College of Commissioner Science

CCSNovember 7-8, 2025

Camp Strake
2020 Camp Strake Road
Coldspring, TX 77331

The College of Commissioner Science (CCS) is an annual training event designed to provide continuing education for commissioners in a structured, college-style format.  This program helps commissioners stay up to date with the latest tools, techniques, and best practices for unit service.  It also offers an opportunity to sharpen skills, renew enthusiasm, and strengthen commitment to commissioner service.

The training will benefit both new and experienced commissioners. Any adult leader interested in learning more about the resources available through the Scouting program is welcome. The keynote speaker will be Devang Desai, National Commissioner. A Commissioner Retreat is being held on Friday night.

Registration

At checkout, pay with a credit card or electronic check.  Council refund policy

      Register          Courses

Cost
Options
Time
Notes
$15 Commissioner Retreat Friday, 4 pm to Saturday, 8 am Includes Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast
Limited Friday night cabin rental is available for $20 per person (double occupancy)
$20 College of Commissioner Science only Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm Includes Saturday lunch and a patch

National SpeakerCommissioner Retreat

The training begins with an optional Friday evening retreat, starting at 4:00 pm.  This early arrival option allows attendees to eliminate the early morning commute by traveling on Friday, then settling in at Camp Strake, and enjoying a relaxed evening of fellowship and fun with fellow commissioners. A limited number of double-occupancy cabins are available for a nominal additional fee and may be reserved during registration.  

Retreat highlights include:

  • Scout-themed games and activities
  • Friday night campfire program
  • Dinner and Saturday breakfast in the Camp Strake dining hall
  • Guided tours of Camp Strake
  • A casual "Scout casual" dress code
  • Tent camping (bring your own gear) or rent a staff cabin.  

Courses

Participants can choose from more than 30 courses offered across multiple levels:

  • Bachelor of Commissioner Science (BCS)
  • Master of Commissioner Science (MCS)
  • Doctorate of Commissioner Science (DCS)
  • Continuing Education (CED)

            Course Descriptions

7:00 am Breakfast and Flags
8:00 am BCS 101 - Core Concepts of Unit Service BCS 150 - Roundtables in Unit Service MCS 307 - Serving Newly Formed Units CED 701 - Combatting Commissioner Stress/Burnout CED 822 - Connect, Serve, Inspire - Elevating Commissioner Service!
9:00 am BCS 113 - Welcoming, Engaging and Onboarding Commissioners BCS 154 - Roundtable Fundamentals DCS 501 - Selecting & Limiting Scope of Your Doctoral Project Thesis MCS 314 - The Commissioner and the Professional CED 815 - Scoutbook for Commissioners
10:00 am BCS 104 - Connecting with Units MCS 351 - Conducting the Roundtable Planning Session MCS 312 - Recruiting the 21st Century Volunteer CED 716 - Navigating Difficult Conversations DCS 503 - Developing Your Project or Thesis
11:00 am Lunch and CED 893 Keynote Speaker  and Commissioner Awards Ceremony
1:00 pm BCS 114 - Understanding & Communicating with Today's Leaders MCS 358 - Addressing Unit Challenges through Roundtable CED 892 - Keynote Q&A with Speaker DCS 601 - Successful District Commissioner Meetings MCS 458 - Intracacies of Commissioner Tools
2:00 pm BCS 115 - Commissioners - The Single Best Resource! DCS 551 - Roundtable Today MCS 310 - Succession Planning CED 803 - Keeping Packs on Track DCS 602 - Servant Leadership
3:00 pm BCS 119 - Building Relationships (NEW) CED 821 - Who Attends Roundtable and Why It Matters   MCS 459 - Keeping Troops on Track DCS 506 - Coaching Commissioners

What to Bring

• copy of Annual Health and Medical Record  (Part A & B for all Scouting events)
• comfortable closed-toed walking shoes
• field uniform on Saturday, recommended
• activity uniform on Friday
• clothing appropriate for the weather
• camp chair
• day pack or backpack, recommended
• note-taking materials
• hand sanitizer
• snacks, optional

If camping:

• tent and ground cloth
• cot or air mattress
• flashlight and extra batteries
• toiletries and medications

If renting a cabin:

• linens (twin size) and pillow
• flashlight and extra batteries
• toiletries and medications

Why Should You Attend College of Commissioners Science

Content – Degree-track national curriculum; offering bachelor, master, and doctorate level courses.
Faculty – Council and district commissioners and other Scouters with years of experience.
Confidence – Knowing you are doing your job right.
Energy – Come recharge your batteries in the fellowship of other dedicated Scouters.

Degrees and Learning Opportunities

  • Bachelor of Commissioner Science (BCS) is an entry-level program for commissioners who have completed basic commissioner training.
  • Master of Commissioner Science (MCS) focuses on advanced problem-solving and administrative skill instruction.
  • Doctorate of Commissioner Science (DCS) is a two-year program that challenges candidates to identify, develop, and present a project or service concept to a panel of their peers.
  • Continuing Education (CED) is an opportunity to expand knowledge and increase the effectiveness of unit service.

Degrees and Learning Opportunities

Bachelor of Commissioner Science (BCS) is an entry-level program for commissioners who have completed basic commissioner training.

Bachelor of Commissioner Science The Bachelor of Commissioner Science (BCS) is an entry-level program for commissioners who have completed basic commissioner training. Courses are offered at the College of Commissioner Science. Degree Requirements Image Prerequisites Maintain registration in any capacity as a commissioner during the entire training program listed below. Completion of commissioner orientation (Commissioner Fieldbook for Unit Service and Commissioner Fast Start). Completion of Commissioner Basic Training. Course Requirements Completion of seven courses of instruction, at least five of the courses at the bachelor’s program level. Performance Approval of councilor assigned assistant council commissioner. Approval of Scout executive or adviser to commissioner service.

Resources

  • Degree Requirements required to earn the bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees.
  • Transcript System contains a listing of all courses that commissioners have taken at the College of Commissioner Science. It is a valuable tool to help commissioners determine courses needed for the various degrees.

            Commissioner College Transcript System

How to Register

How to Modify a Registration

To change class selections after registering:
  • Go to https://scoutingevent.com/000/Login/ 
  • Click on profile name (top right)
  • Click on View Activity (tabs: Summer Camp & Activities or Year Round Camping)
  • Select the activity
  • Click on View Registration
  • Select name, scroll down to Class Schedule and click on Select Classes
  • Click Done
  • Video: How to register for clases

 

Contacts

College of Commissioner Science Dean
Rachel Miller

Commissioner College Transcript System