Training
Training, both for youths and adults, is a major component of Boy Scouts. Troop 261, together with our District and Council, offer a wide variety of training.
There is information below on:
- Youth Training information
- Adult Training information
Youth Training
Merit Badge Classes
Troop 261 offers formal Merit Badge classes during the regular weekly meetings. The offerings are decided based upon demand from the Scouts.Monthly Campouts
Troop 261 camps every month. All campouts offer numerous opportunities for informal training (such as firebuilding, or camp craft). Many of the campouts are focused on a particular skill (canoeing, hiking, rock climbing,...), and typically offer training in that skill.Upcoming campouts are listed on the calendar.
Summer and Winter Camps
Troop 261 has two week-long campouts per year -- one in mid-summer, and one during the week between Christmas and New Years. These campouts are held at Boy Scout camps, which offer formal classes for specific Merit Badges.Leadership Training
The Boy Scout program includes training for Youth Leaders. There are a wide variety of programs available, including:- Oak Leaf Training - This is Leadership
training for scouts. Formally titled the "Junior Leader Orientation
Workshop, "Oak Leaf" equips the scout with an understanding of the
principals of scouting, an understanding of the meaning of
leadership, and specific skills to use when leading other scouts.
Scouts should complete this training either before taking a leadership position, or as soon as possible afterward.
- Golden Acorn Conference - This is
advanced leadership training for Scouts. It is a seven-day outdoor
experience, conducted by Circle Ten Council using an outline approved
by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Golden Acorn has six aims:
- Give each participant the confidence and knowledge to run their troop's programs.
- Give each participant a working knowledge of the eleven skills of leadership and help them relate these skills to their troop responsibilities.
- Provide the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with Scouts from other troops.
- To create an atmosphere where Scouts will experience Scouting at its best.
- Enhance the relationship between participants and their Scoutmaster.
- Have fun!
Other training
A wide variety of specialty training is offered by the troop and by our parent organizations. Contact the troop training coordinator for details and schedules.
Adult Leader Training
The Boy Scouts of America has a large variety of training available for adult leaders. The Great Plains District provides most of our adult training. For information see the District web site, or the troop training coordinator.Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training is a short (~90 minute) group session that teaches you what you need to know to protect both our Scouts and our adult leaders from abuse. Youth Protection Training is required for all adult leaders. It must be taken every three years.New Leader Essentials
This 1-1/2 hour course is an introduction to scouting and should be taken before courses below. All adult leaders and parents should take this course.Troop Committee Training
This 3 hour course helps committee members better understand their role and responsibilities.
Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster Training
This 9 hour course covers the basic skills that all adults need to know when working with a troop.Introduction To Outdoor Leader Skills
This weekend course gives adults the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in their camping experiences. Take NLE and either Committee or SM&ASM training first.Wood Badge Training
Wood Badge is advanced training for adult scout leaders. It is offered as either a week-long session, or as a series of week-night and weekend events.The week-long Wood Badge training is usually offered at Philmont Scout Reservation in June, which would be fantastic way for a Scouter to spend a week.
Other Training Opportunities
There are literally dozens of other adult leader training sessions offered. Contact the troop training coordinator for further information.Monthly District Roundtable
The Great Plains District schedules a monthly roundtable meeting for adult leaders. These are normally held on the second Thursday of the month. All scouting adults are welcome. These sessions offer timely information on local Scouting events, and often include a training session on some aspect of adult leadership.See the event calendar for upcoming District Roundtables.
Last revised 9/27/01.