Course Number |
Course Title |
Course Description |
| BCS 101 |
Introduction to Commissioner Science |
An overview of Commissioner Service and the single most important resource — The Commissioner Fieldbook. |
| BCS 102 |
Unit Charter Renewal |
Learn the role of the Commissioner to facilitate and achieve on-time charter renewal including use of the online rechartering system. |
| BCS 103 |
The Commissioner and the District |
Interaction with the District Executive and District Committee. Understanding district and council operation. |
| BCS 104 |
Unit Visitation, With Unit Visit Tracking System |
Insights on effective unit visits, what to look for, and how to be a help. How to track your visits with the Unit Visit Tracking System. |
| BCS 105 |
Practical Solutions to Common Unit Needs |
How to respond to unit needs. Unit Commissioner Worksheets and Commissioner Helps for Packs, Troops, and Crews. |
| BCS 106 |
A Commissioner's Priorities |
Steps in handling unit problems, and using the Centennial Quality Award. How to focus on your main job and not be side tracked by other demands on your time. |
| BCS 107 |
Youth Protection Training |
Completion of at least one approved Youth Protection Training course appropriate to the ages of youth who are your primary concern. This is normally done online or through your Council. |
| BCS 108 |
Effective Roundtables I |
Basic Roundtable ingredients, planning cycle, and resource materials. |
| BCS 109 |
Effective Roundtables II |
Promotion and publicity, Roundtable location, and a variety of morale builders. |
| BCS 110 |
Commissioner Style |
Commissioner diplomacy, a concept of "exceptional service," thoughts about "roots and wings," service recovery, and hints on how to remove a volunteer. |
| BCS 111 |
Health and Safety Training/Risk Management |
This is a review of the national plans for insuring that scouting is run with the lowest practical level of risk of injury and disease. |
| BCS 112 |
What Would You Do? |
10 fascinating situations that Commissioners might encounter and some thoughts about how to deal with them. |
| BCS 113 |
Service to New Units |
Commissioners can be especially valuable in getting a new unit up and running. This session looks at the special needs of starting units and how to provide for adequate care. |
| BCS 114 |
Good Volunteer-Professional Relationships |
Partnership between Commissioners and Professionals is the core of Scouting success. This session describes how this relationship should work. |
| BCS 116 |
Using the Unit Self-Assessment Tools |
How to conduct an Action Planning meeting with a unit using the unit self assessment tools and the guidelines for the Action Planning process. |
| BCS 201 |
New Developments in Scouting |
This session describes changes to the Scouting program which should be of interest to Commissioner's. The content varies from year to year and normally involves a guest speaker from regional or national. This course may be repeated three times for credit. |
| BCS 202 |
The Rhythm of the Unit |
The best units use a combination of a predictable schedule and a sprinkling of unpredictable activities to maintain member interest. We will discuss approaches to using this technique to improve unit programs at all levels. |
| BCS 203 |
Facilitating Unit Planning |
Many units do not use a formal planning process and some do not use any planning process at all. Starting from the adage that “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail”, this session will discuss the importance of advanced planning and talk about some approaches to getting it done. |
| BCS 204 |
Managing Bridging |
Retaining Scouts and Scouters as they move from Cubs to Boy Scouts and then to Venturing, and finally to adult scouting, requires special attention to the methods and aims of each program. This course addresses what should happen for both youth and adults as they make each key transition in Scouting. |
| BCS 205 |
Summer Camp Commissioner |
This course describes the task of the Summer Camp Commissioner and focuses on the things that they can do to help a unit and its youth make the most of their summer camp experience. |
| BCS 206 |
Online Resources For Units |
This course looks at both official and unofficial online resources that can be very useful to maintaining Unit health. |
| BCS 207 |
Administering the Centennial Quality Unit Awards |
This course offers suggestions about using the Centennial Quality Unit Awards program as a motivator for, as well as a measure of, Unit health. |
| BCS 208 |
Computer Aids to Scouting |
This course extends BCS 206 to include local computer aids to unit operations such as Troop Master. |
| BCS 212 |
The Unit Leader Training Continuum |
Everything you wanted to know about training but were afraid to ask. A comprehensive review of the training requirements for units and leaders. Will include how training affects rechartering and the new Quality Unit program, the "Journey to Excellence” |
| BCS 213 |
Outdoor Ethics and the Commissioner |
This course will explore the Commissioner’s role to facilitate and ensure Outdoor Ethics programs such as Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly are being implemented at the unit level. Outdoor Ethics will help reduce our impact on the land consistent with Scouting’s historic message, and help ensure continuing access to public lands for Scouting purposes. |
Course Number |
Course Title |
Course Description |
| MCS 301 |
No-Lapse/No-Drop Commitment |
Explore why units lapse or drop and how to prevent it, and why this is so important. |
| MCS 302 |
Unit Finance |
Unit budget plan, who pays for Scouting at all levels, a variety of successful unit money-earning projects, and how to help units. |
| MCS 303 |
Commissioner Lifesaving I |
Identifying and saving a unit that is in trouble; review of the basic unit lifesaving steps. |
| MCS 304 |
Commissioner Lifesaving II |
Continuation of MCS 303; handling the seven unit "hurry cases." |
| MCS 306 |
Counseling Skills |
Counseling as an effective method for Commissioners. Understand how to use the most important tool of Commissioning. |
| MCS 307 |
Webelos-to-Scout Transition |
How Commissioners can help. Building ties between Packs and Troops. |
| MCS 308 |
Venturing and the Commissioner |
Understand the key differences between Venturing and the other programs and how Commissioners at this level can help every crew succeed. |
| MCS 309 |
Good Commissioners Need Both Head and Heart |
For experienced Commissioners. Take home thought-provoking tips and anecdotes. |
| MCS 310 |
Understanding Venturing |
Many Commissioners do not understand Venturing and how it fits into the overall BSA program. This course is a brief overview of the structure and methods of Venturing. |
| MCS 311 |
Understanding the ScoutParent Initiative |
See how you can start to apply the materials and new adult positions offered in this initiative NOW to help your units succeed. |
| MCS 312 |
Cub Scouts 2010 |
This course describes the changes in the delivery of the Cub Scout Program that came with the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the USA. |
| MCS 401 |
Just for ADCs |
Understanding Assistant District Commissioner responsibilities, effective ADC people skills, and the evaluation of his or her work. |
| MCS 402 |
Recruiting New Commissioners |
Bread-and-butter session. Group recruiting techniques, and sources of prospects. |
| MCS 403 |
Orienting and Training Commissioners |
For all Administrative Commissioners — all aspects of Commissioner training, including New Commissioner Orientation, Basic Training, Arrowhead Honor, the Commissioner's Key, and continuing education. |
| MCS 404 |
Advanced Roundtable Leadership |
Advanced seminar for Roundtable Commissioners (not staff) and other Administrative Commissioners. Includes Roundtable staff recruitment and support, Roundtable evaluation, and Roundtable finance. |
| MCS 405 |
Effective Unit Service in Low-Income Urban Communities |
Special demographics have special needs. This session explores the special challenges of Scouting in communities where money and social structure vary from those in suburban Scouting. |
| MCS 406 |
Effective Unit Service in Remote Rural Areas |
Special demographics have special needs. This session explores the special challenges of Scouting in communities where geographic isolation influences Scouting approaches. |
| MCS 407 |
How to Remove a Volunteer |
A variety of practical guidelines on this sensitive topic. |
| MCS 408 |
The Commissioner Leader's Top 10 List |
Explore a top 10 list to guarantee a good Commissioner Service. |
| MCS 409 |
District Commissioner Basics |
A Great overview of this important position, including all major responsibilities. |
| MCS 413 |
Journey to Excellence Quality Unit Program |
In depth review of the Journey to Excellence program at the Unit and District Level with emphasis on
the District and Commissioner Service. |
| MCS 420 |
Effective Presentations |
An important part of what Commissioners do is to present material to others. This session focuses on how to organize and present material so that it has the maximum positive impact on the audience. |
| MCS 421 |
Understanding the Commissioner Team |
Many Commissioners do not really understand the roles of the various people on the Commissioner Team and how the team acts together to provide unit service and help. This session will take each role in the Commissioner Service, describe what that person should be doing, and describe how that role interacts with the other roles. |
| MCS 422 |
Using Commissioner Awards and Incentives |
This session will focus on how to use the Commissioner Award system to help Commissioners understand what is expected of them and to reward them for a job well done. When used properly, the Award system provides a very useful incentive program and can be very helpful in improving the quality of the Commissioner Service. |
| MCS 423 |
Finding Great Program Ideas |
Many units, especially those which are new or have inexperienced leaders, struggle to find and present good program. This session will help the Unit Commissioner understand how to help by making them familiar with the program help available from within the Boy Scout organization and by pointing out ways, and places, to reach outside the organization to get good program |
| MCS 424 |
Special Needs Scouting |
This course takes a look, using policy, anecdotes and case studies, at how Scouting can best serve youth with physical or mental special needs. |
| MCS 425 |
Dealing with Confrontation and Other Unpleasantness |
This course focuses on using good mediator, diplomat, and negotiator skills for resolving the inevitable conflicts which occur when good people disagree. |
| MCS 426 |
Becoming a Better Commissioner |
This course is a reminder of the people skills and leadership skills that should be applied while conducting ourselves as Commissioners. The subtitle says it all, “Winning Friends and Influencing People”. |
| MCS 430 |
Understanding LDS Scouting |
Find out how Scouting is used as the principle activity arm for the male youth programs of the LDS Church. Primarily for those new to LDS Scouting. |
| MCS 431 |
Commissioners For LDS Units |
To be a Commissioner for an LDS unit IS different than for other units. Find out how to be most effective working with these units. For those with experience working with LDS units or who have taken MCS 430. |
| MCS 432 |
Administering LDS Commissioners |
Understanding how leaders are selected for volunteer positions in LDS scouting is important in administering the Commissioner Service. Learn more about the selection, assignment, and management process. |
| MCS 435 |
An Overview of Leadership Training |
Often, the advice that is most effective in solving a unit problem is for the leaders to get trained. This course offers an overview of adult leader training available in the Boy Scout system. |
| MCS 438 |
Working with Catholic Units |
This course explores the special issues that Commissioners should understand when working with Catholic sponsored units. |
| MCS 439 |
Working with Latino Units |
This course explores the special issues that Commissioners should understand when working with predominantly Latino units. |
| MCS 440 |
Fostering an International Scout Committee |
This course focuses on the role a Council International Scouting Committee can play in increasing awareness of, and participation in, International Scouting activities. |
| MCS 450 |
Gender Issues |
Yes, we are different! Let's explore how and why and figure out how to work together more effectively - in Scouting as well as in life. And let's have fun while we are doing it! |
| MCS 451 |
Generational Issues |
Gain a deeper understanding of why people of different age groups tend to think, feel, and act as they do. You’ll learn a variety of strategies and techniques for finding “common ground” for working more effectively, collaboratively, and productively with scouts, leaders and parents/guardians. |
| MCS 454 |
New Stuff for Old Commissioners |
This will be a quick tour of topics related to recent and pending changes in BSA policies, practices and plans. Planned topics for 2012 will include:
- VOS Program: Voice of the Scout
- Recent Changes to Guide to Advancement and Eagle Scout Project Planning
- Unit Health Assessment and Unit Self Assessment and Membership Validation, which is which?
- JTE - 2012 - what is on tap.
- Bechtel Summit developments and Jamboree 2013
|
| MCS 460 |
Advanced Counseling |
Learn why counseling is important and also why counseling sometimes fails. Learn techniques to improve your counseling success rate. |
| MCS 510 |
Using Computers to Improve Unit Service |
Computers are powerful tools for gathering, organizing and presenting information. This session focuses on how to use some of the tools available to you to track the current status and the trends in your units. The information available from Scoutnet will be examined along with some other tools for doing your job. |
| MCS 511 |
Computer Aid to a Clean Membership Audit |
The Membership Audit requires Commissioners to certify that units and members are real. This session focuses on computer tools which will help you understand the state of your unit/district/council and sign the required legal certifications with confidence. |
Course Number |
Course Title |
Course Description |
| DCS 601 |
Selecting a Thesis/Research Project Topic |
The thesis project. What constitutes a good thesis or research topic. Help in selecting a general thesis topic. |
| DCS 602 |
Limiting the Scope of the Topic |
Reducing the thesis topic to workable size and ideas for thesis/project research. |
| DCS 603 |
Developing the Thesis Outline and Writing the Report |
Thesis outline and a variety of suggestions for writing and revising the report. |
| DCS 604 |
Thesis Workshop |
For those who feel they need more help getting started on completing the thesis. |
| DCS 608 |
Advanced Commissioner Lifesaving |
Administrative commissioners are taught to give leadership. Also guides selected districts in setting up the lifesaving team approach. |
| DCS 610 |
Preventing Commissioner Burnout |
Also valuable tips on time management and how to maintain "Commissioner wellness." |
| DCS 611 |
Consider Your Spouse and Family |
Maintaining balance between your obligations to your family and the commitments you make to outside organizations. |
| DCS 612 |
The Commissioner's Awareness of AIDS |
Use resources of the American Red Cross to help provide information for Scouting and administrative Scouters. |
| DCS 620 |
Assessing Council/District Health |
Signs to look for which indicate that a Council or District may be failing to perform its role in delivering quality program to the youth. Looks at staffing and the relationship between Money, Manpower, Membership and Program. Intended for CC, ACC, DC, ADC. |
| DCS 621 |
Advanced Volunteer-Professional Relationships |
This course looks at the factors used to rate performance by the professional cadre and shows how they relate to the performance of the volunteer team. This is an advanced look at how the Key Three partnership should function. |
| DCS 630 |
Scouting's Roots |
A brief look at the 110 years that made BSA the most important youth movement in the history of the world including some obscure, but interesting, facts that help us understand who we are and what we are trying to do. |
| DCS 631 |
Commissioner Tradition |
A brief look at the history, development, ethics and philosophy of the Commissioner Corps which will help the advanced Commissioner better understand the internal and external forces buffeting Scouting and the glue that holds the organization together. |