Page 1 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

Welcome to One Day session

Will include:Why Commissioners?

The Commissioner’s Top Priority: the Unit

How to Help a Unit

Page 2 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

Why Commissioners?

Page 3 GCR 2005

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

• State the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America

• State the mission of the council and district

• Explain the four-function concept of counciland district operation

• Describe the commissioner unit service roleand 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:

SessionOne

Page 4 GCR 2005

Aims & Methods of ScoutingAims & 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 DevelopmentCitizenship TrainingPersonal Fitness

Methods

Cub Scouting:

Boy Scouting:

Venturing:

Varsity:

• Advancement

• High adventure & sports

• Activities

• Service

• Personal development

• Special programs & events

Page 5 GCR 2005

Missions of the…Missions of the…

…Council

…District

Four-Function Plan of council and district:

• Membership/RelationshipsAvailable to all youth

• FinanceProvide adequate funds

• ProgramMaintain standards & policies

• Unit ServiceServe chartered organizations

Four-Function Plan of council and district:

• Membership/RelationshipsAvailable to all youth

• FinanceProvide adequate funds

• ProgramMaintain standards & policies

• Unit ServiceServe 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.

Page 6 GCR 2005

The Commissioner ConceptThe 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

Mission:

Keep units operating

Regular contact

Counsel leaders

Help fix problems

Success = Effective Units

Local Council

Scouting Unit

Liaison

Page 7 GCR 2005

Most Important ResourceMost Important Resource

Contains:Commissioner OrientationOrientation ProjectsThe Commissioner ConceptThe District Commissioner StaffProviding Unit ServiceYour Commissioner StyleBe a Lifesaving CommissionerHow to remove a VolunteerCounselingYouth ProtectionUnit Charter RenewalUnit Commissioner TrainingResourcesSelf-EvaluationDistinguished Commissioner Service Award

Page 8 GCR 2005

Job of Unit CommissionerJob of Unit Commissioner

Review answers to pre-opening quiz

Refer to Commissioner Job Description cards

TheTheUnitUnit

CommissionerCommissionerVideoVideo

Watch for the five major areas of service

Page 9 GCR 2005

Commissioner’s RoleCommissioner’s Role

What are the five major roles of a commissioner?

•Friend

•Representative

•Unit “doctor”

•Teacher

•Counselor

More details in Commissioner Fieldbook, page 11

Page 10 GCR 2005

Supporting the UnitSupporting 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

Page 11 GCR 2005

Supporting the UnitSupporting 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

Page 12 GCR 2005

Supporting the UnitSupporting 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 forPacks, Troops, and CrewsCommissioner Worksheet

Page 13 GCR 2005

BreakBreak

Page 14 GCR 2005

Unit Program PlanningUnit Program PlanningPlan 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

Page 15 GCR 2005

Unit Program PlanningUnit 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:

1. Do homework (get information ready)2. Find out what Scouts want3. Hold troop leaders’ program planning conference

(attended by Patrol Leaders Council and Scoutmaster)4. Obtain troop committee support5. Share the plan with scouts, parents, UC, others

Plan your work and work your plan

Page 16 GCR 2005

Unit Program PlanningUnit 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:

1. Do homework (get information ready)2. Conduct the Team’s Annual Planning Clinic3. Share the Plan4. Quarterly Program Detailing5. Monthly Program Detailing6. Weekly Checkup

Plan your work and work your plan

Page 17 GCR 2005

Unit Program PlanningUnit 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:1. Program Capability Inventory completed by adults2. PCI information organized on Program Planning Forms3. Venturing Activity Interest Survey completed by Venturers4. Brainstorm ideas for activities using information collected above5. Discuss and evaluate each idea6. Select activities and place on program calendar7. Each month, plan details for next month’s activities

Plan your work and work your plan

Page 18 GCR 2005

ReviewReview

We have learned about:

Aims and Methods of Scouting

The Commissioner Service Role

Supporting the Unit

Unit Program Planning

Page 19 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

Units: The Commissioner’s Top Priority

Page 20 GCR 2005

Learning ObjectivesLearning 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:

SessionTwo

Page 21 GCR 2005

Unit Visitation ReportsUnit 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

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

Page 22 GCR 2005

Commissioner PrioritiesCommissioner 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

Good Unit

Service=

Take precedence over all other

Scouting efforts

Page 23 GCR 2005

Effective LeadershipEffective Leadership

How to be effective leaders

1. Evaluate and improve your own performance

2. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude

3. Work successfully with adults

4. Guide unit leaders in working successfully with boys

5. Set a good example for the boys and other adults

6. Continue learning and growing in leadership skills

7. Practice good communications

Page 24 GCR 2005

Break Break and Lunchand Lunch

Open Forum for questions and concerns

Page 25 GCR 2005

Unit Committee FunctionsUnit Committee Functions

Understand what help a unit leader should receive

from a unit committee

Unit Committee

Unit LeaderUnit Commissioner

Fast Start training

helps a new leader get

started right

Page 26 GCR 2005

Functions of the CommitteeFunctions of the Committee

Cub Scouting:RecordkeepingCorrespondenceAdvancementTrainingPublic RelationsOutingsFinanceFriends of ScoutingMembershipRe-registration

Reference:

Cub Scout Leader Book

Pages 23-5 to 23-7

Boy Scouting:Leadership selectionFinanceEquipmentTransportationMembershipRe-registrationAdvancementSupport outdoor

program needs

Venturing:Provide leadershipComplete PCISecure equipmentProvide facilitiesFind resourcesSupport program

References:

Scoutmaster HandbookPages 157

Troop Committee Guidebook

Reference:

Venturing Leader Manual

Pages 18-19

Varsity:Provide leadershipFinanceEquipmentMembershipAdvancementHigh adventureSportsPersonal developmentServiceSpecial programs

Reference:

Varsity Scout Leader Guidebook

Pages 22 & 24

Page 27 GCR 2005

Introduction to Youth ProtectionIntroduction to Youth Protection

Boy Scouts of America is deeply concerned about the general welfare of our children

Youth Protection Youth Protection for Boy Scout and for Boy Scout and Cub Scout Leader Cub Scout Leader

Basic TrainingBasic TrainingVideoVideo

Page 28 GCR 2005

The Commissioner and The Commissioner and Youth ProtectionYouth 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

Page 29 GCR 2005

Quality Unit OperationQuality 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

Page 30 GCR 2005

Quality Unit OperationQuality Unit Operation

Each group reports their list

Buzz Groups

Possible list of Danger Signs:• Style of leadership

Does not understand patrol methodLacks faith in boys running troopWants to keep authorityCan train only by mass instructionTemperament 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

Possible list of Danger Signs:• Style of leadership

Does not understand patrol methodLacks faith in boys running troopWants to keep authorityCan train only by mass instructionTemperament 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

Page 31 GCR 2005

Quality Unit OperationQuality Unit Operation

National Quality Unit Award for

pack, troop, team, and crew operations

These forms represent desirable and important standards for quality unit operation

Page 32 GCR 2005

ReviewReview

We have learned about:

Commissioner Priorities

Effective Commissioner Leadership

Unit Committee Functions

Introduction to Youth Protection

Quality Unit Operation

Page 33 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

How to Help a Unit

Page 34 GCR 2005

Learning ObjectivesLearning 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:

Sessionthree

Page 35 GCR 2005

CounselingCounseling

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 placeWork to understand what the leader is sayingLet the leader know you hear and understandDO NOT give advice. Guide them to solve their own problemSummarize from time to timeSupport their thinking with information

Counseling fundamentals:Carefully select time and placeWork to understand what the leader is sayingLet the leader know you hear and understandDO NOT give advice. Guide them to solve their own problemSummarize from time to timeSupport their thinking with information

More information in “Counseling” chapter of Commissioner Fieldbook

Page 36 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

The District Committee

Page 37 GCR 2005

District CommitteeDistrict Committee

Four Function Organization:

Membership

Finance

Program

Unit Service

Page 38 GCR 2005

Membership FunctionsMembership Functions

• Fall Roundup

• Spring Roundup

• Special membership rallies

• Advice and help to units with membership problems

Page 39 GCR 2005

Finance FunctionsFinance Functions

• Sustaining Membership Enrollmentand Friends of Scouting

• Trust Funds(James E. West Award)

• Advice to units

Page 40 GCR 2005

Program FunctionsProgram Functions

• Camping• Activities• Advancement• Training• Health & Safety

Page 41 GCR 2005

Program FunctionsProgram FunctionsCamping

Order of the Arrow

Where to go camping

Summer camp promotion

Log Cabin Gateway

Philmont

Page 42 GCR 2005

Program FunctionsProgram FunctionsActivities

Scout Expo

Scouting for Food

Scouting Anniversary Week

District Recognition Dinner

Cub Day Camp

Derbys: Pinewood, Soapbox, etc.

Camp-O-Rees

Scouting for Food

Page 43 GCR 2005

Program FunctionsProgram FunctionsAdvancement

Eagle Boards of Review

Merit Badge Counselors

Venturing awards

Advice / training for units

Heroism awards

Adult recognition

Page 44 GCR 2005

Program FunctionsProgram FunctionsTraining

Cub Scout:Fast StartNew Leader EssentialsLeader Specific TrainingYouth ProtectionPow Wow, RoundtableWood BadgePhilmont

Boy Scout:Fast StartNew Leader EssentialsLeader Specific TrainingIntro to Outdoor LeadershipYouth ProtectionRoundtableWood BadgePhilmont

Varsity/Venturing:Fast StartNew Leader EssentialsLeader Specific TrainingIntro to Outdoor LeadershipYouth ProtectionRoundtableWood BadgePhilmont

Youth:Den ChiefNational Youth Leadership TrainingJunior Leader Backpack TrainingVenturing Leadership Skills Course

Page 45 GCR 2005

District CommitteeDistrict Committee

UNIT

Country Doctor(unit commissioner)

Determine need

Provide consultation or specialized

treatment

Specialists

Request specific

assistance

Unit ServiceUnit Service

Page 46 GCR 2005

Membership ManagementMembership ManagementBuzz 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

Page 47 GCR 2005

Membership ManagementMembership 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

Page 48 GCR 2005

BreakBreak

Page 49 GCR 2005

Unit Charter Renewal ProcessUnit 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

Page 50 GCR 2005

Annual Commissioner Service PlanAnnual Commissioner Service PlanGives specific purpose for some of your regular and supportive contact with units

See page 17 in Commissioner Fieldbook for more details

Page 51 GCR 2005

The Lifesaving CommissionerThe 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

Page 52 GCR 2005

The Lifesaving CommissionerThe Lifesaving Commissioner

UNIT

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

• 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

Page 53 GCR 2005

The Lifesaving CommissionerThe Lifesaving Commissioner

Go into Action Fast

Specific things you can do:Consult your ADC or DC

Ask some basic questionsWhat 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

Page 54 GCR 2005

The Lifesaving CommissionerThe Lifesaving Commissioner

Typical Hurry Cases

More information inCommissioner FieldbookPage 28-30

Unit No MeetingMove quickly to salvage remaining leadership and membership

Unit with No LeaderSee that leader is replaced quickly and then trained

Unit with No CommitteeWork with chartered organization to understand importance

Unit with No New MembersHelp find ways to grow membership and ensure program is attracting and keeping.

Unit Conflict with Chartered OrganizationBe a mediator. Bring together to talk.

New Leader lacks TrainingHelp orient and provide information

Unit with Weak LeadershipCounsel with leader. Encourage with Chartered Org

Page 55 GCR 2005

The Lifesaving CommissionerThe Lifesaving Commissioner

Using a team approach

Ad Hoc

Or

Organized

effort

What are the benefits of a

formal lifesaving

team?

Page 56 GCR 2005

ReviewReview

We have learned about:

Counseling

The District Committee

Membership Management

Unit Charter Renewal Process

Annual Commissioner Service Plan

The Lifesaving Commissioner

Page 57 GCR 2005

Next Unit VisitsNext Unit VisitsToday we have learned about dealing with units, its adult

organization & functions, and the quality program.

Second unit visit guidelines:

Go by yourself

Stay only 15 minutes

Make appropriate worksheet changes

Third unit visit guidelines:Visit the unit committee meeting

Must wear your uniform – be example

Give out your address and phone number

Take time to visit the Charter representativeUnit Committee

Page 58 GCR 2005

SummarySummary

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.

Page 59 GCR 2005

ClosingClosing

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