Basic Chainsaw Training BSA 430-136

Saturday, August 8, 2026

8 am- 4 pm

Fee: $20 

Silva Lodge@ MSR
27955 Highway 79
Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Scouting America properties rely on chainsaws to help clear trails, remove deadfalls, clear timber, and stockpile wood for campfires and heating buildings. To allow for this use, specific safety guidelines have been adapted for all BSA activities. The National Camp Accreditation Program Standards, No. 430-056, require that any person who operates a chainsaw be approved by the council designee.

Chain saw operators must be at least 21 years old and meet one of the following requirements: be a professional forester with current credentials and liability insurance; be a certified arborist with credentials; have written documentation of training in chain saw techniques from either (1) a state or federally recognized chain saw training course approved by the council or (2) the BSA Chain Saw Basic training course, No. 430-136.

Scouting America Chainsaw training is a full-day course. It will cover 3-4 hours of classroom saw safety operations and field cutting.

Participants will need to

• Attend the full day to receive certification
• Be at least 21
• Registered in Scouting America
• Have a current A/B physical.

You will be required to provide all cutting and safety gear; you cannot operate the equipment without the following items. (There is very limited training saws or protective gear to borrow- contact Dennis if you have any questions)

• Saw in good working order 18” - 30” bar recommended
• wedges and flat head axe
• helmet,
• eye protection 
• hearing (earplugs or earmuffs)
• long pants
• sturdy work boots
• chaps
• gloves.
• **Bring a sack lunch and a water bottle

Any further questions, please contact Dennis Gutgesell, ASM T324 guts8@cox.net / 619-916-8860.

PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER — No Walk-ins Allowed.