Page 1 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

Page 2 GCR 2005

Commissioner Basic TrainingCommissioner Basic Training

Part III of IV:

Units: The Commissioner’s Top Priority (cont)

How To Help a Unit (intro)

Page 3 GCR 2005

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

• Monitor and evaluate unit operation.

• Recognize quality unit standards – now known as Journey to Excellence.

• Use counseling fundamentals in working with the unit leader.

• Know the resources of the district committee and how they can be used to support the unit.

At the end of this session, you should be able to:

SessionThree

Page 4 GCR 2005

Unit Visitation ReportsUnit Visitation Reports

Reports on second visit as a unit commissioner. Share your observations

of your 15 minute visit to a boy/youth meeting.

Commissioner Challenge:

Continue becoming more familiar with resource material and your understanding of the total situation in the unit.

Continue developing your role as a friend and coach of the unit leadership.

Another visit opportunity coming up –Review “Unit Contacts” section in Commissioner Fieldbook – pg. 15-16

Commissioner Challenge:

Continue becoming more familiar with resource material and your understanding of the total situation in the unit.

Continue developing your role as a friend and coach of the unit leadership.

Another visit opportunity coming up –Review “Unit Contacts” section in Commissioner Fieldbook – pg. 15-16

Page 5 GCR 2005

Monitoring the UnitMonitoring the Unit

Cub Scout Packs

Indicators to be observed. How much of this caught your eye on your recent visit?

• Leadership

• Webelos den

• Advancement

• Parental involvement

• Attendance

• Den meetings/activities

• Den chiefs or den aides

• Membership

• Annual planned program

Page 6 GCR 2005

Monitoring the UnitMonitoring the Unit

Indicators to be observed. How much of this caught your eye on your recent visit?

• Meeting operation

• Youth leadership

• Advancement/Recognition

• Adult assistance

• Attendance

• Outdoor/skills programs

• Patrols/Squads/Crews

• Membership

• Annual planned program

Scouts/Varsity/Venturers

Page 7 GCR 2005

Evaluating a UnitEvaluating a Unit’’s Healths Health

Unit Self Assessment Worksheet

Page 8 GCR 2005

Evaluating a UnitEvaluating a Unit’’s Healths Health

• Unit Self-Assessment Forms for all units are available on pp. 64-66 of the Commissioner Fieldbook.

• These forms are to be used in an Action Planning Meeting involving the a) unit leader, b) unit committee chair, and c) unit commissioner.

• Why would a unit leader resist evaluation?

• If a unit has checks in the right column, where might you, as a commissioner, go for help?

Unit Self Assessment Worksheet

Page 9 GCR 2005

Help for the CommissionerHelp for the Commissioner

• This booklet has ideas to help commissioners of all units deal with problems related to the units.

• It references STANDARDS, based on proven experience and policy.

• Select the standards you believe your unit(s) needs help with, then view the listed suggestions.

Page 10 GCR 2005

Quality Unit OperationQuality Unit Operation

Unit Commissioners must be alert to situations that can signal a unit

is in trouble.

Page 11 GCR 2005

Quality Unit OperationQuality Unit Operation

Early Warning Signals:• Irregular meetings• No written program• Little advancement• Few in uniform• Seldom participate in district events• Insufficient outdoor program• Limited roundtable attendance• Weak unit committee• Limited parental involvement• Minimal boy leadership• Lack of discipline• Leaders not fully trained

Early Warning Signals:• Irregular meetings• No written program• Little advancement• Few in uniform• Seldom participate in district events• Insufficient outdoor program• Limited roundtable attendance• Weak unit committee• Limited parental involvement• Minimal boy leadership• Lack of discipline• Leaders not fully trained

Page 12 GCR 2005GCR 2005

Quality Unit OperationQuality Unit OperationThe Current Measuring Stick is Known as:The Current Measuring Stick is Known as:

Journey to ExcellenceFor Packs, Troops, Teams, and Crews

The requirements represent desirable and important standards for quality unit operation.

Page 13 GCR 2005

Journey to Excellence WebsiteJourney to Excellence Websitescouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/JourneyToExcellencescouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/JourneyToExcellence

• Another site to bookmark.

• Note the PDF and Excel files you can download.

• This is a performance recognition program.

• It is designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance.

• It has replaced the Centennial Quality Awards Program.

• It is a means of encouraging excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.

Page 14 GCR 2005

Journey to Excellence Journey to Excellence

• As with previous programs, the intent is to go through the Self-Assessment Form AND set achievement goals.

• This is to be done in the early part of the year in an Action Planning Meeting. This involves the unit leader, unit committee chair, and the unit commissioner.

• A follow-up meeting should be held about midway through the year to assess progress.

• Additional meeting(s) should be held as needs arise, including a change of leadership.

• Prior to rechartering, a final meeting should be held to determine the level of achievement.

Page 15 GCR 2005

CounselingCounseling

The best way to help a unit is to strengthen its leadership through

effective counseling.

Commissioners must be good counselors to do their jobs well.

Develop the ability to listen in

such a way that they will solve their own problems.

Counseling fundamentals:Carefully select time and place.Work to understand what the leader is saying.Let the leader know you hear and understand.DO NOT give advice. Guide them to solve their own problems.Summarize from time to time.Support their thinking with information. (Know the difference between information and advice.)

Counseling fundamentals:Carefully select time and place.Work to understand what the leader is saying.Let the leader know you hear and understand.DO NOT give advice. Guide them to solve their own problems.Summarize from time to time.Support their thinking with information. (Know the difference between information and advice.)

More information on “Counseling” in Commissioner Fieldbook pg. 34-35.

Page 16 GCR 2005

District CommitteeDistrict Committee

Four Function Organization:

1. Membership

2. Finance

3. Program (5 areas)

4. Unit Service (2 areas)

Under direction of District Chairman

Page 17 GCR 2005

1. Membership Functions1. Membership Functions

• Fall & Spring Roundups of non-LDSElementary SchoolsIntermediate and Middle SchoolsSpecial outreach to families in

community - using ward mission leaders to identify

Offer them a choice of an LDS or community unit

• Spring and fall comparison of Church MLS list with BSA Registration list

• Advice and help to small units

Membership Chair

Page 18 GCR 2005

2. Finance Functions2. Finance Functions

1. All in area should be contacted.

2. Do not stop once goal is met. Refer back to step 1.

• Endowment (interest also supports operating funds).

• Trust Funds (James E. West Award) matches donors.

Finance Chair

• Friends of Scouting (provides operating funds for council and districts).

• District Activity Costs should be budget neutral or better.

Page 19 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

A. Camp Promotion & Outdoor

B. Activities & Civic Service

C. Training

D. Advancement & Recognition

E. Health & Safety

Program Chair

Page 20 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program FunctionsA. Camp Promotion & Outdoor Chair

Where to go camping

Summer camp promotion (consider council camps 1st)

Log Cabin Gateways (getaway to a cabin)

Local High Adventure Camps (Beaver, Entrada)

National High Adventure Camps (Philmont, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, Summit Bechtel Reserve)

Order of the Arrow (Scouting’s national camping honor society)

Page 21 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

District Recognition Dinner

Scouting Anniversary Week

B. Activities & Civic Service Chair

Page 22 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

Scout Expo

Camporees and Klondike

B. Activities & Civic Service Chair

Page 23 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

Scouting for Food

Scouting for Food

B. Activities & Civic Service Chair

Page 24 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

Webelos Day Camp

Cub Day Camp

B. Activities & Civic Service Chair

Page 25 GCR 2005

3. P3. Program Functiorogram Functionnss

Cub Scouts:Youth ProtectionFast StartThis is ScoutingLeader Specific TrainingRoundtablePow Wow, Akela’s Council

C. Training Chair

Page 26 GCR 2005

3. P3. Program Functiorogram Functionnss

Boy Scouts:Youth ProtectionFast StartThis is ScoutingLeader Position - Specific TrainingIntro to Outdoor Leadership

• North StarRoundtableWood BadgePhilmont

C. Training Chair

Page 27 GCR 2005

3. P3. Program Functiorogram Functionnss

Varsity/Venturing:Youth ProtectionFast StartThis is ScoutingLeader Specific TrainingIntro to Outdoor Leadership•North StarRoundtable - Huddle/ForumWood BadgePhilmont

C. Training Chair

Page 28 GCR 2005

3. P3. Program Functiorogram Functionnss

Youth Leadership:Den ChiefNational Youth Leadership Training

• Scout Timberline• Varsity All Stars• Venturing Leadership Skills Course

C. Training Chair

Page 29 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

Eagle Boards of Review

Merit Badge Counselors

Advice / training for units

Heroism awards

Adult recognition

D. Advancement & Recognition Chair

Page 30 GCR 2005

3. Program Functions3. Program Functions

• The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety is a list of procedures applicable for all physical activities.

• Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting.

• None enjoy a better safety record.

E. Health & Safety Chair

• The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns.

Page 31 GCR 2005

4. Unit Service4. Unit Service

UNIT

Country Doctor(Unit Commissioner)

Determines need

Provide consultation or specialized

treatment

Specialists

Requests specific

assistance

A. Commissioners

• How do we determine need?

• How do we request specific assistance?

• How does the District Committee provide consultation?

• What happens to a unit when the District Committee and Unit Service mesh?

Page 32 GCR 2005

4. Unit Service4. Unit Service

UNIT(Boys)

B. Roundtable

• Roundtable is monthly in-service for all Scouting leaders.

• The purpose is to train, inform, and motivate.

• It’s a great place to visit with others who are trying to learn their Scouting duties.

• Stay in the loop with District activities and Be Prepared.

LeadersAttend

InstructionIn Depts.

Ideas

What can I bring back?

I was able to share one of my success stories with Jim.

I bet that suggestion of Bill’s will solve my problem.

There was something there for me after all.

Page 33 GCR 2005

Back to Back to Commissioners: Commissioners:

Make 3rd Unit Visit Make 3rd Unit Visit • These are the guidelines:

• Go by yourself.• Visit a committee meeting. How fully is it functioning? Is a printed

agenda used? Are all members asked to give a report?• Have something you can leave with them.• A strong committee is important to the life of a unit, and you should

become well acquainted with its members.• Request time to meet with unit leader & committee chair to do a Unit

Self Assessment and set/review goals for Journey to Excellence.• Take time to visit with the COR.• After your visit fill out a worksheet, if desired, to help you monitor long-

term progress.• Report your visit online.

Page 34 GCR 2005

ReviewReview

We have learned about:

Evaluating Unit Operation

Journey to Excellence

Counseling

The District Committee

Thank you for participating!

Page 35 GCR 2005