Youth Protection Training is now required for all registered leaders who have direct contact with the boys. It is recommended for all registered leaders and other adults.

Fast Start-Watch the Fast Start video. The video is about 30 minutes long and is available from the Scoutmaster or click here for the online version.

This is Scouting - This 60-minute video presentation highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached in an age-appropriate style with Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and Venturing. This is a cross-program course and each leader needs to take it only once. "This is Scouting" replaced the "New Leader Essentials" in 2009. This on-line course is available on the scouting.org website - click here for that site.

Position Specific Training - This training provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs to assume a leadership role. Each course is designed for a specific leader position, and, if your scouting position changes, you should take the next appropriate course. These courses are are as follows:

• Scoutmaster Specific: for Scoutmasters, Asst. Scoutmasters, and others interested. Three sessions of approx. 2 hours each. Next session:
• Sat, February 25, 2012 - 8:30a - 5:00p location TBA
• Troop Committee Specific: for committee chairs and members, and parents. Online at BSA Online Learning Center.
• MB Counselor Specific: for anyone who is a merit badge counselor. Single session of approx. 1-1/2 hours. Next session:
• TBA

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills - Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program, and this course provides leaders with the basic outdoor skills needed to start a program right. The skills taught are based on the those found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course has an initial orientation session which is held in Houston, and then a weekend campout held a week or two later at a location approximately one hour west of Houston. Click here for details. Next session:

• Wed., Apr. 18, 2012 7:30p-8:45p St. Paul Presbyterian Church (Introduction and Orientation)
• Sat.-Sun., April 28-29, 2012 7:30a (Sat) - noon (Sun) campout at a location one hour west of Houston. Map will be provided at the orientation meeting.

Roundtable Meetings - Meet with leaders of other troops at the GAD Roundtable, which is held on the first Thursday of most months. Click here for details on Boy Scout Roundtable.

University of Scouting - A major one-day training fair held for Boy Scout and Venturing leaders from all over the Sam Houston Area Council. The next session will be in February 2013. Click here for details.

Advanced Training - Consider taking the Wood Badge or Powder Horn courses, or the other training courses described under "Training Overview".

Other Sam Houston Area Council Training can be found at this location.

A pdf of other district training schedules can be found here.