ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING EXTENSION SERVICE FOR ADULT LEADERS 

As part of our commitment to reach the widest possible audience, University of Scouting is offering a series of Zoom classes for Adult Leaders online. Online sessions will take place on a weekday evening starting at 7pm and will last around an hour, unless a different duration is specified. They will include a presentation, followed by Q&A time. There is no cost for these sessions.

We will be updating the class listings regularly as we confirm new sessions.  Additionally, you may request a topic by emailing UoS Extension Co-ordinator, Rachel Thiemann, at ExtensionUoS@gmail.com.

WHO CAN REGISTER: Adult Leaders for any Scouting Programs. Some classes may be of interest to parents/guardians or youth.

WHEN:April - June 2025  Please register for as many sessions as you like and continue to check this page for new sessions.

WHERE: As advertised or online via Zoom or Teams. Zoom/Teams information will be emailed to you before the event.

SESSION INFORMATION:

Tuesday April 29th - 7-9PM Central

Merit Badge Counselor Training (2 Hours) - Jason Lock

Learn how Merit Badges fit into the Aims and Methods of Scouting, how become a Counselor, how to fill out and process the Blue Card, online advancement tools, and much more. This course is intended as an orientation for new and potential merit badge counselors as they begin to work with Scouts.

Wednesday May 7th - 7-8PM Central

Life to Eagle - A Comprehensive Approach - Kim Shannon

This comprehensive class will help Adult Unit leaders understand the journey to prepare Life Scouts to become Eagle Scouts. We'll cover specific rank requirements, the Eagle workbook, the Eagle project approval process (unit and district level aspects), and the Eagle Board of Review.

Thursday May 8th - 7-8.30PM Central

The 11 Principles of Scout Leadership Training (90 minutes) - David Novy

This session, delivered by an experienced Scouter, draws on his many years of experience to bring you an advanced skills framework you haven’t seen elsewhere. Take your leadership skills to another level with these practical and applicable insights.

Tuesday May 13th - 7-8PM Central

The Leadership Training Journey - Jeff Earles

Leadership training opportunities range from online and local options through courses offered by the Scouting America national organization. Learn to test and improve your leadership skills by exploring the progression from Trainers Edge, to assisting with local courses, and potentially serving as staff on advanced courses such as Wood Badge, NYLT, or Philmont and Summit Leadership Challenges.

Wednesday May 14th - 7-8PM Central

How to Use Scoutbook/Scoutbook Plus  - Ed D'Avignon

Scoutbook is the BSA's scout tracking solution for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts. In this course you will learn how to set up Scoutbook for your unit, how to track Scout progress, generate an advancement report for the Scout shop and other beginner topics. If you have never heard of Scoutbook or are just getting started, then this course is for you.

Thursday May 15th - 7-8PM Central

How to Run a Successful Eagle Board of Review - Kim Shannon

The Eagle Board of Review is the capstone of a Scout’s journey—and an opportunity for adults to create a meaningful and memorable experience. This workshop is designed for unit leaders, committee members, and district volunteers who want to ensure that Eagle Boards are conducted with confidence, consistency, and care. We’ll walk through the purpose, structure, and best practices of running a successful Eagle Board of Review, while keeping the focus on supporting the Scout’s achievement and growth.

Tuesday May 20th - 7-8PM Central

A Guide to Family Camping - Linda Marson

New to camping? Let's chat! You'll learn about the realities of camping and learn about the essential equipment you'll need when living away from home. Additionally, when your child joined Scouting, your family gained access to Camp Northern Star's vast network of beautiful outdoor locations for recreation. Grow as a family in our great dutdoors! Discover scout camps that can accommodate the entire family, including children of all ages.

Wednesday May 21st - 7-8PM Central

Advancement 101 - Kim Shannon

Whether you're a new adult leader, a parent looking to support your Scout, or a seasoned Scouter seeking a refresher, this session will give you the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the Scouts BSA advancement process with confidence. We'll break down the advancement requirements, roles of leaders and parents, how to track progress, and how to foster a youth-led advancement culture that empowers Scouts to take charge of their own journey.

Thursday May 22nd - 7-8PM Central

Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics Orientation - Cathy McCarty

Are your Cubs and Scouts prepared to practice the Outdoor Code and 7 Principles of Leave No Trace in all their outdoor activities? Understand LNT requirements for advancement and awards that reduce outdoor impacts. Learn hand-signs and how to leverage the Outdoor Ethics Guide position of responsibility.

Tuesday May 27th - 7-8PM Central

Advancement for Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities - Rick Smith

Do your scouts have IEP's (Individualized Education Plans) for successful school experiences? How can you help them with successful scouting experience? What is an ISAP and how do you use it? Cubs and Scouts can participate and advance in rank regardless of their abilities. Advancement rules are carefully crafted to provide alternatives for Scouts with disabilities or significant developmental delays. The presentation includes Do's and Don'ts, Scouts BSA accommodations, and Request for Approvals beyond age of eligibility.

Wednesday May 28th - 7-8PM Central

Campfire Program Planning - Missy Lancour

Learn how to plan a great campfire. Cubs have plenty of requirements to show off their talents at a campfire program and you will learn how to include everyone for a fun-filled meeting worth remembering. You'll find out why we do them, how to plan, and how to make it more than a regular pack meeting.

Thursday May 29th - 7-8PM Central

Show and Tell: Rank Advancement Skills Kits - Mara Spaeth

See how a Scouts BSA troop created Rank Advancement Skills kits to use for their pre-meeting activities, round-robin skills stations and practicing the EDGE method at their troop meetings.

Tuesday June 3rd - 7-8PM Central

Unit Finance Rules and Best Practices - Greg Ball

How can your unit be financially sound? What are the best practices of the most successful treasurers? A great scouting program needs a solid financial base. Learn how to take your unit down the path of stable finances toward great programming and better retention. Put together the essential pieces of fundraising, budgeting, accounts, and evaluation.

Wednesday June 4th - 7-8PM Central

Scouting and Camping with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth - Colleen Baltutis

Join us for a discussion about transgender and gender non-conforming youth, the unique challenges facing them, and how best to include them in all that Scouting has to offer.

Tuesday June 10th - 7-8PM Central

Leader's Playbook: Developing Individuals and Teams - Missy Lancour

Want to grow your leadership skills to better support your troop? Of course, we all do! This session will explore concepts taken out of a local scout leader's "playbook" to examine the relationship of the EDGE teaching method and Tuckman's Stages of Team Development. We will use concepts from the Situational Leadership Model to pull it all together to give you ideas for supporting the growth of your scouts.

Wednesday June 11th - 7-8PM Central

Community Exploration and the Diversity Award for Cub Scout Packs - Renee Estrella-Wells

Explore the value of connecting with diverse cultures and communities within the context of Scouting, gaining a deeper understanding of inclusivity, cultural awareness, and the importance of building bridges across different backgrounds. This class is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of the Northern Star Scouting Diversity Awards, as well as fostering greater inclusivity and cultural awareness within their Scouting units.