A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. The knowledge and confidence of a trained leader are quickly sensed by others. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, and a whole lot more. [Guide to Leader Training, page 5]
Aquatic Training
The goal of aquatics in Scouting is “every Scout a swimmer” This training empowers leaders to run aquatic activities safely. Most swim and boating safety training is available to Scouts ages 15+ – double-check the class before registering.
Den Chief Training
This is a training for Den Chiefs: Pack, District, and Council Trainers; Den Leaders, Cubmasters; Scoutmasters, Varsity Coaches, and Venturing Crew Advisors. This training teaches the Den Chief to effectively assist the Den Leader with planning and conducting Den Meetings. Adult leaders are encouraged to attend the training to understand the role of this position.
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
This course teaches Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and the organizational and leadership skills needed to most effectively reach success in that role. Completion of ILST is a prerequisite for Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses such as National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). This course is for every Scout in the troop who holds a leadership position, including all elected positions and any appointed positions at the discretion of the senior patrol leader. In some troops, this might mean that this course is for every Scout!
| Dates | Host Council (Training Location) | Cost | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 25, 2025 | Circle Ten Council (Myers Park) | $25 | Register |
| March 29-30, 2025 | Longhorn Council (Camp Tahuaya) | $20 | Register |
| April 5, 2025 | Circle Ten Council (Camp Wisdom) | ? | Register |
| April 26, 2025 | Circle Ten Council (Camp Wisdom) | ? | Register |
| November 8, 2025 | Circle Ten Council (Camp Wisdom) | ? | Register |
Leave No Trace Training
Participants learn about the seven principles of Leave No Trace as well as simple ways to reduce their negative impacts on the natural environment. Through interactive activities, they also learn to educate others about low-impact outdoor practices.
| Dates | Host Council (Training Location) | Cost | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 4 and 22-23, 2025 | Circle Ten Council (Dallas and Camp Wisdom) | ? | Register |
| April 6, 12-13, 2025 | Longhorn Council (Virtual and Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | $55 | Register |
| September 2 and 20-21, 2025 | Circle Ten Council (Dallas and Camp Wisdom) | ? | Register |
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
NYLT is a six day, five night course that gives Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Explorers and Venturers methods, skills and experiences to become better leaders in their unit. The course centers around the concepts of what a leader must be, what they must know, and what they must do – with a clear focus on how to accomplish all this. Scouts BSA members (male and female) must be at least 13. They must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops and earned the First Class rank before attending NYLT.
| Dates | Host Council (Training Location) | Cost | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 26 to January 31 | Longhorn Council (Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | $235 | Register |
| December 26 to January 31 | Sam Houston Area Council (Bovay Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| December 26 to January 31 | Circle Ten Council (Camp Wisdom/Billy Sowell Scout Camp/Shirley Sowell Cub World) | $300 | Register |
| December 27 to January 1 | Capitol Area Council (Camp Tom Wooten) | $275 | Register |
| March 7-9 and 14-16, 2025 | Longhorn Council (Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | $280 | Register |
| March 9-14, 2025 | Alamo Area Council (McGimsey Scout Park) | $300 | Register |
| March 17-22 | Capitol Area Council (Camp Green Dickson) | $275 | Register |
| June 8-14, 2025 | Sam Houston Area Council (Bovay Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| June 15-21, 2025 | Sam Houston Area Council (Bovay Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| July 7-12, 2025 | Longhorn Council (Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | $280 | Register |
| June 8-14 | Sam Houston Area Council (Bovay Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| June 15-21 | Sam Houston Area Council (Bovay Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| November 21-26, 2025 | Alamo Area Council (Mays Family Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| December 26-31, 2025 | Longhorn Council (Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | $280 | Register |
| December 26-31, 2025 | Sam Houston Area Council (Bovay Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
Trainer's Edge
The purpose of the Trainer’s EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer. With a focus on the participant, it is meant to raise the level of skill a trainer brings to a staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to “train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands‐on experience in methods and media.
| Dates | Host Council (Training Location) | Cost | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | Alamo Area Council (McGimsey Scout Park) | $15 | Register |
| May 10, 2025 | Alamo Area Council (McGimsey Scout Park) | $15 | Register |
| August 23, 2025 | Alamo Area Council (McGimsey Scout Park) | $15 | Register |
| November 15, 2025 | Alamo Area Council (McGimsey Scout Park) | $15 | Register |