The Basics

Youth Protection

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth. Every registered adult leader is required to take Youth Protection Training and must be valid for at least one year prior to annually renewing membership. Training is online and takes less than 45 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions regarding Youth Protection training please contact our Youth Protection Champion Jason Ball at MrJasonBall@gmail.com.

Adult Leader Application

There's nothing quite like becoming a mentor to a young man or woman through Scouting. Over 9,000 adult leaders help deliver our indoor and outdoor programs to the youth of our Council. Join our elite team today!

What Does it Mean to be "Trained"?

The secret to delivering a quality Scouting program is having trained leaders at every level. Review this chart for a comprehensive list of the training classes required to be fully qualified to proudly wear your 'TRAINED' tab, then visit our training Calendar for upcoming training dates.

My Training Records

We know how important your personal training journey is. You've spent hours taking classes online. You've spent your weekends attending position-specific training and camped out while improving your Scoutcraft skills. Here's where to go when you need a copy of a Certificate of Training, to check your Youth Protection status and more. My.Scouting.org log in required.

Online Training

Many required leader courses may be taken entirely online. My.Scouting.Org is the first stop on your Training journey. Also visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities. My.Scouting.org log in required.

The Next Level

An introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program. Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) teaches BSA camping policy and basic outdoor camping skills. BALOO is required training for Cub Scout and Webelos unit leaders in order to camp with your Scouts. Search "BALOO" in the TFC Calendar for information on upcoming classes.

Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics and Hazardous Weather Training, this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered Trained. Visit the TFC Training Calendar and search for classes near you.

Are you a new Cubmaster or Scoutmaster? Committee Member? Charter Organization Representative? We  offer instructor-led courses for leadership roles at every level. Start by visiting BSA's Training for Adults page and determine what classes you'll need to take. Then visit the Three Fires Council Calendar and search for classes near you.

Bring your professional skills or passion for a hobby or outdoor activity to bear on helping our Scouts advance. With over 150 merit badges to choose from, we can help you become a mentor, coach and instructor. Start by reading our process for Merit Badge counselors and completing the Merit Badge Counselor Application and submit it to your unit Advancement Chairman. Applications may be submitted directly to Three Fires Council.

Some badges are high risk merit badges and require formal Certification.

Advanced Skills

A hallmark of the Scouting Program is our passion for lifelong learning. Whether you need to take advanced first aid in preparation for an upcoming high adventure trek or you've committed to year-round camping with your Troop or Crew - we've got the expert instructors and coursework for you. Take your Scout training to the very pinnacle and join our next Woodbadge course. Choose from hundreds of courses at Lord Baden Powell University or attend resident training at the Philmont Scout Ranch. No matter your destination - there's always a new training challenge just down the trail.


Okpik Cold Weather Camping
Ready to test yourself? Okpik (Ook’pick) is designed to teach cold weather outdoor camping skills. Join a patrol and earn your crystal cubes.
Learn More		 Outdoor Ethics
Protecting the environment is at the very core of what we do. Learn advanced outdoor Leave No Trace Skills and earn the Outdoor Ethics Award. Visit the TFC Calendar to find an upcoming class.
Learn More		 Wilderness First Aid
This advanced course is designed to teach life-saving emergency skills for when medical care is hours away. Required to attend BSA High Adventure Camps. Visit the TFC Calendar to find an upcoming class.
 Learn More
Wood Badge
The first Wood Badge course was offered in 1919. Today, Wood Badge remains Scouting’s premier leadership training course for uniformed adult leaders. Offered annually.
Learn More		 College of Commissioner Science
The purpose of the College of Commissioner Science is to provide ongoing practical training for all Commissioners to allow them to better serve their units. Presented by Three Fires Council, Rainbow Council, Pathway to Adventure Council and, Northeast Illinois Council.
Learn More		 Philmont Training Center
PTC is the national volunteer training center for the BSA. Each year, over 6,000 Scouters attend advanced training at PTC.
Learn More
Aquatics Training
Three Fires Council Aquatics Committee Meets the Third Thursday of each month and is open to any registered leader. Please contact J.R. Wilson to become part of the committee and help make a difference. The aquatics committee has overall responsibility for the local council’s aquatics activities in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring. Within the local council organization, the aquatics committee reports to either the vice president of program or to the vice president of health and safety. The aquatics committee may be a separate committee or subcommittee within the program or health and safety committee.
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Youth Training

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Start here and check out the online and classroom training courses offered by the BSA. Three Fires Council offers youth training year round. Check our Calendar for upcoming training dates.

Stepping up to a senior role in your Troop? Giving back by serving as a mentor in your local Cub Scout Pack? We've got a fun and informative class that will give you the skills necessary to get and keep your fellow Scout's attention in meetings and outings. Search for "Senior Patrol Leader and Den Chief training" dates on the TFC Calendar. Click the link below to learn more about Youth training opportunities with the BSA.

Ready to super-charge your personal leadership skills? The National Youth Leadership Training course is an intense, 6-day camping and leadership development experience. NYLT is based on the best of modern leadership theory and is executed through presentations, outdoor challenges and peer engagement. NYLT is offered annually.

Ready to take your leadership skills to the mountain top? Then the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience is for you. In fact, take it to one of BSA's top high adventure bases - Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier or the Summit. NAYLE is the BSA's premier outdoor leadership training experience and emphasizes team building, ethical decision making and selfless service.

Find Training

TFC Training Calendar

Choose from dozens of upcoming events. Search events by program level, District, role-specific classes or just browse upcoming training events.

Calendar of Events

Fall Training Academy

Three Fires Council’s premier training event is held each November. Training Academy delivers over 100 courses for leaders of all levels. Youth leadership training is also available.

More Information

Your Council Training Team

Get to know your Training Team representative in your District or at the Council level. Contact us with your questions and ideas.

Contact Us