Course Catalog 2026

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 meet a need identified by the Commissioners in our service area that was not met by the National courses. They are intended to be of equal quality to the nationally identified courses and to count equally toward degrees.

Some course numbers may be duplicated. Retired course numbers may be reused with newer content.

Title
Track 1 – Unit Commissiner Basic Training (UCBT)
Course Number Course Title Description
NAT001 Unit Commissioner Basic Training
This session will provide an understanding of the concept of Unit Service. The new Commissioner should be able to recognize the role of the Unit Commissioner and then, Identify the interrelationships and functions of the District. This course should be the first course a new Commissioner takes to understand the basic requirements and expectations of the position

Learning objectives:
  • Be able to recognize the role of the unit commissioner
  • Develop an understanding of the concept of Unit Service
  • Be able to identify the interrelationships and functions of the district
BCS-209 Basic and Advanced Scoutbook

ScoutBook is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents, and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail. This course will discuss the basics of attendance, dues recording, and advancement. In addition, it will cover advanced program options and “tips and tricks”

Learning objectives:
  • Attendance
  • Dues recording
  • Advancement
Track 2 – Roundtable Program
Course Number Course Title Description
BCS-154 Roundtable Fundamentals
The Roundtable is often the first district event that a new leader attends. It is focused on FUN and giving new and seasoned leaders “the skill to do, and the will to do”. Roundtable is important not only for the leaders but for the youth they bring the information back to. This course extends the Roundtable Commissioner Position-Specific Training

Learning objectives:
  • Discuss how to utilize the program information on the Commissioner Roundtable Support webpage to plan and execute a monthly roundtable
  • Demonstrate how to use different formats to plan roundtables
  • Know how to provide scout leaders with the Skill to do and the Will to Do
BCS-150 Roundtables In Unit Service

An effective roundtable is vital to the success of all unit service. This course reviews and reinforces how Roundtables fit into the unit service structure by providing roundtable services to units and unit leaders

This course discusses:
  • Understand the commissioner’s core concepts
  • List the functions of roundtable in providing unit service
  • Discuss how roundtable fits into unit service
  • Illustrate how to facilitate unit service before during and after Roundtables.
BCS-152 Planning, Implementing, and Promoting Roundtables

Learn how to plan and implement a roundtable to best serve the units in your districts and councils. This course covers how to promote Roundtables to units they serve and to new leaders

This course discusses:
  • The roundtable planning and implementation process
  • How to utilize the Roundtable Resource Webpage tool
  • Understanding the importance of a well-planned roundtable in providing unit service to the district and council
  • Demonstrates methods for promoting Roundtables
MCS-353 The Cub Scout Roundtable Breakout

Review of the parts of a Cub Scout Roundtable

These include:
  • Networking time/Midway/Announcements
  • Opening: Pledge, Oath, Law, Prayer
  • Hot Topics
  • Safety Moment
  • Membership Moment
  • Closing
  • Optional networking
MCS-354 The Scoutsing America Roundtable Breakout

How to make a great Scouts BSA breakout. This course will discuss the skills, techniques, information, programs, and know-how that make for successful unit operation

These include:
  • Leader needs for information and skills to train their youth to plan and run the program
  • Information in breakouts that are useful and portable. It is of no use if they can’t take it home to their units
  • Providing support for leaders seeking solutions to their unit problems
  • Creating great breakouts that provide unit leadership with the Will to Do – the morale, enthusiasm, inspiration, and vision that renews the desire to serve youth
BCS-Track 3 – Bachelor Program
Course Number Course Title Description
BCS-101 Core Concepts of Unit Service

The position of commissioner is one of the oldest in Scouting. This course reviews and reinforces the core concepts of unit service and identifies the key skills Commissioners need to assess the units they serve

This course discusses:
  • Describe the commissioner’s core concepts
  • Define and identify the role and types of commissioners
  • State the key skills needed to be a good commissioner
  • Apply this new knowledge and understanding for exceptional unit service
BCS-104 Connecting With Units

This course examines the role of contacts between commissioners and their units. At the heart of unit service are the contacts commissioners make with their units

Learning objectives:
  • Describes how the concept of unit service is demonstrated in frequent unit contacts
  • Identifies ways to demonstrate good unit service as we serve as a coach/mentor and representative of Scouting America
  • Describes using Commissioner Tools to record and manage unit contacts
BCS-111 Commissioner and S.A.F.E. Scouting

Scouting America’s Commitment to Safety states that Scouting will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. Within Scouting, all members are responsible and must hold one another accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants

This course discusses:
  • Understand the safety measures in place
  • Know the resources for guidance
  • Understand the reporting instruments
BCS-119 Building Relationships

This course examines the roles of the Unit Key 3, the role of the unit commissioner and the relationship developed through communication, collaboration and assessment

This course discusses:
  • Discuss the top ten characteristics people seek in positive relationships
  • Explain one way to measure relationships
  • Explore possible mistakes that can harm relationships
  • Explain how to rebuild a damaged relationship
BCS-211 Program Safety

Unit service is all about relationships. In this course, we will discuss how commissioners can build and maintain positive relationships with those they serve and explore possible pitfalls that can undermine them

This course discusses:
  • Climb on Safety
  • Safety Afloat
  • Safe Swim Defense
  • Hazardous Weather
  • Drive Safety
  • Age Appropriate Activities
  • Digital Safety
  • Youth Protection
BCS-Track 4 – Bachelor Program
Course Number Course Title Description
BCS-120 Technology for Unit Service

This course highlights the best tools for commissioners to use in providing unit service. It explains why these tools are the most effective, how to locate them, and provides tips for utilizing the information available in these tools to enhance unit service

This course discusses:
  • Recognize that technology is a key component in the concept of unit service
  • Utilize the Commissioner Tools Connection Guides to support unit service
  • Employ mobile technologies
BCS-106 Coaching Leaders

Discusses the new Coaching model and how to use it to better serve their units

This course discusses:
  • Recognize the importance of coaching
  • Employ coaching methods to address different situations
  • Evaluate options for resolution
BCS-116 Commissioner Guide to Positive Impact

Connections between units and commissioners facilitate conversations that deepen understanding of unit dynamics and operations, enabling commissioners to serve the unit more effectively. This course will guide you through making connections and effectively supporting your units in identifying challenges, developing solutions, and strengthening their programs

This course discusses:
  • How to be confident in preparing for a unit connection
  • Know how to navigate a collaborative conversation with the unit leadership
  • Understand the importance of the “follow-up”
BCS-125 Commissioner Culture

Be the Heart, Build Relationships, Change Lives— is the Commissioner Culture Statement. This course will explore what this statement means and how to put our “culture” into action

This course discusses:
  • Describe Commissioner Culture
  • Recognize how a culture can connect groups of people toward a common goal
  • Explain the importance of Commissioner Connections
  • Discuss the role of roundtables in Commissioner Culture
BCS-121 Unit Service Tools for Administrative Commissioner

Within the suite of technology tools, specific tools assist administrative commissioners in managing the health status of the units in their district or council. This course will examine all of these tools and guide administrative commissioners on how best to utilize them

This course discusses:
  • Understand the information displayed on the Commissioner Tools District Dashboard
  • Use Unit Connections Guides to analyze key district data
  • Recognize the reports that are available in Commissioner Tools
MCS-Track 5 – Masters Program
Course Number Course Title Description
MCS-307 Servicing Newly Formed Units

An engaged commissioner is critical for the success and retention of new units. Commissioners designated as a New-Unit Commissioner focus on only new units, preferably a single unit to which they have been assigned

This course discusses:
  • The role of the new-unit commissioner
  • Understand the partnership between the Unit Commissioner and the new unit organizer
  • Recognize the importance of the Unit Service Plan
  • Understand how coaching supports new unit leaders
  • Identify new-unit commissioner training opportunities
MCS-312 Recruiting for the 21st Century

All commissioners are responsible for recruiting other commissioners. This course familiarizes commissioners with the considerations and techniques for recruiting volunteers who represent the 21st-century generations

This course discusses:
  • Understand the importance of recruiting
  • Describe the motivations of volunteers
  • Identify the attributes of a 21st-century volunteer
  • Know a method for recruitment
MCS-113 Unit Service Today

A contemporary approach to unit service has replaced the assessment-based approach, enabling commissioners to work more closely with unit leaders. This course explores these new concepts, which focus more on listening and less on data

This course discusses:
  • Understand the core concepts and approach of unit service
  • Know the role of the commissioner and how building relationships creates partnerships
  • Be familiar with Unit Metrics and Connections
BCS-113 Welcoming, Engaging, & Onboarding New Commissioner

This course is designed to guide the District and Assistant District Commissioners in better supporting the new commissioners in successful unit service. It can also serve as an orientation guide for new commissioners

This course discusses:
  • Understand job description and training for new commissioners
  • Discuss what is included in the onboarding process and who is responsible
  • Identify resources to help integrate and welcome new commissioners and volunteers
MCS-409 The New Unit Service Concept

The National BSA is significantly revising the Unit Service concept. The focus will shift to building unit relationships, emphasizing coaching and mentoring instead of assessing unit metrics

This course discusses:
  • Adult Training
  • Youth retention/growth
  • Advancement
  • Outdoor activities
  • Retention
MCS-Track 6 – Masters Program
Course Number Course Title Description
MCS-401
Virtual		 The New Cub Scout Program, How It Works

An Overview of the newly revised Cub Scout program

This course discusses:
  • Changes made
  • Integration into the Scouting America program
  • Nuances of the new program
MCS-404
Virtual		 Commissioning for Explorers and Sea Scout Units

Exploring and Sea Scouts are two programs most Commissioners never interface with. However, these are important programs with special needs and requirements

This course discusses:
  • Explorers and Sea Scouting programs in depth
  • Unique needs in recruitment, chartering, uniforming, and program planning
MCS-402
Virtual		 “MY Scouting” Making It Work For You

One of the most frequent issues Scouters raise concerns the ”myscouting.com” website and how to make it work for you

This course discusses:
  • Features available in the program
  • How they works
  • New changes being made to it
MCS-403
Virtual		 New Commissioner Tools

“Commissioner Tools” has undergone many changes over the years, and it continues to evolve

This course discusses:
  • Where we are today
  • planned changes for the future
MCS-411
Virtual		 Engaging Scouting Alumni

There is a Scouting Alumni database accessible to Councils and Districts. It has been a long time coming.
    Ways to access and utilize the database to engage long-dormant Scouting Alumni
DCS-Track 7 – Doctoral Program
Course Number Course Title Description
DCS-601 HELP! How do I start the Project/Thesis

Think of this as being similar to an Eagle Scout Project or Wood Badge Ticket. Our goal is for commissioners to meet upon the successful completion of a thesis or project

This course discusses:
  • Understand the requirements for the Doctorate Degree and the Doctorate of Commissioner Science Knot
  • Understand the difference between a project and a thesis
  • Identify a Project or Thesis topic and limit the focus to make it achievable
DCS-503 Developing Your Project or Thesis

This session covers the Project/Thesis outline and a variety of suggestions for writing and revising the report

This course discusses:
  • Develop your project plan
  • Develop your thesis
  • Identify methods of gathering information
DCS-514 Building Meaningful Relationships

One of the most frequent issues Scouters raise concerns the ”myscouting.com” website and how to make it work for you. This course will discuss what is available in the program, how it works, and the changes being made to it

This course discusses:
  • Discuss the top ten characteristics people seek in positive relationships
  • Explain one way to measure relationships
  • Explore possible mistakes that can harm relationships
  • Explain how to rebuild a damaged relationship
DCS-506 Coaching Commissioners

Coaching is about relationships. It is the ability to listen, observe, share, support, and engage in ways that help others solve their own problems, grow as individuals, and attain their full potential. Coaching is the art of helping others reach conclusions through their own analysis of the situation and the facts

This course discusses:
  • Understand the process of coaching
  • Discuss the fundamental principles of coaching
  • Develop effective coaching skills
DCS-516 Understanding Your District

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for recruiting commissioners. Every council and district has its own needs, so strategies must be flexible and adaptable. This course provides guiding concepts to help you develop a recruitment plan that works locally—building strong commissioner teams that support leaders and enhance the Scouting experience

This course discusses:
  • Identify unit service needs
  • Find prospects for unit service
  • Invite and onboard new commissioners
MSN-Track 8 – Masters in Special Needs Program
Course Number Course Title Description
MSN-450
Virtual		 Essentials of Serving Scouts With Disabilities

This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can design a program providing these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed

This course discusses:
  • Become familiar with key factors to respond to the need of these special youth
  • Learn methods of Understanding – Patience – Common Sense
  • Explore available resources: Tool kit – Guide – Manual
  • Introduce the Individualized Scout Achievement Plan
MSN-458
Virtual		 Advancement For Scouts With Special Needs

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

This course discusses:
  • Become familiar with the “Rules of Engagement” for advancement
  • Discuss several common disabilities, and issues
  • Understand the Individual Scout Achievement Plan
MSN-461
Virtual		 Resources for Unit Leaders

Participants will become acquainted with the key resources available to unit leaders for working with Scouts with Special Needs

This course discusses:
  • Become familiar with the Inclusion Toolbox
  • Become familiar with the Guide To Advancement, Section 10
  • Become familiar with the purpose of the joining conference
MSN-462
Virtual		 Managing Allergies

This presentation provides leaders and parents with the basic knowledge and skills needed regarding allergies and working with youth who have special needs

This course discusses:
  • Planning and logistics
  • Adherence to safety standards
  • Maintaining a positive Scouting experience
MSN-463
Virtual		 Special Needs Program – ADHD

The scouting program is committed to serving scouts with special needs and disabilities. But 70% of special needs are invisible. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is the most identified special need in children and in the scouting population

This course discusses:
  • Recognize the features (strengths and challenges) of ADHD
  • Understand the differences in ADHD in boys and girls
  • Expose leaders to ideas for working with Scouts who have ADHD