Boy Scout Commissioner Training

Commissioner Basic Training : 

Commissioner Basic Training Welcome to One Day session Will include: Why Commissioners? The Commissioner’s Top Priority: the Unit How to Help a Unit

Commissioner Basic Training : 

Commissioner Basic Training Why Commissioners?

Learning Objectives : 

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 At the end of this session, you should be able to: Session One

Aims & Methods of Scouting : 

Aims & Methods of Scouting Aims: Home & neighborhood centered Parent involvement Advancement plan The den Ideals Uniform Activity program Ideals Patrols Outdoors Advancement Personal growth Adult association Leadership development Uniform Association with youth & adults Ethical decision making Group activities Recognition Democratic process Curiosity, exploration & adventure Character Development Citizenship Training Personal Fitness Advancement High adventure & sports Activities Service Personal development Special programs & events

Missions of the… : 

Missions of the… …Council …District Four-Function Plan of council and district: Membership/Relationships Available to all youth Finance Provide adequate funds Program Maintain standards & policies Unit Service Serve chartered organizations A COUNCIL is a voluntary association of citizens which promotes the Scouting program within a geographical area. To guide and support its districts To organize and support successful units.

The Commissioner Concept : 

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. Mission: Keep units operating Regular contact Counsel leaders Help fix problems

Most Important Resource : 

Most Important Resource Contains: Commissioner Orientation Orientation Projects The Commissioner Concept The District Commissioner Staff Providing Unit Service Your Commissioner Style Be a Lifesaving Commissioner How to remove a Volunteer Counseling Youth Protection Unit Charter Renewal Unit Commissioner Training Resources Self-Evaluation Distinguished Commissioner Service Award

Job of Unit Commissioner : 

Job of Unit Commissioner Review answers to pre-opening quiz Refer to Commissioner Job Description cards

Commissioner’s Role : 

Commissioner’s Role What are the five major roles of a commissioner? Friend Representative Unit “doctor” Teacher Counselor More details in Commissioner Fieldbook, page 11

Supporting the Unit : 

Supporting the Unit Buzz groups Identify and discuss at least 5 indicators that should be monitored to determine the health of a scouting unit. Cub Scout Pack Boy Scout Troop

Supporting the Unit : 

Supporting the Unit Cub Scout Pack Boy Scout Troop What are the indicators to be monitored? Meeting operation Youth leadership Advancement Adult assistance Attendance Outdoor program Patrol activity Budget plan Membership Planned program Leadership Webelos den Advancement Attendance Adult attendance Den activity Tiger Cub den Den chiefs or den aides Membership Planned program

Supporting the Unit : 

Supporting the Unit Would a tool for evaluating a unit’s health be useful? How might you use these worksheets? Would a unit leader resist evaluation? If you understood the unit’s profile, where might you go for help? Commissioner Helps for Packs, Troops, and Crews Commissioner Worksheet

Break : 

Break

Unit Program Planning : 

Unit Program Planning Plan your work and work your plan Understand the program planning process & tools (see chapter 24, Cub Scout Leader Book) Resources to help with program planning: Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Program Helps Pack Program Planning Chart Cub Scout Leader Program Notebook Council Program Calendar Chartered Organization program needs Other planning opportunities: Annual Pack program planning conference (attended by Cubmaster, pack committee, den leaders, den chiefs, parents, unit commissioner) Monthly pack leaders planning meeting Monthly den chief & den leader meeting

Unit Program Planning : 

Unit Program Planning Follows a pattern which involves the boys (see chapter 8, Scoutmaster Handbook) Resources to help with program planning: Troop Program Features Troop Program Planning Worksheets Boy Scout Leader Program Notebook Council Program Calendar Charter organization program needs Five Planning Steps: Do homework (get information ready) Find out what Scouts want Hold troop leaders’ program planning conference (attended by Patrol Leaders Council and Scoutmaster) Obtain troop committee support Share the plan with scouts, parents, UC, others Plan your work and work your plan

Unit Program Planning : 

Unit Program Planning As the coach, you are on the sidelines (see chapter 5, Varsity Scout Leader Guidebook) Resources to help with program planning: Varsity Program Features Team Activity Planning Worksheets Varsity Scout Game Plan – Volumes 1-3 Council Program Calendar Charter organization program needs Five Planning Steps: Do homework (get information ready) Conduct the Team’s Annual Planning Clinic Share the Plan Quarterly Program Detailing Monthly Program Detailing Weekly Checkup Plan your work and work your plan

Unit Program Planning : 

Unit Program Planning Information on planning Crew’s program (see chapter 3, Venturing Leader Manual) Planning process includes officers and members: Suggest ideas for activities Plan the activities Participate in the activities Planning steps: Program Capability Inventory completed by adults PCI information organized on Program Planning Forms Venturing Activity Interest Survey completed by Venturers Brainstorm ideas for activities using information collected above Discuss and evaluate each idea Select activities and place on program calendar Each month, plan details for next month’s activities Plan your work and work your plan

Review : 

Review We have learned about: Aims and Methods of Scouting The Commissioner Service Role Supporting the Unit Unit Program Planning

Commissioner Basic Training : 

Commissioner Basic Training Units: The Commissioner’s Top Priority

Learning Objectives : 

Learning Objectives Understand commissioner priorities and how to be an effective leader yourself Explain how unit committees are organized to support the unit leaders State the role of the commissioner in youth protection Recognize the standard for quality unit operation Evaluate unit operation At the end of this session, you should be able to: Session Two

Unit Visitation Reports : 

Unit Visitation Reports Individual reports on visits made before this training session Summary comments: Become more familiar with all resource material to improve your evaluations Increase understanding of the total situation in the unit Another visit opportunity – Review “Unit Contacts” section in Commissioner Fieldbook – page 15

Commissioner Priorities : 

Commissioner Priorities Everything else in Scouting Unit Service Falling into the Trap Commissioners can fall into the trap of doing everything else in Scouting except appointed job: Unit Service --- It happens! (see page 24, Commissioner Fieldbook) Commissioners are wonderful Scouters May be asked to do many things NOT the primary responsibilities of commissioners Concentrate your Scouting time on helping specific unit needs

Effective Leadership : 

Effective Leadership How to be effective leaders 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 communications

Break and Lunch : 

Break and Lunch Open Forum for questions and concerns

Unit Committee Functions : 

Unit Committee Functions Understand what help a unit leader should receive from a unit committee Unit Commissioner

Functions of the Committee : 

Functions of the Committee Cub Scouting: Recordkeeping Correspondence Advancement Training Public Relations Outings Finance Friends of Scouting Membership Re-registration Reference: Cub Scout Leader Book Pages 23-5 to 23-7 Boy Scouting: Leadership selection Finance Equipment Transportation Membership Re-registration Advancement Support outdoor program needs Venturing: Provide leadership Complete PCI Secure equipment Provide facilities Find resources Support program References: Scoutmaster Handbook Pages 157 Troop Committee Guidebook Reference: Venturing Leader Manual Pages 18-19 Varsity: Provide leadership Finance Equipment Membership Advancement High adventure Sports Personal development Service Special programs Reference: Varsity Scout Leader Guidebook Pages 22 & 24

Introduction to Youth Protection : 

Introduction to Youth Protection Boy Scouts of America is deeply concerned about the general welfare of our children

The Commissioner and Youth Protection : 

The Commissioner and Youth Protection Commissioners can help in several ways: Conduct annual Youth Protection review Help with leader selection Coach unit people Promote use of videos Explain about handbook inserts

Quality Unit Operation : 

Quality Unit Operation Unit Commissioners must be alert to situations that can signal a unit is in trouble. Divide into buzz groups and discuss possible danger signals

Quality Unit Operation : 

Quality Unit Operation Each group reports their list Buzz Groups Possible list of Danger Signs: Style of leadership Does not understand patrol method Lacks faith in boys running troop Wants to keep authority Can train only by mass instruction Temperament is not compatible Unit is not meeting Unit is without adult leaders Unit has no committee No new members are being added Low attendance at meetings Weak or poorly organized program No advancement No participation in camps No unit budget

Quality Unit Operation : 

Quality Unit Operation National Quality Unit Award for pack, troop, team, and crew operations These forms represent desirable and important standards for quality unit operation

Review : 

Review We have learned about: Commissioner Priorities Effective Commissioner Leadership Unit Committee Functions Introduction to Youth Protection Quality Unit Operation

Commissioner Basic Training : 

Commissioner Basic Training How to Help a Unit

Learning Objectives : 

Learning Objectives Use counseling fundamentals to encourage the unit leader and to lead him to self-sufficiency Explain the annual commissioner service plan State methods of membership management Use the resources of the district committee Use the unit charter renewal process in rechartering a unit Use commissioner lifesaving techniques to resolve unit life-threatening problems Make a meaningful visit to a unit At the end of this session, you should be able to: Session three

Counseling : 

Counseling Best way to help a unit is to strengthen its leadership through effective counseling Commissioners must be good counselors to do their jobs well Ability to listen in such a way that they will solve their own problems Counseling fundamentals: Carefully select time and place Work to understand what the leader is saying Let the leader know you hear and understand DO NOT give advice. Guide them to solve their own problem Summarize from time to time Support their thinking with information More information in “Counseling” chapter of Commissioner Fieldbook

Commissioner Basic Training : 

Commissioner Basic Training The District Committee

District Committee : 

District Committee Four Function Organization: Membership Finance Program Unit Service

Membership Functions : 

Membership Functions Fall Roundup Spring Roundup Special membership rallies Advice and help to units with membership problems

Finance Functions : 

Finance Functions Sustaining Membership Enrollment and Friends of Scouting Trust Funds (James E. West Award) Advice to units

Program Functions : 

Program Functions Camping Activities Advancement Training Health & Safety

Program Functions : 

Program Functions Camping Order of the Arrow Where to go camping Summer camp promotion Log Cabin Gateway Philmont

Program Functions : 

Program Functions Activities Scout Expo Scouting for Food Scouting Anniversary Week District Recognition Dinner Cub Day Camp Derbys: Pinewood, Soapbox, etc. Camp-O-Rees

Program Functions : 

Program Functions Advancement Eagle Boards of Review Merit Badge Counselors Venturing awards Advice / training for units Heroism awards Adult recognition

Program Functions : 

Program Functions Training Cub Scout: Fast Start New Leader Essentials Leader Specific Training Youth Protection Pow Wow, Roundtable Wood Badge Philmont Boy Scout: Fast Start New Leader Essentials Leader Specific Training Intro to Outdoor Leadership Youth Protection Roundtable Wood Badge Philmont Varsity/Venturing: Fast Start New Leader Essentials Leader Specific Training Intro to Outdoor Leadership Youth Protection Roundtable Wood Badge Philmont Youth: Den Chief National Youth Leadership Training Junior Leader Backpack Training Venturing Leadership Skills Course

District Committee : 

District Committee UNIT Unit Service

Membership Management : 

Membership Management Buzz Groups Discuss how to get and keep young men Potential Scenarios: Unit members concentrated into one age group – need to recruit Unit not aware of membership situation – need an inventory Units at risk to drop charter – needs member management focus Recruiting opportunities – Boy-fact surveys, list of Webelos scouts, birthday greetings, specific invitations to day camps & long-term camps, etc Also see membership section of Commissioner helps for packs, troops, and crews

Membership Management : 

Membership Management Report from groups Summary: Membership for membership’s sake is not the name of the game Recruiting will ensure continuation of the unit Good program is the key to attracting boys

Break : 

Break

Unit Charter Renewal Process : 

Unit Charter Renewal Process Discussion of renewal process Note: Unit Commissioner should be involved in a majority of the steps More information in Commissioner Fieldbook, Charter Renewal chapter

Annual Commissioner Service Plan : 

Annual Commissioner Service Plan Gives specific purpose for some of your regular and supportive contact with units See page 17 in Commissioner Fieldbook for more details

The Lifesaving Commissioner : 

The Lifesaving Commissioner Sometimes a commissioner is called on to save the life of a unit. What needs to be done? How do you go about it? More information in Commissioner Fieldbook, Be a Lifesaving Commissioner chapter on page 28

The Lifesaving Commissioner : 

The Lifesaving Commissioner Watch for 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 Charter organization leader unhappy with the unit Only one adult active No involvement of parents Adult conflicts and poor communications Others

The Lifesaving Commissioner : 

The Lifesaving Commissioner Specific things you can do: Consult your ADC or DC Ask some basic questions What must be solved? Possible alternatives? Which strategy first? Who to involve? Is it saved? What is Plan B? Be enthusiastic Apply “first aid” Apply “second aid” Generate teamwork

The Lifesaving Commissioner : 

The Lifesaving Commissioner Typical Hurry Cases More information in Commissioner Fieldbook Page 28-30 Unit No Meeting Move quickly to salvage remaining leadership and membership Unit with No Leader See that leader is replaced quickly and then trained Unit with No Committee Work with chartered organization to understand importance Unit with No New Members Help find ways to grow membership and ensure program is attracting and keeping. Unit Conflict with Chartered Organization Be a mediator. Bring together to talk. New Leader lacks Training Help orient and provide information Unit with Weak Leadership Counsel with leader. Encourage with Chartered Org

The Lifesaving Commissioner : 

The Lifesaving Commissioner Using a team approach Ad Hoc Or Organized effort What are the benefits of a formal lifesaving team?

Review : 

Review We have learned about: Counseling The District Committee Membership Management Unit Charter Renewal Process Annual Commissioner Service Plan The Lifesaving Commissioner

Next Unit Visits : 

Next Unit Visits Today we have learned about dealing with units, its adult organization & functions, and the quality program.

Summary : 

Summary As a leader, You have made a personal commitment.. …to Scouting ...of time, effort, and knowledge …of patience and understanding …to be a living example for unit leaders …to lend a helping hand to fellow Scouters.

Closing : 

Closing The Challenge- You now see your task Training is just beginning – continue to gain knowledge Commissioner must be a friend to units Goal is more boys with better Scouting experience Graduation