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.

Registration Is Open!

Did You Know?

Your University of Scouting Attendance Helps You Earn Leadership Knots! Learn more about Adult Training Awards.

Scouter’s Training Award

You may already be on the path to earning the Scouter’s Training Award, a prestigious recognition of your dedication and service. This award is more than a knot on your uniform, it’s a testament to your commitment to Scouting values, youth leadership, and personal growth.

To earn this square knot, you must:

✔️ Complete basic training
✔️ Serve for two years in your role
✔️ Attend four Roundtables per year or University of Scouting
✔️ Deliver a quality program

Den Leader’s Training Award

Whether you’re guiding Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, or Webelos, being a Den Leader takes heart, creativity, and commitment. The Den Leader’s Training Award recognizes your incredible impact and your dedication to delivering a fun, safe, and meaningful Cub Scout experience.

To earn this square knot, Den Leaders must:

✔️ Complete position-specific training
✔️ Serve for at least one full year in the role
✔️ Attend four Roundtables or University of Scouting
✔️ Lead a well-rounded program that supports advancement and family involvement

Scouter’s Key Award

If you’re a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Skipper, or Advisor, the Scouter’s Key Award honors your leadership in delivering an outstanding program—and inspiring youth to reach their full potential. This isn’t a participation patch. It’s a symbol of excellence.

To earn this square knot, you must:

✔️ Serve in your primary leader role for three years
✔️ Complete position-specific training
✔️ Attend at least four Roundtable meetings or University of Scouting each year

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!