Training
EVERY SCOUT DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER.
We believe that every Scout deserves a trained leader. We want to make sure that you understand how Scouting works and that you’re properly equipped to deliver a fun and fulfilling program to our youth. The Boy Scouts of America provides a wealth of training opportunities at every level of Scouting. Whether you’re a first-time Cub leader or a high adventure veteran, there’s a training course for you. Continual learning is a key to the success of our programs.
YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING
Youth Protection training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, you will answer questions about that section’s topic. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online.
CUBMASTER & ASSISTANT CUBMASTER POSITION TRAINING
This course is intended to provide Cubmasters with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout pack. Cubmasters and assistants who complete this training and Youth Protection training are considered “trained” for both positions.
DEN LEADER POSITION TRAINING
This course is intended to provide Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den leaders with the information and tools they need to conduct successful den meetings. Den leaders who complete the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos training, along with Youth Protection training, are considered trained for their position.
SCOUTMASTER POSITION TRAINING
The course will provide Scoutmasters with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Boy Scout troops. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who complete this course, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, and Youth Protection Training are considered “trained” for those positions. There is no change to the My.Scouting Tools code (S24) for the course. The Outdoor course must be taken in during a course held by a district or council. The Outdoor course is required to be considered fully trained.
VENTURING ADVISOR & ASSOCIATE POSITION TRAINING
This course will provide an introduction to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful Venturing crew leadership experience
WOOD BADGE
WHAT IS WOOD BADGE
Wood Badge is the premiere adult leadership development course offered by the BSA. The ultimate purpose of Wood Badge is to help adult leaders deliver the highest quality Scouting program to young people to help them achieve their fullest potential.
WHO MAY ATTEND?
Wood Badge is open to registered volunteers and professionals in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, and Venturing. It focuses not on Scouting skills, but on leadership skills, taught in Scouting settings, that are transferable to every aspect of your life.
HOW IS THE COURSE CONDUCTED?
Wood Badge is taught in two phases: the practical phase, consisting of one 3-day weekend and a 2 day weekend at camp, and the application phase or “ticket”. The ticket is a contract with five goals you promise to complete over an 18-month period, using the leadership skills you’ve learned during the two course weekends.
WHEN IS THE COURSE BEING HELD THIS YEAR?
There are two weekends: the first weekend is August 26-28, 2022 (Friday – Sunday) and the second weekend is September 17-18, 2022 (Saturday – Sunday). Attendance is required on all days.
YOU WANT ME TO VOLUNTEER FOR MORE WORK?
No! The great thing about your Wood Badge Ticket is it centers around the Scouting job you’re already doing. So, you’re not committing to doing another job…just learning to do your job better
I’m convinced! What else do I need to know?
- Living arrangements for the first weekend will be provided. (Bring your own bedding)
- On the second weekend, personal tents and patrol cooking will be required. (Stoves will be provided.) If you do not have a tent, let us know. We will help find one to borrow!
- There are scholarships available! Get in touch with your district leadership to find out more on how to apply.
ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Just a few, we’ve listed them below!
- You need to be a currently registered adult member. Including unit or district leaders, committee members, or merit badge counselors.
- You need to be fully trained in your primary registered position before the first weekend.
- You will need to bring a completed BSA medical form. (Parts A,B, & C), current through all course dates.
- You will need a complete BSA uniform.
I’M READY TO SIGN UP! WHERE DO I GO?
We’ve made it easy, just click the blue button below and pack your bags, you’re headed to Gilwell!
2022 Wood Badge Registration will open on 12/1/2021
2021 WOOD BADGE REUNION
AUGUST 6, 2022 – CAMP SEPH MACK – 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Join us for the 2022 Wood Badge Reunion! We will have activities all through the day and a brief program followed by a live auction!
Bring a buddy! This event is open to anyone who might be interested in taking the course this fall or in the future.
If you have any Wood Badge or Scouting items you would care to donate to the auction, they can be dropped off at Flag Plaza in care of Charlie Huse or contact Dave Anderson for pick up any time before August 1st.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dave Anderson 724-747-5611 | [email protected]
Charlie Huse 412-325-7950 | [email protected]
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed for youth to learn and practice the leadership skills that will help them succeed in Scouting and in life!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Scouts who have completed their unit’s introduction to leadership course, have been practicing these skills, and are ready for the next level of training should attend NYLT once they meet all Eligibility Requirements.
NYLT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SCOUTS MUST:
- Complete their home Unit’s Introduction to Leadership Skills course*
- Receive approval from your Scoutmaster or Unit leader
- All participants must be 13 years old.
- Earn First Class rank, if registered in a Troop
- Have current BSA Health Form (Parts A, B, and C)
- Be comfortable camping and cooking outdoors
- Commit to attending the entire six-day course
* Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), Crews (ILSC), and Ships (ILSS) should be offered through a Scout’s home unit. Ask your Unit Leader how you can participate in this course.
The NYLT course is limited to a total of 112 participants. Because we always have more applicants than we can take, we will only be able to accept the first 112 applicants who are fully paid for the course. After that, fully paid applicants will be placed on a wait-list in the order that their full payment is received. Although we almost always have a few openings come up for various reasons, we cannot predict how many people from the waitlist will be provided the opportunity to attend the course.
Registration for non-Laurel Highlands Council units will open on March 1, 2022.
Be sure to download the required forms BSA Annual Health and Medical Record and Supplemental Medical Form and bring with you to the course. These forms are available on the registration page.
Coures Dates: June 12 – 18, 2022
Registration will open November 15, 2021 Register at https://scoutingevent.com/527-2022NYLT
Fee Structure: Register by March 15, 2022 – $250. Register between March 16and April 30 2022- $260. Register after April 27, 2021 – $270.00
A$50.00 non-refundable registration fee is required at time of registration.
Registration will open on November 15, 2021
BASIC LEADER REQUIREMENTS.
Need to know what are the requirements to be trained for your unit leadership role? This sheet explains the training requirements for all unit-level leaders.
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Join us for a number of events throughout the year!
WE served
youth in 2020
Support Scouting.
Scouting is a rewarding program where youth can learn, lead, grow and participate in a world of exciting outdoor activities.
Why Join Us?
Working at summer camp is a real job. Camp Staff members get the opportunity to develop 21st century skills in high demand by employers. Some of these skills include:

Practical, applied leadership skills learned through supervising others, engaging in decision-making, managing behavior, and living ethics and values.

Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity skills.
Beyond hands-on experience, camp staff positions also provide:

A paycheck

Room and board

Networking opportunities

Training & certifications in a variety of skill areas.

Ongoing professional development
Camp staff opportunities may also be eligible for college credit in some cases or be able to be used as an independent study, practicum, or internship experience.
HERITAGE RESERVATION - FARMINGTON, PA.
You can change a life! Did you know that the Laurel Highlands Council operates three Scout camps at Heritage Reservation including one for Cub Scouts and their families (elementary aged), two for Scouts BSA members (middle and high school aged), an outdoor adventure program (high school aged), as well as winter programs for Cub Scouts?
Each of these offers opportunities for a variety of summer camp staff jobs. Most Scout camp counselors are at least 16 years of age, but the Scouts BSA and Cub Scout camps have a limited number of jobs for 15 year olds with previous Counselor in Training experience. The high adventure program employs young people who are at least 18 years of age.
Summer positions at Heritage Reservation run seasonally from June to August. Winter positions run January to March. Meals and on-site housing is provided.
Available Positions
Updated Job Descriptions Coming Soon
Medics (min. age 18, hold current certification as an EMT or higher)
Business Managers (min. age 18)
Outdoor Marketing Director (min. age 18)
ATV Safety Program Director (min. age 21)
ATV Safety Program Staff (min. age 18)
Aquatics Directors (min. age 21, hold current lifeguard certification with 2 years experience)
Lifeguards (min. age 16)
Ski Boat Drivers (min. age 18)
Climbing & Challenge Course Director (min. age 21)
Climbing & Challenge Course Staff (min. age 18)
Skill Area Instructors (shooting sports, ecology, crafts, outdoor skills) (min. age 15)
Trek Leaders (min. age 18)
Camp Store Managers (min. age 18)
Camp Store Clerks (min. age 15)
Counselors in Training (14 y.o. Must be 1st Class Scout or Venturing Discovery Rank)
Use the button below to express interest in working on our staff in 2023.
Individuals who recommend a new staff member who is hired and works the full season will receive $100 in camp trading post credit.
CAMP GUYASUTA - SHARPSBURG, PA.
Camp Guyasuta offers hourly positions from March through November with additional opportunities from June through August when STEM Day Camp runs. Available positions include asst. rangers, lifeguards, challenge course facilitators, program counselors, and jr. counselors. To learn more about Camp Guyasuta's available positions and to apply click the button below.
PHEAA STATE WORK STUDY PROGRAM.
Certain Pennsylvania college students may qualify for the Pennsylvania High Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) State Work Study Program. The State Work Study Program can be used to supplement your camp staff salary for the summer.
How does PHEAA STSP Work?
For program information, to find out if you qualify, and to get the application click here.
If you qualify, complete Section 1 of the application and either scan and email it to [email protected] or mail it to:
BSA Laurel Highlands Council
Attn: Camping Department
1275 Bedford Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Once received, the LHC Camping Department will complete Section 2 and submit the application to the state. If your application is approved by the state, you will be notified by mail. This notification will include the maximum amount that you may receive (not necessarily the amount you will receive which is dependent upon actual time worked)
HERITAGE RESERVATION CAMP STAFF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.
The purpose of the Heritage Reservation Camp Staff Alumni Association is to provide a social environment to unite past camp staff of Laurel Highlands Council, BSA and maintain these connections well past the camp staff experience.
The HRSAA also encourages service to and promotion of the Laurel Highlands Council, BSA's camps and camping programs. The HRSAA does this through social and service events.
Become a Scout
Join our scouts and start your adventure today!
Navigate our toolkit.
Welcome to the Laurel Highlands Council Resources page. Here you will find recruitment tools and forms to make your recruitment season an easy, but a successful one! If you have questions about any of the tools or forms on this page, please contact your District Executive.
Council forms
Below is a list of forms that are specific to the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council:
- Allegheny County Parks Foundation Eagle Scout Project Award Program
- Annual Health and Medical Record Parts ABC
- Annual Health and Medical Record Parts AB
- Beaver Service Patch
- BSA Specialty License Plate Application
- Council/District First Aid Log (pdf)
- Criminal Background Check & Additional Disclosures Authorization & Form
- District Award of Merit Nomination Form
- Eagle Scout Palm Application
- Eagle Scout Service Project Tracking Report
- Eagle Scout Legacy Walkway
- Family Cub Scout Pack Camping Site Approval Form
- Guide to Unit Money Earning Projects
- Historic Flag Request Form
- Incident Reporting
- Incident Report (Youth Protection/Membership)
- Learn How To Camp
- Learn How To Camp- Appendix
- LHC Event Expectations and Standards
- LHC Event Approval and Close Out Checklist
- LHC Event Budget and Backdater Template
- Materials Request
- Membership Assistance Form
- Merit Badge Counselor Agreement
- NCAP Site Appraisal Form
- NCAP Local Council Authorization and Assessment Declaration Form
- NCAP Short-Term Camp Planning Flowchart
- National Short-Term Camp Resource Page
- PA Forestry Conservation Award
- PA Fish and Boat Commission Conservation Award
- PA Game Commissioner Wildlife Conservation Award
- Pre-Camp Swim Classification
- Recommendation for Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award
- Request for Alternative Rank Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class
- Shooting Sports Resource Form
- Silver Beaver Nomination Form
- Social Media Guidelines (BSA)
- Unit Money-Earning Application
- Veterans Application
- World Conservation Award - Cub Scout
- World Conservation Award - Boy Scout
- 2022 NCAP Standards
- 2022 Short-Term Camp Standards at a Glance – Not available yet
Insurance Forms
CUB SCOUTS & RECRUITING
CUB SCOUT FAMILY GUIDE
WAYS FOR CUB SCOUTS TO MEET!
MEMBERSHIP PLANNING
RECRUITMENT IDEAS
RECRUITMENT VIDEOS
SCOUTS BSA & RECRUITING
EXPLORING & RECRUITING
RECRUITMENT IDEAS
VENTURING & RECRUITING
RECRUITMENT IDEAS
Popcorn
The Laurel Highlands Council and Trail's End thank all the units and Scout families that participate in the annual popcorn fundraiser. Your efforts help maintain our beautiful camps, fund Scout outreach programs, and send hundreds of Scouts to camp each year who would not be able to afford Scouting otherwise.
View Our calendar
Join us for a number of events throughout the year!