rkfrance

"Position of Responsibility" is exactly that for adult leaders. It is what we do.

I have a "Job" outside of Scouting, and I have a job to do in and for Scouting that relates to my POR. The variation is too many adults look at their position as a "job" and not a privilege. Too many forget we are in this for the youth.

Just a little clarification, I don't think things are perfect or even close. I could type for days on the things I'd like to see happen.

To that point, I see things from a much different perspective than our Council Commissioner. His view of Scouting, although not completely removed, is more about reports and spread sheets than what's happening in the den or patrol meetings this week.

I still directly serve at the unit and district level. I see it up close every week.

It's all about perspective. The original post was "If you were the National Commissioner..." I tried to point out that our current NC doesn't just sit in his office looking at reports and spread sheets. He's out frequently "Selling" Scouting and getting feedback, which as I pointed toward, he is responding to.

Could things be better? ABSOLUTELY!! Take that same perspective and look at your church, or school system, or city government. Who's responding to your requests in those groups?

Is what he's doing a pipe dream or forward thinking? It's all perspective. Do we have the commissioner staff in place? I certainly don't. Do we wait to have the staff in place before we move forward on anything? Then there's nothing left of the organization at that point. He's leading and setting the example. It's up to the current commissioner core to get moving along that path. Is there a bunch of dead weight among us? ABSOLUTELY!! Who's better to fix that, the NC or us? I think that falls in our laps.

Rob France

District Commissioner

TFD, HOOC, BSA

If I were the National Commissioner...

I've met Tico Perez. He is as real and sincere as he sounds in his podcasts.

I think he's really trying to compliment and expand on the philosophy of Bob Mazzuca in bringing the BSA fully into the next 100 years. As Scout Commish pointed out, you can now contact almost anyone up the Commissioner chain. My Council Commissioner and I made this suggestion to him in February. It's in place now.

He listens and responds. He's out many weekends making appearances and speaking to volunteers and professionals throughout the country about the tremendous things we're doing (note I said "we're doing") and what we can expect.

A few months ago, I couldn't find useful, current information. I was frustrated. I contacted Tico's office as he'd invited me to do when I met him. The next day I had a reply from his office with a forward to Scott Sorrels, the National Commissioner Service Chairman. We exchanged emails and he asked if it would be alright if he called me. We discussed ideas for about a half hour. Much of what I asked him is now in place or coming.

Be careful what you wish for...

Now, I'd like to go to one website, publication or other resource and find out what's going on and what we can expect down the road. There are so many changes coming so fast now. I look through no less than 10-12 different websites and publications each week to try stay on top of what's happening. The National

Commissioner and his staff are making things happen. They are updating and implementing changes daily. All to better SERVE the youth, volunteers and professionals that are the BSA.

While the units might not directly see this yet, the changes are happening. While it may be a matter of months or even years before we realize the changes, they are happening.

Commissioner service is changing. I don't know what it's changing into, but from my vantage, it's more current and relative. Hopefully this translates into better things for all our units, volunteers and youth. I guess we'll all have to be a little patient and more open to change.

The CO provides elements for the program and selects the COR. Essentially, they can deny anything if they choose. As for vote, see previous sentence.

I'd recommend starting slowly and getting to know all the players. Training is essential, even for the COR. If you're all on the same page, you'll minimize any conflicts.

John,

Without a doubt. As a Commissioner, I have a concern that the youth and leaders wear the proper uniform, but if they don't, they don't. I encourage it. I try to keep my uniform as close to plan as I can. But, who am I to dictate to a volunteer or a youth that he/she must be in proper uniform. My bigger fish is most definitely, THANK YOU FOR BEING IN SCOUTING.

I'm concerned with membership way so much more than if Jimmy put his World Conservation award above his right pocket or his unit numbers don't touch the CSP. Yah, uniforming is a method. OK, I get it.

Attention Uniform Police: expect to be put into convulsions for the next several years. There are many plans to add 100th anniversary patches over the next few months. I heard from Tico Perez, these were to be worn only thru 2010. How many people will wear them forever on their uniforms? Get used to it.

My mind has turned a little mushy after a week of camp. I have a Scout who I've signed off for Scout Spirit right before we went to SC, but due to the timeframe we weren't able to have a BOR at that time. We just got back today and after his actions at camp, I wish I could take back the approval. (Tenderfoot to Second Class)

I've sat down with the SPL, CC and both parents to discuss his situation. We are all on the same page. But I can't find the specific wording I'm looking for to help me proceed for the BOR. I know the Board can deny the next advancement, but I'm also looking for the process and timeframe to show improvement or establish corrective action.

The Scout and I will be having another SMC tomorrow night to discuss his situation and we will also be having BOR's for the Troop.

Please point me to where I need to look to find this info.

Sorry, Sunday got dropped there.

Our Troop meets on 6:30 - 8pm. It's night of least competition with other activities. Been doing it for 3 years.

The Pack moved from Tuesdays to Sundays earlier this year for the same reason.

Are we trying to help them make their own decisions or are we supposed to make the decisions for them? That's what it comes down to.

Scouting is just ONE aspect of growing and learning in a boy's life. Not the only environment. With the boys I serve, some go to church regularly. Some do well in school. Some do well in sports. Some do well in art or music. Some like the outdoors. AND SOME DON'T.

I think the bigger concern is "what opportunities are we providing for our Scouts?". Are we encouraging them to succede? Are we giving them a chance to learn or experience something different? No Scout is AVERAGE. We're here to help them grow and learn. Our function is to teach, coach, mentor and try to set a good example for them.

I'd rather have a boy that will make a choice that might be right or wrong and experience the positive results or negative consequences, than to try to make every Scout in my tend a choir boy. We aren't shooting for PERFECT. We're trying to help them become responsible men of good character.

Hopefully most will. Some won't. We have to let them choose, sometimes guiding from afar and sometimes with our hand on their shoulder.

Life happens.

BTW, as an experienced leader, SM and Commissioner, I still continue to learn and grow from the experiences I have in and out of Scouting. Sometimes I make good choices and sometimes I don't.

Rob

Is there a plan yet? Are the flags flown separately? Are the Scouts bringing them down and raising the new ones? If you or the troop gets to make that decision, do them together, same manner as you would honor the American flag.

It is appropriate to salute "TAPS".

Remember, these soldiers were Americans too. Keep it solemn.

If done separately, honors (salute) should be restricted to recognized governments. No salute in honor of any nation not formally recognized by the US govt.

Don't forget about RT at EHOVE Thursday. It would be nice to see you there.

My 2 cents.

I think it would be much easier to recruit spies. Too young, too old, too pushy, too quiet, too nosey, too much information, not enough. Who do you recruit to be a commissioner? What experience should they have? Do you go for the wise old owl that can't get around, but when he does, he sits in the corner chatting with Mr X about the way things used to be? Or do you go for the young buck that was a den leader for a year but really didn't enjoy that, but if you ask right, he'll run out in front of a moving car for you (once)?

Commissioners have NO authority within the unit. They can recommend, coach, and advise, but unless the receiver is open to the suggestions, the information given is pointless. How long do you continue to offer help when no one wants it? Wait. When there's a problem, who should be the first step (going up or down the ladder)? The commissioners. Too often the commissioners get grilled, side-stepped, stepped on, and ignored. Lot's of gratitude.

Commissioners should have a good relationship with the leaders AND the chartered organization. Most effective commissioners have an influence with the leaders. How many EVER meet with the CO or COR? Well, who's responsibility is it? The DE's? Council's? The commissioner's the one that could or should be but do they? And again, if they do offer advice or bring an issue to the CO's attention, how many CO's care or will respond? We come back to the issue that CO's have the responsibility and authority to handle ALL unit issues. Too many across the country are apathetic to their responsibility, and waaaayyyy too many have no idea they have that responsibility.

So the commissioner takes the info to the ADC, DC and/or DE. They get advice and maybe some help to try to fix the situation, but the responsibility lies with the CO. Back to step one.

The reality is not what a commissioner should do, but what can they really do? Can they make a difference?

When you figure that out, maybe we will be able to recruit more commissioners.

This is a common necessity for most Packs, but it can affect all units, districts, and councils. Adult leader succession or lack there of.

As Commissioners, we are likely to see which leaders are the most likely to change positions, move from one program to another, are on the verge of burn-out, and many other similar situations.

Before I took on the role of a commissioner, I had been involved with several units. None of the units I served had any real plan for leader succession. It was always milk the poor sucker dry who was in the position at the time until he/she either moved on, got burned-out, or just disappeared without notice. Then it was the mad scramble to find the next sucker, er... volunteer! Many times the scramble turned into plodding for months, until the next roundup or right before recharter. Then, many times, someone was cornered for a signature with little or no expectation of that person stepping up to take on the responsibility of the position.

This isn't about just recruiting new leaders. It's the planning and execution of a system by the unit, for the unit (with the active support of the commissioners) to continuously update and improve, and to not lose anything in the transition process. To effectively have the next leader trained and ready to go before that leader is REALLY needed to take over.

Are we counseling our units to plan ahead and be prepared? What are the best methods you've found for helping with unit leader successions? Does your council/district have an effective leader succession plan?

You definitely want to bring a lot of money. Personal recommendations - bring your own food and drink. You'll pay several $ each for any food or drink items inside the park. Or plan on leaving the park to eat. But, Sandusky in the summer is a guessing game on where you can get food without waiting. Also check the website for group discounts. Do you want to go to just the park or Soak City also? There are joint packages, two days, etc.

I'm sure being close, you've been here before or know someone who has. The biggest area of concern is always the weather. NO REFUNDS when it rains.

Yeah, it's in my backyard.

Rob

My opinion, skip the cotton socks.

My personal recommendation would be to use a polypropelene (straight (like UnderArmor) or blend) sock or a polypro liner and then take your pick of black sock, but look for something thicker in the heel and toe and elastic around the arch. Even a good polypro sock won't do much if your shoes don't breath. They pull the moisture away from your foot, but if the moisture can't evaporate.... Cotton socks are comfortable but don't release moisture, they retain it especially in shoes. Changing your socks or even just taking them off for a minute and shaking them out (and adding powder) allows your feet that time to dry off.

I also recommend adding a quality insole to your shoes and boots. Spenco is a good brand. Skip the Dr Scholls. Find one that fits your arch well with good heel cushion and doesn't make your shoe too tight. Put one in your shoe, take your pick, but leave the other out. Then you can compare how it feels against your shoe/boot by itself. Try this until you find the one that feels the best and then put the other one in. Then walk around for a few minutes. Pay attention to any tightness or tingling (too tight). If your shoe/boot has a removable insole liner in it, you may have to remove it.

The principle is the insole liner in most shoes is worth about 2 cents because no one looks inside their shoes, only at the outside. Then the liner is actually only supposed to last about 2-3 weeks. Many replacement insoles last a year or more. I buy a new insole with every new shoe/boot I buy. (I've been selling shoes for almost 20 years and can be on my feet for 16-18 hrs a day.)

The points about the powder, fungus and circulation are all accurate. Keep your feet dry. Change your socks 2-3 times daily if necessary. Apply your powder. Disinfect the shower.

Can anyone please specifically clarify who can vote when councils plan to merge?

Also, does this process work in reverse if councils that have previously merged want to dissolve a council?

Finally, does any of this matter if Regional or National wants the action to take place?

There are no restrictions on which Packs can access the information. Just follow the link on the national site.

If you follow it to the letter, you'll be going on a lot of field trips. Our Pack has been looking at this for almost 2 months. The ideas are good, but I think there needs to be a little flexibility built into it.

Recently all Scoutmasters should have received a DVD from National. On it was a message from Tico Perez, our new National Commissioner. His message covered this topic relating to the SM and suggestions to improve the process.

Our Pack and Troop have adopted a primary suggestion, to have the Webelos meet at the same time and location as the Troop. It allows for crossover of activities (where appropriate). It gives all the boys a greater opportunity for interaction. It allows the Webelos leaders to interact with Troop leaders. And if you have a Den Chief, he can cross over between activities and ask for help from fellow Scouts if he thinks it might be needed. It also removes the barriers previously described. Webelos leaders are made to feel they're a part of the Troop. The Webelos get to see and interact frequently with the Boy Scouts. By the time you get to crossover, everyone knows what to expect.

I also have applied the following for several years and firmly believe in it. The SM, ASM, or a combination of Troop leaders should always be available to assist in the Webelos den.

Camp Avery Hand had between 200-250 acres. Firelands Scout Reservation has over 450 acres, much of it completely undeveloped.

Several years ago, a tornado took down many of the trees at CAH. It went from a camp to a campground. Still very nice, but without the trees, it wasn't the same.

The council has secured a conservation easement for FSR with a local preservation group. They got a very nice sum with permanent stipulations. I don't remember all the details, limited development, maintaining the river area, no logging - type stuff.

This is my council. The Troop I'm with camps at FSR for summer camp. I've camped at both camps and really like them both. It saddens me to see stuff like this happen. I won't go into the political side of the sale. I have my opinions.

When we lose our camps, we feel we've lost a part of ourselves. Like we've lost part of our youth. It's unfortunately becoming too common. I was upset when Camp Miaconda (Erie Shores Council) sold off acreage to developers for condos. This was the camp I went to as a youth. I've been told the Cleveland Area Council sold off their camps several years ago. Both councils are within an hour of here. As previously stated, we sold Camp Wyandot and now CAH closed.

But guess what, no matter what you do or where you go, it doesn't happen without $$$$. There are good things that will come out of this. For some it's going to take some time to adjust but life will go on. For others this will be a grudge to take to the grave.

The PC position is already probably being done to some degree by one or two leaders in many units.

The issues I see right now. This is not a BSA program. This is a money making effort from a group from a specific council. The materials are not BSA. The only place you can get them right now is through their website.

Secondly, this goes into place almost immediately for all units. There's going to be questions, feedback, etc. Are units (those that do what they want anyway) going to choose to ignore this position and remain status quo?

If National feels so strongly about the program, why don't they take it in house and produce the materials and host the program?

BW

FYI because you just need to know (I've seen this of you in several other posts), I am TRAINED and current District Commissioner. I have been in the commissioner service for several years, of which I've been a UC, RTC, and now DC. I fully understand how the program works and I don't think I need you to lecture me about it.

I agree very closely with what Eamonn said. How is adding more responsibility to the commissioner core the answer to fixing it? Do you think more VOLUNTEERS are just going to come running because "it really looks fun now"? I was told by our former District Chair that commissioners have a thankless position. I'd agree with that assessment. Now, let's take away elements of the district committee and add them to the DC's plate. We get to try to recruit more VOLUNTEERS, ADC's and staff, and shuffle more responsibility on top of (as Eamonn pointed out) a commissioner core that already needs to more than double in size to get things up to plan. Not a problem in Perfect, but I don't live in Perfect and there's not a Walgreens in town either.

I see fellow commissioners that are passionate and dedicated to the program. I also see far many more that have that position/title but don't contribute anything. The numbers Eamonn referenced don't highlight that fact.

I love being a commissioner. I love what being a commissioner represents and I try very hard to live up to that standard. Am I frustrated? A lot. But I keep going on because I've been taught even one person can make a difference, and if I'm that one person, there's a lot riding on my success (or failure).

I've heard some of this within the last couple of months. We were kind of hoping it's just speculation.

District Commissioners responsible for training, advancement, and camping? Why not membership? Why not the whole district committee?

Are they talking about eliminating the District Chairman position? Why not just make the district committee all commissioners?

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All the training stuff sounds great though. Some of it can't come soon enough.

The site is easy to follow. Info is easy to find.

I just wish we could download more. Publications change too frequently. The latest Special Needs manual included a statement that updates would be placed online. Can't it be done with all publications?

The Commissioner podcasts and National meeting presentations haven't been updated for months. What's up? I'd really like to see these as regularly as Cubcast.

There was also a note that a national format for websites might be rolled out for councils, districts, and units. Do you have any ideas if or when this might happen?

It should be done by the UC, District Commissioner, or someone from the membership committee. The reason being if there was some type of conflict (personality, situations, etc), the boy and/or his parents might be more willing to give this info to a Scouter not directly associated with the unit. Not always the case.

But in most cases, it comes down to lost interest in favor of something else, like sports, school, driving, and/or girls.

Gold Winger points out another critical element that makes recruiting new members difficult if not impossible, when you have the members that were around way back when.

If you are "lucky" enough to get that new recruit signed up and coming to meetings, it's only going to take 1 or 2 meetings for them to get frustrated because no matter what kinds of ideas they have, it's either "we've never done it like that" or "you're new, you think you know more than me" attitudes. Then you never see them again and are starting all over.

Are there good candidates out there? Absolutely! Are there good candidates with little to no Scouting experience? Absolutely! But as Lisabob mentioned, I'm not going out in my "FREE" time to go look for volunteers. If they're not within my radar, I don't have time to go hunt them down.