Upcoming Adult Training Events

It's been said time and again; adult volunteers make the pack successful. But it's not about just throwing you to the wolves (no offense to our 2nd graders!), Scouts BSA wants to ensure that you are fully supported and provides a wide range of training opportunities; both virtually through the My Scouting Portal and in-person through the Longhorn Council and Mustang District. 

Here is a summary of upcoming trainings that we'd love for you to take part in:

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) Training

Dates: 

• Saturday March 11 (07:30am) >> Sunday March 12 (12:00pm)

       Registration closes March 1

Cost: $30 per participant

Location: Camp Burnett - 3301 N White Chapel Blvd. Southlake, TX 76092 (Directions)

<<< REGISTRATION LINK >>>

BALOO is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. It is a requirement to have at least 1 BALOO-trained adult at our outdoor and overnight events, and we need to have as many adults certified as possible to ensure redundancy in case there is an emergency. (If there's only one certified adult on site and they have to leave, the entire pack has to leave)

BALOO training is comprised of two components - an online component and this practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a "TRAINED" Cub Scout outdoor leader. The online component is available through the BSA LearnCenter at my.scouting.org and must be completed prior to the practical component. 

This practical portion of BALOO is an overnight camping experience and will cover GPS, aquatics, gear selection, nature & hiking, outdoor ethics, cooking & sanitation, first aid, cub scout knife safety and much, much more.

Note: ANY adult can attend this training, it is not limited to the registered Scout leaders and we encourage all interested parents and guardians to attend!

Cub Scout BB & Archery Instructor Training Course

Dates:

• Saturday, March 25  9:00AM - 12:00PM   BB
• Saturday, March 25  1:00PM - 4:00PM     Archery

     Registration closes March 23

• Saturday, May 20  9:00AM - 12:00PM   BB
• Saturday, May 20  1:00PM - 4:00PM     Archery

     Registration closes May 18

Cost: FREE

Location: Longhorn Council Office - 850 Cannon Dr, Hurst, TX 76054 (Directions)

<<< REGISTRATION LINK >>>

There are various events throughout the year held at the District and Council level where shooting sports are highlighted. For Cub Scouts, this includes both Archery and BB gun shooting and these events require certified instructors in the form of, you guessed it: adult volunteers like you!

These programs are designed to emphasize safety and marksmanship development under the direction of trained range personal using a nationally approved instructional method. Shooting sports are a major highlight in a Cub Scout's life and helping them learn a new skill is very gratifying. We hope you will consider getting trained so you can run ranges safely and effectively.

Note: Archery training is for CUB SCOUT ARCHERY ONLY. Leaders desiring to run Archery for Troops/Crews must be certified as USAA Level 1 instructors.

District Roundtable is TONIGHT

Mustang District Roundtable will be via ZOOM meeting this month. Please check the Scoutbook event for the login information.  We hope to see many leaders from our Unit there.

Adult Leadership Training

Have downtime at home? Stay up to date on your Adult Leader Training

To ensure all youth in our Unit receive a safe and high-quality Scouting experience, the Longhorn Council considers it imperative that all registered leaders fully understand the Scouting program by taking advantage of our online courses. Make sure you are up to date on your Youth Protection, Leader Specific Training and Hazardous Weather Training.

Log in today to my.scouting.org and complete training at your leisure.

BALOO

YOU need to take BALOO!

What IS BALOO training? 

BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation and it's a requirement for all Packs to have a BALOO trained adult at any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack and Webelos den overnight camping. BALOO certification is reached after completion of two components—one online and one practical, hands-on session (that means you'll be camping). Both components must be completed to qualify as a “TRAINED” Cub Scout outdoor leader.

Check out THIS LINK for another great read on how they've overhauled the BALOO training.

The online module which must be completed prior to the practical component contains basic information that will be built upon during the hands-on portion. Cool thing... YOU CAN DO THIS PORTION RIGHT NOW in the comfort of your own home by simply logging into your my.scouting.org account (the same one where you took the updated Youth Protection Training -- yeah, I'm looking at you!!) so you can go ahead and just knock that out of the way!  Talk about being proactive!

Why take BALOO?  

Great question! I'm glad you asked. Here's the simple explanation: We cannot camp without BALOO trained adults. It's that simple. 

As a Pack, we are not allowed to camp-out anywhere other than at a Council or District sponsored event UNLESS we have at least one BALOO trained adult. Currently, only have three BALOO trained adults ENTIRE PACK!  One more is registered but the real question is -- how is this possible in a Unit our size?!?

As a Pack, we have set a standard that we will have a minimum of two BALOO trained adults on every overnight event, because if there is only one.... and that person has to leave... the event has to end. The more BALOO trained adults we have in our Pack, the better off our entire program is.

We know not everyone can make every camp out which is why we need MULTIPLE PARENTS AND LEADERS to obtain their BALOO certification. This is not the time to rely on everyone else to ensure your Scout's program is the best one around -- THIS is a way YOU can make an IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE!!!

"BUT I'M NOT A REGISTERED LEADER"

So what? You don't have to be!  Cool, huh? You only have to be an adult who wants to see our Pack's outdoor program continue and succeed.

"SO, WHAT'S THE CATCH?"

The catch is that... it takes a village... so BE THE VILLAGE!!  You need to take the training and then commit to being one of those BALOO trained adults who comes camping with us!  

"WHEN AND WHERE IS THE TRAINING?"

• Sept. 15-16 8am-11am at Hills and Hollows Denton  REGISTER HERE

• Sept. 21-22 6p-5p at Camp Burnett in Southlake REGISTER HERE

• Sept. 22-23 8a-12 at Hills and Hollows in Denton REGISTER HERE

Registration is LIVE RIGHT NOW.  Take the online portions sometime this month and you're SET... and my personal hero!  Who wouldn't want that designation?

Once you complete the course, you get a handy dandy business sized card that signifies you are indeed a BALOO trained adult. KEEP THAT IN YOUR WALLET!  It has to be on your person for the overnight events! Oh, and Pack leadership - we need a copy of that!

The only way to make our program be the best one around is to invest in it!  

It's full of some amazing leadership and parents just like you who want to see their son's units be awesome! Such a small investment with a huge payoff for everyone!

BALOO

Parents and Leaders - we are in CRITICAL need of more BALOO trained adults in our Pack.

What IS BALOO training? 

BALOO training is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack and Webelos den overnight camping. BALOO certification is reached after completion of two components—one online and one practical, hands-on session (that means you'll be camping). Both components must be completed to qualify as a “TRAINED” Cub Scout outdoor leader.

The online component which must be completed prior to the practical component contains introductory and basic information that will be built upon during the camping. Cool thing... YOU CAN DO THIS PORTION RIGHT NOW in the comfort of your own home by simply logging into your my.scouting.org account (the same one where you took Youth Protection Training) and knock that out of the way!  Talk about being proactive! 

Why take BALOO?  

Great question! I'm glad you asked. Here's the simple explanation: We cannot camp without BALOO trained adults. It's that simple. 

As a Pack, we are not allowed to camp-out anywhere other than at a Council or District sponsored event UNLESS we have at least one BALOO trained adult. Currently, only have two BALOO trained adults in our ENTIRE PACK!  How is this possible in a Unit our size?!?

As a Pack, we have set a standard that we will have a minimum of two BALOO trained adults on every overnight event, because if there is only one.... and that person has to leave... the event has to end. The more BALOO trained adults we have in our Pack, the better off our entire program is.

We know not everyone can make every camp out which is why we need MULTIPLE PARENTS AND LEADERS to obtain their BALOO certification. This is not the time to rely on everyone else to ensure your Scout's program is the best one around -- THIS is a way YOU can make an IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE!!!

BUT I'M NOT A TRAINED LEADER

So what? You don't have to be!  Cool, huh? You only have to be an adult who wants to see our Pack's outdoor program continue and succeed.

SO, WHAT'S THE CATCH?

The catch is that... we need parents to attend!  You need to take the training and then commit to being one of those BALOO trained adults who comes camping with us!  

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE TRAINING?

• April 6-8 at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch will be a combined BALOO and IOLS course so participants will earn both certifications! IOLS is Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills. If you want to be an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Troop once your son joins Boy Scouts, this is that required leadership training -- you'll already have it out of the way! BONUS! Do note that this has a 6:30ish check in time that Friday night at Sid so consider travel times. 

• April 13-14 at Joe Pool Lake will be a BALOO only course (6p-6p)

• September 15-16 (location and times TBA)

For the April courses, registration is live now.  CLICK HERE and scroll down to the course you wish to take and sign up online.  Take the online portions sometime this month and you're SET and my personal hero!  Who wouldn't want that designation?

Once you complete the course, you get a handy dandy business sized card that signifies you are indeed a BALOO trained adult. KEEP THAT IN YOUR WALLET!  It has to be on your person for the overnight events! Oh, and Pack leadership - we need a copy of that!

The only way to make our program be the best one around is to invest in it!  

BALOO is one or two evenings with some amazing leadership and parents just like you who want to see their son's units be awesome! Such a small investment with a huge payoff for everyone!

Trained

Every Scout deserves a well trained leader!

The Longhorn Council will give you the tools to “do your best” to deliver a FUN and exciting program to our Cub Scouts. Both the Longhorn Council and our Mustang District Training Team offers a range of National BSA training courses to help make your job easier and more FUN.

If you are new to Scouting, new in a particular Scouting job, or perhaps you want to step up to offer assistance in a supporting role, position-specific training courses are offered for you to learn the basics of your new position. If you are a seasoned veteran, there are a variety of advanced training programs.

Saturday, November 18 is the University of Scouting. If you haven't registered, there is still time to pick your courses and make a day of it. If you can't attend this year, know that we hold it EVERY YEAR!  Registration is $25 and includes lunch.  (There are a few courses that have supplemental fees such as CPR, see the course guide for more info on that.)

Online registration will close on Friday, November 10, 2017.

Walk-in Registration at the event on will be $25 for adults, $15 for youth but does NOT include lunch so plan accordingly if you're a late registrant.

Check in is from 8:15a-9a
Classes begin at 9a and last until 12p
Lunch is from 12p-1p
Afternoon classes are 1p-4p

UOS COURSE CATALOG

CLASS OFFERINGS

REGISTER HERE

Alternatively (or additionally), please be sure to check out the online courses at  www.my.scouting.org From there you will be taken to a portal to create an account and password. At that point, you can tap into the wide array of available online training courses. Leaders, please be sure you are trained for your specific position within the pack by December 1 so that we have NO issues with recharter.

Parents, this is also the site where you should go to take the on-line version of Youth Protection Training (YPT). We want EVERY parent in the pack to take YPT.

Every Scout Deserves A Well-Trained Leader

The Longhorn Council will give you the tools to “do your best,” for what to do, so you can deliver a FUN and exciting program to our Cub Scouts.  Both the Longhorn Council and our Mustang District Training Team offers a range of National BSA training courses to help make your job easier and more FUN. 

 If you are new to Scouting, or new in a particular Scouting job, we offer position-specific training courses for you to learn the basics of your new position. If you are a seasoned veteran, there are a variety of advanced training programs. 

This Saturday, November 19, is the University of Scouting.  If you haven't registered, there is still time to pick your courses and make a day of it.  If you can't attend this year, know that we hold it EVERY YEAR!

Alternatively, please be sure to check out the online courses at www.my.scouting.org From there you will be taken to a portal to create an account and password.  At that point, you can tap into the wide array of available online training courses.  Leaders, please be sure you are trained for your specific position within the pack by December 10 so that we have NO issues with recharter.

Parents, this is also the site where you should go to take the on-line version of Youth Protection Training.  We want EVERY parent in the pack to take YPT.  

YPT - Youth Protection Training

The Boy Scouts of America require that ALL registered leaders in our program be Youth Protection Trained.  As a Pack, however, we strive to have EVERY PARENT (whether you are registered as a volunteer or not) to be YPT trained. Why? It's free. It's easily accomplished online. It requires a mere 20-30 minutes of your attention. Plus, face it, it's just a good idea in any youth program to have everyone on the same page.

To take Youth Protection training go to My.Scouting.org and create an account. You’ll receive an email notification with your account information, including a member ID/reference number.

Upon completion, you may print a training certificate or save it to a .pdf file and e-mail to Pack leadership.  Training will be automatically be updated in the BSA's system and associated with the member ID/reference number issued when you created the account. If you are a registered BSA volunteer, you can insert your BSA membership ID number into your account profile so that they are linked.  If you don't know your BSA membership ID number, you can go back and enter it at any time.

Of all the things we do for the boys -- this one is vital to the safety and integrity of our program. Please take the time to complete YPT training today.  The online module certification is good for two years.

Plan now for your family's summer!

Make this summer the best one yet by taking your family to the Philmont Training Center.

With great conferences, a legendary setting, and activities for spouses and children, it truly is the ultimate destination for Scouting families.

You, the Scouter, want to be the best possible leader for your Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers or Sea Scouts. After a week at the beautiful Philmont Training Center in New Mexico, you will be. You’ll learn alongside like-minded Scouters from across the country in conferences designed for anyone in Scouting: newbies all the way to the most-seasoned veterans.

Your spouse can come, too. S/he will enjoy a week of fun — museum visits, local history, American Indian arts programs, pottery-making demonstrations, guided nature walks and programs, tours, trips to nearby towns, fishing and more.

And your children? They’re in for a real treat with carefully designed, age- and ability-specific programs conducted under the leadership of trained staff. I speak from experience when I say your children won’t want to leave when the week’s over.

Though family members go their separate ways during the morning and afternoon, they reunite for meals and in the evenings for dinner and family activities. There will be plenty of stories for each to tell about all the fun they had.

Ready to learn more? Matt Rendahl, associate director of program at the Philmont Training Center, gives us the scoop:

Who teaches Philmont Training Center conferences?

No less than the best volunteers and professionals from across the country.

These are the people who “wrote the book” — in some cases literally — on Scouting. I’m talking top-level trainers and Scouters, many giving up vacation time to share their knowledge with you.

There’s even one course — Engaging Millennial Parents in Scouting — taught by Bryan Hayek, this article's author and Bryan On Scouting.  He's co-teaching that Aug. 7 to 13 course with his dad, the BSA’s former national training chairman (and father of two millennials).

Who can attend Philmont Training Center?

Any registered Scouter; there’s no other prerequisite. PTC is suited for brand-new Scouters and seasoned veterans. There really is something for everyone.

Who else will be in my session?

One of the best parts of a Philmont conference is the opportunity for shared learning among the participants.

That means you will network with and learn from Scouters from across the country. And in today’s Facebook-connected world, the connections made at PTC will extend beyond the week spent in New Mexico.

What will my family do?

Never want to leave, that’s what. The family program component is unparalleled in or out of Scouting. My first exposure to Philmont was attending a family program while my dad took a training course. My sister, mom and I were inspired to return to Philmont again and again.

Scouts and non-Scouts of any age can experience the magic of Philmont.

Parents can bring children, grandparents can bring grandchildren, wives can bring husbands and husbands can bring wives. From 2-month-olds to 90-year-olds, there is something for everyone. All for way less than that place with the mouse.

Learn more about the family programs here.

What’s the PTC like?

It offers world-class facilities, comfortable lodging with private hot showers, great food prepared by staff members, historic museums and southwestern history — all with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop.

The summer weather is perfect, with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 40s.

To see what a typical week is like at PTC, go here.

When are these sessions held?

Every week, all summer long. Week 1 is June 5 to 11. Week 11, the final week of the summer season, is Aug. 14 to 20.

PTC offers one fall conference week: Sept. 18 to 24.

What sessions are offered?

Way more than I can list here. See the full 2016 conference schedule here.

How much does it cost?

Less than your typical family vacation.

2016 Philmont Training Center fees (include conference materials, meals, lodging, and activities):

• Conference Participant: $530
• Non-Conference Adult (20+): $375
• Mountain Trek (Ages 14-20): $415
• Children at PTC (Ages 14-20): $315
• Children (Ages 6-13): $200
• Children (Ages 0-5): $100
• NAYLE participant: $395 (Hurry! NAYLE is filling fast)
• STEM Youth Conference: $395

Registrations are accepted at any time throughout the year, and limited scholarship funds are available.

What if I still have questions?

Find more answers to FAQs here.

Still have a question? Contact the PTC’s helpful staff.

• Phone: 575-376-2281
• Email: trainingcenter@philmontscoutranch.org

Leadership Training

It is official.  Cub Scout leaders can complete the all the elements required for Position Specific Training in the BSA Learn Center.  Though, of course, we would LOVE to have our leaders attend the in-person training because there is tribal knowledge that can only be garnered through interaction with live people. (Shocker, I know!)  

The last module, Cub Scout Insignia, was posted last Friday.  

To login, go to my.scouting.org and create an account if you don't yet have one.  Then click on “My Dashboard” (it's the icon on the top left.)   

Navigate to the “Training Center” tab then click on Cub Scouting.  

Finally, click on “Take Course” next to the Leader Position-Specific Training you are interested in taking.

We would like ALL PARENTS to take Youth Protection Training.  Leaders, please make sure you are trained for your position ASAP.  We need that completed for our recharter!

Thanks everyone!

BALOO

Parents, we are in need of more BALOO trained adults in our Pack.  

Why?  Great question! I'm glad you asked.  You see, as a Pack we not allowed to camp-out anywhere other than at a Council or District sponsored event UNLESS we have at LEAST one BALOO trained adult.  We currently only have two BALOO trained adults in our ENTIRE PACK!  Also, they are BOTH in our Webelos I den!  

Furthermore, as a Pack, we like to have a minimum of two BALOO trained adults on every Pack camp out because if there is only one.... and that person has to leave... the campout has to be over.  It's not allowed to continue per BSA rule.  The more BALOO trained adults we have in our Pack, the better off everyone is!

But have no fear.... THIS WEEKEND there is an upcoming training provided by no other than our illustrious Mustang District Training Committee.  The catch?  We need parents to attend!  

WHO:  YOU!
WHAT:  BALOO Training
WHERE:  Northwood Church, 1870 Rufe Snow Drive (enter on Kids side)
WHEN:  Saturday, January 31 from 8:30 am - 5pm
WHY:  Because our camping program DEPENDS ON YOU!
COST:  $15 per person

Ready to sign up?  Awesome click here and register online.  Once you complete the course, you get a handy dandy business sized card that signifies you are indeed a BALOO trained adult.  Please take a copy of it (picture from your phone is just fine) and send it to April to update our Pack database.  

This is one way and one afternoon that you can do something small that will make a big difference to the boys' program.  After all, we do it ALL for them!  Please consider attending the training.