Scouting’s strength is in the people who belong to the program. MEGA Training offers you the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader (and have more fun doing your Scouting job). A lot of the folks you’ll meet have probably dealt with an issue that’s puzzling you and can offer advice from a position of experience.

When you’re not meeting other Scouters over lunch, MEGA Training offers you the chance to take required training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more.

The next available MEGA Training will be in May 17-18, 2024.

Courses typically (but not always) offered at MEGA Training:

Basic Adult Leader Orientation (BALOO)

This course teaches you what you need to know as a Cub Scout adult leader or parent who will go on Cub Scout Den or Pack outdoor events, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos Den overnight camping. While you can take this course for free online through My.Scouting.org, taking the course at MEGA Training gives you the added bonus of being able to ask questions and get first-hand experience from a fellow volunteer who has been in your shoes.

Scoutmaster-Specific Training/Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

This combination course provides Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters with the basic, required information and tools they need to lead successful Scouts BSA Troops – plus the practical skills they need to lead Scouts while camping (although, when done right, your youth will lead the troop and you’ll supervise and mentor).

While you can take Scoutmaster-Specific Training for free online through My.Scouting.org, taking the course at MEGA Training gives you the added bonus of being able to ask questions and get first-hand experience from a fellow volunteer who has been in your shoes.

You have to take Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) in person – you can’t camp online, after all. Taking the course in combination with Scoutmaster-Specific at MEGA Training is a great way to make sure you learn from the best, most experienced volunteers.

Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid is a 16-hour, hands-on course to give Scouts the experience needed to handle illness and injury when medical care is more than an hour away. When paired with CPR/AED certifications, Scouts are well prepared to deal with emergencies and routine medical issues that may occur on an outdoor adventure.

Archery Range Master Training (for Cub Scout leaders)

You’ll earn the necessary certifications needed to lead your Cub Scout Pack at Camp Tom Wooten’s Native American Village Archery Range. This course is only for those wanting to become Archery Range Masters. This training is limited to 16 participants. Learn more here.

BB Range Master Training

You’ll earn the necessary certifications needed to lead your Cub Scout Pack at Camp Tom Wooten’s Fort Sam Houston BB Gun range. This course is only for those wanting to become BB Gun Range Masters. This training is limited to 16 participants. Learn more here.

Level I Archery Instructor Training

The course is aimed at Scouts BSA leaders (18 and older) who want to teach the Archery Merit Badge, supervise a range at camp or Cub Scouts Day Camp, or run a quality archery program for Scouts BSA Troops or Venturing Crews. Students who complete the course and pass a written test will receive the Level I Archery Instructor certification (Basic Instructor) valid for three years. Learn more here.

Swimming and Water Rescue Training

This course provides leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. Persons completing the training should be better able to assess their preparation to supervise unit swimming events. To learn more, click here.

Paddle Craft Safety Training

BSA Paddle Craft Safety builds upon the safety lessons learned in Safety Afloat training to include the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for an adult leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking trips on flat and moving water. There are 2 modules of training for canoeing: (1) Basic and (2) River (moving water). As a result, the training is typically spread over two days, and located on two different waterways.