“Fully Trained”
Are you a new Scoutmaster, Venturing Crew Advisor or Cubmaster? Assistant Scoutmaster or Den Leader? Committee Chair or Committee Member? Charter Organization Representative? Find out what training you MUST take to be considered “fully trained.”
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training is required for all registered adult leaders, no matter your position. You must show proof that you’ve completed the training before we can officially submit your registration with the Boy Scouts of America. Take the course online through the My.Scouting.org or learn more at Youth Protection Training.
Position-Specific Training
Many required courses may be taken entirely online. My.Scouting.org is the first stop on your Training journey. After Youth Protection Training, your position determines what else you need to do:
- If you’re a leader working directly with Scouts (like Den Leader, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Venturing Crew Advisor), you need Position-Specific Training including Hazardous Weather Training and an outdoor skills training course. Introduction to Outdoor Leadership (IOLS) for ScoutsBSA and BALOO for Cub Scouts.
- If you’re the Chair or member of the adult committee running a Scout unit, you need the Committee Challenge Training.
Fast Start Training and This is Scouting are not required but both are recommended as an introductory overview. You can take both online at My.Scouting.org.
To learn more about the remaining requirements for being “fully trained” download this Position-Specific Training guide or visit My.Scouting.org.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
An introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program. Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) teaches BSA camping policy and basic outdoor camping skills. BALOO is required training for Cub Scout and Webelos unit leaders in order to camp with your Scouts.
BALOO training can be attended through any District or even out of Council. The following is a list of dates when the Districts in the Blackhawk Area Council are offering this training.
- Wanchanagi District – April 21st – 22nd
- Arrowhead District –
- Sycamore District – May 5th – 6th
Visit the Council Calendar for a complete list of all the upcoming training opportunities.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops, in order to be considered Trained.
IOLS training can be attended through any District or even out of Council. The follow is a list of dates when the Districts in the Blackhawk Area Council are offering this training.
- Wanchanagi District – April 21st – 22nd
- Arrowhead District –
- Sycamore District – May 5th – 6th
Visit the Council Calendar for a complete list of all the upcoming training opportunities.