Scouting U
Dan Beard Council

Empowering Leaders, Enriching Scouting

Join us for Scouting U, Dan Beard Council’s premier training event designed to equip leaders with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to deliver the very best Scouting experience. Whether you’re new to your role or a seasoned volunteer, this day of learning and fellowship will strengthen your leadership and deepen your impact on youth.

Leader-Specific Training

• Den Leader / Assistant Den Leader – Practical tools and resources to plan engaging den meetings, foster advancement, and keep Scouts excited week after week.
• Cubmaster / Assistant Cubmaster – Learn how to lead dynamic pack meetings, support den leaders, and build a thriving Cub Scout program.
• Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster – Explore proven methods for guiding youth-led troops, mentoring youth leaders, and creating meaningful outdoor adventures.

Special Needs and Disabilities Awareness Training

Gain insights and strategies to ensure every Scout can fully participate, thrive, and succeed. This session emphasizes inclusivity, understanding, and practical approaches for leaders at every level. The following courses will be included:

• Introduction + Special Needs Advisory Committee (SNAG) – Explore how the new Special Needs Advisory Group (SNAG) supports inclusive Scouting for all. This introductory course provides an overview of SNAG's vision, mission, and ongoing initiatives that help every Scout reach their full potential. Participants will gain practical insights into fostering accessibility and inclusion across their units. The session concludes with an interactive discussion panel about real-world strategies, success stories in special needs Scouting, and what is needed for units and families to be successful.
• Neurodivergence in Scouting – Learn how to recognize and support neurodiverse scouts to create inclusive, positive troop experiences. This course explores how conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia influence learning and behavior, while offering practical strategies for communication, sensory awareness, and adapting activities to each Scout's needs. Course objectives include: Understand key traits and strengths of neurodivergent Scouts; Apply inclusive communication and leadership methods; Foster empathy, collaboration, and self-advocacy within Scouting groups.
• The Joining Conference: A Tool for All Scouts – There are many factors that can cause problems for a Scout with or without a special need. By knowing these factors in advance, you can prevent unnecessary problems, and enhance the scouting experience. "Forewarned is forearmed." With that in mind, it is highly recommended that the units hold a joining conference for every new Scout. The course objectives include: Discuss how to schedule a “joining Conference and who to invite; What to discuss at a joining conference; Define outcomes from the conference.
• Essentials of Serving Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities – This course will provide participants with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can design a program providing youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed. The course objectives include: Become familiar with key factors to respond to the need of these special youth; Learn methods of Understanding – Patience – Common Sense; Explore available resources: Inclusivy Toolkit – Guide – Manual; Introduce the Individualized Scout Achievement Plan.
• Advancement for Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities – Participants of this course will become familiar with the "Rules of Engagement" for advancement in each of the Scouting program areas to help them to respond to the needs of these special youth. The course objectives include: Become familiar with the "Rules of Engagement" for advancement; Discuss several common disabilities, and issues; Understand the Individual Scout Achievement Plan.

Why Attend?

• Strengthen your leadership skills with role-specific training.
• Connect with fellow Scouters across the council.
• Discover new ideas to energize your unit.
• Build confidence in delivering a safe, inclusive, and fun Scouting program.

 Event Details

• Cost: Free!
• Lunch: Pizza will be provided, or bring your own food.