What's A Commissioner?

Commissioner Role

Commissioners are scouters who help Scout units succeed. They are voluteers who assist, coach, and consult with the adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews, to help them provide a first rate scouting experience for their members. Commissioners are often the "glue" who keep Units operating over time. Unit leaders (especially in the Cub Scout Program) change often. The Commissioner has the history, long term contacts, knowledge of the assets that District and Council can bring to help. The Commissioner helps the unit organize to deliver a great program.

The commissioner force assists unit leaders through two types of commissioners:

Unit commissioners are assigned to one or more units, which they serve and counsel.

Roundtable commissioners provide resources such as program skills and other help for unit personnel at regularly scheduled meetings, called roundtables.

Why Should I Become a Commissioner?

Our Districts are very large serving 50 - 300 Units. It is almost impossible for the District Volunteers and the Council Staff to assist that many units. The Unit Commissioner is the experienced adult who can assist new units in getting started successfully; answer questions; be the liaison with District, the sponsoring organization, the community, etc. In effect the Commissioner is the coach for the unit leadership. The investment of a few hours a month can make a real difference to a unit's success.

A Unit Commissioner plays several roles, including friend, representative, unit "doctor," teacher, and counselor:

The commissioner is a friend of the unit. Of all their roles, this one is the most important. It springs from the attitude, "I care, I am here to help, what can I do for you?" Caring is the ingredient that makes commissioner service successful. He or she is an advocate of unit needs. A commissioner who makes himself known and accepted now will be called on in future times of trouble.

The commissioner is a representative. The average unit leader is totally occupied in working with kids. Some have little if any contact with the Boy Scouts of America other than a commissioner's visit to their meeting. To them, the commissioner may be the BSA. The commissioner helps the unit leadership run a great program based upon the ideals, principles, and policies of the Scouting movement.

The commissioner is a unit "doctor." In their role as "doctor," they know that prevention is better than a cure, so they try to see that their units make good "health practices" a way of life. When problems arise, and they will even in the best unit, they act quickly. They observe symptoms, diagnose the real ailment, prescribe a remedy, and follow up on the patient.

The commissioner is a teacher. As a commissioner, you will have a wonderful opportunity to participate in the growth of unit leaders by sharing knowledge with them. Commissioners teach not just in an academic environment, but where it counts most—as an immediate response to a need to know. That is the best adult learning situation since the lesson is instantly reinforced by practical application of the new knowledge.

The commissioner is a counselor. As a Scouting counselor, you will help units solve their own problems. Counseling is the best role when unit leaders don't recognize a problem and where solutions are not clear-cut. Everyone needs counseling from time to time, even experienced leaders.

Commissioner Badge of Office

The "wreath of service" is displayed on all commissioners’ and professionals’ position patches. This wreath is a symbol for the service rendered to units. It also symbolizes the continued partnership between volunteers and professionals. The Wreath of Service represents the unending commitment, on the part of Commissioners, to program and unit service. The position of Commissioner is the one of the oldest in Scouting and is the origin of the professional Scouting positions, which is why professional Scouters wear the Wreath of Service as well. As a direct result of the importance of unit service to the successful delivery of the Scouting program, there are Commissioners at every level of Scouting.

How Do I Become A Commissioner?

It's easy - Contact your District Commissioner or District Executive. If you don't have their contact information just stop by your next District Roundtable, or call the Council Office at (213) 413-4400.