9:30am

Keynote Address, "One Step at a Time"
Presented by: Dan Rogers

We are honored to welcome our Keynote Speaker, Dan Rogers, author of America One Step At A Time. Dan will share his inspiring story of perseverance and discovery from his 3,400-mile walk across the country. His insights will remind us that whether you are crossing a continent or building a high-performing Unit, the secret to success lies in the power of the next step.

Facilitated by: Arland Hotchkiss & Brian Valentino

Facilitated by Arland Hotchkiss, this focused STEP roundtable discussion centers exclusively on Safety, equipping leaders and scouts to proactively use Safety Moments, the SAFE Checklist and Guide to Safe Scouting. Participants will explore how youth leadership in the Safety STEP reduces risk, reinforces accountability, and protects both youth and adult volunteers. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe prevention is leadership in action. This STEP ensures that safety becomes a habit, not a reaction.

Facilitated by: Jay Lubin

Conducted by Jay Lubin, CST13 Training Coordinator, this focused Training STEP session explores the transition of NYLT from the Linked Troop Model to the Family Troop Model and what it means for course delivery and leadership structure. Learn how aligning under one Scoutmaster and one Senior Patrol Leader strengthens training clarity, staff development, and messaging consistency. This session will also focus on additional safety and training updates to NYLT. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe strong training systems create stronger youth leaders. This STEP ensures NYLT remains relevant, unified, and clearly positioned for the future.

Facilitated by: Dr. Phil Mollica & Jerry Case

The goal of this session is to present concepts and ideas to develop successful membership growth and most important retention through intentional STEPS.  The presentation will discuss best practices and proven successful outcomes around the nation.  Foundational touchpoints that are based upon sustainable relationship development with the volunteers resulting in increased rates of retention. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe that building strong volunteer relationships is the foundation of retention

Facilitated by: Beth Katz

In this Program STEP session, Beth Katz will lead you on a virtual hike through the woods with Cub Scouts. Learn how to plan for Safety, Teach them about the outdoors, keep them Engaged, plan a successful Program, and Support their continuing adventures. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you explore the trail ahead of the adventure to scout for sights to share. This STEP helps you plan ahead so that you can enjoy the moments as the Cub Scouts experience the outdoors.

Facilitated by: Mark Chilutti & Alan Grossman

The Support STEP is about strengthening finances by raising more money through intentional, strategic fundraising. This session will highlight successful approaches from councils across the nation so you can see what works and apply those lessons locally. 

Rather than focusing on cutting expenses, we will concentrate on proven tools and STEPS that increase revenue and expand financial capacity. The emphasis is on growing income and building financial strength through fundraising success. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you know that sustainable programs require sustainable revenue.

Coordinated by: Joe Strigle & Matt Adams

The objective for this session is to get the Councils collectively focused on identifying the problems they can help their communities solve through the application of the Scouting Program.   

You Might Be a Key 3 Scout Leader If . . . you know that membership growth is the only way for our programs to thrive in the future. 

Please only select this option if you are a Territory Key 3 or Council Key 3 or if you were directly invited by Territory Key 3 Member

Facilitated by: Kevin McClelland & Bill Folk

This session, led by Bill Folk and Kevin McClelland, highlights the Minsi Trails Council’s successful implementation of an Enterprise Risk Management System designed to transform safety from a policy requirement into a lived culture. Through a practical case study, leaders will see how structured assessment, standardized protocols, and disciplined oversight engage everyone—from the youngest Scout to the most senior board member—in shared accountability. Participants will gain a clear blueprint for moving from reactive compliance to proactive, organization-wide safety leadership that protects people, mission, and reputation.

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe prevention is always better than response.

Facilitated by: Bill Kropa

In this dedicated Training STEP session, Bill Kropa shares current developments and strategic direction from the NESA National Training Committee. Participants will gain insight into how structured updates in curriculum and marketing outreach are sharpening the effectiveness and visibility of NESA training initiatives. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe that great programs deserve great promotion. This STEP prepares leaders to champion training excellence in their councils.

Facilitated by: Jerry Case, Dr. Phil Mollica & Jessica Fajardo

This session is designed to lead and stimulate an interactive discussion with the attending scouting volunteers.  The goal is to develop a common understanding of the roadblocks to membership growth and retention and identify practical STEPS to overcome them. With an open forum designed to share best practices to break the roadblocks to success.  The emphasis will be on issues related to retention. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe that overcoming obstacles starts with open conversation.

Facilitated by: Al Garcia

Under the leadership of Al Garcia, this Engagement STEP session highlights proven strategies for creating a membership drive that captures attention and builds excitement. Participants will explore planning touchpoints, messaging clarity, and engagement techniques that connect with families. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe recruitment is about relationships, not just numbers. This STEP strengthens outreach and fuels sustainable membership growth.

Facilitated by: Les Wu

A critical component of Membership and Retention is the Arrow of Light (AoL) crossover, a transition point where we historically lose nearly half of our members. Les Wu will lead a discussion on the tools and information available to help Districts and Councils effectively engage with units and better manage this process. This session will highlight data sources and methods that provide timely, unit-level membership information. When placed in the hands of District Commissioners, this real-time status data becomes actionable intelligence to proactively guide and support successful AoL crossovers. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you’ve ever asked, “Are we sure every Scout is accounted for?"

Facilitated by: Roger Hoyt & Alan Grossman

In this dedicated Support STEP session, Roger Hoyt (CST-1 Director) and Alan Grossman provide practical insight into the financial management principles that sustain local councils. Learn how proactive oversight, fiscal transparency, and disciplined planning reinforce stability and organizational credibility. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you value both vision and financial responsibility. This STEP ensures councils are positioned for enduring strength.

Facilitated by: Brian Valentino

Directed by our CST13 Safe Scouting and SAFEguarding Lead Brian Valentino from Monmouth Council), this dynamic Safety STEP session demonstrates how Scoutly (Scouting's AI Assistant) can be utilized in the field (by Scouts and Leaders alike) to enhance Safe Scouting and support SAFEguarding protocols. Participants will examine how digital tools can support consistency, improve response readiness, and elevate accountability. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you believe that Safety should be visible, measurable, and continuous. This STEP puts Safety tools directly into the hands of leaders.

Facilitated by: Paul Schofield

Directed by Paul Schofield, the CST13 Program Lead, this Program STEP session explores how intentional planning can seamlessly integrate Scouts BSA advancement into outdoor activities without sacrificing fun. Learn how to map requirements into campouts, hikes, and patrol challenges through thoughtful program design. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you smile when Scouts complete requirements without even realizing it. This STEP shows how purposeful planning turns great outings into meaningful advancement opportunities.

Facilitated by: Dr. Phil Mollica & Jessica Fajardo

This multi-STEP session is designed to develop shared ideas on best practices for long term successful outcome for Cub Scouting. When we consider membership growth and retention in Cub Scouting the focus needs to be at the parental level.  Key long-term engagement starts at day one welcoming the parents. Followed by the onboarding (registration), and most important communicating and engaging the parents within the pack culture.  This interactive discussion will draw ideas from the presentation in addition from the attending scouters. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you understand that engaging parents is the most important STEP in Cub Scouting success.

Facilitated by: Linda Hassler

Under the leadership of Linda Hassler, this Engagement STEP session highlights practical strategies and resources that support council level Exploring membership growth. Participants will examine outreach models, promotional tools, and engagement pathways that convert interest into involvement. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you see every new connection as a doorway to growth. This STEP strengthens membership pipelines and broadens impact.

Facilitated by: Al Garcia

Al Garcia directs this Program-centered STEP session focused on designing Cub activities that are dynamic, organized, and structured to encourage parent engagement. Explore how detailed planning, clear communication of expectations, and purposeful delegation strengthen overall program delivery. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you understand that involvement grows when planning is clear and purposeful. This STEP demonstrates how preparation leads to participation.

Hosted by: Scott Storrer, Joe Strigle & Mark Williamson

The Support STEP is about strengthening finances by raising more money through intentional, strategic fundraising. This session will highlight successful approaches from councils across the nation so you can see what works and apply those lessons locally. Rather than focusing on cutting expenses, we will concentrate on proven tools and STEPS that increase revenue and expand financial capacity. The emphasis is on growing income and building financial strength through fundraising success. 

You Might Be a Scout Leader If . . . you know that sustainable programs require sustainable revenue.