Training
We believe every Scout deserves well-trained leaders!
The Golden Empire Council offers premier training opportunities for Scouts and adult leaders alike! Our goal is to empower youth and adults to become powerful leaders. With our premier training Scouts will continue to have a program led with S.A.F.E. principals. Everything we do follows the rules of…
S - Supervision
A - Assessment
F - Fitness & Skill
E - Equipment & Environment.
Training Opportunities
AB-506
Keeping Our Children Safe
As a Golden Empire Council volunteer, it is important to keep our children safe. We are committed to ensuring the highest level of safety by requiring all volunteers to complete mandated reporter training and get live scanned. Read our FAQs here →
Youth Protection Training
Focused commitment of all Scouters
True Youth Protection can only be achieved by the focused commitment of all Scouters. The Golden Empire Council works to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety across all districts and unit levels. We take great pride in the quality of our volunteers and adult leadership. Youth Protection Training is a requirement for all adult leaders prior to serving.
Steps
Become an Adult Leader!
Step 1
Step 2
Step 5
Step 6
BALOO
What is BALOO?
Our Baloo training is a required training for Cub Scout leaders leading outdoor events, pack camping overnights, and Webelos den overnighters. The training consists of two components; an online component and a practical hands-on component. You will need to complete the online component before the hands-on training piece. Ready to get trained?
Dates at NorCal Adventure Area:
May 2-3, 2026
Sept 12-13, 2026
Registrations coming soon!
IOLS
What is IOLS?
IOLS stands for Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills! This training is a fun hands-on program that gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method, teaches outdoor skills, game models and much more! You should sign up if you are a Scout Master, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, Institutional Rep, or a Troop Parent!
Dates at NorCal Adventure Area:
May 2-3, 2026
Sept 12-13, 2026
Registrations coming soon!
Wood Badge
What is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting professionals and volunteers. All district leaders, council Scouters, Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouters, or Exploring leaders are invited to attend! Take your leadership skills to the next level!
Fall Wood Badge Course
GEC Course 3-47-26
NorCal Adventure Area
Sept 25-27 and Oct 10-11, 2026
Joe Schairer, Course Director
joeschairer3@gmail.com
NYLT
What is NYLT?
NYLT is the BSA National Leadership Training for Scouts! This training program is an action-packed program for youth members who hold leadership positions within their own troops. You’ll learn what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW, and what a leader must DO.
paymentsSee Our Pricing
2026 NYLT Courses
The National Youth Leadership Training course is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide male and female youth members of the Boy Scouts of America with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. NYLT is for Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts.
COURSE 1
COURSE 2
WHEN: July 12 - 17, 2026
WHERE: NorCal Adventure Base, Dobbins
Andy Wertin, Course Director
awertin@hotmail.com
REGISTER SOON
WHEN: Sept 5-7 and Sept 25-27, 2026
WHERE: NorCal Adventure Base, Dobbins
Greg Shultz, Course Director
gregschultz@earthlink.net
REGISTER SOON
Resources
Camp Resources
paymentsSee Our Pricing
HAT
What is HAT?
HAT is our High Adventure Training Team! Leave your fears behind, think ahead, and travel light! The HAT program offers environmental awareness, experience with the U.S. Forest Service, and skills for disseminating information! You’ll get to help develop incentives for enhancing safety and high adventure experiences for the Scouting program. Ready to join!?
OKPIK- Cold Weather Camping Training
INDOOR Saturday, January 24, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: Sun Grove Church, 2285 Longport Ct, Elk Grove, CA 95758
OUTDOOR Overnight
Primary SAT Jan. 31 to SUN Feb. 1, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM Sat to 12:00 PM Sun
WHERE: TBD
COST: $35
Basic Backpacking Awareness
INDOOR Saturday, March 28, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: Sun Grove Church, 2285 Longport Ct.,Elk Grove, CA 95758
***Bring a sack Lunch***
OUTDOOR Overnight April 18-19, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM Sat to 2:00 PM Sun
WHERE: TBD
COST: $35
University of Scouting
What is University of Scouting?
The University of Scouting is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders. Whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years, the University provides interesting courses applicable across the Scouting programs.
SAVE the DATE: March 21, 2026 (3rd Sat of March going forward).