The school year is
about to start and so begins a new, exciting year of
Scouting! If you are reading this, you already know the
value of Scouting and look forward to watching your son
or daughter grow up to be a leader of strong character
and values. Our society is in desperate need of these
young people! So I am asking you to not keep this
fabulous program a secret. Let everyone know how
valuable Scouting is so we can help more kids
participate in the fun. If you are a Cub Scout parent,
you are really going to love watching your son grow up
in Scouting. It is truly amazing!
We have so many things
to look forward to this year: camping, activities,
parties, meetings and yes, even fundraising. Who
deserves to succeed more in the Scouting program than
your own kids? Let’s make sure all of our units
participate in the popcorn campaign so the kids will
learn the value to earning their own way. It’s an easy
way to fund your unit’s year.
Many of you are
starting off in new leadership positions. Our Training
Committee is committed to helping every leader get the
training they need. There is Youth Protection, This is
Scouting (an introductory course) and much more online
at www.bsa.org, plus, if you check the District
Website, you will find the hands-on training you need.
Also, know that you can take training from any district,
not just from Old Pueblo.
My hat is off to all
of you who volunteer to make Scouting happen. As
District Commissioner, I want you to know that the
Commissioner Staff is here to help you with whatever you
need. We have the resources and experience to help you
make your unit the best it can be. So please don’t
hesitate to ask us questions and let us work with you
and your Scouts.
I look forward to
seeing you having fun this year!
Barbara Pieper
Old
Pueblo District Commissioner
How Is Commissioner Service Organized?
District Commissioner
District Commissioners are approved and appointed by the council executive board, with the concurrence of the Scout executive, on the recommendation of the district nominating committee
The District Commissioner is a volunteer who leads the commissioner staff of the district, guiding and measuring the district's unit service program. The District Commissioner is a volunteer who works with the Roundtable Commissioners, Unit Commissioners and Assistant District Commissioners in your district. These commissioners play several roles, including friend, representative, unit "doctor," teacher and counselor. Major responsibilities include:
Recruit and train a full staff of commissioners.
Oversee the commissioner training program.
Work with the district chairman and district executive as a member of the district's Key 3.
Plan and preside at the monthly meeting of the district commissioner staff.
Attend district committee meeting to report on conditions of units and to secure specialized help for units.
Represent the district as a member of the council commissioners cabinet.
Assistant District Commissioners
Assistant District Commissioners are appointed by the District Commissioner with the approval of the council executive board.
A district may have one or more Assistant District Commissioners, are volunteers. Each is responsible for an assigned share of the units in the district, and the unit commissioners who serve those units. Assistant district commissioners are often assigned a geographic or specialty area of the district. They work closely with the district commissioner and district executive. Major responsibilities include:
Recruit enough unit commissioners to serve their assigned units and areas.
Conduct personal coaching and orientation sessions for unit commissioners.
Maintain regular contact with their unit commissioners to provide guidance in unit service needs.
Serve units with no assigned unit commissioner.
Help unit commissioners evaluate and improve their unit service performance.
Unit Commissioners
Unit Commissioners are appointed by the District Commissioner with the approval of the council executive board
The Unit Commissioner, is a volunteer, and is a generalist whose passionate overriding mission in Scouting is to help units succeed. The Unit Commissioner's mission is to provide guidance, and deliver meaningful service to the units that they serve. This brings about membership growth, ensures on time charter renewal, and helps units succeed. Unit Commissioners are assigned to a small group of individual units, and are available to address specific unit needs as they arise. Specific responsibilities include: Don't be put off by the amount of item listed here - it's not nearly as bad as it looks
Help each unit earn the Quality Unit Award.
Use the annual commissioner service plan, with its scheduled opportunities for commissioner contact with units.
Know each phase of the Scouting program. Review Scouting program literature.
Visit unit meetings.
a. Observe the unit in action and determine the degree to which the descriptions in the literature are being followed.
b. If called upon, participate or help in some of the regular activities of the unit.
Visit regularly with the unit leader.
a. Listen to what the unit leader has to say.
b. Offer encouragement and support.
c. Using the literature and profile sheet, help the leader see new opportunities for improvement.
d. Maintain the best possible relationship with unit leadership.
e. Help the leader with forms and applications.
f. Encourage unit participation in district and council program events and training opportunities.
Work to assure effective and active unit committees.
a. Visit with the unit committee periodically.
b. Observe the committee in action.
c. Using the literature, offer suggestions for improvement.
d. Work with the committee to solve problems and improve unit operation.
Keep in touch with the chartered organizations of the units you serve.
a. Meet and orient the chartered organization representative.
b. Meet the head of the organization and explain your role as helper of units.
c. Help develop a good relationship between unit leaders and chartered organization leaders.
Know the neighborhood in which your units are located.
a. Help graduating members of one program join the next level of Scouting.
b. Identify potential sources for new youth members.
c. Cultivate men and women of good moral character who might become Scouting leaders.
d. Know chartered organizations and prospective ones.
e. Learn about resources and characteristics of the neighborhood, which may affect a unit.
Know the district and council.
a. Identify resources that can help the unit.
b. Know scheduled events that will help the unit.
c. Work closely with the professional staff.
d. Use members of district operating committees to help meet specialized needs of your units.
Set the example.
a. Adopt an attitude of helpfulness.
b. Keep promises.
c. Be concerned about proper uniforming.
d. Be diplomatic.
Continue to grow in experience and knowledge.
a. Attend commissioner training experiences and earn the commissioner training awards.
b. Meet with, and share information with, other commissioners.
Involve unit personnel in Cub Scout roundtables, Boy Scout roundtables.
Make certain that proper techniques are used to select and recruit unit leaders.
Facilitate the on-time annual charter renewal of all assigned units.
a. Help the unit conduct a membership inventory of youth and adults.
b. Help the unit committee chairman conduct the charter renewal meeting.
c. See that a completed charter renewal application is returned to the council service center.
Roundtable Commissioners
Roundtable Commissioners are appointed by the District Commissioner with the approval of the council executive board.
Roundtable Commissioners, is a volunteer, provide unit leaders with resources and training in program skills through regularly scheduled roundtable meetings.
Recruit and train a staff qualified to put on quality roundtables for unit personnel.
Plan monthly roundtable programs.
Make all arrangements for roundtables including meeting places, equipment, and supplies.
Conduct regular critiques to determine how round tables can be improved.
