Every Scout deserves a trained leader.
Overall only 51.2% of district Scouters are trained for their positions. While this is improving we have a long way to go . Committee Members and Assistant Scoutmasters are the least trained. Check out the Training Status dashboard below for unit and individual training status for each registered position.
The Golden Gate Area Council is very concerned about the number of untrained leaders in our districts and units. It is hoped that the units can reach out to their volunteers to encourage them to get their position specific training, so as to avoid the need to suspend untrained volunteers.
We encourage you to take advantage of the training opportunities described below. Most training can also be done online.
The current training requirements for all positions can be found on the Scouting America Position Trained Requirements page.
The training courses are here:
Cub Scouting online training
Scouts BSA online training
Venturing online training
Sea Scouting online training
Exploring online training
You are encouraged to set a goal of doing the initial “Before the First Meeting” online courses, for your position, within the next 30 days. The total time commitment should be 20-70 minutes depending on your position.
S.A.F.E Guarding Youth Training
Scouting America has updated its essential safety training, changing the name from Youth Protection Training (YPT) to Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT).
This refreshed training offers a stronger focus on the SAFE initiative, includes updated guidance on technology and online threats, and features real volunteers in authentic Scouting scenarios.
SYT is now available on my.Scouting, and all leaders, parents, and volunteers, are encouraged to complete it to help maintain a safe and supportive environment for every Scout.
BALOO Training
Come to a fun-filled overnight program of hands-on skill training designed to help Cub Leaders to take their Packs on overnight campouts. For a Pack to run an overnight program, it is required that at least one leader be BALOO trained.
Three dates are currently offered.
Jan 24-25, 2026 LEAD (Diablo Valley College) & Camp Herms
- Mar 21-22, 2026 Fremont Veterans Hall & Garin Park
- Mar 28-29, 2926 Camp Royaneh. Option to check in Friday the 27th, with Saturday breakfast is available.
Scoutmaster/ASM Leader Specific Training
This course is being offered to all Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee Members, Arrow of Light Den Leaders, Commissioners and all registered Scouters.
Classroom:
- Saturday, March 14, 2026 (Pi Day!)
- 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
- United Methodist Church, 1600 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills
IOLS is an important and enjoyable part of the basic preparations for a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or any registered adult leader working in direct contact with Scouts.
It covers the outdoor skills expected of a New Scout through First Class Scout. The skills sessions presented in Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills closely follow the Scout Handbook.
Classroom:
- Saturday, March 14, 2026 (Pi Day!)
- 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
- United Methodist Church, 1600 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
Outdoor Weekend:
- Saturday, April 4, 2026 7:00 am – to –
- Sunday, April 5, 2026 2:00pm
- Rancho Los Mochos
Wood Badge
This is an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers and professionals. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Explorers, and district and council Scouters all are welcome
To attend a Wood Badge course, individuals must:
- Be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Youth 18 and older may attend as long as the appropriate Youth Protection guidelines are followed.
- Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
- Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment.
- Commit to attending both weekends.
Course Dates
- Sep 11-13, 2026 Camp Herms
- Oct 24-24, 2026 Camp Royaneh
Basic Backpacking Awareness
This course covers the skills and knowledge for planning and leading a safe and enjoyable backpacking trek.
Course topics include: trek planning, leadership and risk management, wilderness first aid, evacuation, food planning and preparation, nutrition, wilderness navigation, feminine hygiene on the trail, Leave No Trace camping, equipment, stoves & fuels, and weather.
- May 2-3, 2026
- Camp Herms
Aquatics Supervision Manual
Scouting America has released an updated version of the Aquatics Supervision Manual, providing the latest safety guidelines, training standards, and best practices for aquatic activities, including swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
This resource is designed to support unit leaders, camp staff, and volunteers in delivering safe and effective aquatics programming. The revised manual is now available online: Aquatics Supervision Manual.