University of Scouting

University of Scouting

September 27, 2025
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Richmond’s First Baptist Church
Cost: $10

Great leaders inspire greatness in others, and the Heart of Virginia Council’s University of Scouting is here to help you unlock your potential! Join us on September 27 at Richmond’s First Baptist Church for a day of learning, growth, and adventure planning.

Recommended Learning Tracks:

Are you a new Cub Scout leader? We recommend the following courses as a track:

  • Den Leader Position Training
  • Cub Scouts 101
  • New to Camping
  • Cheers, Yells, and Silly Songs
  • Scoutbook Crash Course

Are you an existing Cub Scout leader? We recommend the following courses as a track:

  • Recruiting Deep Dive
  • Who is my Commissioner and what do they do?
  • Keeping Kids Engaged – Facilitated Discussion
  • First Impressions Matter
  • Anatomy of an Awesome Den Meeting
  • AOL to Scouting Transition

There are also many more unique opportunities for a variety of experience levels, including Scouts BSA, and the District level and beyond:

  • Budgeting, Fundraising, and Program Planning
  • Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climb on Safely, Leave No Trace
  • Using Scoutbook Effectively
  • Ideas to keep older Scouts excited: high adventure, leadership development, Order of the Arrow
  • New Merit Badge Opportunities
  • And so much more!

See the course catalog and schedule for more details on the courses offered.

University of Scouting Direct-Path Courses for New Den Leaders

New to Scouting? Start strong with the training you need!

If you’re a new leader, University of Scouting is your fast track to getting trained and confident in your role. By attending, you’ll work toward completing your required training all in one energizing day filled with resources, expert guidance, and fellow leaders who’ve been right where you are. Great leaders inspire greatness in others, and the Heart of Virginia Council’s University of Scouting is here to help you unlock your potential! Join us for a day of learning, growth, and adventure planning.

New Cub Leader:

In Person Den Leader Position Training – Earn that trained strip!

Cub Scouts 101 – Understanding ranks, adventures, requirements, and finding resources to make my ‘job’ easier.

New to Camping – What gear do I really need & how do I use it?

Cheers, Yells, and Silly Songs – Bringing spirit to Pack events

Scoutbook Crash Course

Existing Cub Leader:

Recruiting Deep Dive – Beyond the tri-fold on the table

Who is my Commissioner? Who is my Unit Commissioner and what can they do for me?

Keeping Kids Engaged – A facilitated discussion on how to keep your Cubs engaged in the program

First Impressions Matter – Welcoming and getting new parents involved

Anatomy of an Awesome Den Meeting

AOL to Scouting Transition – Why should I stick with Scouting?

Also, for Scoutmsters and Assistant Scoutmasters:

Indoor Scoutmaster Training

… and many more unique opportunities for a variety of experience levels!

There is something for everyone!