Calling All Scouters!

As a Scouter, one of the most important things you can do to improve not only your experience in Scouting but also to improve the program for the boys is training.

In addition to online and classroom training courses, a fun and interesting learning opportunity comes around in most councils about once a year – University of Scouting.

Formerly called Scouters’ Conference or Cub Scout Pow-Wow, the University of Scouting concept has spread across the country. For those who have attended a UoS, you know about the fun. For those who haven’t, imagine a day when you can attend a half dozen classes on a wide spectrum of subjects pertaining to your role in Scouting, learn from experienced Scouters, and network with fellow adult leaders.

If you are in or near the Detroit area, your opportunity comes up January 21. The annual Southeastern Michigan University of Scouting takes place at Lamphere High School, just off I-75 in the northern suburb of Madison Heights, and is easily reached from anywhere in Michigan, Ohio and surrounding areas. Eighty-eight different classes and training sessions are being offered for Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing leaders as well as general subject classes for all. Attendees will have difficulty narrowing it down to just six classes; lunch is included, along with a patch, and all for the low cost of $20 if you enroll before January 14.

Here’s just a small sample of the classes being planned:

Cub Scouting

• All About Tigers – Wolves – Bears – Webelos: Individual classes on how to plan and run great den meetings and how to use the new delivery program
• Cub ScOUTing: Get those kids outside! Outdoor opportunities for Cubs.
• Planning Fun and Effective Pack Meetings: For the Cubmaster, how to take your pack to the next level
• Pack Committee Workshop: Learn what the pack committee does and how to improve membership, fundraising and program planning
• Webelos-Scout Transition: What you need to do to get 100% crossover

Boy Scouting & Venturing

• Credentialed Hikes: Learn about opportunities for credentialed hiking
• Outfitting the First-Year Scout: How to teach parents what kind of gear to get their new Scouts
• The Order of the Arrow and Your Troop: How the OA serves your troop and why your boys should be active
• Making the Most of Summer Camp: Suggestions to balance advancement, camp living and having fun during your week in the woods
• Crews that Thrive: Learn tricks and tips to help your Venturing crew be an active and strong unit

General Studies

• Gen X and Gen Y in Scouting operations: Recruiting adults born after 1965 and making Scouting relevant for the new generations of parents and leaders
• Counseling the Catholic Medals Program: In-depth information on a program available to many Scouts and Scouters
• Project WILD Training: All about one of the most widely used conservation and environmental education programs for school-age children.
• Strictly for Unit Committee Chairs: How to manage your troop or pack committee, run effective meetings, and support unit leadership

A day-long session of Den Chief Training for your troop’s youth serving in this important position of responsibility is planned. Along with this, add in an exhibit midway with information booths about your council’s activities and from outside groups and vendors – everything from camping suppliers to whitewater rafting and high-adventure outfitters – a well-stocked trading post, and best of all, interaction with fellow Scouters, all for one low price.

For more information, including a full course schedule and online registration, visit the University of Scouting page on the Great Lakes Council website, and make plans to join us. If you’re not in the area, do yourself a favor and find a University of Scouting near you.

This post first appeared on Bobwhite Blather.