Charter Oak District Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) Course
Participants learn how to build a fire, use an axe, cook outdoors, use a map and compass, responsibly care for nature, and much more.
This required course for new Scoutmasters builds on the Scoutmaster Specific Training introducing new leaders to outdoor skills and helping provide the confidence to take youth on outdoor adventures.
Time: Check-in at 8:00 AM on Saturday, depart at 1:00 PM on Sunday
Fee: $30 per participant
For Scouters age 18 and above.
Contact: Ricki Ann Levesque, [email protected]
The Leave No Trace Level 1 Course is a two-day program that teaches the ideals and practices of Outdoor Ethics. Youth and adult participants will learn about the seven principles of Leave No Trace and the skills necessary to implement these ethics while in the outdoors. The course also includes basic teaching techniques and, as such, will help a scout to serve as an Outdoor Ethics Guide. Participants should be prepared for a short backpacking trek and to give a brief presentation on a Leave No Trace topic.
In addition to weather-appropriate attire, all participants must bring a copy of Parts A & B of the Scout medical form.
Time: September 6 8:30 AM – 7 1:00 PM
Scout Cost: $50
Adult Cost: $50
Contact: Joe Conaci, [email protected]
Scouts will have the opportunity to finish any incomplete ‘partial’ merit badges during this program at Camp Workcoeman. Scouts must list the badges they would like to work on when registering. Please know that merit badges appropriate for a camp setting in late summer are appropriate for this program. Contact Jeff Seiser should you have any questions on whether a merit badge can be worked on as part of this program. This is a morning program only, concluding at 12:00 noon. No meals are provided.
Time: September 6, 8:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
Scout Cost: $20
Contact: Jeffrey Seiser, [email protected]
This popular event continues in 2025 and is open to all Webelos, Arrow of Light Scouts, Den Chiefs, and their leaders and parents. The program combines learning and fun, during a program where den leaders can pre-select badges and activities their Scouts can work towards during the weekend. In addition to activity badge opportunities, Scouts will have the opportunity to participate in range and target activities, climbing, an enjoyable special program, and a campwide campfire on Saturday evening.
Meals will be provided from Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast. Following registration, unit leadership will be emailed a link to a form to register their den for adventure badges.
A pre-camp meeting for leaders and parents will be held September 9th to communicate information and answer any questions.
See the Program Guide for full details.
Time: September 26 6:00 PM – September 28 9:00 AM
Scout Cost: $40
Adult Cost: $20
Den Chief Cost: $20
Contact: Jeffrey Seiser, [email protected]
Western District BALOO Cub Leader Training
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is a comprehensive training program designed by Scouting America to equip adult leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead Cub Scout Packs in safe and successful outdoor adventures. This course covers essential topics such as camping techniques, safety protocols, outdoor ethics, program planning, and risk management. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practical activities, participants learn how to create engaging and age-appropriate outdoor experiences for Cub Scouts while emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and fostering a love for the outdoors. Upon completion of the BALOO course, adult leaders are better prepared to facilitate enjoyable and memorable outdoor adventures for young Cub Scouts while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Time: October 4 8:00 AM – October 5 12:00 PM
Adult Cost: $35
Contact:
Shannon Smith, [email protected]
Western District Den Chief Training
The Western District is offering training for Scouts BSA youth looking to be of assistance to younger Cub Scouts as a Den Chief. This training is designed to help Den Chiefs understand their role, the Cub Scouts they work with, the Den Meeting, and how to lead activities. The course fee provides for a Den Chief guide, a Den Chief position patch, and a “Trained” patch showing completion of the training. Den Chief is a leadership position that qualifies for rank advancement in Scouts BSA.
Time: October 4 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Scout Cost: $20
Contact:
Shannon Smith, [email protected]
Scouts can select one merit badge being offered connected to sportsman activities to work on during this day. Depending on the merit badge, the Scout may be able to complete all requirements during this day or may need to communicate with their counselor to complete afterwards.
There is a cap of 15 Scouts per badge, so be sure to sign-up early.
Check-in starts at 8:30 AM, with closing at 4:30 PM. Lunch and merit badge supplies will be provided.
Badges include:
Cost: $50 per Scout
Contact: Jeffrey Seiser, [email protected]
Calling all Cub Scouts and parents for a day of outdoor fun at Camp Workcoeman. Cub Scouts with their pack will travel to various stations, where they will participate in activities such as BB shooting, archery, nature activities, sports, and more.
Lunch is provided, and all participants receive a patch and certificate for participating.
Time: November 15 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Scout Cost: $30
Adult Cost: $10
Den Chief Cost: $10
Contact: Jeffrey Seiser, [email protected]
The RSO course content consists of RSO’s roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection, and range rules. Those with this certification may serve as a safety officer (an instructor is also required) for council, camp, and unit events.
Required Pre-training: None
Time: December 6, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $65
Contact: Joe Iannello, [email protected]
Scouts can work on a merit badge required to become an Eagle Scout. Depending on the specific merit badge, Scouts may have the chance to complete it during this session or by communicating with the counselor afterward.
This program includes the merit badge session, lunch, and a presentation on the requirements to become an Eagle Scout, with particular emphasis on the Eagle Project. This program is restricted to Scouts ranked Second Class and above.
Merit Badges Offered (Max of 20 for each class):
* See prerequisite forms (below)
Time: December 6, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Scout Cost: $50
Contact: Jeffrey Seiser, [email protected]
Wood Badge is advanced Scout leader training that began in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and Wood Badge’s first director. It came to America in 1948 and has been updated to reflect current Scouting America policies and programs. Incorporating the best techniques available, Wood Badge has become the most advanced leadership training course in Scouting!
Wood Badge is the highest level of Scout leadership training and provides you with the tools to be a superior leader. The leadership skills taught are for leaders from all Scouting areas including Cub Scouting, Scouts BSAing, Venturing, and the District and Council. The first half of the course utilizes a classroom environment and practical exercises to teach the essentials of leadership. You’ll learn what makes leadership work for you in Scouting and your personal life. The second half offers classroom and outdoor experiences to help you learn the application of leadership skills. Finally, you will write and complete a “Ticket.” The “Ticket” consists of five written goals. These goals connect your new leadership knowledge to your role in Scouting.
Any Scouter who has attended basic training for their registered position and serves in a leadership role in Scouting or in a position that directly supports a unit can attend.
Both weekends must be attended.
Cost:
Early Bird $330 (until January 31, 2026)
Regular $385
Staff: $210
Contact:
Bill Esler, [email protected]
Camp Workcoeman is located in the hills of northwest Connecticut in scenic New Hartford and Barkhamsted. The camp consists of approximately 427 acres on the shore of beautiful West Hill Pond, possibly the cleanest in Connecticut.
Established in 1924, it is one of the oldest continuously operated Scout camps in the country. For 101 years, thousands of Scouts and Scouters have had unforgettable Scouting experiences at Camp Workcoeman. This fine tradition of Scouting continues today.