University of Scouting, a TRAINING EXTRAVANZA

Every Scout deserves a trained leader. University of Scouting is the premier training event for adult leaders offered by Ventura County Council. It is designed to supplement the educational experience of any Scouting leader.  On any average year, the university offers courses, from outdoor skills such as knot tying to group management concepts to keep that unruly den of Scouts on task. The University of Scouting has courses for first-time leaders to experienced leaders planning a high-adventure expedition. 

2026 Theme: Engaging, Empowering, and Equipping Leaders at Every Level

Saturday, January 24, 2026  8am - 1pm - C.J. Daily Ranch 509 E. Daily Street, Camarillo.

Saturday Schedule

7:30am - 8:00am - Registration

Course Descriptions

8:00am - 8:30am - Maximizing Membership - Marketing, Recruting & Retention
Discover effective marketing strategies for growing and sustaining your units. Learn the “why,” “when,” and “how” of the importance of Marketing for you recruitment, retention, and engagement—plus current stats, creative ideas, and success stories from across the council.

8:30am - 9:15am -  Session #1:

*Power of Purposeful Play -  Games for Groups - Experience games that teach teamwork, leadership, and skill-building. (Suggested for Den Chief & Leaders)

*Inclusive Leadership: Supporting Scouts of All Abilities (Suggested for Den Chief & Leaders)

*ILST - Let Them Lead: Guiding Scouts Toward Ownership and Independence (Suggested for Scouts & Leaders) (This is all 4 sessions)

9:25am - 10:10am -  Session #2: 

Dutch Oven Extravaganza 

10:20am - 11:05am - Session #3:

*Tech Talk: Scoutbook Plus for Pack/Den Leaders (Suggested for Leaders)
Learn the newest features of Scoutbook Plus and how to streamline advancement, communication, and planning. Separate tracks for packs and troops. 

*Tech Talk: Scoutbook Plus for Scouts BSA (Suggested for Leaders)
Learn the newest features of Scoutbook Plus and how to streamline advancement, communication, and planning. Separate tracks for troops. 

*Knots & More (Suggested for Scouts & Leaders)

*Den Chief Training: Den Chief Training equips Scouts with the skills and confidence to serve as effective youth leaders in Cub Scout dens. Participants learn their roles and responsibilities, how to assist den leaders, lead age-appropriate activities, model the Scout Oath and Law, and communicate positively with younger Scouts and adults. The training emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and service, helping Den Chiefs become reliable mentors while strengthening the connection between Cub Scout packs and Scouts BSA troops.

11:15am - 12:00pm - Session #4:

*Troop Committee Challenge (Suggested for Leaders in Troops - Certification at completion)

*It Takes a Pack: Unleashing the Power of Parents in Cub Scouting (Suggested for Leaders)

*Trail to Eagle for Scoutmasters 

12:10pm - 1pm - Session #5

Join us for Mid-Way as we enjoy fellowship & Dutch Oven Delights (Highly Encouraged for ALL)

Registration is OPEN!!