COMMISSIONERS
Commissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. They also oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit re-registers on time with an optimum number of youth and adult members.
Roles the Commissioner Plays
A 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 represent the ideals, the principles, and the 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, they will have a wonderful opportunity to participate in the growth of unit leaders by sharing knowledge with them. They 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, they 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.
CLICK HERE to visit the National Commissioner’s web page
CLICK HERE to view a list of expanded resources for Commissioners from Area 2
Commissioner’s Creed
I shall make the Scout Oath and Law an active force in my life.
I shall recognize that the responsibility of each unit rests in the Chartered Organization and I shall assist in achieving the full value of the Scouting program meeting its needs.
I shall strive to lead through information, persuasion and inspiration rather than coercion.
I shall stimulate friendly and orderly discussion until all facts and opinions are considered.
I shall assist those who serve to receive information.
I shall measure my success by the extent to which boys and adults exemplify the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
Commissioner’s Pledge
On my honor I will do my best by the example of my daily life to make the Scout Oath and Law a more vital force for the good character and citizenship in the lives of the boys and the leaders I serve.
I will do my best to help secure and help to make more effective, the finest possible leadership for the units I serve.
I will do my best to help make the program of the units I serve the best that can be given, rich in wholesome fun and adventure.
In all that I do, I will strive to help my units attract into membership every possible boy so that, through his participation, that boy, can help make America a finer, greater nation in a world community.
For Commissioner related events in CST 10, please check our CST calendar
