Instructors: Richard Benner, David Carleton, Gene Letner, Chris Porras, Walt Robbins Bachelor of Commissioner Science

l Reminder to instructors: Check the notes pages of this presentation for the text of the Continuing Education for Commissioners l This is a “hidden slide” and will not show in the presentation.

Introductions l Name l Commissioner job l Scouting experience

Overview l BS104, Unit Visitation (R) l BS102, Rechartering (R) l BS103, The District (O) l BS105, Solutions (O) l BS106, Priorities (O) l Or — any optional Masters or Doctoral class

Overview l BCS101, Intro to CS l BCS102, Charter Renewal l BCS103, Commissioner and the District l BCS104, Unit Visitation l BCS105, Practical Solutions l BCS106, Commissioner Priorities l BCS107, Youth Protection l BCS108, Roundtables I l BCS109, Roundtables II l BCS110, Style l BCS111, Health & Safety l BCS112, What Would You Do? l BCS113, Service to New Units l BCS114, Commissioner- Professional Relationship

BCS 101 Introduction to Commissioner Science Instructor:

Introduction l Need a dynamic commissioner staff l Commissioner role is different l Quality depends on commissioners l Resources help commissioners succeed l You aren’t an expert in everything l Know where to go to get help l First resource: Commissioner Fieldbook

Commissioner Fieldbook l Resource of information l Experience of hundreds of commissioners

Contents

Commissioner Orientation l Overview l Use with video: Helping Units Succeed

Commissioner Concept l Help units succeed! l Max efficiency l Good program l More members l Results oriented, not procedures l Roles l Friend of the unit l Representative of the BSA l Unit “doctor” l Teacher l Counselor

District Commissioner Staff l District Commissioner l Assistant District Commissioners l Unit Commissioners l Roundtable Commissioners l District Executive

Providing Unit Service l We care — listen! l Unit contacts l Frequency l Unit meeting visits l Unit committee visits l Other contacts l Annual commissioner service plan l Other ways to help a unit l Quality Unit Award l Do unit service first!

Commissioner Style l Frontline diplomat l Exceptional service l Roots and wings l Service recovery: How to right a wrong

Lifesaving Commissioner l Watch the vital signs l Go into action fast l Hurry cases

Counseling l “Ability to listen and react in a way that will help others solve their own problems”

Unit Charter Renewal l BCS 102 covers unit charter renewal l Commissioner’s goal—“on time”

Commissioner Training l Orientation video l Personal coaching / orientation l Basic training l Arrowhead Honor l Commissioner’s Key l Continuing education

Commissioner Resources l A list of basic helps

Unit Commissioner Worksheets (1)

Unit Commissioner Worksheets (2)

Summary l Commissioner Fieldbook is your guide l Only a tool l You have to build something with it

Questions?Comments!

BCS 102 Unit Charter Renewal Instructor: Richard Benner

Why Recharter? l BSA does not own Scouting units l Annual franchise to chartered partners l Chartered partners are: l Churches l Schools / PTAs l Service clubs l Businesses and labor unions

When Do Units Recharter? l Before the charter date (expiration date) l Most are one year l Minimum 6 months, maximum 18 months l Each council has a preferred pattern l BDAC l LDS - December 31st l Community - January 31st

The Charter Renewal Process l l 90 days before: l l DE visit IH l l Printout available (to right person!) l l 60 days before: l l Membership inventory l l Recruit to make up loss l l 100% Boy's Life? l l 45 days before: l l Charter renewal meeting l l Boys l l Adults l l Fees l l Approvals l l Plans for the next year (Quality Unit) l l 15 days before: l l Charter turn-in night l l 60 days after: l l Charter presentation

Ninety Days Before: l l District Executive visits Institution Head l l Friendly visit or l l "How can I help"

Sixty Days Before: l l Membership inventory l l Set review meeting l l Uniform inspection?

Forty-Five Days Before: l l Charter review meeting l l Youth l l Adults l l Fees l l Approvals l l Quality Unit status l l Plans

Fifteen Days Before: l l Charter turn-in night

Sixty Days After: l l Charter presentation l l Chartered partner and l l The unit l Sample presentation in Commissioner Fieldbook

Failure to Recharter l Who has the forms? l Why? l What can you do about it? l Reorganize before charter expiration

Charter Renewal Application l Headers l Adults l Age l Applications l Youth l Applications l Boy’s Life

Reregistration Checklist l One is available

Two Principles Assure Success l Keep the unit charter renewal process simple l ONLY registration, Boy’s Life, Quality Unit l Anticipate anything that could delay on-time charter renewal l Unit problem l Leader or institution head out of town l Etc.

Questions?Comments!

BCS 103 The Commissioner and the District Instructor: Chris Porras

Volunteers and Professionals Working Together Volunteers and Professionals Working Together

Relationship u What makes the relationship work? u Who makes the important decisions? u The flavor of the relationship u How do UC and DE work best together? u How to avoid common problem areas

DistrictOrganization

Four-Function Plan  Membership u Finance u Program u Unit Service u Key 3 u District Chairman u District Commissioner u District Executive

Membership u School nights u Commissioners needed! u Garfield roundup u Patrol plus u New unit organization u Commissioner needed!

Finance u District goals support council services u District campaign u Unit campaign u Unit commissioner explain / support

Program u Training u UC support, take people to training! u Camping / Outdoor u Summer camp u Day camp u Outdoor program u Activities u Advancement

Unit Service u UC a friend to the unit’s leaders u UC evaluates program, provides help u UC encourages activities u UC reports unit status u UC helps unit solve problems u Training u Advancement u Outdoors / Activities

CouncilOrganization

Council Organization u Six valley Scouting districts - Tomahawk, El Dorado, Sunrise, Chemehuevi, Big Horn, North Star u Urban Scouting units u Northern & Southern districts u Mini-districts within u Learning for Life u In-School Scouting - elementary & HS u Exploring

Council Support u Executive Board - governance u Professional staff - service u Support staff - service u Volunteer staff - service u Training - Pow Wow, Wood Badge, etc. u Commissioners - RTRT, CCS, etc. u Camping - camps, high adventure, etc.

SuccessfulDistricts

Quality Districts u 60% Quality Units u 2% unit growth u 2% or balanced membership growth u Finance goals u On-time reregistration goals u 1 unit commissioner for each 3 units u Use the standard district structure u Each key volunteer position filled u Hold annual conference with each IH

How Do You Contribute? u On-time rechartering u Quality Units u Membership growth u Outdoor program u Trained leaders u Communicate the need for finance drives u A quality program for kids!

Questions?Comments!

BCS 104 Unit Visitation Instructor: Walt Robbins

Types of Visits l Unit meetings l Unit committee meetings l Individual get-together with unit leader l Visit with other unit adults l Effective phone contacts

Before You Go l Friend of the unit l How can you help the unit? l Know what is best for unit success l Strengthen unit adult roles l Commissioner is in the background l Be helpful, not critical l Better to call first l Know units, do homework, know what to expect

During the Visit l Watch and listen l Do not disrupt the meeting l Stay long enough l Don’t take notes l Chat with other adults on the sideline l Get to know the boys l Don’t distract the leader l Give a chance to mention problems l Take some freebies

After the Visit l After — fill out commissioner worksheet l Determine priority needs l How can you be most helpful? l Discuss special needs with ADC / DC / DE

Worksheet

Sample

Odds and Ends l Brainstorm ways to help l Prioritize your units l Keep a positive attitude

Uniform Inspections l Notify youth and adults in advance l Hand out uniform inspection sheets in advance l Prepare your team before the inspection l Inspect the inspectors first l 1-2 inspectors per den / patrol l Give an honest grade, move on l Don’t sweat the small stuff l Compliment the boys and adults

Counseling l “Ability to listen and react in a way that will help others solve their own problems”

Questions?Comments!

BCS 105 Practical Solutions to Common Unit Needs Instructor: David Carleton

Commissioners Help Units: l Succeed l Develop a better program l Operate more effectively

Unit Commissioner Worksheets l Review worksheets— Commissioner Helps l Nine / ten categories for each unit l Unit profile l “Some Ways to Help” suggestions

Pack Worksheet (1)

Pack Worksheet (2)

Pack Worksheet (3)

Pack Worksheet (4)

Troop Worksheet (1)

Troop Worksheet (2)

Troop Worksheet (3)

Troop Worksheet (4)

Crew Worksheet (1)

Crew Worksheet (2)

Crew Worksheet (3)

Crew Worksheet (4)

Commissioner Response l Commissioner Helps for Packs, Troops and Crews l Standards based on experience and policy l Practical action by a commissioner

Find a Solution l St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church has a new pastor who is unfamiliar with Scouting l Neither Troop 41 nor Crew 41 appear to have any program planned more than two weeks in advance. l Last week you attended a pack meeting and only three parents were present. l One of your assigned troops has not added a new boy member in ten months. l One of your troops has very few boys in Scout uniform. l At their May Pack meeting, Cubmaster Bob Newguy tells you he looks forward to seeing you in September. l The chairman of a unit committee calls and expresses concern about the adequacy of the unit’s meeting place.

Class Project l “A Cub Scout pack consists of six members, one den leader (untrained), one Cubmaster (untrained), no committee members, and parents who say they are willing to help but never make a move to do so.” l List every section of Helps which can help you respond

Problem-Solving Video l Unit Problem-Solving for Commissioners video, AV-04V002 l 14 problem segments l Designed for use in commissioner meetings

Questions?Comments!

BCS 106 A Commissioner’s Priorities Instructor: Gene Letner

Know Your Units— Our #1 Priority l Know the unit adults l Be a friend of the unit l Understand the environment l Chartered organization l History and experience with Scouting l Income and education level l Inner-city neighborhood / suburban / rural l Visit often enough to be up-to-date

Prioritize Unit Needs l Keep a list of needs and problems l Evaluate your time—it is limited l Concentrate your energies on main problems l Focus on units that need help l Do unit service—not everything else l Activities are not a commissioner’s first job l Say “no” when required l Being a commissioner is your primary job

Typical Priorities l l Unit not meeting l l Unit with no leader l l New unit leader lacks training l l Unit with no active committee l l Unit with no new youth members l l Unit with weak leadership l l Conflict with chartered organization l l Unit charter renewal time

Steps in Handling a Problem l Identify the problem l Decide if it is a problem l Discuss the problem with the ADC l Is assistance needed from the district committee? l Decide whether you will handle it alone or with the ADC l Decide who is to handle the problem l Plan your actions l Plan your alternatives l Put the plan into action l Evaluate

The Quality Unit Award l A commissioner is successful if the unit is a Quality Unit l Review achievements at recharter time l Make a commitment for next year l Present streamers, emblems, etc. l You make it a year-around project for them to succeed

National Quality Unit Award l Four mandatory items l Trained leader l Trained assistant leader l Outdoor activities l Recharter on time l Minimum two of six optional items l 100% Boy’s Life (or improvement) l Advancement l Service project l Etc., appropriate to the type of unit

Questions?Comments!

BCS 107 Youth Protection Training Instructor:

Introduction Child abuse is one of “five unacceptables” l Educate Scouting volunteers, parents and Scouts to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse l Establish leader-selection procedures to prevent offenders from entering BSA leadership l Establish policies that create barriers to child abuse within the program l Encourage Scouts to report improper behavior in order to identify offenders quickly l Swift removal and reporting of alleged offenders

l Video

Commissioner Duties l Conduct annual adult YPT l Help units use proper leader-selection l Coach unit people if abuse occurs l Promote use of youth videos l Cub — It Happened to Me l Scout — A Time to Tell l Venturing — three vignettes l Explain how to use youth handbook inserts l Stay up to date on YPT changes

Questions?Comments!

BCS 108 Effective Roundtables I Instructor:

Introduction l Essential elements for success l The will to do l The skill to do l Who should attend roundtables l When and where to hold roundtables l Why people attend

Roundtable Structure l Combined sessions l Separate sessions

Basic Ingredients of a Roundtable Program l Preopening — exhibits, display, literature l Opening l Information and recognition l Cub Scout program theme / Boy Scout program feature l Closing l After the meeting

Planning Cycle l Annual program planning l Annual planning conference l Monthly program themes l Use of theme managers l Quarterly planning meeting l Monthly staff meetings l Program themes l Personal resources l District and council events l Special dates

Roundtable Planning Checklists

Resource Materials l Planning guides l Program Helps l Scouting magazine l Boys’ Life magazine l Scouting literature l Other resources

Closing l BCS 109 coming up! l Effective Roundtables II

Questions?Comments!

BCS 109 Effective Roundtables II Instructor:

Promotion and Publicity (1) l Regular date, time, and meeting place l “Think second Thursday” l Have a permanent meeting place l Reminders l Newsletters l Follow-through l Forming a roundtable pack or troop

l Unit involvement l Recognition l Promotional plans l Gimmicks and goodies l Attendance awards l Personal contact is best l Phone squads Promotion and Publicity (2)

Location l Adequate space l Adequate parking l Available year-round l Areas for split sessions l Attractive and interesting facility l Easily accessible l Easily accessible for people with disabilities l Meets health and safety requirements

l Displays and exhibits l Program theme ideas l Council and district events l Scouting literature l Equipment l Unit show and tell l Scouting memorabilia l Trading post l Boys’ Life l Other stuff Roundtable Morale Builders (1)

l Information center l Announcements (keep them brief) l Written notices and packets l Scouting “supermarket” l Physical property bank l Songs l Use of songs l Songleading tips l Songbooks Roundtable Morale Builders (2)

l Icebreakers, stunts, and skits l Icebreakers l Group Meeting Sparklers l Cheers and applause l Stunts and skits l Developing skits l Staging skits l Resources l Funny lost-and-found Roundtable Morale Builders (3)

l Games and contests l Value of games l Types of games l Use of games l Recognitions l New people / new units l Units and leaders l Awards l Fun stuff Roundtable Morale Builders (4)

l Ceremonies l Purpose of ceremonies l Essential ingredients l Staging ceremonies l Involvement and participation l Types of ceremonies l Ceremonial props Roundtable Morale Builders (5)

Review of Quality Roundtable Ingredients l Action l Material l Handouts l Skills and crafts l New ideas l Useful information l Fun l Food

Questions?Comments!

BCS 110 Commissioner Style Instructor:

Be a Frontline Diplomat l Be an effective commissioner l Be a good listener l Have sound judgement l Be tactful l Have a Scouting background or be a fast learner l Be persistent and patient l Be adaptable l Know and practice Scouting ideals l Be enthusiastic

Exceptional Service l Equation: Unit leader perception of help received Unit leader perception of help received — Help the leader expected = Exceptional district service l Exceptional service exceeds unit leader expectations rather than barely meeting expectations

Roots l Confidence and commitment l Traditions l Campfires l Camporees l Uniforms l Ideals — Law and Promise l Youth leadership l Quality programs

Wings l Commissioners lead change l Stay relevant to young peoples’ world l Help units personal growth to embrace change l Be excited about new ideas l Relate to the community and culture

Brainstorming l What are specific examples of traditions and standards in Scouting that should probably not change? (Roots) l What are specific example of recent changes in Scouting that we should try to quickly adapt to? (Wings)

How to Right a Wrong

l Find a sincere way to say “I’m sorry” l Act immediately l Take the initiative l Smooth ruffled feathers l Let them know you care l Turn a blunder into an opportunity l Be prepared

Questions?Comments!

BCS 111 Health and Safety Training Instructor:

Questions?Comments!

BCS 112 What Would You Do? Instructor:

Procedure l Small groups solve separate problems. Positive solutions for all parties l Report solutions l Select individual ideas that have broader application

#1 l One of your friends, a new unit commissioner, meets for the first time with a longtime Cubmaster. While the Cubmaster is not hostile, he is decidedly formal. In the course of conversation, he says, “We don’t support Friends of Scouting in this unit because the council has never done anything for us.” The new commissioner calls you and says, “So what do I do now?”

#2 l You receive a call from a harried Scoutmaster. She reports that her unit commissioner is an impossible chauvinist who resents women being in leadership positions in Scouting. She with the backing of her unit committee, demands the immediate reassignment of the commissioner. As an ADC, your course of action would be...

#3 l You receive a call from John Smith, who informs you he is the new unit commissioner for Troop 1 and Pack 1. John wants to talk to you about some changes he thinks should be made in the operation and leadership of both units. He informs you that he has already spoken to the pastor of the church which holds the unit charters. You have never heard of John Smith before. What do you do next?

#4 l You are a unit commissioner. You receive a call from an irate mother of a young Scout. Mom launches into a tirade about how her son’s advancement is being frustrated by members of the Scout’s unit. It seems her son had earned 17 merit badges at summer camp. He worked from 5 in the morning until 11 at night and had the approval of the provisional assistant Scoutmaster at the camp. She stated that the troop advancement committee is sitting on the blue cards, not processing them. Mom makes it clear that her son, who is 12 and a half, is going to be the youngest Eagle Scout in the nation. As soon as you hang up the phone you should...

#5 l You receive a call from a single-parent father who is trying to get his twin sons into a Cub pack. He has been told by all the units in the area that they are full. What would you do?

#6 l You learn that one one of your packs is telling their Cubs that denners and assistant denners who have completed their terms can cut the cords off and continue to wear the small yellow shoulder tab. The women of the pack have voted to wear the green Venturing uniform shirt with the blue tabs. What should you start doing?

#7 l You meet a Scoutmaster at the council service center and he complains to you that he can never get any information about what’s happening in the district and the council. He feels isolated and forgotten. What would you recommend.

#8 l It has come to your attention that one of your newly assigned troops has not attended a council summer camp in over six years. In fact, the troop puts on its own camp on privately owned land. The troop committee supports this program and feels the camp experience they are providing is far superior to anything happening in a council camp. Should you do anything?

#9 l You have a unit in your area that has never, in the memory of man, ever done its charter renewal correctly. The unit leaders refuse to attend the orientation meetings and, in fact, do not take charter renewal very seriously. Should you do anything with this unit? If so, what’s the first thing?

#10 l The committee chairman of a newly formed Boy Scout troop calls you and wants a laundry list of all the training opportunities for Scout leaders. Make up the list and prioritize it, showing the chairman who should take what training in what order.

Questions?Comments!

BCS 113 Service to New Units Instructor:

Commissioner Tasks (1) l No gap in service after organizing unit l How do commissioner and organizer work together? l How do they handle transition? l Make first charter presentation special l Remember Fieldbook pp

Commissioner Tasks (2) l First unit committee meeting l Role? l Your agenda? l Training l Fast Start l New Leader Essentials l... Specific Training

Commissioner Tasks (3) l Youth buy-in l Venturing — officers elected and trained l Scouting — patrol method l Cub Scouting — dens functioning l Guide program planning l First two months

Commissioner Tasks (4) l Be a friend, not a “checker-upper” l Help start planning for major events l Cub day camp, resident camp l Scout summer camp l Venturing superactivity

Commissioner Tasks (5) l Recognize unit successes. l Help leaders solve immediate concerns

Commissioner Tasks (6) l Play a mentoring role. Begin a trusting relationship. l How is future help affected? l How can you gauge trust?

Questions?Comments!

BCS 114 Good Commissioner- Professional Relationships Instructor:

Introduction l Volunteer – professional relationship special hallmark of BSA l Core of its success l Both share responsibility for good working relationships

l What is evidence of a good relationship?

l Good volunteer-professional relationships are characterized by mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual recognition of each other’s role and competency.

Mutual Dependence l Common goal — quality program for youth l Interdependent l Too much work to be done by professionals l Professionals provide coaching / experience l Seek each other’s counsel l Professionals work with volunteers l Should be friends

Differences / Similarities l Differences l Professional — full time, more experience l Volunteer — part time, experience limited l Similarities l Dedicated to principles of Scouting l Desire quality program for kids

Tip #1 l Intentionally begin to build a good relationship with your professional from your very first visit. Be positive. Be enthusiastic. Be well prepared. Think in advance about the impression you want to make as one of the trusted volunteers of the district.

Tip #2 l Be accessible to your professional adviser. Exchange phone numbers, addresses, mailing addresses, etc. Avoid the impression that you are too busy or annoyed when he calls. Return his calls.

Tip #3 l Create a welcome environment for the new professional and plan ways to incorporate him or her into the team. Remember that it’s easy for a group to turn inward and make newcomers feel awkward or unwelcome. Send a letter of introduction to appropriate volunteers from an appropriate person in authority (council president, Scout executive, etc.). This helps a person feel good about joining the district or council. It also helps volunteers get acquainted with the new professional.

Tip #4 l A professional will try to make efficient use of commissioners’ time and, as best they can, plan visits and meetings at times that are best for volunteers. Commissioners and professionals should help make the most efficient use of each other’s Scouting time

Tip #5 l Commissioners should know that they can turn to their professional for advice or troubleshooting. Help create the kind of relationship in which you are comfortable asking for help.

Tip #6 l There will inevitably be some professionals you don’t like as much as others. That’s human nature. However, part of being a good Scouter is working with all kinds of people, even when the human chemistry isn’t just perfect. Feel free to talk with your professional partner about how you are working together.

Tip #7 l While you obviously want to form a Scouting relationship, it is nevertheless important to get to know your professional as a whole person. Most of us will feel more comfortable working with someone who is interested in other aspects of our lives as well as our Scouting responsibilities. l Keep in mind that Scouting is not a person’s only priority in life. They will have family priorities and may be active in religious and other activities.

Tip #8 l Let your professional adviser know if you plan to have your spouse, secretary, or work associate assist you with a Scouting task, and how the pro can be helpful to that person.

Tip #9 l Develop good communication in which you and your professional really listen to and understand each other.

Tip #10 l In some instances the function of guiding other volunteers is shared between you and a pro. A DE works with operating committee chairmen who also look to the district chairman for guidance. Both the DC and DE have a direct working relationship with ADCs. Unit commissioners work with both their DE and ADC. l You and the professional should be careful to avoid confusion for volunteers and to ensure that they receive consistent messages and have a compatible relationship with both their volunteer leader and the professional.

Summary l Scouting’s success is founded on volunteer talent with professional advice and support

Questions?Comments!

Graduation