The "University fo Scouting" is a Supplemental Training opportunity for all adult Scouters. It is the only time during the year where you can find, all in one place, the widest variety of training opportunities in all program areas (Cub Scouts, Scouts-BSA, Venturing, Commissioners, District and Council Scouters). Whether you are new to the program or a veteran, you will find topics of interest. However, Basic Leader Specific Training is not part of the U of S format.

This all day Saturday event is presented as a series of class sessions much like a typical school day. Adults can register to attend the courses that are of interest to them. Two all-day courses for youth will be presented.

The College of Cub Scouting provides a wide variety of courses from pack administration to planning for an outdoor program. The College of Scouts, BSA provides an exciting variety of Troop, Patrol and Outdoor planning supplemental courses to help manage the challenges of a great troop experience. The College of Venturing has courses of an active high adventure experience. The College of General Studies offers courses of interest to Scouters at all levels of Scouting. Commissioners are encouraged to take advantage of courses in all the Colleges as well spend time with their units.

 

Youth Course List

YT-001:    Den Chief Training - Learn how to inspire those Cub Scouts to want to move up. (Youth Course, All Day, Lunch Included)

YT-002:    Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops - Get your youth trained at this all-day course. (Youth Course, All Day, Lunch Included)

Cub Scout Course List

CS-001:   Lions Program Overview – Come learn about the Lions (Kindergarten) Program.

CS-002:   Den Leader Training - How do I get thru this book? For both New and Experienced leader; “keep it fun & simple”

CS-003:   Cub Scout Ceremonies/Blue & Gold Events – Learn how to make awards and advancements a special achievement for your youth, while adding excitement and meaning for both the youth and their parents.

CS-004:   Creative Awards – Recognition is more than just advancement. Learn things you can do to boost your Cub Scouts self-esteem through special recognitions and to show appreciation to parents, unit leaders, and community with different types of awards you can create.

CS-005:   Cool Cub Scout Ceremonies – Provide great ideas for impressive opening, closing, and advancement ceremonies for your den and pack.  (Singing may be necessary) (2 Sessions)

CS-006:   The Pack Committee – Who Does What!? – What did I volunteer for??? Responsibilities of the Pack Committee.

CS-007:   Planning Effective Pack Meetings – Part 1 – Every Pack has a different personality and style. In this course we will talk about the basics of developing your pack’s personality. Pack Meeting planning will be covered, along with some of the variants you may want to include in our meetings. We will also be covering ideas on how to get other adults and Cub Scouts involved in planning and executing the meetings.

CS-008:   Cub Scout Outdoor Activities – What are the rules for Cub camping?  For all leaders interested in keeping the “outing” in Cub Scouting.

CS-009:   Cub Scout Songs & Skits - Skits, Walk-ons and audience participation. To keep Cubs (and parents) excited and listening while the Pack meeting is in session.

CS-010:   Cubmaster Corner – Learn the finer points and tricks of leading a Pack and Pack Meeting.

CS-011:   Planning Effective Pack Meetings Part 2  – Now that you know how to plan a great pack meeting, what are some of the cool things that you can do to take your pack to the next level? In this session, we will discuss ideas that can turn a good pack meeting into a great pack meeting.

CS-012:   Annual Pack Program Planning – Running a Twelve-month program. For all leaders.

CS-013:   What Every Cub Scout Leader Should Know about the District & Council – Explore how the district committees, unit commissioners, professionals, and council websites are available to support your pack.

CS-014:   Planning Great Campout/Events for Cub Scouts - How to have a successful Pack Event outside of the “normal” Pack Meeting.  For all leaders.

CS-015:   Cub Scouting – What Did I Get Myself Into? – A introduction to Cub Scouting for every First time (or returning) parent.

CS-016:   Cub Scout Wood Craft Projects -  Den Leaders required! Great ideas to make Den or Pack meeting time exciting for the Cubs.

 

Scouts, BSA Course List

BS-001: How to earn Adult Knots – Learn the process and requirements on earning the Leader Training awards (KNOTS). You can’t just buy them, you need to earn them.

BS-002:  Making the Most of Summer Camp – Help your Troop get the most out of their long-term summer camping experience. Suggestions to balance advancement, camp living, and just having fun will be provided.

BS-003:   Knots Tying - Learn the techniques you need to effectively teach Scouts about these important skills.  Rank requirements are covered.

BS-004:   Map & Compass – Learn the techniques you need to effectively teach Scouts about these important skills. Rank requirements are covered.

BS-005:   Get Cooking! – A demonstration of various camp cooking techniques including propane stoves, Dutch Ovens and other cast iron cookware, open fire methods, box ovens and trash can ovens. Recipes for each will be included. Be prepared for the weather as this will be presented in the great outdoors. (3 Sessions)

BS-006:   DC/ADC Commissioner Basic Training – Whether you are a new or seasoned District or Assistant District Commissioner, this course will be of value to your success in the position. This training is required to be Position-Specific trained. (2 Sessions)

BS-007:   Introduction to GPS/Geocaching – Take your map and compass skills to the next level.  Learn about Orienteering and GPS activities you can do with the boys. (2 Sessions, Outdoors)

BS-008:   Hiking Trips 101 - Planning and executing a successful hike.  What you need and things to consider.

BS-009:   Beginning Backpacking - Practical preparations and gear for backpackers from the novice to the pro. (2 Sessions, Bring Backpack w/ 25lbs.)

BS-010:   High Adventure Opportunities - Philmont, Isle Royale, Sea Base etc; details on planning, organizing, cost of trips to these locations.

BS-011:   Cold Weather Camping – Learn the Do’s and Don’ts you should consider when planning a campout in cold weather.

BS-012:   Advanced Training Opportunities – Learn about Wood Badge, Powder Horn, NYLT, and NAYLE.

BS-013:   Digest This!  - Scouts with food allergies and restrictions can be difficult to understand much less deal with in patrol cooking method.

BS-014:   Recruit & Retrain – The Keys to a healthy troop – What good is the Scouting Program if there are not enough boys in it? You know the challenges, now find out how to increase membership and keep the boys in the program. (2 Sessions)

BS-015:   Webelos to Scout Transition - The days after crossover, what next?

BS-016:   Outfitting First Year Scouts, BSA - Scouts who attain 1st class rank in the first year are well on their way to Eagle.  Learn how and why this is important for the boys and troop.

BS-017:   The Patrol Method-Baden Powell’s Goal of a Boy run Troop (Building a culture of Boy Leadership) - Teaching boys to become leaders by using the Patrol method.  Baden-Powell designed the program to let the boys run it, learn how to let them do just that.

BS-018:   Successful Patrol Leader’s Council - Learn how to guide your Scouts toward productive patrol leaders’ councils.

BS-019:   Board of Review Workshop - A Meaningful Board of Review is a critical step in the Boy Scout advancement process.  Learn how to use this time to guide and give purpose to your scouts.

BS-020:   Ceremonies / Courts of Honor - Learn about opening, closing, individual and group recognition.  Make your Courts of Honor memorable.

BS-021:   Family Scouting – Come find out the facts about the New Scouting Program.

BS-022:   OA: Using the OA to enhance my Troop’s Program - Troop Representative, Unit Election Teams, Adults in the OA and You.

BS-023:   Trail to Eagle - The Eagle Process / The Trail to Eagle / The Role of Eagle Advisor. Learn how to assist your scouts as they travel the important trail to Eagle Rank.

BS-024:   Eagle: Project, Paperwork - The planning, the scope and the pitfalls of the culmination of a boy’s scouting career, the Eagle Service Project and paperwork.

BS-025:   Adult/PLC Annual Planning – You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint or drive cross county without a map, so why would you try to lead a Troop through a year without an annual plan. Discover how the annual plan can be set up and effectively implemented.

BS-026:   Troop Advancement – Learn the basics of Troop Advancement and how to encourage the youth to progress.

BS-027:   Troop Program Planning –  Reviewing previous and current year, you will be able to setup a 2-year program. Help the boys plan outing and meetings as well as set immediate and long-term goals.

BS-028:   Merit Badge Counselor Training - A must for all merit badge counselors!  Covers the objectives and techniques as a group counselor and coach.

BS-029:   Boy Scout Recruiting (recruit & retrain – the keys to a healthy troop) - How to recruit, where to recruit, when to recruit, why recruit.

BS-030:   Introduction to National Youth Leadership Training - Trained Youth Leaders are the backbone of the Troop; learn about the new NYLT and why your youth should attend.

 

Venturing Course List

VS-001:   How to Start and Maintain a Crew - What is Venturing? Find out more about this high adventure, co-ed, 14 – 21, program, that incorporates the skills of leadership, communication and advancement.

VS-002:   Running ILSC for your Crew Officers – Learn all you need to know about conducting and Introduction to Leadership Skills-Crews (ILSC) in your own Crew. 

 

General Course List

GS-001:   The New my.scouting.org – My.scouting.org is updated to add more benefits for unit leaders and parents alike. Navigation of the website as well as a rundown of the new ways you can use my.scouting.org.

GS-002:   Leadership Problem Resolution – How to facilitate Leadership Problem Resolution and what options you have in your position.

GS-003:   A Scouter’s Most Powerful Message – Learn the importance of putting some “time” into preparing the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or Advisor Minute. Find out about tips and resources for this all-important closing meeting remark.

GS-004:   Generational Diversity and your unit – Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennial’s; What makes them different? What makes them the same? How do we get our message to each generation?

GS-005:   Boy Behavior - Learn to understand why boys do the things they do and how to channel those behaviors to the positive.

GS-006:   Camping Gadgets – Do you struggle with camping? Do you like gadgets? Come to this course and see some examples of “gadgets” that can make camping a little more…, you name it.

GS-007:   Leave No Trace - Learn the principles of the Leave No Trace Philosophy and why low impact outdoor activities are important to all levels of Scouting.

GS-008:   Religious Awards and Emblems - Help guide your Scouts to the various religious awards offered in Scouting.

GS-009:   Special Needs Scouting-ADHD - This course will concentrate on strategies for working with individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

GS-010:   Campfire Building, lighting & safety – Put some sparkle and fun in to those special times around the campfire, story telling, skits and songs.

GS-011:   Conservation & Scouting- Ideas for Packs, Troops and Crews to give to the community. Learn how and why to report your service hours on line and earn the Good Turn Award.

GS-012:   CPR - Obtain your CPR certification. (3 Sessions, Addt’ Fee)

GS-013:   Outdoor Cooking - Learn the basic equipment needed proper sanitation and food handling. (Outdoors, Addt’ Fee)

GS-014:   Basic Dutch-Oven Cooking - How to choose, season and use cast iron cookware. (Outdoors, Addt’ Fee)

GS-015:   Planning an Interfaith Service - Non-denominational religious services for all Scouts.

GS-016:   Camping Gear – Learn different types of camping gear and what you should take on your campouts to have a successful trip.

GS-017:   The Youth Lead Troop – What does a Youth Lead Troop look like? Is yours really boy/girl lead? This can be a difficult thing to do, but is the BSA way. Listen to what the youth have to say. This is a forum conducted by Youth Leaders.

GS-018:   Council Leadership - Everything you wanted to know about council leadership

GS-019:   How to become a SUPER Unit! – 20 common actions of Unit Leadership that SUPER units have! Learn what those units do differently and how your unit can do it too.

GS-020:   How to work with Difficult Volunteers – This class will focus on the ineffective volunteer, the person who just isn’t working out. As a commissioner or unit leader learn how to handle difficult situations.

GS-021:   Youth Protection Training/Computer Lab – Open Session for Online Youth Protection Training, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Scouting resources on the internet, and guidelines for Unit Websites.(Computer Lab)

GS-022:   STEM/NOVA Awards – This class is intended to provide an orientation for Scouts, Scouters, and parents about Scouting and the STEM program and the STEM and NOVA Opportunities in Scouting.

GS-023:   Commissioner Basic – Along with Youth Protections Training, this is the adult leader specific training for Unit Commissioners to be trained in your position.

GS-024:   Serving Scouts with Special Needs – Scouting is a diverse organization and every Youth deserves the opportunity to participate.

GS-025:   Unit Budgeting, Calendar and Info Packet – This class is to guide a Unit through the planning, calendar-ing and Budgeting process so that the “Best Year in Scouting” is achievable.

GS-026:   Journey to Excellence – The BSA Journey to Excellence Program uses a balanced approach and key performance indicators to measure performance versus process, encourage and reward success, and achieve the mission.

GS-027:   Building Your Units Website – BSA Policy as well as tips and tricks for unit websites.

GS-028:   Internet Advancement – Learn to use the new resources coming out for advancement chairs.

 

S p r e a d the information acquisition across your Unit … have each leader in your Unit attend different courses.