April 5-8, 2021 (virtual evening classes)
April 10, 2021 (in-person classes at Camp Strake)

University of Scouting is a semi-annual training event for leaders of all program levels, district and council leaders and parents. 

Sessions are led by experienced volunteers who will help you enhance your ability to deliver a fun and exciting program to the Scouts. This unique day of seminars provides information, techniques, and best practices on how to improve your Scout program. Whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years, the University of Scouting has something for you. 

For the in-person event: The latest county and Center for Disease Control and Maintenance (CDC) requirements on the day of the event will be followed. Participants will be notified before the event of the specific requirements. All participants must follow any procedures recommended by the council's Enterprise Risk Management Committee such as completing a pre-event screening form, temperature checks, wearing a mask (unless for medical reasons), limiting group sizes that remain together during the event, frequent hand washing, and/or social distancing. See the council's COVID-19 "At-Risk" Participant Statement. Participants who are sick or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms should not attend.

Introduction To Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Saturday at 7:30 am to Sunday at 12:00 pm

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a 16-hour overnight course that gives adult leaders the practical knowledge they need to help Scouts to learn outdoor skills. The skills presented closely follow the Scout Handbook and rank advancement requirements. This is a required training course for all Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank.  Topics covered: • Campsite Selection • Ropes – Whipping, Tying, and Lashing • Wood Tools – Knife, Camp Saw, and Ax • Fire Site Preparation and Building • Cooking • First Aid • Plant and Animal Identification • Packing and Hiking Techniques • Map and Compass • Leave No Trace. The training encompasses a weekend (16 hours of instruction).

What to Bring: BSA Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events). Clothes: field uniform, activity uniform (Scout t-shirt) or comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes (boots or tennis shoes), jacket, rain gear. Scouting ten essentials: pocket knife, first aid kit, extra clothes, rain gear, refillable water bottle, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, trail food, match and fire starters, sun protection, map and compass. Personal Gear: tent, ground cloth, camp chair, sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad or cot, mess kit (knife, fork, spoon, bowl/plate, coffee cup in a mesh bag), bug repellant, sunscreen, personal hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant), note-taking materials, backpack, personal medications. Recommended: Field Book, Troop Leader Guidebook, Scout Handbook. Optional gear: sunglasses, camera, earplugs, gloves for saw and ax demonstration.  

Trainer's EDGE

Trainer's EDGE is an all-day course and is BSA's trainer development course designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences.  Trainer's EDGE brings to life the EDGE model taught in Troop Leadership Training, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training, National Youth Leadership Training, and Wood Badge. What to Bring: In addition, to the list above bring a five-minute Scouting presentation with any equipment or props. Participants must prepare a presentation (about five-minute duration) before the course and bring the material, equipment, and/or props they need to deliver the presentation.  Participants will be given an opportunity to practice this presentation in a small group setting and receive feedback.  The topic of the presentation is at the discretion of the presenter, Scouting topics/skills are always good. Additionally, participants will prepare a second presentation during the course, practice it with their small group and receive feedback.

Contacts

Fall 2020 Virtual Class Recordings