell Scout Center
Sept. 20, 2025 Register Sat. 8:30 am - 12 pm range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) - VFW, Baytown
Sept. 20, 2025 Register Sat. 1 - 4:30 pm range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - VFW, Baytown
Sept. 26-27, 2025 Register Fr. 6:30 pm - Sat 9 am rifle NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS) Part 1 of 2 Camp Strake
Sept. 27, 2025 Register Sat 9 am - 3 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 2 Camp Strake
Sept. 27-28, 2025 Register Sat 3 pm - Sun 2 pm rifle NRA Basic Rifle Instructor (BRI) Part 3 of 3 Camp Strake
Oct. 3-4, 2025 Register Fr. 7 pm - Sat 10 am range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Oct. 3-4, 2025 Register Fr. 7 pm - Sat 9 am rifle NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS) Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Oct. 4, 2025 Register Sat. 9 am - 1 pm pistol NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (ILT-BPS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp  Strake
Oct. 4, 2025 Register Sat. 9:am - 12 pm range master Range Master - throwing - Camp Strake
Oct. 10-11, 2025 Register Fr. 7 pm - 10 am range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) -  
Oct. 15, 2025 Register Wed. 6 - 9:30 pm RSO NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Part 2 of 2 Cockrell Scout Center
Oct. 17-18, 2025 Register Fr. 7 pm - 10 am range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Oct. 24-25, 2025 Register Fr. 7 pm - 10 am range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Nov. 1, 2025 Register Sat. 9 am - 12 pm range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Camp Strake
Nov. 1, 2025 Register Sat. 9 am - 12 pm range master Range Master - throwing - Camp Strake
Nov. 7, 2025 Register Fr. 7 - 10 pm archery USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification 
practical (a prerequisite online course is required)
- Camp Strake
Nov. 19, 2025 Register Wed. 6 - 9:30 pm RSO NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Part 1 of 2 Cockrell Scout Center
Nov. 21-22, 2025 Register Sat. 9 am - 3 pm pistol NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (ILT-BPS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Nov. 22, 2025 Register Sat. 9 am - 3 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 3 Camp Strake
Nov. 22-23, 2025 Register Sat. 3 pm - Sun. 2 pm pistol NRA Basic Pistol Instructor (BPI) Part 3 fo 3 Camp Strake
Dec. 17, 2025 Register Wed. 6 pm - 9:30 pm RSO NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Part 2 of 2 Cockrell Scout Center

*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)

 

Date Link /
Contact
Time Area Course  Series^ Location
Jan. 16-17, 2026 Register Fr. 6:30 pm - Sat. 9:00 am rifle NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS) Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Jan. 17, 2026 Register Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 3 Camp Strake
Jan. 17-18, 2026 Register Sat. 3:00 pm - Sun. 2:00 pm Rifle NRA Basic Rifle Instructor (BRI) Part 3 of 3 Camp Strake
Feb 7, 2026 Register Sat. 8:00 am - 1:00 pm rifle NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS) Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Feb. 7, 2026 Register Sat. 1:00 - 6:00 pm shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (ILT-BSS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Feb. 20-21, 2026 Register Fr. 6:30 pm - Sat. 9:00 am shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (ILT-BSS)  Part 1 of 3 Tellepsen Scout Camp
Feb. 21, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 3 Tellepsen Scout Camp
Feb. 22, 2026 Register Sat. 3:00 pm - Sun 2:00 pm shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor (BSI) Part 3 of 3 Tellepsen Scout Camp
Feb 27-28, 2026   Fr. 7:00 pm - Sat. 10:00 am range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Mar. 6-8, 2026 Register Fr. 6:30 pm - Sun 3:00 pm shotgun & rifle NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (ILT-BSS) 
NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS)
NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
NRA Basic Rifle Instructor (BRI)
NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor (BSI)
Parts 1, 2, 3 of 3 Camp Strake
Mar. 14, 2026 Register Sat. 1:00 - 4:00 pm range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Camp Strake
Mar. 14, 2026 Register Sat. 1:00 - 4:00 pm range master Range Master - throwing - Camp Strake
Mar. 14, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 12:00 pm archery Range Master - Archery (CS31) - Camp Strake
Mar. 28, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Mar. 28, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Apr. 10-11, 2026 Register Fr. 6:30 pm - Sat. 9:00 am pistol NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (ILT-BPS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Apr. 11, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm BIT NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Part 2 of 3 Camp Strake
Apr. 11, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Apr. 11, 2026 Register Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Bovay Scout Ranch
Apr. 11-12, 2026 Register Sat. 3:00 pm - Sun. 2:00 pm pistol NRA Basic Pistol Instructor (BPI) Part 3 of 3 Camp Strake
Apr. 18, 2026 Register Sat. 8:00 am - 1:00 pm rifle NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (ILT-BRS) Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
Apr. 18, 2026 Register Sat. 1:00 - 6:00 pm shotgun NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (ILT-BSS)  Part 1 of 3 Camp Strake
May 2, 2026 Opens Soon Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm RSO NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) - Camp Strake
May 2, 2026 Opens Soon Sat. 8:30 am - 12:00 pm or
1:00 - 4:30 pm
range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Camp Strake
May 2, 2026 Opens Soon Sat. 8:30 am - 12:00 pm or
1:00 - 4:30 pm
range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) - Camp Strake
May 16, 2026 Opens Soon Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm range master Range Master - BB guns & slingshots (CS32) - Bovay Scout Ranch
May 16, 2026 Opens Soon Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm range master Range Master - Archery (CS31) - Bovay Scout Ranch

*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)

Scouting with Special Needs    

Special NeedsThe council is committed to making Scouting accessible and enjoyable to all Scouts, regardless of their abilities. Since its founding in 1910, Scouting America has included fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. The policy is to treat members with disabilities as much like other members as possible. It has been traditional, however, to make some accommodations in advancement if absolutely necessary. By adapting the environment and/or our instruction methods, most Scouts with disabilities can be successful in Scouting. The disability awareness committee offers a variety of training courses. Courses are typically offered during University of Scouting

 

Trainer's EDGE (H96)

Trainer's EdgeTrainer's EDGE is BSA's trainer development course designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences. Trainer's EDGE is offered at the council level, typically four times yearly.

Date Link / Contact Course Location
TBD      

Den Chief Training (C31)

Den Chief TrainingDen Chief Training is basic training for Scouts in troops interested in becoming den chiefs for a Cub Scout den, and for adult leaders who wish to know more about this vital position. This course can be completed in a classroom setting or online at my.scouting.org.                 

Date Link / Contact Location Host District
September 27, 2025 Register Spring, TX Phoenix

Merit Badge Counselor Training (D76)

Merit BadgeThe purpose of Merit Badge Counselor Training is to provide council- or district-approved and registered merit badge counselors with an understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program and can be taken in a classroom setting or online at my.scouting.org.     

Date Host District (Training Location) Registration Link   
     

Short-Term Camp Administrator Training (STCA)

STCAShort-Term Camp Administrator Training is the training for short-term camp administrators. The short-term camp administrator ensures that councils and districts overnight events that are three nights are less (e.g., camporees, Webelos Scout events, training) are conducted safe and have quality outdoor programs and that all activities at the short-term camp complies with the applicable BSA National Camp Standards. Register and learn more about Short-Term Camp Administrator Training.