Resources

Adult Training
District training information and schedule (Youth Protection Training On-line link, other information): www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop

BSA Online Learning Center (Youth Protection Training, Fast Start, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense): http://olc.scouting.org or www.scouting.org

Youth Protection Training:
All adults involved in scouting are highly encouraged to take the Youth Protection Training course which covers appropriate youth-adult and younger-older youth interactions and BSA policies. The course is required for adult leaders every three years. In SHAC, the course is also required annually for adult leaders attending summer camp, winter camp, high adventure trips or other long term camps. The course is offered live at the fall and winter Golden Arrow District Merit Badge Fairs or online though a link on www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/youthprotectiontrainin/. This link will transfer you to the main BSA online course site, www.olc.scouting.org and you will be asked to create an account. You do not need your scouter ID number to take the course. The online training requires less than 1 hour.

The GAD has the following advice on obtaining an on-line copy of the YPT Certification Card:
"After taking the test, click on SUBMIT. You will be directed to a page giving the results and that asks you to close the page and to REFRESH. If you do not REFRESH the yellow or blue dot next to Youth Protection Training, teh dot will not turn green. Once the dot is green, click on Youth Protection Training again and a window will open. Click on VIEW CERTIFICATE. Print the certificate (FILE, PRINT, OK). This certificate is good for 24 months from the date taken."

Training for Adult Leaders and Troop Committee Members:
To earn the coveted adult "TRAINED" patch, follow these steps:

1. Complete "Fast Start Training" - This training is offered on-line at www.olc.scouting.org

2. Complete "New Leader Essentials". New Leader Essentials is taught live at the fall and spring Golden Arrow District Merit Badge Fairs or it is available online through www.olc.scouting.org.

3a. For Scoutmasters and Assistant Scout Masters: Complete "Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training" and "Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)". Scoutmaster Essentials is an 8-hour course in three sections. It is offered periodically by Golden Arrow District and taught each summer at Camp Hale. The schedule for the GAD training sessions is posted on www.goldenarrow.org.

3b. For Troop Committee Members: Complete "Troop Committee Challenge". This short course provides an overview of the adult positions and responsibilities within the troop committee. It is usually offered live at the Golden Arrow District fall and spring Merit Badge Fairs. It is also available online at www.olc.scouting.org or through a link on the www.samhoustonbsa.org site.

4. Retain any certification cards and let the Scoutmaster or adult training coordinator know of your accomplishments!

"Safe Swim Defense" and "Safety Afloat" are also available online (www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training). Classes in Safe Scouting, Climb on Safely and Leave No Trace are offered at Camp Hale during summer camp. See the Golden Arrow District or SHAC council sites for more training opportunities.

Merit Badge Counselors:
The Golden Arrow District offers "Merit Badge Counselor Training" twice a year. The class schedule is posted on the GAD website. Although this training is not required to serve as a Merit Badge Counselor, it is useful for understanding the merit badge and advancement processes in Boy Scouting. To become a Merit Badge Counselor, please submit a separate Adult Application (indicate Position 42) plus the Merit Badge Counselor Application Form to the Troop Committee Chair. The application will be sent to the District Advancement Chair and Council offices.

Canoeing:
Specific training for leaders of canoe trips is available. See www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Camping/Activities/CanoeProgram.

University of Scouting:
The SHAC hosts a day-long training program for adult leaders once a year in the Houston area. A wide variety of courses are offered in one-to-two hour sessions. This event is announced on the main SHAC website. The quality of the classes is excellent and well worth the effort to attend.