Trained Scout leaders provide a quality, fun-filled program for youth! One of the best ways you can prepare to be an effective leader is by becoming trained. Training helps a leader be aware of the resources available to them. This translates into being an informed leader that has the tools to deliver a worthwhile program to the youth in your unit. As a result of trained leaders, our Scouts achieve the aims of Scouting: citizenship, character development, and personal fitness.
Your First Step
Learn to Protect Youth
True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within Scouts BSA to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels. All leaders MUST complete Youth Protection Training before joining the BSA. Create a new account at my.scouting.org or select the button below to take you to the landing page.
Your Second Step
Learn your Scouting Position
Every scout deserves a trained leader. Find out how you can make your unit the best it can be through completing your position-specific training. Here you will learn how to deliver the Scouting program to the youth in your unit. This training can be completed online at my.scouting.org using the same credentials you used when you created your account. Additionally, the Illowa Council provides in-person training for the Cub Scout Specific Positions and Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training.
Continue Your Training Journey
BALOO/IOLS
The Illowa Council offers introduction to the outdoors courses two times each year (once in the fall and spring). Specifically, BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is a one and a half- day course designed as an introduction to the outdoor Cub Scouting program. This is a necessary course for Cub Scout leaders who would like to add a camping component to their Cub Scout Den or Pack program.
IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) is a hands-on course that provides adult leaders 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 Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered “trained”.
Other Training Opportunities
There are many other opportunities for training organized by the Illowa Council throughout the year. University of Scouting takes place each fall and showcases courses in providing an enhanced Scouting program to the youth in your Unit. Various shooting sports range safety trainings, climbing safety, Wilderness First Aid, and Chainsaw Safety, just to name a few, take place throughout the year. Keep an eye out for these exiting opportunities on the Illowa Council Events page.
Wood Badge
Take your training experience to the next level with Wood Badge, advanced adult leader training. Wood Badge is the ultimate BSA training.
Wood Badge participants have the opportunity to:
- Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated, value-based programs providing age-appropriate activities for youth.
- Recognize contemporary leadership concepts and discover how they are relevant to the Scouting movement.
- Apply the skills learned as a member of a successful working team.
- Revitalize their commitment to Scouting by sharing in an inspirational experience that provides Scouting with renewed leadership.
Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be a peak experience of their Scouting careers. It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands.
Wood Badge is for all leaders in Scouts BSA. It has been developed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders, as well as council and district leaders. The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters of all leadership positions and will provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.
Qualifications:
- Each Scouter invited to participate in Wood Badge training must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America and must have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
- Wood Badge is considered a High Adventure activity and therefore requires the participant to successfully complete the Official BSA Annual Health and Medical Record-Parts A, B, & C. This includes an examination by a medical professional within one year prior to the course start date. Click Here to Download Official BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Form.
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