University of Scouting

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: copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events); field or activity uniform is recommended; note-taking materials; a five-minute Scouting presentation with any equipment or props; lunch if not purchased when registering, drinks.  Optional: snacks and money for the vending machine

Participants must prepare a presentation (about a 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. 

Den Chief Training is basic training for Scouts in troops interested in becoming den chiefs for a Cub Scout den.

Troop Guide Training provides tips and tools for being a successful troop guide. 

What to Bring: copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events); field or activity uniform is recommended, closed-toed shoes, note-taking materials; lunch if not purchased when registering, drinks.  Optional: snacks and money for the vending machine

What to Bring for Merit Badge Classes: • BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A & B for all Scouting events); bring a copy not the original • For each merit badge class, bring ⇒ Merit badge book (available from the Scout Shop; read prior to the class) ⇒ Proof of completed prerequisites and any items noted to bring⇒ Documentation of any requirements that will not be covered is optional, but highly recommended. • Note-taking materials and writing utensils • Field uniform (Scout uniform) or activity uniform (Scout t-shirt) is encouraged • Eat breakfast before arriving • Sack lunch or purchase lunch during online registration • Water bottle •  Drinks and healthy snacks, optional • Money for snack machines, optional • Bring a Blue card showing conversation with unit leader.  

Partials and Completions: Attending a merit badge class does not guarantee that a Scout will complete the merit badge, but it is an opportunity for Scouts to meet with qualified counselors, to help them work on the requirements needed to complete a merit badge. The merit badge fair should not be considered another school where the pupils sit and stare for hours on end. Scouts should come prepared to participate. The counselor's job is to encourage self-discovery and then check that each Scout has the minimum knowledge and does the requirements. Scouts should be ready to take notes and come prepared with notetaking materials and writing utensils. Remember one goal of the merit badge advancement system is to develop individual growth and initiative. 

Prerequisites: For all classes, the Scout must read the merit badge book prior to the event. Merit Badge books can be purchased at an area Scout Shop. Scouts are to be prepared to answer the questions to each of the requirements before the merit badge fair; Scouts can utilize the worksheets at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/list.asp to help them prepare. Some merit badges require additional prerequisites to be must be completed before the merit badge fair. 

Requirements not covered: Some of the requirements cannot be completed during the class. The Scout should bring documentation of requirements not covered. If the Scout does not complete the requirements not covered and bring documentation to the class, the Scout will receive a partial completion of the merit badge. 

Partials: If the Scout does not complete the requirements not covered and bring documentation to the class, the Scout will receive a partial completion of the merit badge. The partial completion will be noted on the blue card, the card will be given to the Scout at the completion of the class. Scouts will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge. Merit badge counselors are not usually available to serve as a counselor after merit badge fair ends unless arrangements are made. Find a list of merit badge counselors by logging into http://scoutbook.scouting.org with your my.scouting userID and password, click on My Dashboard, Administration, your unit and scroll down the page. Remember that a youth member must not meet one-on-one with an adult. Sessions with counselors must take place where others can view the interaction, or the Scout must have a buddy: a friend, parent, guardian, brother, sister, or other relatives—or better yet, another Scout working on the same badge.

Advancements Completed: Bring with you an Application for Merit Badges(blue card); this serves as the Scout's primary record.  Scouts will also receive a list of requirements completed before leaving the event. 

General Rules: Scouts need to be prepared for each of the requirements of the merit badge class including reading the merit badge pamphlet before the class. Scouts are expected to participate fully during the class in order to receive full credit for the requirements completed onsite. Scouts that do not behave appropriately in class will be asked to leave.  

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: In addition to the list above, bring the following: 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, 3-ring binder, backpack, personal medications. Recommended: Field Book, Troop Leader Guidebook, Scout Handbook. Optional gear: sunglasses, camera, earplugs, gloves for saw and ax demonstration. The course fee includes four meals (3 on Saturday and Sunday breakfast). Eat breakfast before arriving. 

New Cub Scout Program Updates (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)

It’s official!  The Cub Scout program will be updated for the 2024-25 program year.  Over the past several years, the National Cub Scouting Committee has identified four areas to improve the Cub Scout program to ensure it is fun, simple, and easy. Learn about the new Cub Scouts program updates, then work with participants to practice planning a meeting.  

Beyond Basic Training (1:00 - 4:00 pm)

Learn tips to help improve your unit and connect and learn from other dedicated leaders in the areas that exemplify the values of Scouting. Topics covered will include Scouting Safely, Den Doodles, Cub Scout Camping Programs, Summertime Fun, Flag Etiquette, and more!

Cub Leader Position-Specific Training (1:00 - 5:00 pm)  is designed to help Scouters learn how to carry out their Scouting roles effectively and is intended to provide the following positions with the information and tools they need to conduct a successful program. Participants will be trained for all of the following positions:

• Cub Scout Den Leader/Assistant Position-Specific Training (C40)
• Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training (C42)
• Pack Committee Member Position-Specific Training (C60)

Trainer's EDGE is an all-day course and is BSA's trainer development course designed to help Scouts (ages 13+) and 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: copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events); field or activity uniform is recommended; note-taking materials; a five-minute Scouting presentation with any equipment or props; water bottle.  Optional: snacks and drinks

Participants must prepare a presentation (about a 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. 

Red Cross Lifeguard is a 27-hour long course for Scouts (ages 15+) and adults. To be trained as a Red Cross Lifeguard, participants must successfully complete the course and demonstrate the ability to perform specific requirements. Prerequisites: must take both Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat trainings online at my.scouting.org. If not current in First Aid and CPR/AED, the training will be offered during camp for an extra fee. Participants need to be strong swimmers (swim continuously for 550 yards in good form using the front crawl or breaststroke, then, tread water for two minutes using the legs only and with the hands under the armpits. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using a front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7 to 10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, surface, swim on your back with the object 20 yards back to the starting point with both hands holding the object, and exit the water, all within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Observation hours will be completed at Full Throttle on April 26-28 or during summer camp.

Bring a swim suit, swim shorts, several towels, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, several changes of clothes and toiletries. If you own them, bring fins, a mask, and a snorkel. If a cabin was reserved, bring sheets for a twin bed and a pillow.  If camping, bring a tent and camping gear. Eat before arrival on Friday; a snack will be provided on Friday night. Three meals will be served on Saturday and two on Sunday.  Arrive by 5:00 pm on Friday; the course should be completed by Sunday around 5:00 pm.   

In Scouting events and activities, the BSA’s primary consideration is the safety of its youth and adult members. To achieve that goal, the BSA, in consultation with other organizations, has created specific guidelines for shooting sports. These organizations also provide training and instructor certification by discipline-specific subject matter experts to prepare those individuals who will serve in a leadership or supervisory role in various shooting sports activities. Range Master Training is a requirement to run Cub Scout shooting events; they can only be conducted at district or council events! Learn more about Range Master training. 

COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) is an exciting program that teaches important lessons, but the classroom is like no other. COPE uses mental and physical challenges, low and high above ground to teach confidence, self-esteem, trust, leadership, team building and problem-solving. As a COPE facilitator, you'll help participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and think of solutions to a variety of activities.
COPE Level 1 training covers the skills and information needed to staff any BSA climbing program and provides an introduction to COPE, instilling the goals of COPE, NCAP Standards, how to sequence and process a group, trust activities, zip line, Low COPE and an introduction to High COPE. Topics covered: goals and features of COPE, sequencing and processing, stories and tall tales, trust activities, low course activities, high course activities
Prerequisites: • Climb on Safely taken online • age 18+ • COPE and climbing experience recommended

What to bring:  In addition to the list above, if a cabin was reserved, bring sheets for a twin bed and a pillow.  If camping, bring a tent and camping gear.

During Climbing Level 1 Training, participants learn to teach Scouts how to climb and rappel at the unit, district, or council level. The training covers the skills and information needed to staff any BSA Climbing Program. Topics covered: site selection and management, environmental conditions, rock climbing  and technique, anchoring, bouldering, teaching Climb On Safely, and teaching the Climbing Merit Badge.
Prerequisites: • Climb on Safely taken online • age 18+ • climbing experience recommended
Climbing Level 1 certificate holders are allowed to supervise real rock programs, council climbing towers, council climbing walls, and council bouldering walls with a Level 2 or climbing director present and teach the Climbing Merit Badge.  

What to bring:  In addition to the list above, if a cabin was reserved, bring sheets for a twin bed and a pillow.  If camping, bring a tent and camping gear.

Angler Education is a four-hour training course for Scouters and Scouts age 15+. It is a national course and is taught by BSA Certified Angling Instructors. The purpose of the class is to prepare program leaders to teach fishing skills and to plan and run fishing events for their unit, district, or Council. Angling Educators learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques for simple cane pole and spin cast fishing. With the coming addition of fishing adventures at every level of Cub Scouts, this is a great time to expand your skills in teaching fishing to youth! Graduates will receive a BSA Angling Educator patch! The course highlights best practices in both the classroom and in the field. Graduates can:

• Teach Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA  to fish and help them be more successful at catching fish.
• Gain knowledge and learn skills to be enjoyed and shared for a lifetime.
• Improve day camp and summer camp attendance through fishing program options.
• Provide a significant tool for recruiting and retaining Cubs Scouts and Scouts BSA at the unit and district level.

Optional morning program (10 am - noon): fish or attend the New Cub Scout Program Updates class