Training Accomplished (thanks to those that make things happen!)
Successful Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) and Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) courses were held during the Spring Camporee at Martin Scout Ranch. It was cold on Saturday morning (22°F), but spirits were high as much learning took place. Many thanks to Jared and MJ, who ran the courses, and to the dedicated participants. There are four photos of this event at the bottom of this column.
Training of the Month
Adults (over 18) that occasionally stay overnight in connection with a scouting activity are required to register as a scout leader. Many units register these individuals as members of the committee, even though they don’t function as such. Most of these individuals are not trained. It appears that there is another option – they can be registered with the position of Unit Scouter Reserve (code 91U). We are looking into what training may be required for this position. How do you handle this in your unit? A reference is Registration-Guidebook.pdf on the Scouts BSA web site.
Council Training Calendar
June 23-28 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) at Camp Fife, Goose Prairie, WA (133 miles from council HQ) – Chief Seattle Council is host. The Blue Mountain Council has adult staff, youth staff, and scouts involved.
In The Works (If you plan it, they will come)
Wood Badge Schedule Options – Proposed 2025 course – There is interest in supporting the Wood Badge course hosted by the Pacific Harbors Council – August 13-17, 2025 at Camp Thunderbird [near Olympia WA]. Ron Francis is the contact at ronndogg@comcast.net (253) 441-5096. This course is a Monday through Friday course – for some it may require 5 days off work, but participants only need to travel once. Other Wood Badge courses may be held on Friday to Sunday and Saturday to Sunday weekends – only 1 day off work, but would have to travel twice. For those interested in participating in a Wood Badge in the future, which schedule would you prefer?
Help Wanted (It’s fun and rewarding to get involved with training!)
Trainers Needed for BALOO and IOLS Training Teams – Only 1 trainer is required for each course, but it is way more fun if a team (3 to 5 Scouters) supports each course. Having a team also means that if a trainer has a conflict, the others can fill in. New trainers may only lead one session during the course, or more sessions if they feel up to it. Please let your council training chair know if you are interested. Being a trainer continues the learning experience in an accelerated way.
Lies, Darn Lies, and Statistics (How are we doin’?)
- 6 BALOO participants and 9 IOLS participants during the recent camporee.
Contact:
Council Training Chair: Brad Ross bluemttrain@gmail.com
Your Feedback:
Please submit your pithy comments to your council training chair (see email address above), either for his eyes only or for the readers of this publication to see. If your comments are useful (and entertaining?), you’ll see them in a future Training Trails blog. We welcome your ideas to help improve the training in our council. Many thanks!
