What is The Buckskin Trail?

The Buckskin Trail originated on Apr 20, 1954. Its purpose was to provide Scouting leaders in the Miami Valley Council with the skills and experience they needed to be successful with their youth in the outdoors. Although the course has adapted and changed over time, Buckskin’s mission is to provide Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters with their required Outdoor Leader Skills and Scoutmaster Fundamentals training certifications.

Although this is our primary objective, the course is open to any registered adult Scout leader. Cubmasters, Webelos Den Leaders, Troop and Pack Committee Members, Venturing Advisors and other adults supporting a Troop, Pack, or Crew that are interested in working with youth in the outdoors will greatly benefit from this training.Why should you come to Buckskin? The more you know about Scouting the BETTER and SAFER program you’ll...

...be able to deliver to the Scouts. You will save time by not having to reinvent the program on your own. You will also meet some really great people that share your values and passions. And finally, every scout deserves a trained leader.

How will I be trained? On the Buckskin Trail, you will experience a typical month in a Boy Scout troop from the youth perspective—as a member of a patrol. Our Wednesday meeting nights will give you practical experience in a troop setting. The first training weekend will focus on learning outdoor skills. You will also have one independent patrol meeting that will provide you with time to plan and prepare your patrol for the final training weekend, where you will have the opportunity to apply the skills you’ve learned. Training will be conducted using the EDGE™ model in keeping with the new Boy Scout Handbook, giving you one more tool you need to work with your youth.

Did we mention fun? Just like Scouting is fun for our youth, Buckskin is packed with fun. And more. Lots more. We’ve supplemented the national training with things that as a leader you can really use; things that those courses don’t teach. And we teach it to you in the outdoors, where you’re going to use it!What does this mean to me? The Buckskin Trail succeeds because of leaders like you. Many leaders return to the Trail to help their fellow Scouters by sharing their experience and knowledge. In the process, we enrich our lives by renewing those friendships and continuing to learn more about Scouting.Buckskin is a commitment. You have a very dedicated staff that is committed to your success as a Scout leader. But we need you on the Buckskin Trail to make that happen. To complete the course and receive your certifications, you must be present at each training session.

                                                    Please plan to attend the 2010 Buckskin Trail on the following dates:

March 24, 2010 First Wednesday, 6:30 PM

April 7, 2010 Second Wednesday, 6:30 PM

April 17 and 18, 2010 First Weekend, 8:00 AM Saturday to 2:00 PM Sunday

May 5, 2010 Third Wednesday, 6:30 PM

May 15 and 16, 2010 Second Weekend, 8:00 AM Saturday to 2:00 PM Sunday

There is also one required patrol meeting scheduled after the third Wednesday; the time and location for that meeting is established by your patrol.

Troop sessions are held in the K-Lodge at Cricket Holler Scout Camp, 6675 Brantford Road. Contact Scoutmaster Dick Dexter at (937) 610-1631 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.