Baden-Powell, our founder, called Scouting a "game with a purpose." Our purpose is to help youth grow in citizenship, character, and mental, moral and physical fitness. Our effectiveness as adult leaders depends on how well we understand the aims and methods of the program.

But kids are attracted by the "game" portions - outdoor activities and just plain fun. Training will help you accomplish both parts, plus provide you with lots of resources and ideas. In the process, you'll gain friends and find out that the youth are not the only ones enjoying themselves!

As a new, or experienced, leader, you may be asking yourself, "What kind of training do I need?" The answer can be found in the Basic Leader Training Matrix. It doesn't matter what your responsibility within the Pack, Troop, Crew, or District might be, everyone benefits from training.

So when is this training?

The Ouachita Area Council schedules training meetings and other activities throughout the year to make it available as much as possible to new leaders.

You can check this site for information about the latest training meetings and activities being planned by the Council.

Listed below are the scheduled class dates. Go to http://myscouting.scouting.org to access the online classes. Contact the OAC Service Center at 501-623-6601 to register for all others.