National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is the premier youth leadership program offered by Hawk Mountain Council. NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and crews, and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
Adult Leader Outdoor Trainings
Are you in a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or an assistant of either position? Have you completed your required Outdoor Leader Training? If not, we have a number of opportunities for you.
Cub Scout Leaders:
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
This one-and-a-half day course is an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical. BSA’s Cub Scout camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help units carry our a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnight trip.
Online Training Pre-requisite for BALOO
The online portion is available through the BSA Learn Center. Log onto my.scouting.org and select the BSA Learn Center image on the right side of the home page. On the following page select Catalog from the top menu, and enter “BALOO” into the search box.
Scouts BSA Leaders:
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills is a mandatory training for all registered Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. We will be covering the fundamental skills necessary to successfully and safely take a Scouts BSA troop or patrol on an outing. The Campsite Edition of IOLS has participants simulate a classic Scout “car camping” weekend. Therefore participants will carry their gear a short distance from a vehicle to a campsite. They will set up their tents at the site, and remain there other than short expeditions.
Campsite edition is designed for scout leaders with minimal camping experience.
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills is a mandatory training for all registered Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. We will be covering the fundamental skills necessary to successfully and safely take a Scouts BSA troop or patrol on an outing. The course explores the back corners of Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation and is led by experienced backcountry guides. This course is open for more than just those in need of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training. It should be noted that all required IOLS course material will be covered while hiking on the trail. The course is also for those who simply want to experience the challenge and fun of backpacking. Leaders who have completed IOLS but would like to further improve backcountry skills are more than welcome to participate.
In addition to regular outdoor skills, you will learn trail navigation, gear, hydration and cooking for backcountry camping, trail crew planning and methods and tips for keeping you (and the scouts) healthy and happy on the trail. You will carry your tents to the overnight location.
You will need to carry a backpack, your sleeping bag/pad and scout essentials for approximately 8 miles over 2 days. There will be a Zoom Question & Answer session held where a complete gear list will be discussed on the weekend prior to the course. We highly recommend that you borrow gear you need before purchase as you will learn about what gear you want to have.
Leaders who have completed this course have had the same reaction – they learned more than they expected and had a lot of fun together. Leave the campsite behind, get outdoors and strengthen your skills and leadership. The cap for this course is 12.
Click the button below to find when our next courses will be held & register now!
Become a Merit Badge Counselor
Become a Merit Badge Counselor
What expertise do you have to share with Scouts? Check out the list of merit badges and their requirements. To become a merit badge counselor or to change your list of badges offered, complete the Merit Badge Counselor application and a new adult application (using position code 42), and take the Merit Badge Counselor training on my.Scouting.org. This position also requires current Youth Protection training.
Experienced Leaders
Hawk Mountain Council recognizes that some leaders are very experienced with the operation of a Scouts BSA troop and also serve as merit badge counselors. We have prepared an online training that meets the national training requirements for Merit Badge Counselors for those who are already experienced and familiar with the Scouts BSA program. Complete this training by watching the video below and then reporting it to the training committee as directed at the conclusion.
Youth Protection Training Information
Dear Hawk Mountain Council Volunteers and Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. As dedicated members of our Scouting community, your commitment and enthusiasm have always been the driving force behind the success and growth of our programs. Youth Protection Training is a cornerstone of our mission to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth.
In alignment with Scouting America’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding our young members, it is mandatory for all registered volunteers to complete Youth Protection Training as a joining requirement. This training is not just a formality; it is an essential tool that equips us with the knowledge and skills to protect our youth from harm.
Leadership Training
One of the keys to a successful Scouting experience for young people, second only to the selection of the right person for each responsibility, is trained volunteer leadership.
The training philosophy of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide adults with fundamental information about the aims and purpose of the movement, as well as specifics about their particular roles in Scouting.
PA Background Checks
Overview – Pennsylvania Act 153 Pertaining to Volunteers
Summary
In October 2014, Governor Corbett signed PA Act 153 into law. This legislation is designed to increase the safety of children by requiring background checks and child abuse clearances for all volunteers and staff who are responsible for children. This law impacts all organizations that serve youth and also includes strengthened mandatory reporting requirements for adult volunteers and staff.
What are the criteria for clearances?
Adults who are currently unpaid volunteers, or are applying to be unpaid volunteers with the following responsibilities:
- Acting in lieu of, or on behalf of a parent by providing care, supervision, guidance, or control of children, or…
- Having regular, ongoing contact with children that is integral to their volunteer responsibilities.
