Make yourself comfortable.We will start soon.

Welcome

Commissioner Basic Training

Instructors: [Insert names here]

Why Commissioners?

Session 1

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening

Opening Ceremony The Cub Scout Promise

I, (name), promise to do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the Law of the Pack.

Opening Ceremony The Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Opening Ceremony The Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

Introductions Name Present job in Scouting Previous positions held Tenure Awards earned

Learning Objectives State the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America. State the mission of the council and district. Explain the four-function concept of council and

district operation. Describe the commissioner unit service role and

its relationship to supporting a unit in a quality program.

State the methods and steps of good unit program planning.

State Commissioner Priorities. Describe Effective Commissioner Leadership.

Purpose, Aims & Methods of Scouting

Purpose of Scouting To promote, through cooperation

with other agencies, the ability of youth to do things for themselves and others, and to teach youth patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues

Aims of Scouting Character development Citizenship training Personal fitness

Methods of ScoutingCub Scouting (Boys grades 1-5)►Ideals►Den ►Advancement►Family involvement►Activities►Home and neighborhood centered►Uniform

Boy Scouting (Boys ages 11-17)►Ideals ►Patrol►Advancement►Adult association►Outdoors►Personal growth►Leadership►Uniform

Venturing (Youth ages 14-20)►Ideals►Group activities►Recognition►Adult association►High adventure►Teaching others►Leadership

Council Mission Voluntary association of citizens &

chartered organization representatives Promotes Scouting within a

geographical area Guides & supports districts to

Make Scouting available to youth Provide adequate funds Maintain standards and policies Serve organizations using the Scouting

programs

District Mission Ensures growth & success of

Scouting units within the district's territory

Works through chartered organizations and community groups to organize and support successful units

Four Function Plan Membership/Relationships Finance Program Unit service

Commissioner Service Role

The Commissioner Concept The commissioner is the liaison between

the local council and Scouting units. The commissioner's mission is to

Keep units operating at maximum efficiency, Maintain regular contact with unit leaders, Counsel leaders on where to find

assistance, Note weaknesses in programs, And suggest remedies.

The commissioner is successful when units effectively deliver the ideals of Scouting to their members.

Unit Commissioner Responsibility Card Report to the district commissioner or

assistant district commissioner as assigned 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 Scouting and its literature. Be able to describe how each works.

Visit meetings of assigned packs/troops/teams/crews regularly, usually once a month

Unit Commissioner Responsibility Card Visit regularly with the unit leader

Be aware of unit leader concerns and challenges

Serve as the unit leader’s coach and counselor Build a strong, friendly relationship Using the literature and profile sheet, help the

leader see opportunities for improvement Encourage unit participation in district and

council events

Unit Commissioner Responsibility Card Work to ensure effective unit committees

Visit with the unit committee periodically Observe the committee, offer suggestions for

improvement, and work to solve problems See that adult leaders have adequate

training Make certain that proper techniques are

used to select and recruit unit leaders

Unit Commissioner Responsibility Card Facilitate on-time charter renewal of all

units Help the unit conduct a membership inventory of

youth and adults Help the unit committee chairman conduct the

charter renewal meeting See that a completed charter renewal application is

returned to the council service center Make arrangements to present annually each unit

charter at a meeting of the chartered organization

Unit Commissioner Responsibility Card

Attend all meetings of the commissioner staff

Become trained Initial orientation and basic training Arrowhead Honor and Scouter’s Key Annual council commissioner’s conference

Know the resources available to the unit in the neighborhood, district, and council

Unit Commissioner Responsibility Card

Set the example Adopt an attitude of helpfulness Keep promises Be concerned about proper uniforming Be diplomatic Be a model of Scouting ideals

Conduct own Self-Evaluation on page 55 of the Commissioner Fieldbook

Commissioner Quiz The Unit Commissioner (True/False)1. Reports to the district executive.2. Must be an expert in training adults

and youth.3. Is only concerned with reregistering

a unit on time.4. Should be familiar with the official

literature used by units for program.5. Visits the unit committee only, on a

regular basis.

Commissioner Quiz The Unit Commissioner (True/False)6. Must know the unit program

planning process.7. "Sells" the unit leader on district

and council functions, as a primary responsibility.

8. Periodically communicates with the chartered organization representative to offer help.

9. Regularly attends Roundtables.10.Guides the unit through the annual

service plan.

Commissioner Quiz The Unit Commissioner (True/False)11. Should earn the Commissioner’s Key. 12. Attends monthly meetings of the

district committee.13. Is not involved in the presentation of

the unit charter.14. Must be familiar with the monthly

programthemes.

15. Encourages assigned packs, troops, teams, and crews to earn the Centennial Quality Unit Award.

Unit Commissioner Video AV-06DVD08 “Helping Units Succeed”

Commissioner’s Roles Friend Teacher Unit “Paramedic” Problem Solver Resource Person

Supporting the Unit

Supporting the Unit Topic: Indicators of unit health Method: Buzz groups

Indicators of Unit Health: Pack Leadership Family attendance Webelos Dens Den participation Advancement Meeting operation Youth attendance Den chiefs Membership Tiger Cub dens

Indicators of Unit Health: Troop Meeting operation Boy leadership Attendance Patrol activity Budget Plan Outdoor program Membership Adult assistance Skills instruction presentation Skills instruction levels

Indicators of Unit Health: Crew Adult Advisors Membership Elected officers Meeting operation Planned program Service projects Adult assistance Program capability inventory

Commissioner Worksheet

Sample

Evaluation Tool Commissioner Worksheets: pack,

troop, crew, post Do unit leaders resist evaluation? Do you understand the profile? What are your resources?

Unit Program Planning

Cub Scout Program Planning Unit commissioners should understand

process and tools Program Helps and Pack Planning Chart

Cub Scout Leader Program Notebook Council calendar Chartered organization needs

Annual program planning conference Monthly pack leaders meeting Den Chief – Den Leader meeting

Boy Scout Program Planning Tools

Troop Program Features — 4 volumes Program Planning Chart Boy Scout Leader Program Notebook

Planning steps Homework (get ready) Find out what Scouts want (patrol leaders) PLC annual planning, SPL presiding Secure troop committee support Pass the word. Publicize.

Venture Crew Program Planning Crew plans program

Program capability inventory (adult resources) Adult hobbies, interests, skills, careers, and Ideas

from PCI to program planning forms Venturing activity interest survey

Planning steps Brainstorm activities Discuss and evaluate each idea Select activities and calendarize Plan details each month in advance

Summary Opening Purpose, Aims and Methods of

Scouting Commissioner Service Role Supporting the Unit Unit Program Planning

Break!

Commissioner Basic Training

Commissioner Priorities

Distractions Unit service

Do not fall into the trap of doing everything except your appointed job

Principal Scouting obligation must be with commissioner responsibilities

Do not register as a unit leader

Unit Focus Priority units receive most careful

attention Do not give most attention to healthiest &

active units Prioritize unit needs

Effective Commissioner Leadership

Leadership Tasks Evaluate and improve your own

performance Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude Work successfully with adults Guide unit leaders in working successfully

with boys Set a good example for the boys and other

adults Continue learning and growing in leadership

skills Practice good communication

Summary The Aims and Methods of Scouting The Commissioner Service Role Supporting the Unit Unit Program Planning Commissioner Priorities Effective Commissioner Leadership

Units: The Commissioner’s Top Priority

Session 2

Learning Objectives Make meaningful visits to a unit. Explain how unit committees are

organized to support the unit leaders. State the role of the commissioner in

youth protection. Recognize the standards for quality

unit operation. Evaluate unit operation.

Unit Visitation Basics

Unit Visit Basics Commissioners visit each unit at

least monthly Visits may be to unit meeting, unit

committee meeting, or unit leader Visits provide knowledge of how to

help a unit improve its program Visits allow you to find out about

problems before the unit fails, weakens or members leave.

First Unit Visit Make appointment to visit an assigned

unit Go with your observer-coach Worksheet will be filled out later Take your resource kit Observe for the entire meeting Do not participate beyond introductions Both new commissioner and coach fill

out independent worksheets Wear your complete Field Uniform

Second Unit Visit Second visit — unit meeting Go by yourself Stay only 15 minutes (drop-in) Take your resource kit Make worksheet changes Wear your complete Field Uniform

Third Unit Visit Third visit — committee meeting Visit chartered organization

representative Take your resource kit Be prepared with ways to help Give everyone your phone and

address Wear your complete Field Uniform

Unit Condition Know the condition of the unit at all

times: Is the program fun & challenging for

the youth Do leaders find the program

rewarding Is there a membership growth plan Will the unit register on time.

Unit Committee Functions

Pack and Troop Committee Functions Fast Start for a Good Start

Pack CommitteeAdvancementFinanceOutingsTrainingMembership & reregistrationRecord keeping & correspondencePublic relationsFriends of Scouting

Troop CommitteeAdvancementFinanceEquipmentOutdoor programTransportationLeadership selectionMembership & reregistrationFriends of Scouting

Crew Committee Membership Finance Training Camping & Outdoor Activities & Civic Service Advancement & Recognition Service

Introduction to Youth Protection

Commissioner and Youth Protection Annual Youth Protection visit in the

fall Encourage proper leader selection

procedures Coach unit people if child abuse

occurs

Commissioner and Youth Protection Promote the youth videos

It Happened to Me A Time to Tell Personal Safety Awareness

Explain how to use Youth Protection inserts

Complete Youth Protection Training yourself

Journey to Excellence

Journey to Excellence uses aBalanced Scorecard

69

Quality Growth

Sustainability

Quality, growth, and sustainability must all be in balance for success to be truly achieved.

Your Role in Journey to Excellence as a Commissioner You’re not an Umpire

You’re not a Judge or the police

You are a friend, a mentor and a coach

And maybe help a bit with scorekeeping

Journey to Excellence helps Units – It brings: A framework for planning for the year A method for evaluating the Unit Assessment of how they’re doing in the key

areas found in great Units Guidance in areas where they might do better Specific guidelines and standards of what is

good performance Early warning of potential problem areas Recognition for good performance Benchmarking to get ideas and tips from other

good units

Journey to Excellence Award(Pack) Advancement Retention Membership Outdoor Activities Trained

Leadership Day/Resident

Camp Service Projects

Leadership Planning Webelos-to-Scout Budget Pack and Den

Meetings On-time Registration Annual Assessment

Journey to Excellence Award(Pack) To earn Bronze: Complete 10 of 13

Bronze requirements, plus earn 700 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

To earn Silver: Earn the Bronze award, plus earn 1,000 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

To earn Gold: Earn the Bronze award, plus earn 1,600 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

Journey to Excellence Award(Troop) Advancement Retention Membership Trained

Leadership Short-term

camping Long-term

camping Patrol Method

Service Projects Webelos-to-Scout Budget Court of Honor/

Parents Meetings On-Time Registration Annual Assessment

Journey to Excellence Award(Troop) To earn Bronze: Complete 11 of 13

Bronze requirements, plus earn 700 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

To earn Silver: Earn the Bronze award, plus earn 1,000 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

To earn Gold: Earn the Bronze award, plus earn 1,600 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

Journey to Excellence Award(Crew) Activities Membership Retention Youth

Leadership Service Projects Trained

Leadership

Super Activity Parent Meetings Budget On-Time Registration Annual Assessment

Journey to Excellence Award(Crew) To earn Bronze: Complete 9 of 11

Bronze requirements, plus earn 700 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

To earn Silver: Earn the Bronze award, plus earn 1,000 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

To earn Gold: Earn the Bronze award, plus earn 1,600 points (from Bronze, Silver, or Gold points list).

Emphasis of Journey to Excellence Continuous Improvement is a Goal

Did the Unit do measurably better in key areas than last year?

OR are they already performing at a high level in those areas?

Either way, the Unit can qualify for the standard

Emphasis of Journey to Excellence►Program and Participation in the Unit

(Membership) are most important factors

►Administrative factors are considered

►Factors which are early indicators of Unit strength and health are identified and assessed

Summary Unit Visitation Basics Unit Committee Functions Introduction to Youth Protection Journey to Excellence Unit

Operations

Break!

Commissioner Basic Training

How to Help a Unit

Session 3

Learning Objectives Use counseling fundamentals to encourage the

unit leader and to lead him to self-sufficiency. State the resource and support available to help

make the unit successful. State methods of membership management. Use the unit charter renewal process in

rechartering a unit. Explain the annual commissioner service plan. Use commissioner lifesaving techniques to

resolve unit life-threatening problems.

Counseling

Counseling Defined “The ability to listen to someone in

such a way that they will solve their own problems."

Fundamentals Time and place with no interruptions Understand what the leader is saying Let the leader know you hear and

understand Do not give advice!

Guide the discussion through questions Leader solves their own problem If they don't solve their own problem:

Give information Propose possible alternatives Let leader pick best solution

Fundamentals Summarize from time to time to keep

on track Support thinking with information

Know the difference between information and advice

Resources: Commissioner Fieldbook, Counseling

District Committee

District Committee Four function organization

Membership Finance Program Unit service

Membership Functions Gather information Cultivate relationships with

community organizations Organize new units Help youth join existing units

Finance Functions Obtain the district’s share of funds

for the council budget Carry out FOS in the district Meet goals by target dates Implement finance policies Conduct project selling Assist with endowment development Stimulate United Way relationships Recognize donors

Program Functions Training Camping and Outdoor Activities and Civic Service Advancement and Recognition

Training Determine who needs training Build annual training program Develop plans for specific courses Promote courses Provide training recognition

Camping & Outdoor Promote resident camping for all

packs, troops, and teams Develop and promote Cub Scout day

camps Promote year-round camping by all

units Provide guidance on health and safety Use camperships Guide the Order of the Arrow

Activities & Civic Service Recruit teams to carry out district

activities Involve the district in community

service projects Promote and help with council events

Advancement & Recognition Help unit leaders with

advancement procedures Monitor unit advancement

progress Recruit merit badge counselors Approve Eagle Scout service

project plans Recommend youths and adults

for special awards

Unit Service Function Regularly visit all units Demonstrate BSA concern for unit

leaders Facilitate on-time charter renewals Appraise and help units improve their

program Help units earn the Quality Unit Award Help units benefit from council

resources Conduct monthly roundtables Guide the unit leader selection process

Membership Management

Membership Management

Membership Management Buzz groups for 10 minutes

Topics: Unit with mostly older boys Inventories of active boys Year-round recruiting Preventing dropped units

1 minute reports

Membership Management Unit with mostly older boys

Recruit Inventories of active boys

Committee Involvement for inactive boys Program or Administrative issue

Help Units Grow Year-round recruiting

Birthday greetings Phone Invitations Personal Invitations Webelos-Scout transition

Preventing dropped units Assigned to unit Assigned while organizing new units

Unit Charter Renewal Process

Charter Renewal "If commissioners are providing

regular visitation and doing their job as in the Annual Service Plan, then rechartering becomes a minor paperwork exercise." George Crowl, 1982

Objectives Reregister unit

On time Maximum membership Two deep trained leadership

The Plan -90 -60 -45 -15 +30

Charter Renewal Plan 90 days before:

District executive visit head of chartered organization

60 days before: ScoutNet available to log on Membership inventory

Recruit to make up loss 100% Boy's Life

Charter Renewal Plan 45 days before:

Charter renewal meeting Boys and Adults Fees Approvals Plans for the next year (Quality Unit)

15 days before: Submit charter renewal to service center

30 days after: Charter presentation

Ninety Days Before District Executive visits Institution

Head Friendly visit "How can I help"

Sixty Days Before Membership inventory Set renewal meeting date

Online Rechartering Available 60 days in advance Online Rechartering is easier Council furnishes units with ScoutNet

data on a buffered web page Units make corrections in this data When data is correct unit uploads material to

buffer on ScoutNet Unit prints charter, obtains signatures and turns

in to the council with payment After turn-in, Council accepts data and

sends this data to ScoutNet

Forty-Five Days BeforeCharter review meeting

Youth and Adults Fees Approvals Quality Unit status Plans

Fifteen Days Before Unit updates buffered ScoutNet data

and gets signatures Submit to service center

Some Techniques Talk about 100% Boy's Life often Committee members do membership

follow-up Discuss Quality Unit with the whole

committee (several times a year) Unit people update ScoutNet data Charter renewal checklist

Thirty Days After Charter presentation

Chartered organization head COR Unit Leader Unit Committee Chair The unit

Sample presentation in Commissioner Fieldbook

Annual Commissioner Service Plan

Annual Commissioner Service Plan Gives specific purpose to regular and

supportive contact with units.

Annual Plan April - Unit leadership

inventory May - Troop uniform

inspection August - Unit program

planning October - Unit uniform

inspection November - Youth

Protection Training December -

Membership inventory

90 days before charter renewal date: executive officer visit

60 days before charter renewal date: Membership inventory

45 days before charter renewal date: Charter renewal meeting

15 days before charter renewal date: Submit to service center

30 days after charter renewal date: Charter presentation

Annual Plancoupled with

regular visitationprovides good

commissioner service.

Lifesaving Commissioner

Danger Signals Style of leadership

Leader wants to keep authority Lacks faith in boys / leaders Leader trains only by mass instruction Leader does not grasp possibilities of patrol

method Unit is not meeting Unit is without adult leaders

Danger Signals Unit has no committee No new members being added Low attendance at meetings Weak or poorly organized program No advancement No participation in day camp or

summer camp No unit budget

Vital Signs What are they?

Vital Signs Youth dropping out No youth recruiting or poor recruiting methods No adult leader No planned program No youth leaders No discipline Unit stops meeting Charter lapses Chartered organization leader unhappy Only one active adult No parents involved Adult conflicts / poor communications

Take Action Fast Consult ADC / DC Ask some basic questions

What are the problems? What are possible solutions? What do we do first? Who do we involve? How do we know when unit is saved? What is “plan B”?

Be enthusiastic Apply "first aid“ Apply “second aid” Promote teamwork

Hurry Cases Unit not meeting No leader No committee No new members Conflict with chartered organization New untrained leader Weak leadership

Lifesaving Team Ad hoc, or organized Bring appropriate skills to bear on

the problem Adapt to the individual problems

Summary Counseling The District Committee Membership Management Unit Charter Renewal Process Annual Commissioner Service Plan The Lifesaving Commissioner Open Forum Closing

Open Forum:Questions and Concerns

Closing