The Buckskin Trail course is a fun and exciting course geared toward Cub Scout and Scouts BSA leadership! Participants are put into patrols within a model troop allowing them to experience the patrol method of scouting. 

The course is designed to emphasize the outdoor experience, camping and outdoor skills. It incorporates the national BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training for Cub leaders, and IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) training for Scouts BSA leaders. 

A Pack offering camping experiences to Cub Scouts is required to have at least one BALOO trained leader overseeing the preparation and camping experience of the event. Adult leaders registered as Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster are required to complete IOLS training in conjunction with the online position-specific training. The overall goal of Buckskin is to offer a hands-on outdoor skills and safety program that can be shared with youth in a dynamic and fun way.

The Buckskin Trail is available for all scouting leaders. To most benefit Cub leaders, it is recommended to attend as a Bear, Webelos or Arrow of Light leader. Attending during that time will allow you to gain experience in the patrol method found in the Arrow of Light requirements. You will learn what it is like to be a new scout within a Scouts BSA troop setting, allowing you to better prepare your young scouts for the transition from an adult led unit to a scout led unit. It will also ensure the fundamentals of IOLS that are needed as a Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster have been learned closer to your leader transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA.

All Cub leaders are required to complete the on-line BALOO training modules prior to attending Buckskin and bring proof of the training to the course. 

The course is held over two Wednesday evenings and one full weekend. Participants will tent camp as a patrol similar to a Scouts BSA troop. An additional outside Patrol meeting or meetings may be necessary.

Whether you are new to scouting, were a scout as a youth or have some time under your belt, the Buckskin Trail has something to offer you. New friends and connections from other units around the Council will be made. The latest updates and changes to the scouting program will be presented. Most importantly, you will experience FUN in scouting and learn how to incorporate that in your units.

We look forward to seeing you on the next Buckskin Trail course!