UCEagle72

We collected re-charter packets the end of November, and have been presenting Charters all month long!

We normally do FOS presentations at regular Troop Courts of Honor, but not Eagle CoHs. In fact, to qualify for the Council "blue ribbon" your FOS presentation must be done at a CoH.

Based on your statements, it does not sound like you are "ready" to attend WB, so, that being the case, I would not go.

Now, yes, I took my WB back in '83 -- but it really does not matter which course you are taking, it needs to be something you "want" to do.

(This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

Sea Scout Leaders have Sea Badge and Sea Badge Underway as a program specific equivalent to Woodbadge.

But, I would expect them to wear a Sea Scout uniform if they attend Woodbadge (and they are not active in any other program in Scouting).

Calico --

Good summary -- one small nit -- In the 6th edition of the Handbook, there was a "leadership component" for Eagle, but not a POR:

"Scout Teamwork

1. While a Life Scout for a period of at least six months show to the satisfaction of your leaders that you --

Work actively as a leader in meetings, outdoor activities and service projects for your unit."

In 1966, before the 7th edition was published they added the service project and specific leadership requirement:

"2. While a Life Scout serve actively as a troop warrant officer (patrol leader, senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, junior assistant Scoutmaster, instructor, scribe, quartermaster, librarian, den chief ) for a period of not less than six months."

I received my Eagle under the 7th edition requirements in 5/1972 -- but several of my friends did not get theirs done in time, and had to add the 3 merit badges that came along with the "no outing in scouting" changes.

And speaking of CoH ... the troop I was in as a Scout, has never held an "Eagle Court of Honor". There are only Troop Courts of Honor and they will do everything from investing a new Scout, to presenting Eagle. The current Scoutmaster's (who will retire this year after 41 years in the position) philosophy is simple -- he wants every Scout, Tenderfoot, etc, to be there to see those Eagle Scout Awards presented so that they can have that image instilled in their mind, and know that is something they want to do. 254 Eagles over 41 years (so about 6 a year)

[For those who think that could take all-night, I recently attended a CoH there. It started at 7:30, presented from Scout through three Eagles, including summer camp merit badges, and we were done and eating the spread by 9:15. It ran like clockwork, and each ASPL had their "next part" ready while the predecessor was doing his part.]

I remember these types of ceremonies being done for every rank back in the 60s & 70s. (probably because of "hiking" and "camping" were the central themese of the ranks back then)

Clem --

I am certain you are correct -- I also remembering the need to march almost all of Moraine State Park to find all the letters!

And there were a number of other patches associated with that Jambo -- I don't remember them either.

http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/~jgz8g/jambopics/1973/73ppandsegs.jpg

The good news ... you finished your ticket, and overcame obstacles. Sounds like a positive learning experience to me!

And congrats!

Basement --

I actually do have direct contact with Scouts. I frequently attend unit meetings and activities and normally I interact with the Scouts, so I get an "unfiltered" view of the unit.

And yes, I have helped with Scoutcraft instruction, and stood and listened to Patrol Leaders in their patrol corners.

BTW -- this would be a great job if you only had to deal with the Scouts and not the Scouters with their foul opinions.

Good luck Shilue --

If you need some more ideas, or words of encouragement, feel free to send me a PM.

I know the battles you are going through -- I have a few of those myself -- and June will help to separate the wheat from the chaff.

"A previous administration caused a lot of mistrust and sour grapes. We are several years out and still reeling from the affects."

That is one of the biggest problems there is to overcome, unfortunately.

But it can be done, albeit on a much smaller scale. You start small and build.

You need to assign new UCs to the units that are 'critical' - but the only way you know if they are, is if you have evaluated them yourself. And try to assign them to only one unit in the beginning. If after a year, they'd be willing to take more, then you can look at adding another unit.

After posting articles like these:

http://www.mikeroweworks.com/scrap-yard/eagle-scout-letter/

http://www.box.net/shared/g79kv6p8va

There is only ONE logical choice for Chief Scout of the BSA -- Mike Rowe!

"My question is how do you establish an effective commissioner corps?"

(1) Get rid of all the paper Commissioners.

(2) Go outside the norm to recruit. Look at Cub Scout leaders whose sons are moving on to Boy Scouts. Look to older SMs who are stepping down. Look for long time SAs. Do not look at current silver tabs.

(3) Get the local NESA list - attack that list with vigor.

(4) Get the local OA Chapter adult member list (especially those who "were" active and have stepped back).

(5) Go after former District Commissioners

(6) Go after folks who are not Scouters, but who have "skills" you need. I needed someone who could work well in the Hispanic community and was fluent in Spanish (and the variants). I have a former Army recruiter who I can pair with an experienced Commissioner to work with our Hispanic Initiative units.

Just some ideas that I use when I am out looking for new commissioners ... which is a full-time and continuous job.

I have 68 traditional units and 4 Explorer Posts -- therefore I want at least 72 Commissioners ... in those "ideal worlds." ;-)

(I have 39 Commissioners, and I know that I have 5 who will not be re-registering come June.)(This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

Do I have an effective DC now? No.

Have I experienced them in the past? Sure, many times, in multiple districts across multiple councils.

Have I personally experienced them in my current District? No. But I don't have the "time in grade" here in Florida. I do know a couple of the previous DCs and yes, they fit that bill to a "t." One is now the Stake President for the LDS Church, two others are very successful lawyers.

Amen, Nut, Amen!

I go back to my original posting ...

Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America

Article VI., Local Councils, Section 3, Chartered Organization Representative, Clause 7

These are the "official rules" -- no where does it say you must be a member of the Chartering Organization to be the CoR.

If you need a copy of the "Rules and Regulations" - you can get them here:

http://www.box.net/shared/ogrtasdf53

"So the adults plan outings, cook for the troop, etc"

And another piece of Scouting dies ...

From the opening page of "The Chartered Organization Representative" (available online at - http://www.box.net/shared/v4lrsxatqq)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The following official description of a chartered organization representative is found in the current revision of the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. Refer to Article VI., Local Councils, Section 3, Chartered Organization Representative, Clause 7, which reads, "In territory supervised by local councils, each chartered organization shall appoint a volunteer, other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader, as its chartered organization representative to represent it as a member of the district committee and as a voting member of the local council."

This excerpt means that

1. The chartered organization representatives primary responsibilities are to help units to be successful and to provide coordination between the chartered organization and Scouting.

2. The chartered organization representative is automatically a voting member of the council and the district upon selection or appointment by the chartered organization. The individual must be an adult U.S. citizen and be a registered member of the BSA during the period of time that the chartered organization designates this person as chartered organization representative.

3. The chartered organization representative is encouraged to become an active participating member of one of the districts committees.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I see nothing that says they need to be a member of the Chartered Organization -- just appointed BY the Chartered Organization.

(Of course, I just taught CoR Training this past Saturday at our District Training Day.)(This message has been edited by UCEagle72)

Seattle --

I "accept" that situation, as it is my experience for the last 30+ years -- not that I don't agree with what you are saying.

My "expectations" of a District Chairman, is to be a person who is well known in the business community, and has the ability to "touch deep pockets" -- especially in these post-United Way years. I want them to help lead the charge on the District Golden Eagle dinner, and get us into doors where I cannot.

I count on the Nominating Committee to get the right people on the District Committee - to be there to be the 'experts' that the Commissioner Corps can go to for assistance. (And to stop recruiting the Commissioner Corps to fill their holes.)

And while I think it would be great if the District Chairman joined the District Exec and myself in visiting all the Executive Officers of our various Charter Partners -- I know from many years at this, that "unit visitation and communication" is really the job of the Commissioner Corps. (Although it seems that National is counting more on the pros to do this.)

Could things be "better" with more "silver tabs" out and talking to units? Sure. However, I would want to ensure that anyone who is not a Commissioner, goes with a Commissioner when they visit a unit - so that good relationships do not go down the drain!

Troop -

"The answers to the question are all over the place. I just wanted to know what I should expect from a UC."

As you can see, the only appropriate statement is "Your Mileage May Vary."

When I was a CM and SM, I *expected* to see my UC monthly - didn't always happen. But slowly and surely I trained him to meet my needs and the needs of my units.

I know SMs in our District today that would be happiest if they never saw a Commissioner ... and there is usually a reason.

But, if you are not seeing or hearing from them on a monthly basis - then speak to your District Commissioner or an ADC, and ask if they can get you someone who will work with you.

And, I agree, recruiting Commissioners is not easy (we have that in a separate thread) -- but it can be done.

Seattle --

Our DE gets out a lot. Not just during FOS, but all year round -- and, he is exceptionally responsive when asked for information. (Which was made a stark reality when I attempted to get the names of two Venture Crew Advisors from a neighboring District Exec and it took him a week to respond.)

As District Commissioner I am out and about regularly. I visit units and functions - our DE and I were both at the District Training Day this last Saturday.

We see our District Chairman at Roundtables and District Committee meetings - sometimes at other "functions" in the district - like the upcoming District Webelos Crossover event. Of course, I don't normally look for District Chairman to be present at things like that - guess that is more of my experience.

"But red tape and sluggish responses from UCs, district and council folks, can really tarnish reputations and cause a gulf between units and the commissioners."

Amen, brother!

Rat ... you are spot on.

The best way to do effective recruiting - much like in a Troop - is to have folks who *like* being a Commissioner. They'll do much of your "selling" for you.

And you make it so Commissioners like doing their job by providing them with the resources and training they need -- and still respecting the "other things" they want to do in Scouts. I have two Commissioners who work the range at our Camp. I can tell you were they are every weekend. But they each have one unit - and they service their respective units very well

And I keep a simple rule -- if you are a "Commissioner" you will service a unit. Doesn't matter if it is me as District Commissioner, or any other administrative commissioner - we are all registered and work as unit commissioners too.

And, you need to have regular communication with your Commissioners -- on a personal level -- not just via email or phone. You need to pay attention to what is being "said" -- and how well they feel about working with their units -- catch the "burn out" before it affects the relationships with the units.

And finally -- a liberal sprinkling of "thanks" never hurts. Recognize those who are doing that day-to-day work -- recognize the "little things" that they do that make all the difference.

And, as I said before ... we actually have units without Commissioners, right now ... we are recruiting ... but we also try to only recruit the 'right' people -- and we have passed on folks we didn't think had the right temperament.

A mandatory uniform inspection ... I don't think so. Helping a unit find a way to get uniforms when they are in an economic disadvantaged situation -- much more like it.

But I have also seen a scout brighten like a light bulb when I tell them they are "looking good" - and hand them an old Neighborhood Commissioner patch from pre-1970.

I consider myself very, very fortunate. I had the best teacher available when I became a Commissioner. A 50 year Commissioner who was the "Scout Commissioner" for a 2nd Class Council, and was trained by Daniel Carter Beard.

There is a good course in the College of Commissioner Science called "Good Commissioners need both head and heart" -- it really does sum up the best way to be a Commissioner, and for an administrative commissioner to manage a commissioner corps.

Yes ... they did.

sbemis --

And if he has a young man in the unit - he should not be a UC for the unit.

But, that's me, being picky.

It's not easy being a Commissioner. You have no "authority" and your real role is to be there to help when needed. How do you know you are needed? You need to be there!

I guess we are fortunate. We have a good Commissioner Corps, and we actively and continuously recruit. We try to limit the number of units a Commissioner services to no more than two (and we prefer one) but sometimes, we have folks covering more while we get a new Commissioner up-to-speed. Having had the "opportunity" to serve 18 units at one time, trust me, it was no fun.

Right now, we have 8 traditional units without a Commissioner - so, as District Commissioner I work with them in addition to my normal units. The other 60 traditional units & 4 Explorer posts all have UCs.

But we do our best to make sure our UCs have all the resources they need to get the job done. We encourage them to attend training, commissioner conferences, and commissioner college -- plus we publish a weekly newsletter on what is happening in the district -- and starting next month, we will be live streaming our Commissioners' Meeting for those cannot make the drive in time after work. We provide all our meeting agendas and handouts as digital files - so if you miss a meeting, you still get all the info, and your units don't miss out.

Thus far, in my conversations with unit leaders and committee chairs, everyone has been pleased with the level of service they are receiving from our Commissioner Corps.