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:November 2025 - March 2026  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:

Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training Part 1 and Part 2 For Northern Star Council Cub Leaders only - Rich Greiner
January 15 and January 22, 2026
Get off to the right start and receive position specific training for Cubmasters, Den Leaders, and Committee Members. There will be group instruction time in Part 1 followed by break-outs for specific positions in Part 2.

How to Use Scoutbook/Scoutbook Plus - Ed D'Avignon
January 20, 2026
February 11, 2026
March 26, 2026
This practical session introduces Cub Scout leaders to the wide range of tools, guides, and online resources available to make den and pack leadership easier and more fun. Participants will learn where to find program materials, activity ideas, advancement tracking tools, and planning aids to support successful meetings and events. By the end of the session, leaders will feel confident using both national and local Scouting resources to create engaging experiences for Cub Scouts and families.

Unit Finance Rules and Best Practices - Greg Ball
February 25, 2026
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.

Building a Culture of Youth Leadership in Scouts BSA Troops - Steve Smuder
January 14, 2026 or
February 19, 2026
The focus is on training, resources and team building for effective youth led Units. Topics include building a shared culture, developing youth leaders, and the adult's role as advisors and mentors.

Life to Eagle - Kim Shannon
January 8, 2026
This new and comprehensive class will help prepare 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.
For current and potential Eagle Coaches, Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, Advancement Coordinators and anyone who wants to join.

Merit Badge Counselor Training (2hrs) - Kim Shannon
January 22, 2026
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, and much more. This course is intended as an orientation for new and potential merit badge counselors as they begin to work with Scouts. 

Unit Renewal and Family Troop Process - Ryan McDonald
January 29, 2025

This session provides a practical walkthrough of the Unit Renewal system with a focused look at the Family Troop structure for Scouts BSA units. The emphasis is on how registrations, approvals, and renewals work under the updated model — and what unit leaders need to do to avoid delays or errors.

Participants will gain clarity on renewal timelines, approval flows, and common problem areas, as well as how the Family Troop model affects unit structure, shared committees, and leadership roles for linked Scouts BSA troops. Cub Scouting is addressed only as it relates to renewal process context, not as a program change.

Ideal for Scoutmasters, Committee Chairs, Charter Organization Representatives, Unit Key 3 members, and district or council volunteers who support unit administration and renewal.

Scouting Through the Ages: A Journey from 1910 to 1999 - Greg Nordhougen
February 3, 2025
Take a fast-paced tour through nearly a century of Scouting history in this engaging session that highlights key milestones-from Baden Powell's founding vision and the BSA's early days, to the first National Jamboree, the rise of "Cubbing," and the evolution of programs like Explorers and Air Scouting. You'll explore how Scouting adapted through world wars, cultural shifts, and the Baby Boom, culminating in the back-to-basics movement of the 1980s and 1990s. Perfect for leaders and history buffs alike, this class brings Scouting's legacy to life in just one powerful hour.

The Summit Rank – The Ins and Outs of Earning Venturing’s Highest Award - Faith Anderson
February 5, 2026
This one-hour session provides Venturing advisors, crew officers, and advancement chairs with a detailed overview of the Summit Rank — Venturing’s pinnacle of achievement. Participants will learn about the requirements, leadership project guidelines, documentation, and reflection components, as well as how to conduct a successful Summit Board of Review. The session will clarify timelines, responsibilities, and best practices to help advisors effectively guide Venturers through every step of this capstone experience.

Why Families and Scouts Leave Scouting - Nick Pedersen
March 3, 2026
This workshop explores the real reasons Scouts and families disengage from Scouting, drawing on recent national research and exit survey data. Participants will examine the critical role unit leadership plays in retention—often outweighing time, cost, or competing activities—and identify the mindsets and behaviors that most influence a family’s experience. Through practical insights and reflection, leaders will learn what consistently drives belonging, satisfaction, and commitment, and what small, intentional changes can make the biggest difference in keeping Scouts engaged.

Spill the Tea on ADHD - Judy Richardson-Mahre
March 19, 2026
ADHD - something we often hear about, encounter, and need to discover more about. This class provides an overview of what ADHD is and isn't along with practical tools to work with scouts who are impacted.

The views in these presentations do not necessarily represent Northern Star Scouting or Scouting America. These presentations are solely provided to improve Scouting and the youth we serve.