COMMISIONERS

What are Commissioners?
"SCOUTING" magazine (see September 2002 issue) calls the Commissioner "a combination of adviser, counselor, information and idea resource person, and cheerleader." Commissioners have "one essential goal: Do whatever it takes to help unit leaders succeed in effectively delivering the ideals of Scouting."

If you are a unit leader, the kind of Commissioner you'll want to get to know best is called the Unit Commissioner. He or she is specifically assigned to your unit, to help you succeed. Your Unit Commissioner becomes your key liaison between your unit and your District and Council.

There are other types of Commissioners, of course, including Council Commissioners and Assistant Council Commissioners, District Commissioners and Assistant District Commissioners, and Roundtable Commissioners. These folks are equally important to the successful delivery of the Scouting program throughout your Council and District, but - for Packs, Troops, Teams, and Crews, the Unit Commissioner is going to work most closely with you and your unit.

Commissioner Basic Training
A good commissioner can make the difference between a pack, troop, crew or team that is struggling, and one that is ready to take on the world. Learn how to make this difference! After all, our kids deserve it!

The next Commissioner Basic Training Course will held on November 17, 2007. To find out more about the course and how to register for it - Click Here

What do Commissioners Do?
Here are some of the ways Unit Commissioners can help a unit:
¨ Brainstorm with your leaders to find solutions to unit problems.
¨ Listen to unit leaders' needs, ideas, and suggestions, and communicate these "up-line" to the District and Council.
¨ Find and suggest resources that will help you have better Scouting activities and programs in your unit.
¨ Facilitate a strong relationship between your unit and its sponsor.
¨ Help you re-charter your unit each year, on-time and as painlessly as possible.
¨ Help you grow and maintain an active unit committee.
¨ Help Troops grow through the Webelos-to-Scout transition process.
¨ Develop ways to recognize your top adult leaders for their contributions to the unit and Scouting.
¨ "Troubleshoot" unit problems and identify solutions.
¨ Help your unit's program and activities stay pointed toward "true North."

How can I find out who my Commissioner is?
Just call or email your district executive. (see your distrcit web page for that information) He/she will give you the name and contact information for your District Commissioner, and your District Commissioner can tell you who your Unit Commissioner is. Your District Commissioner will also relay your inquiry to that Unit Commissioner, so they'll be in direct contact with you, right away.

Maybe I'd like to be a Commissioner?
It's a great Scouting job, and very rewarding! Did you know our Council has well over one hundred Commissioners? Many have lots of years' experience in Scouting, but that's not a requirement! Even if you're pretty new to Scouting, if you like helping folks promote good Scouting and solve problems, and you're willing to take advantage of the many Commissioner training opportunities we have throughout the year, you just might be a great candidate for this area of Scouting service. Just contact your District Commissioner (see how, above) and you'll be on your way!

Ask Andy
Andy McCommish is our Council's resident "Internet Commissioner." To ask him a question on any Scouting subject (yes, you'll get a direct answer from Andy, and may be published along with others every month) just send your email to askandybsa@yahoo.com.

The Ask Andy Archives
Click here to see Andy's past columns.