Commissioners
Commissioners provide important leadership to ensure quality Scouting. Successful Scout units do not just happen. They are made. They are made by leaders who are trained, coached, and counseled along the way by those who went before. You have an opportunity to help leaders build strong units and ensure that the values of Scouting are brought effectively to more youth.
Commissioners in Scouting
Commissioners are District and Council leaders who helped Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. They also oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit registers on time with an optimum number of youth and adult members.
Roles of the Commissioner
Commissioners are friends.
It springs from the attitude, "I care, I am here to help, what can I do for you?" Commissioners who are known and accepted in good times will be called to help in bad times.
Commissioners are representatives.
Unit leaders are occupied working with youth. Some have little contact with the Boy Scouts of America other than commissioner visits. To them, commissioners are the BSA. Commissioners help represent the ideals, principles, and policies of the Scouting movement.
Commissioners are doctors.
In the role as doctor, they know that prevention is better than a cure, so they try to see that their units make good "health practices" a way of life. When problems arise, and they will even in the best unit, they act quickly. They observe symptoms, diagnose the real ailment, prescribe a remedy, and follow up on the patient.
Commissioners are teachers.
Commissioners have wonderful opportunities to participate in the growth of unit leaders by sharing knowledge. They teach, not just in academic environments, but when it counts most--as an immediate response to a need to know. That is the best learning situation since it is reinforced by practical application.
Commissioners are counselors.
As counselors, they will help units solve their own problems. Counseling is the best when unit leaders don't recognize the problem and where solutions are not clear. Everyone needs counseling from time to time, even experienced leaders.
Why Be A Commissioner?
Prestige and Honor of providing service to Scouting.
Fun and Satisfaction of developing new units, stimulating leadership growth and success.
Personal Growth from helping units over con challenging times and continue to thrive.
Continued Involvement in the Scouting program directly impacting youth and adult leaders.
Fellowship and Fun from working as a team with other commissioners and unit leaders.
Ongoing Service to your community through Scouting.
Deliver the Promise of Scouting through quality programs in every unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a CubMaster or Scoutmaster?
No, but experience with the Scouting program is helpful. In fact, it is preferable that you not currently hold one of those positions.
May I be a Commissioner for my own unit?
Typically not. Since Commissioners are to provide independent assistance, it is best to assist units with which you have not had an association.
What if I'm only interested in working with Cub Scout Packs or Boy Scout Troops or Venture Crews?
Commissioners usually work with all Scout units in a particular town, but your District Commissioner can often match your assignment to your interests.
What is my role with the Council?
Your evaluations are to aid the unit as they work to improve their program. In some cases, you may have to alert your Assistant District Commissioner to situations within a unit, but that is the exception, not the norm.
