| | Conferences Week 1 June 10-16
Advanced Leadership Skills
Council and Assistant Council Commissioner
District and Assistant District Commissioner
District Operations 2
Diversity and Inclusion for Commissioners
Effective Roundtables
Training Your Cub Scout Leaders
Unit Commissioner
Wilderness First Aid Instructor Trainer Certification
Week 2 June 17-23 – Western Region
Developing Youth Leadership Conference
I am a new Council Training Chair. Now What?
I am a new District Training Chair. Now What?
International Representatives (by invitation only)
Managing the new BALOO training
Mechanics of Advancement
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Western Region: New Strategies to Help Scouting Thrive
Week 3 June 23-29
LDS Scouting Leadership Conference (by invitation only)
Week 4 June 30-July 6
LDS Scouting Leadership Conference (by invitation only)
Philmont Leadership Challenge (PLC) (July 1-7)
Week 5 July 8-14 –Sothern Region
2nd Century, Endowment Fellowship Week
Council Key 3
District Key 3
Exploring Explosion- How to ignite growth in your council through Exploring!
Leading Diversity
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Safe Scouting
Strengthening Leadership Teams
Visual Storytelling
Week 6 July 15-21
Advanced District Administration (Professional Scouters)
Baptist Scouting – Reaching, Teaching and Ministering to Children, Youth, and Families
Chaplaincy
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – USA Training Course Suite
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Scouting in the Catholic Church
Scouting for Jewish Youth
Scouting in the Lutheran Church
Smarter, Strategic and Sustainable Scouting
United Methodist Scouters Workshop
Week 7 July 22-28 – Central Region
# Awesome Stem Exploration (14-20 age youth)
Building Successful Packs: Training Unit Leaders to Build and Sustain Cub Scout Packs
Council Key 3
District Key 3
Exploring! Become the “Game Changer for your Council”
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Planning Programs that Rock
Scouting Alumni and Friends – your answer to everything!
STEM-Tastic Scouting – Inspiration, Imagination, And Innovation
Strategic Training Planning for Councils and Districts
Venturing Blast! (adults and youth officers ages 14-20 may attend)
Week 8 July 29-August 4 – Northeast Region
BSA Training in the Digital Age
Council Key 3
Cubmasters: The Next Level
District Key 3
DIVERSEability and DisABILITY – How to apply proper methods in Scouting with Special Needs
Everybody Likes to be Welcomed – Reaching and Engaging Scout Families
How Do I become an excellent Trainer/Presenter
Key Concepts of Commissioner Service in Scouting’s Second Century
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Orienteering, Geocaching, and Finding your Way
Week 9 August 5-11
Advancement Issues and Solutions
Building a Program with Strong Outdoor Emphasis
Energize Your Enterprise Risk Management Committee
Games with a Purpose
Leadership Development
Membership Growth Strategies that work
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Philmont Ambassador
Philmont Ambassador II
Wood Carvers Round Up
Week 11 September 16-22
BSA Fishing Train the Trainer
Certified Angling Instructor Course Director
Climbing Director Certification
Conservation USA and Hornaday Advisor Training
COPE Director Certification
COPE & Climbing Program Manager Certification
The Fun Side of Shooting Sports
Healthy, Affordable & Delicious Camp Food!
National Camp Accreditation Program – Delivering the Promise
Philmont Leadership Challenge (PLC)
The Properties Course: Facilities Management
Strictly for Camp Directors
Wilderness First Aid Instructor Trainer Certification Conference Descriptions # Awesome Stem Exploration (14-20 age youth only)
Spend a week exploring the natural science world taking day trips into Philmont’s backcountry, exploring and experimenting in wild New Mexico. Discover the mechanics of COPE adventures, chemistry of the prairies flora and fauna, and habitat of the Philmont water ways and eco systems. Climb to new heights as you challenge your skills with rock formations; climbing, rappelling and identifying the composition of the landscape. Sign up now for this intense adventure. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record – parts A, B, and C are required.
Week 7 July 22-28
2nd Century Endowment Fellowship Week
The Southern Region has a vision to help councils raise $380 Million in endowment over the next 7 years to help camp improvements, operations, and special initiatives. This conference will train development chairs at the council, area, and regional level to accomplish this goal. It will also bring together all Second Century Donors who will lead us to determine a case for support by hearing about their experience in making a charitable gift. The conference will split each day between sessions and behind the scenes tours of Philmont and time to enjoy New Mexico.
Week 5 July 8-14
Advanced District Administration (Professional Scouters)
The purpose of this weeklong session is to provide tenured executives a practical, in-depth, problem-solving skills-and-technique seminar with a focus on district operations. Executives will sharpen their skills in the fundamentals of district operation by exploring challenging issues facing them. Executives will discover their strengths with respect to district administration. To register please go to http://scoutingu.kintera.org/ADA1803 or Scouting U on MYBSA. Prerequisite completion of DOB and DO2.
Week 6 July 15-21
Advanced Leadership Skills
Strong leadership is a critical element to leading a successful commissioner team. This exciting new conference is designed to help you strengthen your leadership skills and help you better fulfill your administrative commissioner role. This conference will be partially based on “A Leader’s Legacy” by Kouzes and Posner, “Relationship Edge in Business” by Jerry Acuff, “Managers as Mentors” by Chip Bell and “Mentoring – The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom” by Huang and Lynch, topics will include the significance of leaders, relationships, goal setting, mentoring, and your personal legacy. All administrative commissioners are welcome to attend.
Week 1 June 10-16
Advancement Issues and Solutions
Participants in this course will learn about the latest updates on advancement issues, but more importantly, they will analyze, discuss, and solve case studies similar to those regularly dealt with by the National Advancement Program Team and the Eagle, Summit, Quartermaster Issues Task Force. This course will also provide a better understanding and effective use of the Guide to Advancement. This conference is recommended for all advancement administrators, volunteer and professional, at the unit, district, and council levels. Week 9 August 5-11
Baptist Scouting – Reaching, Teaching and Ministering to Children, Youth, and Families
Offered by the Association of Baptists for Scouting, this conference introduces participants to a Baptist Scouting Ministry as effective fulfillment of the Great Commission and a tool for Christian education through the religious emblems program. Class participants will becomebetter equipped to start effective Baptist Scouting Ministries and to strengthen existing ones. In addition, they will experience proven methods of reaching individuals and entire families for Christ, deepening their spiritual lives, and contributing to church growth. In addition, class members will learn more about the importance of effectively representing unique Baptist thought and conviction in the larger Scouting community including the National Scout Jamboree. Conferees will also learn about the ministries of the Association of Baptists for Scouting. This conference is recommended for Baptist Scouters and others serving in units chartered by Baptist churches as well as Baptist ministers.
Week 6 July 15-21
Building a Program with Strong Outdoor Emphasis
Being outdoors is partially why youth join and stay in Scouting. Learn how to build an outdoor program filled with experiences that will create a reason for youth to participate in Scouting. The course will have indoor planning and orientation sessions about all aspects of outdoor programming, as well as hands on outdoor opportunities to experience some of the programs you develop. Discussed will be programs centered-around camping, aquatics, shooting sports, fishing, COPE/climbing, outdoor skills, outdoor ethics and conservation. There will be support for all ages of the program – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing Scouts. This conference is recommended for Camping Chairmen, Outdoor Adventure Chairmen, Program Directors, and other District and Council volunteers responsible for outdoor program.
Week 9 August 5-11
Building Successful Packs: Training Unit Leaders to Build and Sustain Cub Scout Packs
This conference is for Cubmasters and council, district, and pack leaders; pack trainers; pack committee members, and commissioners. Participants will evaluate all components of a successful pack Including program, advancement, training, and finance. The Cub Scout training continuum will be reviewed, including the most current information on volunteer training courses. The ways in which Cub Scout leaders relate to, interact with, and support each other to build outstanding packs will be discussed.
Week 7 July 22-28
BSA Fishing Train the Trainer
This conference is facilitated by the BSA National Fishing Task Force, with a focus on providing enhancements to your BSA Fishing Programs. The course will cover Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing Fishing Programs held at the Unit, District, and Council Level. The course delivers an understanding of the Mission and Vision of Outdoor Programs-Fishing, assisting in your efforts to Deliver the Promise. You will learn age based and skill appropriate fishing tools and techniques for your Scouts, ranging from the Cane Pole to Fly Fishing. The course highlights best practices on content delivery, in both the classroom and the field. Enjoy Philmont in the fall, experience the fine art of fly fishing, fish legendary waters, and catch release some great wild trout! Course Graduates will become BSA Certified Angling Instructors (Training Code CS61). FISH ON!
Week 11 September 16-22
BSA Training in the Digital Age
This conference is a general overview of “everything you wanted to know about training in the BSA but didn’t know what to ask.” You will be guided through the BSA Learn Center, and you will learn how to navigate My.Scouting Tools including how to run training reports. What makes a trained leader for both online and in-person, instructor-led trainings will be discussed. You will examine the Journey to Excellence goals for training, and you will learn where to find the latest information on volunteer training. Best practices for getting leaders trained will be shared. Anyone wanting/needing a broad, general overview of BSA training is welcome to attend.
Week 8 July 29-August 4 Certified Angling Instructor Course Director
This train the trainer style conference is facilitated by the BSA National Fishing Task Force, and designed to develop existing Certified Angling Instructors into confident CAI Course Directors that will build a fun and exciting fishing program for your council. You will be provided with a CAI course manual that provides step by step instructions to create CAI courses for your council and area. The course highlights best practices on content delivery, in both the classroom and the field. Plan to join us as together we strive to deliver the promise to youth by offering quality fishing programs. FISH ON! Week 11 September 16-22
Chaplaincy
This conference is designed to equip Chaplains to serve at events such as Jamborees, High Adventure Bases, at local council summer camps and in other capacities in Scouting. Attention will also be given to the roles of Unit Chaplain and Chaplain Aide. Participants will learn to minister to the needs of all youth and leaders, and be better prepared to understand and be sensitive to serving a broader spectrum of faith groups. The course will incorporate a wide variety of elements, including counseling, conflict resolution and crisis management in a Scouting context.
Week 6 July 15-21
Climbing Director Certification
This is a National Camping School Climbing Directors course designed for those who will be leading and instructing climbing/rappelling programs. It has been developed to support council, district, and unit volunteers in teaching safe climbing and rappelling techniques at natural sites or constructed facilities. This course includes initiative games, climbing, bouldering, rappelling, anchor systems, and a wide variety of ways to teach them. Participants will be divided into groups dependent on their skill level. Current Climbing Directors and Instructors will be in an advanced group to further their skills and update their certificate of training. Participants must be in good physical condition. Since most of this conference will take place in Philmont’s beautiful backcountry, participants will not have the opportunity to be with their family during the week. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record – parts A, B, and C are required.
Week 11 September 16-22
Conservation USA and Hornaday Advisor Training
Unit leaders, Council Conservation Committee members, Advancement Committee members are all invited and encouraged to attend this conference designed to teach you how to help units and Scouts lead conservation projects. Participants will learn how to help Scouts plan and execute their Hornaday projects so that they will meet the requirements. Participants will complete both the Conservation USA and new Hornaday Award Advisors Training courses.
Week 11 September 16-22
COPE & Climbing Program Manager Certification
This is a National Camping School COPE & Climbing Program Manager Course designed for those who will provide program management for council COPE and/or climbing programs. This course includes program safety, risk management, incident management and reporting, budgeting and finance, outdoor program structure and function, COPE and Climbing program operations and management, marketing, staff development and training, and course planning, design, and maintenance. The course includes many opportunities for sharing best practices in COPE and Climbing programs and an opportunity to participate in construction and/or maintenance of elements on the Philmont COPE courses. Requirements: Participants must be in good physical condition and current in their training as a COPE or Climbing Director or Level II Instructor. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record – parts A, B, and C required. This course will include evening sessions, so participants will have limited time with family members.
Week 11 September 16-22
COPE Director Certification
This is a National Camping School COPE Directors course designed for those who will be leading COPE (challenge course) programs. This course includes initiative games, spotted challenge course elements (Low COPE), challenge course elements using life-safety systems (High COPE), bouldering, and climbing/ rappelling activities using constructed facilities. Current COPE Directors are welcome to attend to further their knowledge and renew their certificate of training. Requirements: Participants must be in good physical condition. This course will include evening sessions, so participants will have limited time with family members. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record – parts A, B, and C required.
Week 11 September 16-22
Council and Assistant Council Commissioner
This conference is an excellent opportunity for council commissioners and others involved in unit service to become prepared to raise unit service to a new level of excellence in their home council. The conference offers a series of presentations on key topics such as the role and responsibilities of a council commissioner, resources, recruiting, organizing and developing a council-level team to lead unit service, recruiting and recognizing commissioners, and leveraging contemporary resources such as the Commissioner Tools, Journey to Excellence, the New-Unit Retention process, and The Voice of the Scout. In addition, participants will participate in a series of workshops that will enable them to begin practical application of the information presented. Throughout, an open exchange of ideas and experiences is encouraged among participants and conference leaders.
Week 1 June 10-16
Council Key 3
Topics during this conference of top council leadership include Journey to Excellence as it pertains to finance, membership, program, unit service, leadership, governance, volunteer & professional relationships, strategic planning, council & district operations, commissioner service, marketing, social media & technology, Key 3 orientation, and Enterprise Risk Management. The week includes time for breakout sessions by position. Participants are encouraged to attend as a Council Key 3 team.
Week 5 July 8-14, Week 7 July 22-28, Week 8 July 29-August 4
Cubmasters: The Next Level
Take your Pack to the next level. Learn about putting on great Pack events, the best ways to recruit and manage new Cubs, including Lions, and how you can help your leaders to be the best they can be! This conference is recommended for cub masters, assistant cub masters and committee chairs.
Week 8 July 29-August 4
Developing Youth Leadership Conference
The Developing Youth Leadership Conference will deepen an Order of the Arrow adviser’s capacity to develop youth leadership within the lodge and chapter. Conference topics will include fostering a growth mindset, promoting resilience, providing constructive feedback that leads to changes in youth behavior and creating a life-long coaching/mentoring relationship. Conference participants will gain insights necessary to successfully coach youth applying the leadership skills they gained during the National Leadership Seminar. This workshop is recommended for OA advisers who have participated in the National Leadership Seminar.
Week 2 June 17-23
District and Assistant District Commissioner
This conference is for District Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners, and other Scouters who are being appointed to one of these positions. Learn the mission of commissioner service; utilizing the Commissioner Tools on My.Scouting; how to be a leader versus manager; reading and using monthly commissioner reports; serving new units; recruiting, training and retaining commissioners; the importance of regular unit visits; and the commissioner’s role in assisting their units to succeed in their Journey to Excellence.
Week 1 June 10-16
District Operations 2 (by invitation only)
Professional development conference offered by BSA’s Scouting U. Open to professional Scouters by invitation. Contact Scouting U Westlake Campus for registration information. (817)430-5300.
Week 1 June 10-16
District Key 3
Imagine enjoying a week of quality time at Philmont with your District Key 3 and Key 3s from many other councils – discussing the role of the District Key 3 and how they work together to build and operate a successful district. The conference will include a focus on improving the service area’s Journey to Excellence standing, as well as the role of each Key 3 member, the Key 3 agenda, strategic planning, marketing, membership, the nominating committee process, and how to run the best district committee meeting. Participants should ideally attend as a District Key 3 team.
Week 5 July 8-14, Week 7 July 22-28, Week 8 July 29-August 4
DIVERSEability and DisABILITY – How to apply proper methods in Scouting with Special Needs
Learn how to inform and show Scout leaders about proper modifications and implementations for merit badges and express that Special Needs is a DIVERSE-ability that strengthens their community. Did you know that the first BSA Chief Scout Executive James E West was disabled? Fifteen percent of Scouts have a disability or a special need; some physical, but most involving cognitive, behavioral, or learning disability. Discover the BSA policies of acceptance and special needs with the emphasis that every child should feel included and welcome. Recommended for local council volunteers supporting Scouts with special needs and disabilities.
Week 8 July 29-August 4
Diversity and Inclusion for Commissioners
Our society is constantly, rapidly changing; Scouting must change with it. Most units are already experiencing diversity driven by cultural, generational, spiritual, and other changes in their communities, whether large or small, urban or rural. Scouting's impact on communities increases when it responds effectively to diversity. This conference provides all commissioners with knowledge, skills, and tools and techniques to help unit leaders develop relationships with youth and adults who are different from them and adapt and respond to diversity in their unit in a way that enables membership growth and fulfillment of Scouting's values and mission.
Week 1 June 10-16
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – USA Training Course Suite
Over the past 60 years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Award) has transformed the lives of millions of young people in 140 countries and territories worldwide. Become a pioneer within the new national partnership between BSA and The Award USA! The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award allows Scouting achievements to be consistently recognized worldwide, giving young people unique international accreditation of their experiences. The Award provides a clear curriculum and structure for Venturers as they plan their programs- increasing Venturing retention; it encourages STEM Scouts to explore the outdoors; and increases participation at BSA High-Adventure Camps. This conference will empower you to deliver The Award to Scouts as a Certified Award Coordinator and a Certified Adventurous Journey Supervisor and Assessor. This week-long conference will have the Scouter complete three trainings:
Award Coordinator Course- providing the delegates with the knowledge and skills required to support Award participants through their Award journey. This involves mentoring, advice and guidance, encouragement, and reflection. Award Management Course-providing Scouters with the skills of managing a team of professionals and creating the infrastructure to guarantee a sustainable Scouting and Award program. This involves a certification to train others as Award Leaders within the Award. Adventurous Journey (AJ) Supervisor and Assessor Course-providing Scouters with the skills to prepare, conduct, and evaluate an Award-specific outdoor adventure (AJ) in line with the experiential learning philosophy of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA.
Week 6 July 15-21
Effective Roundtables
This conference is for all commissioners associated with providing unit service through roundtables, forums, and huddles. The conference will assist those who are in the positions of roundtable, forum or huddle commissioners and their assistants, as well as assistant council commissioner for roundtable and assistant district commissioner for roundtables. If you need to know more about how to conduct high quality roundtable, huddle or forum experiences, this is the conference for you. The program is conducted by experienced roundtable commissioners who provide ideas on promotion, increasing participation, planning, and staff management. Learn how to provide the best roundtable experience in your district.
Week 1 June 10-16
Energize Your Enterprise Risk Management Committee
This is a hands-on, interactive workshop to help you energize your ERM Committee to protect the people, property, environment and brand of the Scouting movement in your council. The conference is designed for district, council, regional health and safety and/ or risk management committee members; and council professionals who are assigned as the ERM Committee staff advisors. Many of our prior course participants are leading the charge for active engaged ERM Committees in their Councils. We know that members of camp assessment teams; program, camping, training, properties or other key volunteers; unit leaders; and professionals, such as Rangers, who have Health and Safety or Risk Management responsibilities will also benefit from this course. As a participant, you will study the leading causes of incidents and conduct exercises in hazard and risk identification, analysis, and resolutions using the latest in program hazard analysis techniques. You will conduct an accident investigation and present it to a mock council executive board with your recommendations to prevent future occurrences. The course includes understanding insurance and compliance issues that face your council. Your instructors will include key volunteers from the National Health and Safety Support Committee, a representative of the Risk Management Advisory Panel, and members of the National Council Health and Safety and Risk Management Teams.
Week 9 August 5-11
Everybody Likes to be Welcomed – Reaching and Engaging Scout Families
A great new tool to help units grow is the New Member Coordinator. Learn methods and techniques to welcome and excite new youth and their families. Learn how to welcome millennial families and make Scouting fun and right for them. Unit New Member Coordinators will learn skills for use right away to grow their units while District/Council Membership Chairs will learn how to recruit, train and support New Member Coordinators in units. Learn how to recruit, train and motivate younger parents to serve as leaders. The Membership Committee Guidebook will be covered which provides information on developing a plan and enhancements to improve growth. The new Cub Scouting changes will also be covered. Recommended for New Member Coordinators, Unit Leaders, Membership Committee members at all levels, Commissioners and all Scouters who want to help grow Scouting.
Week 8 July 29-August 4
Exploring! Become the “Game Changer for your Council
This will not be a normal sit down course. From character to careers, you will become a difference maker for your council and community by becoming an Exploring guru and examining the secret to community impact, membership growth, and sustainability. Anyone who is interested in Exploring or helping to create a more vibrant Exploring program within their council should attend. This includes any volunteer or professional, on any level, that simply has the desire to become “The Game Changer” for your council.
This course will be interactive, fun, and hands-on. You will become engaged in an exciting week at Philmont by ultimately becoming the youth in which you serve. Yes, that is right! During the course, you will actually become an Explorer. This will help you return to your council energized and equipped with the knowledge to grow and support an exciting Exploring program in your council. You will learn the ins and outs of Exploring, while also participating in an exciting open house, organizational sales call, cultivation event, as well as outdoor activities. This will help prepare you to identify and fill the needs of local schools, businesses, and communities by utilizing the total package of Exploring and Learning for Life programs. As a bonus, you will also receive classroom credit towards the official Exploring Certification, at the conclusion of this course.
Week 7 July 22-28
Exploring Explosion- How to ignite growth in your council through Exploring!
Come and learn the secrets behind how Exploring has achieved consistent growth.
Whether you are an expert or just hearing about Exploring, you will learn how to take the spark and ignite growth in your council. In this interactive, hands-on course, we will explore everything from what is Exploring, to how to develop council resources and leadership, to ultimately funding an exciting program for your council.
This course will focus on the main keys of success for Exploring programs, which include: funding, leadership, prospecting, program, and participation, through fun and interactive learning objectives. This exciting course will prepare you to become the spark that ignites growth in your council!
Week 5 July 8-14
The Fun Side of Shooting Sports
Participants will see and experience all the exciting programs available in shooting sports including chalk ball, cowboy action, slingshots, Cub Scout BB, archery, and more. Recommended for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing unit, district and council volunteers interested in expanding their shooting sports programs. We will have fun and prizes for participants who attend this exciting program.
Week 11 September 16-22
Games with a Purpose
Learn how to facilitate team building games. These initiative games focus on communications, problem-solving, trust, planning, leadership, goal setting, and cooperation. They are challenging, but help build a spirit of team work. We will spend time in experiential activities with lots of outdoor opportunities. No matter the role you serve in your unit, district, or council, you will be able to take away ideas to engage others.
Week 9 August 5-11
Healthy, Affordable & Delicious Camp Food!
One of the leading areas that campers of all ages comment on when talking about a camp is the food that was served. Designed for Camp Directors and/or Food Service Directors that want to get a head of the curve and become a leader in this area. Topics for this conference will include: nutrition, health initiatives, kitchen design, state of the art equipment, cooking techniques, healthy choices, special diets and allergies, food service contractors and group purchasing.
Week 11 September 16-22
How Do I Become An Excellent Trainer/Presenter?
Do you have a passion for training but need help to do an excellent job of presenting? Are you excited to be a part of the training team but are not very confident that you can be interesting, dynamic, and effective? Do you need help in preparing to present material? Is death by PowerPoint the only presentation method you know? Do you have a real desire to improve your presentation skills? Then, this conference is for you! Led by experienced BSA trainers, this conference will provide you with both knowledge and practical experience in presenting material to a group of eager-to-learn participants.
Week 8 July 29-August 4
I am a New Council Training Chair. Now What?
For all new council training chairs as well as those who have been in the position for a while, this conference will help you to understand your role in your council’s training program. You will learn both how to fulfill your role for the council and how to maximize the success of your district training chairs. You will learn how to plan, organize, and implement a unit/district/council training plan as well as how to organize and train your council training committee. The latest information on face-to-face instructor-led and online training will be presented.
Week 2 June 17-23
I am a New District Training Chair. Now What?
For all district training chairs and district training committee members, this conference will educate you on how to meet and exceed the training needs of your district. You will discuss everything your job entails including meetings you are expected to attend, trainings you are expected to provide, goals you and your units need to meet, recruiting and leading your district training team, and providing training on both online and instructor-led courses in your district. You will learn how to plan, organize, and implement a unit/district/council training plan. The latest “What Makes a ‘Trained’ Leader” information will be shared.
Week 2 June 17-23
International Representatives (by invitation only)
Local council International Representatives (IRs) will gain the tools to enhance their council’s international Scouting experience. This session will motivate IRs to develop their council members’ interest and participation in the international Scouting arena with information about the following: the Council International Committee structure, international opportunities for Scouts and Venturers, World and Regional events, the World Friendship Fund, Messengers of Peace, and International camp staff programs, to name a few. Your IR toolbox will be full of new information and techniques to bring back home to your packs, troops, teams, ships and crews.
Week 2 June 17-23
Key Concepts of Commissioner Service in Scouting’s Second Century
Unit service is all about impact. This conference will focus on the impact that commissioners can have on units. Whether you directly serve a unit or serve as a roundtable or an administrative commissioner, this conference is for you. This conference will enable participants to strengthen the relationship between unit service and district operations. The conference will also provide a solid overview and enable practical application of the Unit Service Plan and Commissioner Tools. You will gain a better understanding of the methods commissioners use to help units better serve more youth through Scouting.
Week 8 July 29-August 4
LDS Scouting Leadership Conference (by invitation only)
The LDS Priesthood Leadership Conference on Scouting at Philmont is for LDS Stake presidencies only. Invitations for the conference are sent from the LDS Church to those who are eligible. The conference is designed to teach stake leadership how to implement the Scouting program within church programs.
Week 3: June 23-29; Week 4: June 30-July 6
Leading Diversity
BSA's Diverse Markets make up the largest and fastest growing group of Scout-age youth in the United States today. Scouting is committed to providing life-changing opportunities to all youth. Each of us can lead diversity efforts in our Scouting community. One of the biggest challenges we face today is that many families do not have a legacy of Scouting experiences…they may not know how Scouting can partner with them to help them achieve their goals.
The Leading Diversity course invites Scout volunteers and staff to share their thoughts, insights, and feedback with one other. Topics on Scouting service in today's markets will include ways to introduce Scouting to and engage with diverse board members, potential staff, partnerships, community leaders, and families. This conference is recommended for council, area, and regional staff volunteers that are committed to growing Scouting through diversity.
Week 5 July 8-14
Leadership Development Series
We must develop our leaders if we are to continue to thrive as an organization. Participants will have the option to choose between sessions 1&2 during the first half of the week and sessions 3&4 in the second half of the week. Come prepared to learn and be inspired.
1. Building Effective Teams - Develop skills that enhance communication, trust, and align team members around shared goals to effectively plan, execute, and deliver.
2. Project Management – Learn the 6-step process to effectively manage a project (e.g. camporee, FOS campaign, membership recruiting, etc)
3. Engaging Millennials –Learn strategies to motivate, develop and retain millennials into the future leaders of our organization.
4. Successful Delegation - Gives real-world practice in delegation strategies that reduce stress level, empower staff, and build morale by pinpointing the right task, to the right person to help maximize productivity for you and your team.
Offered by BSA’s ScoutingU. Contact ScoutingU at 972-580-2337 for registration information, including a special registration code.
Week 9 August 5-11 Managing the new BALOO training
The BALOO training has been changed to cover all Cub Scout unit level outdoor activities. Spend the week with the creators to learn about the changes and how best to integrate them into your District or Council! This conference is recommended for all Cub Leaders and District Trainers.
Week 2 June 17-23
Mechanics of Advancement
This conference is a must for new advancement administrators or those who are in need of a refresher on advancement procedures. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the essentials of advancement and an appreciation for the rationale behind the policies and procedures governing it.
Week 2 June 17-23
Membership Growth Strategies that Work
Membership growth is essential to producing leaders for the future. BSA President, Randall Stephenson says that the Boy Scouts of America produces leaders with integrity and character like no one else. Join us to learn about all the resources available to assist you in this worthy endeavor. This course is designed for District and Council Membership Chairs and we encourage them to attend with their professional staff counterparts. Learn about techniques and tactics to attract and retain members in all our programs – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts/Varsity, Venturing/Sea Scouts, and Exploring. The role of the Unit Membership Chair, Recruiting, Transition Plans, along with New Unit Organization will all be discussed. Resources including District and Council Market Analysis, Growth Planning Tools, Marketing Resources, and Pilot Programs will be reviewed and shared.
Week 9 August 5-11
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
Youth learn to internalize and practice their leadership skills in this action-packed backcountry conference. By honing the skills taught in ‘Introduction to Leadership Skills,’ Kodiak Challenge, and NYLT in an outdoor experiential learning environment, youth “live leadership”, with skills that will be carried home to the unit and other aspects of their lives. A co-ed conference open to all programs, NAYLE underscores the values of Scouting, teamwork and promotes the concepts of servant leadership. Requirements: Minimum age 14 (or 13 and completed eight grade); completed NYLT and a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record – parts A, B, and C.
Week 2 June 17-23, Week 5 July 8-14, Week 6 July 15-21, Week 7 July 22-28, Week 8 July 29-August 4, Week 9 August 5-11
National Camp Accreditation Program – Delivering the Promise
Youth join the BSA to participate in the greatest outdoor program possible and we promise this to them. Participants will learn how to use the NCAP tools to understand their camping programs and how it affects the council. Council, Area and Region NCAP leadership should attend to learn best practices, share challenges and help to guide the NCAP process into the future.
Week 11: September 16-22
Orienteering, Geocaching, and Finding Your Way
Finding your way in the outdoors can be a true learning experience. New skills and renewed interest will be brought to you with hands on experiences with orienteering and geocaching. Learn tips and tricks to teach your youth about the skills needed to survive in the outdoors. Over half the week will be spent outdoors. It is for the expert or the novice. Program tips will be shared for you to take home to support all levels of the program from the youngest to the oldest Scouts.
Week 8 July 29-August 4 Philmont Ambassador
Taste the buffalo – see the deer! Come and learn about all of Philmont’s programs and the Philmont Training Center! This conference will let you meet the people who help make it Scouting’s Paradise, while experiencing some of the sights and sounds of New Mexico. We will share best practices in marketing and promoting Philmont opportunities in your local area. You will also learn all about the Training Center, High Adventure Base, and Ranch operation. Classroom time is shared with trail time to fill your week with Philmont memories. You’ll be ready to serve your council as a Philmont Ambassador after this week! Complete the first step on your Philmont Masters knot! Must be a current, approved Philmont Ambassador to attend.
Week 9 August 5-11
Philmont Ambassador II
If you’ve experienced the fun and learning opportunities at the Ambassador I Seminar, its time to take it to the next level by attending the Ambassador II Seminar. Spend a full day in the back country, eat a trail lunch at a back country camp, take an in-depth look at what Philmont crews experience the first 24 hours after arriving at the Ranch, share a meal with crews just off the trail, learn the ins and outs of the PTC Family Programs, gain a greater understanding of the Training Center and Ranch operations, and learn new presentation techniques to enhance your effectiveness at promoting Philmont. Ambassadors enrolled in this seminar will be away from the Training Center for at least two full days so if you are bringing children make sure that you have another adult that can pick them up from the Family Programs on the days you’re gone. Must be a current, approved Philmont Ambassador and have completed the Ambassador I Seminar to attend.
Week 9 August 5-11
Philmont Leadership Challenge
Adults learn to internalize and practice their leadership skills in this action-packed backcountry conference. The conference hones the skills taught in Wood Badge in an outdoor experiential learning environment. PLC underscores the values of Scouting and teamwork and promotes the concepts of servant leadership. Open to all programs. Participants will not have an opportunity to be with family during the week. Requirements: attended Wood Badge (may be working your ticket) and BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Parts A, B, and C.
Week 4: July 1-7 Week 11: September 16-22
Planning Programs that Rock
Learn to plan and execute exciting, high-energy programs for your troop, team, or crew using the BSA’s Program Planning Features and other resources. Participants will take part in activities such as geocaching, search and rescue, special cooking, and advanced pioneering. The program is aimed at Boy Scouts and Venturing leaders who want to see how to bring fabulous programs to their units.
Week 7 July 22-28
The Properties Course: Facilities Management
This Facilities Management conference is part II of the properties course series and deals with design, planning, and construction of all the facilities found at a typical Scout camp. Participants will learn what constitutes good design and planning, how to construct quality facilities, life cycle costing and low maintenance design choices. You do not need to have attended part I to attend. This conference is recommended for Scout executives, properties chairmen, rangers, and others responsible for maintaining council properties.
Week 11: September 16-22 Safe Scouting
Every youth we serve has been entrusted to us by parents who expect quality programs that are safely delivered. The elements of Safe Scouting are health and safety, risk management, and youth protection. All three combine to help ensure safe adventure for all. Those persons involved with or have an interest in risk management, youth protection, and health and safety committees are welcomed.
Week 5 July 8-14
Scouting Alumni and Friends – your answer to everything!
Enjoy family, fun and new friends in the mountains of New Mexico while advancing your council through successful alumni activities. Scouting has no peer in the field of character development when compared to other youth activities, and it is unique in its ability to produce an enduring impact on its members. In fact, not only does Scouting make an indelible mark in the lives of its youth participants, but it also impacts those who may have a more indirect relationship, such as adult volunteers, family members, and other recipients of Scouting’s good work—Scouting’s friends. Scouting Alumni and Friends' (SA&F) committees and affiliate alumni groups are a great way for individuals to connect with organizations that are important to them. As such, SA&F committees play a significant role in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Conference participants, which include those that have an SA&F committee and those that would like to launch one in their council, will learn how the SA&F committee can be used to enhance your Council.
Week 7 July 22-28
Scouting for Jewish Youth
Designed for Jewish unit leaders, council Jewish Committee on Scouting members, other Jewish Scouters, and Jewish and non-Jewish professional staff and non-Jewish council membership committee members. Topics will include: Special Considerations in Dealing with Jewish Institutions; How to Form a New, Sustainable Unit at a Jewish Institution; How to Form or Reorganize a local council Jewish Committee on Scouting; The Three Jobs of a local council Jewish Committee on Scouting; Jewish Programming for Local Units and Councils; Scheduling meetings and Events While Respecting the Holidays of All Faith Traditions; the Jewish Religious Emblem Program; Adult Recognitions; Developing Relationships with the Jewish Scouts of Other Nations; Jewish Religious Observances in Scout Settings; the Jewish Scoutmaster’s Minute; a day of solutions. [Special considerations will be made for those participants who observe Tisha B’Av which is observed on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22, 2018.]
Week 6 July 15-21
Scouting in the Catholic Church
This conference focuses participants not only on the mission and programs of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS), but also involves them in adult faith formation and an understanding of the concept of Scouting as a youth ministry. It is designed for any adult interested in using Scouting as a program for Catholic youth ministry such as Scout chaplains, clergy, (arch) diocesan or parish youth ministers, and council, diocesan, regional and national Catholic Committee leadership and members.
Week 6 July 15-21
Scouting in the Lutheran Church
This conference is for Lutheran chartered organization representatives, clergy, and all Lutheran Scouters who want to learn more about using Scouting as an outreach ministry to young people and their families. See how Scouting becomes part of a congregation’s youth ministry strategy and contributes to reaching young families and building and sustaining membership. Learn about the religious emblems program and how it builds faith in youth. Share with Lutherans from across the country success stories, best practices for developing and maintaining relationships with Lutheran chartering partners, and how to best serve our youth and our churches. Bring your family, and be a part of the fellowship unique to Philmont. Relax as we grow in faith and renewal with like-minded, dedicated and experienced Scouters. This course will be hosted by the National Lutheran Association on Scouting. Come and share the peace.
Week 6 July 15-21
Smarter, Strategic and Sustainable Scouting
Today’s Scouts live in a different world than previous generations. Yet many troops thrive with post-Millennial youth. This conference will help Scout Masters, Committee members, and other unit leaders build troops that teach timeless values. Topics discussed will include strategic membership growth, improving advancement, youth and leadership dynamics, retaining youth, and much more. Attendees will learn proven techniques for improving your troop’s program and operation.
Week 6 July 15-21
STEM-Tastic Scouting – Inspiration, Imagination, and Innovation
This week-long STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) conference is designed to help you and your council integrate STEM programs and activities into your current programming. There will be many opportunities to experience hands-on activities to share with your units; these activities will be accompanied by discussion on how to implement, modify, and incorporate them in and for your programs. Excitement, roadblocks, funding, recruitment, training, resources, and tracking will be topics addressed by this conference.
Week 7 July 22-28
Strategic Training Planning for Councils and Districts
This conference is for council and district training chairs and training committee members. You will participate in the Strategic Training Plan, an exercise that analyzes a council composed of districts with various training problems. You will examine the issues and develop a detailed plan for solving those problems. With an understanding of the process, you will apply the lessons learned to develop a plan for your own council/district. As part of this practical exercise, you will consider your direct contact leader trained percentages, your number of untrained leaders and best practices for getting them trained, and your Journey to Excellence metrics as well as many more factors that will help you to maximize your council/district training successes.
Week 7 July 22-28
Strengthening Leadership Teams
If you are a council, district, or unit volunteer and are interested in building stronger leadership teams, this conference is for you! Participants will evaluate the volunteer recruiting process and discuss how to identify key needs, select the most qualified leaders, properly train them, plan for succession, and more. Complete with practical volunteer recruiting exercises, team building activities, and tools to engage a new generation of volunteers, participants will return to their communities prepared to significantly increase volunteer support for and strong leadership at all levels of the Scouting program.
Week 5 July 8-14
Strictly for Camp Directors (by invitation only)
This conference is designed for experienced BSA professional camp directors. Topics include program development, marketing and financial sustainability. Facilitators will draw on the experience of the participants to build action plans for their operations while learning from all conference participants’ successes and challenges. Potential activities include “working day hikes” and camp tours to learn how others “do it”.
Week 11: September 16-22 Training Your Cub Scout Leaders
You have leaders for your pack, but… they need to be trained. This conference can help! Council, district, and pack trainers, Cubmasters, pack committee members, and commissioners will review the training continuum for Cub Scout leaders and discuss methods for reaching the untrained leader. Best practices on how to build a high-functioning training team will be discussed. Participants will examine the pack Journey to Excellence scorecard, particularly its relevance to unit leaders and how they can use the scorecard as a guide to strengthen their packs. Suggestions and recommendations for practical training as well as how to incorporate FUN will be shared. Information on training including instructor-led and online courses will be covered.
Week 1 June 10-16
Unit Commissioner
This conference feature’s topics including: Commissioner Tools, effective monthly unit visits, unit self-assessment and action planning, providing service to new units, coaching skills, charter renewal, annual service plan, commissioner priorities, identifying resources available to unit commissioners, commissioner burnout, unit problem-solving, leader development, Journey to Excellence award program, and commissioner unit “lifesaving” techniques. For unit commissioners who provide a direct link to district committee resources in support of a quality unit program.
Week 1 June 10-16
United Methodist Scouters Workshop
Transform your church scouting program into a ministry, Scouting Ministry Specialist (SMS), Venturing, Adult, Youth & Church Recognition Awards, P.R.A.Y. Awards…and more! This conference is recommended for United Methodist Scouting coordinators, chartered organization representatives, and others serving in units chartered by United Methodist Churches.
Week 6 July 15-21
Venturing Blast! (adults and youth officers ages 14-20 may attend)
Inviting all Venturing Officers’ Association (VOA) youth leaders, volunteer advisors, and staff advisors to a new training experience! Participants will join other adult and youth leaders from across the nation to network, share best practices, build friendships, discover more of the ALPS program and recognition model, and develop skills to help VOAs support an explosive Venturing program that will recruit and retain youth! This isn’t your typical classroom course. Ditch the projector and immerse yourself in the beauty of PTC while enjoying some exciting adventures at Philmont. Many of our sessions are held while hiking in Philmont’s backcountry. A current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record – parts A, B, and C are required including meeting the height/weight requirements.
Week 7 July 22-28
Visual Storytelling
If you have a passion for Scouting and love to take photographs, then make plans to join us for the Visual Storytelling Workshop. Learn how to capture and share decisive photo moments in Scouting to help with recruiting and retention.
Week 5 July 8-14
Western Region: New Strategies to Help Scouting Thrive
The Western Region is excited to offer volunteers and professionals a week of fun and fellowship, with interactive sessions related to how the BSA will thrive in the 21st Century. General Sessions will be provided each morning for all participants which will focus on Positive Youth Development, Building Resilience in Youth, Building a BSA Culture of Innovation, Social Media and Millennials, BSA Strategy for Success, and Serving Diverse Populations. The afternoons will be filled with specialized “track” programs focusing on specific volunteer roles such as Council Key 3’s, Council Board Members, District Key 3’s, and District Committee Members.
Week 2 June 17-23 Wilderness First Aid Instructor Trainer Certification
High Adventure is a core feature of Scouting. Even more important is having that adventure in a safe manner. That’s why Wilderness First Aid is required for leaders involved in these programs. This conference will teach you those skills, including opportunities to practice scenarios in Philmont’s backcountry AND even more importantly, will teach you to teach. This is an opportunity to become a qualified instructor capable of training others in your area in Wilderness First Aid. This will be a great benefit to the Scouters in your council. Prior training as an instructor is valuable and recommended, but not a prerequisite. Certification from ESCI.
Week 1 June 10-16; Week 11 September 16-22 Wood Carvers Round Up
Whether you're a seasoned Woodcarving Merit Badge Counselor or an adult Scouter who is curious about how to teach Woodcarving, this hands on “train the trainer” conference is for you! Our faculty has decades of BSA Woodcarving experience in their respective regions and have all staffed the Woodcarving Merit Badge booth at several National Jamborees. We will focus on teaching by the MB book, sharing ideas on developing your own projects, reviewing safety, and learning how to set up your Scouts for success. Our goal is to gather Scout carvers from across the nation to share their projects and skills. Sharing these best practices will allow you to return home with skills to take your District, Council, and summer camp Woodcarving programs to the next level. Feel free to bring your own carving tools or you can borrow some of ours!
Week 9 August 5-11 |
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