Course Catalog

National Courses BCS 101-199, MCS 301-399, DCS 501-599, CED 701-799
These courses are the courses listed at the bottom of the Commissioner Training web page. With minor variations, these courses form the curriculum of Commissioner’s Colleges all across the country.

Nor Cal Specific Courses BCS 201-299, MCS 401-499, DCS 601-699, CED 801-899
These courses were designed to met a need, identified by the Commissioners in our service area, which was not met by the National courses. They are intended to be equal in quality to the nationally identified courses and count equally toward degrees.

PLEASE NOTE:  2023 Courses are highlighted on Bold and Italics. 

Some course numbers may be duplicated. Retired course numbers may be re-used with newer content.

Bachelors Level Courses   [Masters Level]   [Doctoral Level]   [Continuing Education]

 

 

 

Course Number	Course Title	National Course Description
BCS 101	The Commissioner Concept	An overview of Commissioner Service and the single most important resource — The Commissioner Fieldbook.
BCS 102	Supporting Timely Unit Charter Renewal	Learn how to guide units and chartered partner organizations through the renewal process, including membership inventory and use of the online charter renewal tool
BCS 103	Commissioner and the District	Learn typical structure and functions of the District, the relationship of District professional staff and volunteers, and how to use the resources of the District to better support the units you serve using the Journey to Excellence score card.
BCS 104 (2023)	Contacting Units	Insights on effective unit contacts, what to look for, and how to be a help. How to track your contacts with the Commissioner Tools System.
BCS 105	Practical Solutions to Common Unit Needs	A Commissioner’s primary purpose is to help units succeed, develop a better program, and operate effectively. Frequently Commissioners are called upon to assist units with concerns that could hinder the unit’s success. Participants in this course will become familiar with how to respond to these concerns using Commissioner Helps and Early Warning Signals.
BCS 105 (2023)	Resolving Common Unit Issues	The purpose of this course is to hone the commissioner’s skills in assessing units, determining their strengths and weaknesses, and in developing plans to improve the functioning of the unit. When collaborating with the unit Key 3, the commissioner may be able to help identify critical issues and keep the unit from becoming an “At-Risk” unit
BCS 106	Commissioner’s Priorities	Steps in handling unit problems, and using the Journey to Excellence. How to focus on your main job and not be side tracked by other demands on your time.
BCS 107	Unit Journey to Excellence	Learn about the elements of the Unit Journey to Excellence and what it takes to ensure success in every unit.
BCS 109 (2021-23)	The Essential Element – A Servant’s Heart	Applying the concept of Servant Leadership in Commissioner service.
BCS 112 (2022)	What Would You Do?	This is a group participation/discussion session on some fascinating situations that commissioners might encounter. (Class size may have an effect on the preferred outcomes.)
BCS 113 (2021-23)	Essentials of Serving Scouts with Disabilities	Virtually every unit will experience having a youth who has disAbilities. This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide a program which provides these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed.
BCS 114	Understanding and Communicating with Today’s Leaders	We, as commissioners, need to understand the differences in relating to Generations involved in Scouting and inclusiveness. As commissioners we can embrace the differences and similarities to make the scouting program stronger.
BCS 115	The Commissioner and Diversity	The United States of America is a unique microcosm of the world’s people. Its makeup is unlike any other country in the world.  This has been one of the key elements of our power and success as a nation. In the past, this country was called “the great melting pot.” Customs and cultures from many lands were expected to blend together like ingredients in a cream soup. But was this really accurate? Today, we have a better understanding. We’re starting to realize that the United States is more like a beautiful tapestry with the variety of threads with different colors and textures woven together to make this work of art.
BCS 116	Collaborative Assessments	Explains Collaborative Assessments using the Unit Service Plan, Assigning Responsibilities and how to monitor progress.
BCS 117	Selecting Quality Leaders	Help your units understand how to find quality leaders. This class outlines an effective process for finding the right person to fill their unit’s leadership needs.
BCS 118	Serving Scouts with disAbilities	Virtually every unit will experience having a youth who has Special Needs (disAbilities). This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide a program which provides these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed.
BCS 119	Webelos to Scout Transition	Participants of this course will become familiar with the timetable of events that should occur and the responsibilities of the participants (Packs, Troops, District and Commissioners). The timetable is year-round and focuses on facilitating a good decision by the Webelos Scout in how and where he will continue his Scouting experience.
BCS 121	Introduction to Venturing Commissioner Science	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.
BCS 124	Venturing Crew Visitation	How best to serve the needs of Venturing Crews at the Unit, District and Council level and how to combine telephone calls, texts and emails with personal face-to-face meetings.
BCS 127	Venturing Personal Safety	To serve as a Venturing commissioner, all crew leaders need to have basic knowledge about abuse of adolescents and the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Due to the coeducational membership of Venturing, youth protection takes on added dimensions.
BCS 128	Venturing Monthly Program	The major resources for this program are the Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner and Staff Basic Training manual, No. 33013, Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner Training, No. 34256A, and the Venturing Monthly Program Forum, No. 34342.
BCS 129	Emphasizing Duty to God	The purpose of this course is to explain how and why Scouting encourages boys to be reverent through Program Delivery, Special Observances, Faith based Partnerships and BSA Religious support and Baden-Powell’s Thoughts on Scouting.
BCS 130	Commissioners and Advancement	This course describes why and what a Commissioner should know about advancement. A Commissioner should be prepared to assist a unit with basic questions about Advancement and know the District and Council Advancement Chairs and how to contact them when necessary.
BCS 150 (2022-23)	Roundtables and Commissioner Service	The purpose of the Roundtable is to help units succeed by providing useful program ideas, information on policy, and current information on council and district events and training opportunities.
BCS 151	The Roundtable Commissioner Team	During this presentation we will review the duties and responsibilities of the Roundtable Commissioner Team. We will do this by looking at the individual responsibilities of each member of the Roundtable Commissioner Team.
BCS 152 (2022)	Using the Roundtable Program Guides	We will review the Roundtable Planning Guides for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts to include Varsity Teams and the Venturing Monthly Program Forum. We will do this by looking at the Roundtable guides for each program and understand the parts and pieces of each.  We will also investigate the importance of using the planning  guides.
BCS 153 (2022)	Roundtable  & Commissioner Tools	A quality and consistent Roundtable and a strong marketing campaign will attract and retain participants over time and impact their overall ability to lead their Scouting units.  Sometimes this means that a district and/or council has to overcome internal concerns and some longstanding “you don’t need to go” types of sentiments that may have developed from a weak or ill-marketed Roundtable.
BCS 154	Cub Scout Roundtables	Cub Scout Roundtable is a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. The objectives of Roundtables are to provide leaders with program ideas, information on policy and events, and training opportunities. It is a forum for sharing experiences and enjoying fun and fellowship with other Scout leaders.  When skillfully executed, the Roundtable experience will inspire, motivate, and enable unit leaders to provide a stronger program for their Scouts.
BCS 155	Scout | BSA Roundtables	Scout | BSA Roundtable is a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. The objectives of Roundtables are to provide leaders with program ideas, information on policy and events, and training opportunities. It is a forum for sharing experiences and enjoying fun and fellowship with other Scout leaders.  When skillfully executed, the Roundtable experience will inspire, motivate, and enable unit leaders to provide a stronger program for their Scouts.
BCS 156	Recruiting, Training & Recognizing the Round Table Team	Potential roundtable staff members are everywhere— all you have to do is look. In recruiting your roundtable staff, be sure to look for people who are creative and innovative, and who have a ‘‘can do’’ attitude. We will discuss how you can build an effective roundtable staff.
BCS 199 (2023)	Webelos to Scout Transition	This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can assist their units in seamless transitioning of Webelos into Boy Scouts. ▪ Transition timetable ▪ Sociology of Webelos, and culture of Boy Scout Troops ▪ Troop Choice is individual and personal ▪ Commissioner’s role and that of other key players’ responsibilities
Course Number	Course Title	Nor Cal Specific Course Descriptions
BCS 201	Unit Service Plan (JtE)	Commissioner Tools provides easy-to-use, intuitive tools to manage virtually all aspects Commissioner Contacts reporting system. The Detailed Contact report combined with the Unit Service Plan are designed to help Unit leaders Identify goals they may wish to achieve to improve the Scouting experience for all their youth. Learn about how Commissioners can use these tools and how you can promote them for your units.
BCS 201 (2022-23)	Roundtable Support	The course will examine common types and sources of various supports for Roundtables. Novel support ideas will be shared among participants.
BCS 202 (2021-22)	Commissioner Tools	My.Scouting Tools provides easy-to-use, intuitive tools to manage virtually all aspects of the Scouting program. The tools in this program (Training Manager, Organization Manager, Member Manager, My Dashboard) are designed to make leaders jobs less time consuming by simplifying the administrative tasks of Scouting. Learn about these tools and how you can promote them to you units.
BCS 204	Program Changes	The upcoming changes to the Cub Scout program will be presented including the advancement requirements, the schedule for the change, the new awards and how to transition current Cub Scouts to the new program. Also, the new Venturing program will be discussed including the new award names and requirements.
BCS 205	Summer Camp Commissioners	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	Commissioner Tools for RT	New Commissioner Tools for Roundtable.
BCS 207 (2021-23)	Modern Communication Tools – Not Just Zoom	A summary view of suggested modern communication tools to reach our Gen X parents.  Including websites, blogs, moderated Q&A list, news flashes, targeted emails, Facebook, Instagram, etc
BCS 208	Incorporating STEM in your Roundtable	STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a huge initiative in the Boy Scout organization. We will explore a “hands-on” method to incorporate STEM in your Roundtables. Whether you are a Boy Scout or Cub Scout, STEM can enhance your Roundtable
BCS 209 (2022-23)	Scoutbook 101	An introductory class to Scoutbook to give Commissioners (many with no day to day access to Scoutbook) an overview of what their units can do within the software. There will be plenty of time for questions and we will try to personalize the class to the students’ needs.
BCS 210 (2022-23)	Inclusion of Scouts with Disabilities	This presentation will provide an introduction to inclusion. The main idea is to show how inclusion benefits All youth and adults, and explain the process in an easy-to-understand approach.
BCS 211	Health and Safety	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 212	Ask the Commissioner	A forum for discussion for Commissioners on subjects of your choosing with a selection of your Council Commissioners.
BCS 214	Tracking Roundtable attendance with Commissioner Tools	How to use Commissioner Tools to log and track your unit leaders attendance at your Roundtable events.
BCS 219 (2021-23)	Commissioning Girl Troops and Linked Troops	This course will provide some strategies for being a successful commissioner for Girl Troops and Linked Units. What particular challenges and successes does a unit commissioner encounter? This course will provide some examples.
BCS 220	Commissioner Annual Service Plan	Discussion for Commissioners on how to plan for and complete an annual service plan.
BCS 221 (2021-22)	Special Needs – Unit Camping	Discuss the methods and goals for enabling effective camping experiences for Scouts with special needs.
BCS 231 (2021)	Leader Training Requirements & Training Reports	How to utilize training reports to create meaningful, impactful dialog with unit leaders and bring about immediate improvement in the unit’s delivery of the Scouting program
BCS 232 (2022)	Finding New Volunteers
BCS 237 (2022-23)	Internet Rechartering	As the Recharter Coordinator of a large District (50 Units) in 2021 and for a large Council (400 Units) in 2022; the instructor will share lessons learned, what worked well, and what did not work well.  The students will be encouraged to share their experiences as well.
BCS 238 (2021)	Scoutbook For Packs and Troops	How to leverage the capabilities of Scoutbook for approvals, attendance, advancement, service hours, participation, and more
BCS 239 (2021, 23)	Effective Use of Social Media for Recruiting	Learn how you can use Social Media to increase your reach and response with today’s parents in a connected world.
BCS 240	Sea Scouts & Coastguard
BCS 241	Supporting STEM Scouts
BCS 242 (2023)	Year Round Recruiting for Cub Scouts	The key to strong and growing Cub Scout units is continuous efforts to recruit. This class will feature effective year-round strategies, and offer participants to share their own efforts.
BCS 250 (2021-23)	Leave No Trace	Learn the basics of Leave No Trace, how you and your unit can minimize your outdoor recreational impacts, and the importance of OE-trained adults and the OE guide troop leadership position.
BCS 277 (2021)	Identifying and Recruiting New Unit Commissioners Using Reports and Contacts	This course details pragmatic methods for recruiting new commissioners from the parent ranks using both the opportunity presented by unit contacts and from reports that are available through your council.
BCS 278 (2021)	Holding Virtual Meetings	In order to help Scout Units meet virtually, we need to be aware of the BSA Social Media Guidelines, which include Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.  We will look at how to help our units conduct virtual meetings in compliance with the BSA guidelines, some available meeting platforms, and give an example of how to plan a virtual Cub Scout Meeting.
BCS 279 (2021)	Resources for Commissioners	The key to success in any job is knowing and using your resources effectively. Being a Commissioner is no different! This rapid-fire session will present you with lots of new resource ideas you can put to use  right away to make you a more effective and efficient commissioner.
BCS 280 (2021-23)	The Science of Scouting: Chasing Boredom from the Program	Troops with low membership or participation have a similar problem – boredom.  Use the “Science of Scouting” to help reboot unit excitement and decrease volunteer requirements.
BCS 281 (2021)	How to win & influence reluctant Scout Leaders	How to talk to Scouters and parents when the Unit is in need of setting goals to insure there is continuity in leadership and training.
BCS 282 (2021)	Commissioning Girl Troops and Linked Troops	At Commissioner College 2020, then National Commissioner Ellie Morrison promoted a book “Why Gender Matters” that explains developmental differences between boys & girls.  The Scouts BSA program is identical for boys and girls, but how the program is best applied depends on troop gender.  This session explores how to tune the Scouts BSA program optimizing for best results with a girl troop.  Commissioners are encouraged to read the book prior to attending this session.
BCS 283 (2021)	Commissioner Unit Service	Develop the Traits of a successful Unit Commissioner
BCS 290 (2022)	Rocking the Boat – Commissioning for Sea Scouts	Sea Scout units are different than all the others in the Scouting program. They need a different type of support from a unit commissioner. Hear how to be successful from the Skipper, council commodore, and unit commissioner perspective.

Masters Level Courses   [Bachelors Level]   [Doctoral Level]   [Continuing Education]

Course Number	Course Title	National Course Description
MCS 301 (2021)	No Lapse/No Drop	Explore why units lapse or drop and how to prevent it, and why this is so important.
MCS 302 (2021)	On-time Charter Renewal	Learn how to guide units and chartered partner organizations through the renewal process, including membership inventory and use of the online charter renewal tool
MCS 303 (2021-22)	Managing Unit Service at the District Level	In this course, we will review how commissioner tools can assist commissioners working at the district level understand how their units and commissioners are performing.
MCS 304 (2021-22)	Commissioner Service for Units at Risk	In this course indicators of units at risk, approaches for investigating units reported to be at risk and resolving the issues that have put the unit at risk are discussed.
MCS 305       from 2019	Resolving Critical Issues	• Discuss the role of Commissioner Tools in working through critical unit issues. • Provide practical experience in solving various issues through role play and discussion of scenarios of units with critical issues. • Demonstrate how to prepare a detailed assessment and unit service plan.
MCS 306	Counseling Skills	The best way to strengthen a unit is to strengthen its leadership. Counseling is an effective method in helping unit leaders develop their potential. Even the leader who has completed formal training and has years of experience can benefit from counseling. Where the need for an answer or a solution is not immediate, counseling is preferred over teaching. Effective counseling is one of the most important skills for a commissioner to have.
MCS 307 (2022)	Commissioner Service to Newly Formed Units
MCS 308	Venturing and the Commissioner	Venturing is one of the basic programs of the Boy Scouts of America. Because as a commissioner you are a key advocate, your commitment to Venturing is essential. Your commitment to good unit service for Venturing crews is vital.
MCS 309(2021)	Commissioners Need Both Head and Heart	The objective of this session is to help commissioners with at least one or two years of experience reflect on some of the important qualities of good commissioner service (the “head”). The session also provides a variety of inspirational anecdotes for them to share with unit adults as well as other commissioners (the “heart”).
MCS 311 (2021-22)	All About Assistant District Commissioners	The assistant district commissioner carries a vision of effective Scouting and must communicate that vision through unit commissioners to every unit leader they serve.  ADCs make or break a district’s ability to ensure that every unit receives competent commissioner service. Even the best district commissioner in the council can’t personally train and guide all of the unit commissioners in the district (in a 60-unit district, that’s at least 20 people). So, ADCs are responsible for an assigned share of units in the district, and they supervise the commissioners who serve those units
MCS 312 (2022)	Recruiting New Commissioners	Quality programs flourish and membership grows in a Scouting district only when there is a complete team of quality commissioners.. This avoids overloading the same few volunteers who rarely say no, but who may find it easier to drop out of Scouting than to complain, “That’s enough! I can’t do any more!”
MCS 312 (2022-23)	Recruiting 21st Century Volunteers	All commissioners are responsible for recruiting other commissioners. This course familiarizes commissioners on the considerations and techniques that support recruiting volunteers who represent the generations of the 21st century.
MCS 313(2021)	Onboarding New Commissioners	Review the onboarding process for newly recruited Commissioners.
MCS 314 (2021, 23)	Commissioners and the Professional	Commissioners explore the commonalities of their roles and the roles of the Professionals in order to foster positive and productive relationships.
MCS 315(2021)	Effective Unit Service in Rural Areas	Today there is a great variety of rural communities. Some are quite stable, some are experiencing high growth, some have somewhat depressed or static economies and minimal social services, and some are geographically remote. In some, conventional Scouting methods work well. Others aren’t responsive to all of the conventional Scouting methods. This course discusses how to implement a Scouting program in remote rural areas.
MCS 316 (2021)	Developing the Unit Service Plan	How to create and USE Unit Service Plans to bring about meaningful dialog with unit leadership and create a clear blueprint for improving the unit and its program.
MCS 317	How to Remove a Volunteer	As a commissioner, you should be prepared to help guide volunteers with how to remove a volunteer. Note: This session will focus on the ineffective volunteer, the person who just isn’t working out. It does not address removing a person for cause or grounds for legal action such as theft, misrepresentation, or committing an immoral act.
MCS 318	Top 10 Ways to Assure Good Commissioner Service	Today everyone has their top 10 list, including commissioners. This session is designed to help experienced commissioners review their priorities and – for some of us – to get back to the basics. This session summarizes key factors in good commissioner service.
MCS 319	District Commissioner Basics	The district commissioner recruits, trains, and directs an adequate team of commissioners to assure that all packs, troops, teams, and crews of the district have a quality program so that young people will remain in the Scouting program
MCS 321	Service to New Units	The commissioner plays a vital role not only in the creation of new units, but in their continued growth and success. This session looks at the special needs of starting units and how to provide for adequate care.
MCS 322	Advanced Course in Scouts with Special Needs	Virtually every unit will experience having a youth who has Special Needs (disAbilities). This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide a program which provides these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed.
MCS 325	Consider Your Spouse and Family	This course is intended to assist commissioners in ways to understand and strengthen their marriage and/or family relationships so that Scouting augments rather than detracts from the family and increases their personal happiness and tenure as a commissioner.
MCS 357 (2021, 23)	Managing Long Distance Roundtables	Long distance roundtables are here. Discover and learn the possibilities and techniques that will lead to dynamic and engaging program content to engage your Scouters.
MCS 358 (2022)	Roundtables and Solving Unit Problems
Course Number	Course Title	Nor Cal Specific Course Descriptions
MCS400 (2021, 23)	Finance
MCS 407 (2021)	How Unit Contacts, Detailed Assessments, and JTE Work Together	Commissioners want to have more impact with shorter time requirements.  Learn to use the tools and strategies to greatly increase your efficiency.
MCS 409	Teaching Kid Control in your Roundtable	It doesn’t matter if you are a Cub Master, Scoutmaster, or Venturing Adviser the most important part of your job is to keep your youth members engaged and focused on task. There are ways to keep your youth, even those small Tigers under control. This is a class for all leaders that work with youth or teach others that do.
MCS 410	Developing Commissioners and Awards	Discuss how to develop your Commissioner’s skills and encourage their advancement through the various Commissioner Awards.
MCS 410 (2022)	Special Needs Program Planning	This presentation provides tools and resources for planning Scout meetings, preparing for attendance to large Scout events and how to provide access to programs and events for each individual Scout.
MCS 411(2021)	Commissioner Tools – Simple and Detailed Assessments	Understanding the importance of unit assessments and their purpose. Learn how to create Simple and Detailed Assessments, how to retrieve the info and analyze it.
MCS 412 (2021-22)	Prioritizing Contacts & Recruiting When You Have Uncovered Units	A practical view of how to use reports to focus and prioritize which units need Commissioner contact most. Achieve maximum program benefit to youth by delivering help where it’s needed most.
MCS 414 (2021-23)	Best Practices and Unique Insights to Linked Units and Girl Troops	Course encapsulates how to align expectations and learn from best practices gained from Unit Commissioner feedback so female scouts may eagerly and confidently meet the Aims of the BSA
MCS 415 (2021)	Unit Financial Planning	A discussion and examples of the best models and methods for units to model (and bring about) financial stability and continuity, especially in uncertain times like a pandemic.
MCS 415 (2022-23)	Rebuilding Cub Packs	Steps to take when one of your packs is having a “near-death experience.” How to revive them and keep them going.
MCS 416 (2021)	Zoom and Other Online Software	Comparison, recommendations, how to setup and use.
MCS 417 (2021)	Exploring – Council vs District Resource Models	Explorer Posts need and deserve “Unit Service” similar to Packs, Troops, Crews, and Ships; whether this unit service is provided by a Commissioner or Service Team Member. Is your district serving their Posts? Yes or why not? Would your Posts be better served by a Council Exploring Committee if your district chooses not to service your Posts? Pros; Cons…join us for a conversation.
MCS 418 (2023)	Using the ADC/ACC Commissioner for Roundtable	Strategies and best practices for employing administrative commissioners to support RT commissioners and coordinate RT programs.
MCS 419 (2023)	Joint Activities Between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA	If Cub Scouting does not have a future, none of us do. This course will explore ways Troops and Packs can come together for joint activities to create bonds that will restore the disrupted pipeline of Cubs to Scouts BSA, and thereby strengthen both types of units.
MCS 420 (2023)	Year Round Recruiting for Boy and Girl Lined Troops	This course will look at effective strategies Boy and Girl Troops to work continuously and effectively to encourage the available pool of Cubs and other young boys and girls to join our units.
MCS 433	Aligning Volunteers
MCS 434	Engaging Volunteers
MCS 435	Retaining Volunteers
MCS450 (2022-23)	International Scouting	An overview of International Scouting programs, jamborees, awards and recognition, activities, camps, jobs, and resources available to adult and youth BSA members. Learn about Scouting all around the world from someone who has experienced it.
MCS455 (2022)	Encouraging & Supporting Women in Scouting	This course recaps the first-ever Philmont class entitled “Women in Scouting” and touches upon these topics: the new female scouter profile, the Imposter Syndrome, empowering women to become door-openers, embracing NFAs (“normal friend activities”), the importance of representation and the Donut-hole Dilemma. Gaining a better understanding of how to support women in scouting is a segment that aligns with the BSA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Mission and Vision.
MCS460 (2022)	The Evolution and Status of Female Troops Since Feb 2020	The instructors are excited to present a status follow-up of linked and unlinked female troops in 2021 compared to when they were first formed in 2019. Sign up to hear how Female troops with a strong foundation have evolved during the pandemic, and how struggling troops can pull through.

Doctoral Level Courses   [Bachelors Level]   [Masters Level]   [Continuing Education]

Course Number	Course Title	National Course Description
DCS 501(2021)	Selecting a Thesis/Research Project Topic	This session introduces the participants to the thesis or project, discusses what constitutes a good thesis / research topic or a DCS project, and helps them select their general topic.
DCS502 (2021, 23)	Limiting the Scope of the Topic	Participants receive help in reducing the thesis/project topic to a workable size and get ideas for their thesis or project research.
DCS503 (2021, 23)	Developing the Thesis or Project	This session covers the thesis/project outline and a variety of suggestions for writing and revising the report.
DCS 504 (2022)	Thesis/Project Workshop	Scouters who have completed their DCS will discuss their challenges and solutions. This course is for those who feel they need more help getting started on or completing their thesis/project
DCS 505	Being a Thesis/Project Advisor	Prepares a person holding a DCS to become a thesis/project advisor. Provides specific procedures and techniques to make the task easier. Helps provide common standards for the acceptance of a DCS thesis/project.     Prerequisite: Have earned the Doctor of Commissioner Science at a College of Commissioner Science. Be recommended by their Council Commissioner for the position of Thesis/Project Advisor.
DCS 506 (2022)	Coaching for Administrative Commissioners
DCS 508	Administering Commissioner Lifesaving	Administrative commissioners are taught to give leadership to a commissioner lifesaving concept. It provides choices in selecting the lifesaving team approach. This course is recommended for administrative commissioners, i.e. ADCs, DCs, ACCs, and CCs.     Prerequisite: MCS 303-304, Commissioner Lifesaving I and II
DCS 509 (2023)	Legacy of Servant Leadership	In one of your first CCS experiences, you more than likely participated in a class called The Essential Element (A Servant’s Heart). That Bachelor’s level class introduced the concept of servant leadership and established the expectation that commissioners served units and other volunteers. The course objectives for A Legacy of Servant Leadership are to • Explore characteristics of servant leaders, • Understand servant leadership in Scouting, and • Recognize the legacy of servant leadership
DCS 512 (2022)	Commissioner Recruiting Workshop	Practical review of methods for successfully recruiting New Commissioners
DCS 512 (2023)	Recruiting for Diversity	How do we ensure that every unit is supported to offer a quality Scouting program? Simple. We recruit and empower enough commissioners for the task. • Describe the need for diversity • Understand the definition of diversity • Identify the practices to be added to recruiting practices Throughout this course we will come to a better understanding of the need for diversity in scouting volunteers as well as ways to work toward recruiting a more diverse commissioner corps.
DCS 514 (2021, 23)	Building Meaningful Relationships	Commissioner service is all about relationships. This session suggests ways in which commissioners may go about building and maintaining positive relationships with those they serve. It also discusses possible pitfalls that can undermine relationships.
DCS 515	District Journey to Excellence	Learn about the elements of District Journey to Excellence and what it takes to ensure success in every area.
DCS 516	Succeeding with Unit Service Plan
DCS 520	Accessing District Health	Learn about the resources necessary to assess a district’s ability to provide quality unit service. Learn how to use the resources available to the commissioner that can assist in identifying strengths and bring improvements to weaknesses found in the district
DCS 550 (2023)	Leveraging Roundtables in Unit Service	Consistent communication throughout the Unit Service team, especially during the monthly district commissioner meeting, is key to providing effective service to units through the roundtable program.
Course Number	Course Title	Nor Cal Specific Course Descriptions
DCS 601	Changes in Volunteerism	Description coming soon

Continuing Education Courses   [Bachelors Level]   [Masters Level]   [Doctoral Level]

Course Number	Course Title	National Course Description
CED 701 (2023)	Combatting Commissioner Stress and Burnout	This course looks at some ways we can help overcome those burnout and stressful situations and motivate ourselves and others toward better tenure in the BSA. ▪ Define burnout ▪ Explore symptoms of stress and burnout ▪ Discuss setting priorities and time management
CED 709	LDS Church Organization	This is an overview of Scouting in the LDS Church. The objective is to provide basic principles about the Church and discuss implementation of Scouting programs for effective relationships and networking with all Scouters.
CED 710	Scouting in the LDS Church	This is an overview of the materials provided for discussion on Scouting in the LDS Church.
CED 711	International Scouting	This course is intended to give the commissioner staff an overview of the International Scouting programs available so they can take that information to their units.
CED 712	Sea Scouting	This is an overview of the materials provided for discussion on Sea Scouting for Commissioners.
CED 713 (2021-23)	Special Needs Scouting – Advancement	This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide a Scouting program which provides special needs youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed. Participants 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.
CED 714 (2023)	Special Needs Scouting – ADHD	Virtually every unit will experience having a youth who has Special Needs (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)). This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide a Scouting program which provides these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed. Participants of this course will become familiar with the multiple characteristics common to individuals who have AD/HD and with easy tips to help them to get the most out of the Scouting program.
CED 715 (2021, 23)	Special Needs Scouting – Autism Spectrum	Virtually every unit will experience having a youth who has Special Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder). This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide a Scouting program which provides these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed. Participants will become familiar with the multiple characteristics common to individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and with easy tips to help them to get the most out of the Scouting program
CED 716	Managing Conflict	Learn to analyze the source and course of conflict, identify tools to help mediate, learn to apply tools to specific situations, and become a stronger role model
CED 717 (2021)	Special Needs Scouting – Allergies	To inform Scouts, Parents or Guardians, and Leaders by giving attention to some key planning and logistical considerations when dealing with allergies in Scouting.  When the safety for everyone including Scouts with allergies is understood, a more positive Scouting experience can occur.
CED 718	Effective Communication	Learn tools for effective communication as well as barriers to it. Also learn about how to be an effective communicator in the “digital age”, and the pitfalls.
CED 719	The Art of Listening
CED 720 (2022)	Valuing Diversity Introduction	The purpose of this course is to increase knowledge and general understanding of diversity issues without making value judgments or calling into question peoples’ religious, culture, or political beliefs and affiliations
CED 721	Valuing Diversity – Generation X & Millennials	The purpose of this course is to increase knowledge and general understanding of Generation X participants who are those Americans born from 1965 to 1976. It covers their education, income, home ownership, living arrangements, their children and how they view volunteerism.
CED 723	Reaching the Next Multicultural Generation	Reaching the Next Multicultural Generation is most important to carry on the BSA movement. This class will give you a better understanding of the needs and desires of African American, Hispanic/Latino American, and Asian American populations in relation to their participation in youth organizations in general and the Boy Scouts of America in particular.
CED 724	Men and Women – Different Not Better	This is a FUN course that highlights the spatial abilities, vision differences, communications differences and speech differences between men and women from evolution to today.
Course Number	Course Title	Nor Cal Specific Course Descriptions
CED 800 (2021)	Diversity and Inclusion	In this session we will explore updates on developments from the National Program Development Committee with emphasis on diversity changes to training and programs.
CED 801	Commissioner Awards and Recognitions	You will learn about all of the awards and recognitions available to you as a Commissioner and there are quite a few, including a couple that are quite new.
CED 802	LDS Commissioner Orientation	Commissioner Orientation for our LDS Commissioners to understand how the LDS Church uses Scouting in their Youth programs.
CED 803	LDS / BSA Organization	You will learn how to implement and use the LDS/BSA procedures.
CED 805	Commissioner Tools Basic	How to use Commissioner Tools to enter your Contact information for your Units.
CED 806	Commissioner Tools Advanced	How to use Commissioner tools and Commissioner Administration to manage your District’s Commissioners contacts and Unit assignments.
CED 807	LDS/BSA Transition
CED 808	Advanced Commissioner Tools
CED 809 (2022)	O.A. and the Commissioner Corp
CED 810	Family Scouting
CED 811 (2023)	Advanced Scoutbook	A discussion of the use of some add-on tools to enhance the use of scoutbook as well as some tricks to get the system to show you data in useful ways. This will be plenty of time for Q&A on advanced problems.
CED 812 (2022)	WWYD – A Case Study
CED 813 (2023)	State Bill AB506 Administration	Ok – we’ve got the hard part done! This course will explore practices and tools for administering AB 506 compliance going forward.
CED 814 (2023)	Commissioner Tools Update	Contacting units and capturing in commissioner tools their strengths, needs, and a unit service plan that enables continuing improvement. This class will update you on the most recent improvements.
CED 850 (2022-23)	Managing Next Gen Volunteers	Every unit needs volunteers to make it run, but many are hesitant to engage. This session shows how to recruit, enable and retain more volunteers to help fuel unit success.

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