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.
| Dates | Courses | Host Council (Training Location) | Cost | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 23-25 | Swimming & Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety Training | Longhorn Council (Worth Ranch) | $50 | Register |
| August 24 | 2024 Swim and Water Rescue Training | Circle Ten Council (Camp Constantin) | $50 | Register |
| September 13-15 | Lifeguard Training & Lifeguard Instructor Training | Circle Ten Council (Camp Wisdom) | $180/$75/$120 | Register |
| September 20-22 | Paddle Craft Safety & Canoe Instructor Training | Circle Ten Council (Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp) | $70 | Register |
| September 28-29 | Paddle Craft Safety | Capitol Area Council (Tom Wooten) | $180 | Register |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 9 | 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 22-27 | Alamo Area Council (Mays Family Scout Ranch) | $300 | Register |
| 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 | Longhorn Council (Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | ? | Register |
| March 9-14 | Alamo Area Council (McGimsey Scout Park) | ? | Register |
| March 17-22 | Capitol Area Council (Camp Green Dickson) | $275 | Register |
| July 7-12 | Longhorn Council (Sid Richardson Scout Ranch) | ? | 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) | ? | Register |
Powder Horn
Powder Horn is a High Adventure Resource Management Course for Venturing and Scouts BSA leaders of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as Youth of Venturing age (14yo and older). This Course is a hands-on, intense training opportunity designed to expose Scouts and Leaders to activities and resources to operate a fun, successful, and challenging High Adventure Program. Scouts age 14+ may sign-up for Power Horn.
| Dates | Host Council (Training Location) | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6-8, 20-22 | Circle Ten Council (Clements Scout Ranch/Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp/Camp Meisenbach, Camp Wisdom/Billy Sowell Scout Camp/Shirley Sowell Cub World) | $300 | Register |
| September 12-15 | Alamo Area Council (Bear Creek Scout Camp) | $250 | Register |
| Sept 20-22, 24, 25, 26, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 4-6 | Captiol Area Council and Longhorn Council (Camp Tahuaya and Online) | $300 | 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.