University of Scouting: Level Up Your Leadership!
Are you ready to take your Scouting program to the next level? Each year, the council holds a training event called University of Scouting (UoS). We offer classes for adults and youth 14+ across all levels of Scouting, designed to teach you specific skills and fresh ideas you can use immediately. Best of all, this isn’t just for adults; we also offer amazing courses for Scouts aged 14+ to help them grow as leaders!
Need help choosing classes? We have you covered. We know that a catalog of over 100 classes can be overwhelming! To make your planning easy, we have created specific Learning Tracks found below. Whether you are a brand-new Den Leader, Assistant Scout Master, a Committee Chair, Treasurer, or just looking for fun ways to spice up your meetings, scroll down to find the curated schedule that fits your goals!
-
Price: $25 for the day, $30 after 2/8, $35 after 2/23
-
Schedule: Registration and refreshments start at 7:30 AM, with the opening ceremony at 8:30 AM. The day consists of six 50-minute sessions.
-
Lunch: Hot pizza lunch is available for $15!
Scroll down to explore our Learning Tracks and register today
Course Catalog and Learning Tracks
We offer tracks in four key areas: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA/Venturing, Administration, and Well-Being & Safety. Most courses are for adults, with specific options for youth 14+. The catalog is subject to change; you will be notified if your registered course moves.
Cub Scout Leader Tracks
Scouts BSA Leader Tracks
Cub Scout Track 1: The New Cub Leader – Essentials for Success
Just raised your hand? This track covers your required training, parent recruitment, and engagement strategies, and connects you with fellow leaders, giving you the skills to lead with confidence in just one day!
- Session 1 – 9:00 AM: C216 – Cub Scout Den Leader Position-Specific Training (4-Hour Block)
- Session 2 – 10:00 AM: (Continues Position-Specific Training)
- Session 3 – 11:00 AM: (Continues Position-Specific Training)
- Session 4 – 1:00 PM: (Continues Position-Specific Training)
- Session 5 – 2:00 PM: C222 – Getting Increased Parent Participation in your Pack- Learn strategies to turn observing parents into active, helpful members of your den team.
- Session 6 – 3:00 PM: C205 – Cub Scouts Songs and Skits-Gain high-energy tools to start meetings and keep kids engaged and laughing.
Cub Scout Track 2: Beyond the Basics for Cub Leaders– Planning & Engagement
Already trained but need guidance on what to do in meetings? This track skips the formalities to dive straight into creative program ideas, planning strategies, and engagement skills to make your den meetings a success!
- Session 1 (9:00 AM): C205 – Cub Scouts Songs and Skits-
- Session 2 (10:00 AM): C202 – Knots 101-
- Session 3 (11:00 AM): C211 – Annual Pack Planning-
- Session 4 (1:00 PM): C215 – Pack Meetings with Pizzaz-
- Session 5 (2:00 PM): C222 – Getting Increased Parent Participation-
- Session 6 (3:00 PM): C217 – Running an Exciting Pinewood Derby- L
Cub Scout Track 3: Leading Cub Scout Meetings with Pizzazz!
Ready to create core memories? This track is for leaders who want unforgettable meetings focused on fun, engagement, and retention. From high-energy games to modern STEM activities, you’ll learn the recipe for a pack that kids can’t wait to join!
- Session 1 – 9:00 AM: C205 – Cub Scouts Songs and Skits
- Session 2 – 10:00 AM: C213 – Bring Fun STEM to Your Pack Meeting
- Session 3 – 11:00 AM: C211 – Annual Pack Planning
- Session 4 – 1:00 PM: C215 – Pack Meetings with Pizzaz
- Session 5 – 2:00 PM: S350 – Why have a Den Chief? (for Packs & Troops)
- Session 6 – 3:00 PM: C217 – Running an Exciting Pinewood Derby
Scouts BSA Track 1: The New Scouts BSA Leader
This track is for the new Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Troop Committee member. The goal is to understand the Scouts BSA program, your role in it, and the path your Scouts will follow.
- Session 1 – 9:00 AM: S337 – Life to Eagle Advancement Process
- Session 2 – 10:00 AM: S346 – Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (4-Hour Block)
- Session 3 – 11:00 AM: (Continues Position-Specific Training)
- Session 4 – 1:00 PM: (Continues Position-Specific Training)
- Session 5 – 2:00 PM: (Continues Position-Specific Training)
Session 6 – 3:00 PM: S324 – Highly Effective Scoutmaster Conferences
Scouts BSA Track 2: The Outdoor Adventurer
This track is for the leader who wants to put the outing in Scouting. You want to learn the hands-on skills to confidently and safely take your youth on adventures, from the backyard to the backcountry.
- Session 1 – 9:00 AM: S304 – Introduction to Backpacking (2-Hour Block)
Session 2 – 10:00 AM: (Continues Introduction to Backpacking)
Session 3 – 11:00 AM: G159 – Hot Spots for Hiking
Session 4 – 1:00 PM: G114 – Nature at Chesebrough Scout Reservation
Session 5 – 2:00 PM: G153 – Wilderness Survival Basics (2-Hour Block)
Session 6 – 3:00 PM: (Continues Wilderness Survival Basics)
Scouts BSA Track 3: The Troop Mentor (for the New SM/ASM)
For the New Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster who has their formal training but needs to understand the methods of Scouts BSA.
- Session 1 – 9:00 AM: S337 – Life to Eagle Advancement Process
- Session 2 – 10:00 AM: G105 – Conflict Resolution
- Session 3 – 11:00 AM: G137 – Wood Badge 101: What It Is and Why Leaders Love It
- Session 4 – 1:00 PM: S302 – How to Conduct a Board of Review
- Session 5 – 2:00 PM: S324 – Highly Effective Scoutmaster Conferences
Session 6 – 3:00 PM: S323 – Scoutmaster Minutes for Modern Youth
Administrator Track
Scout Safety & Wellbeing Track
For Committee Chairs and leaders focused on the “business” of the unit, this track provides the tools to build a healthy, organized, and sustainable program that will thrive for years to come.
- Session 1 – 9:00 AM: G111 – Changing Parents into Volunteers
- Session 2 – 10:00 AM: G146 – Funding Your Ideal Year of Scouting
- Session 3 – 11:00 AM: G151 – Choosing the Right Cloud Tools for Scouting Success
- Session 4 – 1:00 PM: S302 – How to Conduct a Board of Review
- Session 5 – 2:00 PM: G141 – Understanding Scoutbook
- Session 6 – 3:00 PM: G149 – Succession Planning for Scouting Units
Scouting is for Everyone!
Prioritize the safety and emotional health of your unit. This track dives into youth protection, mental health awareness, and the specific skills needed to support Scouts with diverse needs, ensuring a safe and positive experience for all.
• Session 1 – 9:00 AM: G125 – Leading with Understanding: ADHD in Scouting
• Session 2 – 10:00 AM: G126 – Making Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Scouts Feel Welcome
• Session 3 – 11:00 AM: G155 – Accessible Scouting Overview
• Session 4 – 1:00 PM: G145 – Teach Your Youth to be Quiet Heroes: Suicide Prevention Training
• Session 5 – 2:00 PM: G122 – Creating Inclusive and Welcoming Environments in Scouting
• Session 6 – 3:00 PM: G123 – Creating a Community of Upstanders (Bullying Prevention)
