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The Life Saving Commissioner's Role in Unit With No Leader

Kenneth Buatala

April 1, 2013

Outline

I. Introductory Material

A. Title Page

B. Table Of Contents

C. List of Tables and Figures

II. Body of the Report

A. Statement of the Problem

B. Background history or review of the literature

C. Methods or procedures used

D. Results or outcome

E. Conclusion

F. Bibliography

III. Supplemental Material

Appendices

Table of Contents

Outline ............................................................................................................... i

Statement of the Problem ................................................................................. 1

Background ...................................................................................................... 1

Methods or Procedures Used ........................................................................... 2

Results or Outcomes ...................................................................................... 18

Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 20

Bibliography ................................................................................................... 22

Appendices ................................................................................................... B-1

List of Tables and Figures ............................................................................ C-1

Appendices

Appendix A ......................................................................... Cub Scout Youth Application

Appendix B .................................... Cub Scout 2013 Journey to Excellence Requirements

Appendix C ........................................................................... Pack Leader Responsibilities

Appendix D ........................................................................... Pack Leader Inventory Sheet

Appendix E ....................................................................... Selecting Cub Scout Leadership

Appendix F ........................................................... Six Major Tasks for Volunteer Success

Appendix F .............................................. The Yard Stick Story, Leader Recruitment Tool

Appendix H ................................................................................................ Family Surveys

B-1

List of Tables and Figures

Figure 1, Room Set-up .................................................................................. 14

C‐1

Statement of the Problem

Packs are losing leaders and units wait until the last minute to ask for help filling those

positions.

Background – (History or review of the literature, the background is what others have

done on this topic).

As a commissioner, I have been called on many times to help a cub scout unit

recruit new leaders. Common reasons for units to lose leaders are the past leaders

graduated into boy scouts and the parents moved to the unit with the boy, or the families

left scouting and the unit had not planned for this loss.

Theoretically, a pack should have its leaders in place by the end of the school

year, April or May. By this time, the webelos IIs have become boy scouts and the other

boys have graduated into the next rank.

Cub Scout Journey to Excellence requirement #8 for 2013 is "Leadership

planning: Next year's leaders are identified early." The unit should have a succession

plan for making sure leaders are in place and their replacements have been identified,

trained and mentoring to begin. This encourages cub scout units to have a plan for leader

transition.

The Charter Organization is responsible for selecting a unit committee of parents

and members of the chartered organization who will screen and select unit leaders who

meet the organization's standards as well as the leadership standards of the BSA. The

selection committee should consist of at least three members.

The responsibility of the Council is to make training available to the Charter

Organization and unit adults. The Council is also responsible to provide support for the 1

Chartered Organization Representative as the primary communication link between the

organization and the BSA. The Council makes available techniques and methods for

selecting quality unit leaders.

Many leaders are not aware of the resources scouting has available to guide them

through the leader recruitment process.

When a unit finds itself without adult leadership, it is a critical situation where the

commissioner must become a "lifesaving commissioner."

Methods or procedures used. (This section explains what is done to resolve the problem

statement. How are you doing it?)

Cub Scout Journey to Excellence requirement #8 is "Leadership planning: Next

year's leaders are identified early." By having the leaders in place at that time, your

administration is in place for the summer time pack activities and when school starts up

in the fall, dens and the pack are already working on advancements for the year.

There are times however, for any number of reasons, a pack will lose most or all

of their leaders at one time. When a situation like this occurs, it is imperative to recruit

adults to fill the adult leadership positions as soon as possible. Helping a unit and its

chartered organization recruit quality unit leaders may be the greatest contribution you, as

a commissioner, can make to the future of good Scouting.

The Cub Scout unit should begin recruiting adult leaders when boys join the

program. Family involvement is essential to Cub Scouting's success. Volunteer leaders

support Cub Scouting by serving in many roles, and often find great satisfaction in

lending their support to youth and the community.

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How does a unit find out about the talents and resources of families in their units?

A resource Scouting has is the Family Talent Survey Sheet available on the Scouting.org

webpage. This survey is used by the unit to find out what specialties the parents have,

where they might have interests, hobbies and where they might be interested in

volunteering. This survey gives leaders an idea of resources they can tap into. Cub Scout

units should have their adults complete the form and tum it in to the Committee Chair

when the adult registers their child and every year, consider at Blue and Gold time.

The unit should encourage all adults in the unit to receive training for their

scouting program. All adults should receive Youth Protection Training. For Cub Scouts,

basic training is all available on-line at myscouting.org. The training is convenient

because adults can complete it in their free time. Those who take the training receive

instruction on how Cub Scouts works and what to expect from the program. Research by

the BSA has shown that adults who receive training are more likely to step up and

volunteer.

The on-line training, however, is minimal. It does not show the adults how to

plan a program, or how to use the available program helps. It also does not provide

information on record keeping for den leaders and advancement. This deficiency in the

training contributes to apprehension in leaders who have received the training to step up.

It also causes frustration with leaders because they are not familiar with the most

important aspects of the Cub Scout program. This frustration causes leaders to quit and

to be unwilling to step up to serve as leaders. They fear they will fail the boys and adults

in their Dens and Packs. We (the Boy Scouts) violate our own literature regarding

volunteer success and what we ask our volunteers to do.

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From the "Selecting District People" and "Administration o/ Commissioner

Service" literature, the Six Major Tasks for Volunteer Success

1. Define Responsibilities

Volunteers must know what is expected for them to be successful. We need to

carefully define, in writing, the responsibilities for each position. We do this

by providing our volunteers with job descriptions for the positions they volunteer

for.

2. Select and Recruit

Fit the right person to the position. We consider each prospect's skills, interests,

and other relevant factors. We consider the variety of motivating factors for

people getting involved in Scouting. We should use all the prescribed steps in

recruiting volunteers and use the recruiting resources of the BSA. Helpful

recruiting resources for Cub Scouts includes the publication "Selecting Cub Scout

Leadership: The Chartered Organization's Most Important Scouting

Responsibility."

3. Orient and Train

Each leader should be provided prompt orientation on their individual assignment

and with adequate training to be successful. Each leader and adult in the unit

should be encouraged to take basic training on-line. The leaders should also be

encouraged to attend the monthly roundtables. Roundtables are opportunities for

continuing education which gives pack leaders program ideas; information on

policy, events, and training opportunities; and an opportunity to

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share experiences and enjoy fellowship; so they will be able to provide a stronger

program for Cub Scouts.

4. Coach Volunteers

Provide ongoing coaching as needed. Being a coach is a key Commissioner role.

Serving as a couch helps build a volunteer's confidence and self-esteem. A leader

with knowledge is able to effectively use their time and provide a quality program.

5. Recognize Achievement

Prompt volunteer recognition has an important impact on the tenure and quality of

service to the unit. Recognition must be sincere, timely, and earned. An effective

way to recognize the good things volunteers do can be as simple as a personal "pat

on the back" for a job well done. This can be done with creative, locally devised

thank-you's. The BSA also has a wide variety of formal BSA recognition items.

We should recognize volunteers on a face-to-face basis, from a person of status,

and preferably in front of the volunteer's peers. When people see their efforts are

appreciated, they will be more willing to volunteer.

6. Evaluate Performance

It is important to regularly let unit volunteers know how they are doing. There are

several self-evaluation, sell assessment tools available to use. One tool

Commissioners have is the Pack Self-Assessment form. The meeting to conduct

this assessment should be held about six months before rechartering.

The model annual commissioner service plan calls for the Unit Commissioner to

conduct a leadership inventory with their units during the month of April. The purpose of

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this inventory is to find out which adults are continuing in the unit and which adults are

leaving the unit. The purpose is to also make sure that leaders serving in positions are

properly trained in their registered positions.

What information does a commissioner need to conduct this inventory? The

commissioner should have the list of registered unit leaders from the council showing the

leaders names, position and training status.

The inventory should be done in person with the unit Committee Chair and Cub

Master. The rosters are reviewed and compared with the unit list of active and inactive

members. All inactive members are listed and assigned to persons who will visit them or

contact them and to attempt to reactivate them. If the volunteer does not wish to return to

scouting, ask them why they left scouting. This could help the unit with future

volunteers.

So what happens when the system breaks down, units lose their leaders and no

one steps up to volunteer? How does the district find out? If the district does find out, is

their information accurate? What about a situation where the District Executive calls the

District Commissioner because of a call the DE received from a concerned parent in the

unit?

The first indication of a problem might be a concerned parent in the unit will call

the district office and talk to the District Executive. The District Executive will call the

commissioner and let them know about the call. Another way I have been informed of

problems recruiting leaders is a leader asks the question or asks for help at roundtable.

Hopefully, the unit has a commissioner who has been attending meetings and is

aware of the situation and has reported it to the ADC. The commissioner has discussed

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the situation with the Charter Organization Representative and they have a strategy on

how to fill the positions.

If the unit has a commissioner, the DC and/or ADC should contact the Unit

Commissioner to find out their assessment of the pack. As a Unit Commissioner, I had been

contacted by our District Executive to go to a pack leader meeting of a pack in a small town.

The DE had received information there were no leaders in the unit and no adults were

stepping up. At that time in our district, the commissioner assignments were not clear and I

did not know if a commissioner was assigned to the unit. I asked another commissioner o

accompany me to the committee meeting. As we drove to the meeting we discussed the

situation and created a plan on how we would approach the situation. When we arrived, we

saw that a commissioner was at the meeting. We observed the meeting as spectators and

commissioners and felt comfortable that everything was being handled well. The Unit

Commissioner was familiar with the adults at the meeting, and working with them

recruited a Committee Chair and Cub Master for the upcoming year. A completely

different situation than what I expected to encounter.

I contacted the Unit Commissioner a couple days later to see if he needed any

further assistance from us. He told us the pack staffed their leaders and were well on

their way to getting on track. This is a result we wish would happen more, however, it is

more the exception than the rule.

In this case, we had initially been provided part of the story at the beginning. As

a commissioner, you will find this to be the case, more times than not. It is your

responsibility to contact the leaders to do as much homework ahead of time as possible.

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This will help the commissioner determine the root cause of the problem. Then, the

commissioner can work with the Charter Organization and other unit adults to have them

volunteer to fill positions.

As the commissioner tasked with rebuilding the committee, you should gather the

facts. Who should do you contact?

If the unit has a commissioner, check with the commissioner. The commissioner

should have an idea about what the situation is with the unit and if it does need help.

If the unit does not have a commissioner who should a commissioner contact?

The first contact should be to the unit Committee Chair or the Cub Master. Often times,

someone other than the unit leaders, i.e., a concerned parent, will call the office voicing

their concerns regarding the unit and the report you hear is not the true case in the unit.

If the commissioner has time, they attend a meeting as soon as they are informed.

Invite another commissioner to attend the meeting with you to see if your observations

are consistent. Use this meeting to ascertain if the situation is indeed, dire. It may have

been one person's observation, and not the true situation.

After the meeting, discuss with the commissioner who accompanied you and

discuss the meeting.

If it is indeed, a lifesaving event, and you do not have the time to observe a

meeting, attend the meeting and be prepared to conduct the presentation to staff the

committee.

As a District Commissioner, you should know the talents and personalities of

your commissioners. Some commissioners are very assertive and outgoing while others

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are quiet and support their units in a more laid-back style. Each style is beneficial to a

particular situation and can be an asset when working with a unit to recruit leaders.

A commissioner becomes a "lifesaving commissioner' when units find

themselves with no active youth, no active adults, no program, and when units are dying.

Dying and dead units provide no program for their youth. They need the support of the

"Scouting Paramedic," a commissioner.

If the unit leader has quit or leaves for any reason, the leader needs to be

replaced quickly. The commissioner should call the Committee Chairman and help the

committee select and recruit a suitable replacement. Ask the Committee Chairman to

assign a registered adult to continue unit meetings in the interim. It is important to keep

the incentive for unit leadership very visible and very alive.

When a unit acquires a new leader, your interest and help can make the difference

between success and failure. If the leader is new to Scouting, training is needed. The

District Commissioner should be asked to arrange with the district training committee to

begin coaching and formal training immediately. Your role is to encourage the new leader

to participate in training. In some cases, you may need to take the new leader to the next

training course or roundtable.

Meanwhile, the new leader needs orientation. A commissioner is a great person

to give the orientation. A commissioner has knowledge of the program and can provide

enough information and access to resources to get the leader started in the right direction.

By now, the commissioner knows the unit adults, the unit and its condition to provide

support and help to the leader.

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Another area where a unit might need help is if a unit leader receives little or no

adult help. The unit might not survive very long or the unit program weakens and youth

are cheated out of the great opportunities of Scouting.

If the committee is not working, the commissioner should get in touch with the

Chartered Organization Representative and explain the importance of having an active

committee of at least three people. If the Chartered Organization Representative is not

responsive, go to the head of the organization. Set the date for a meeting of those who

could serve.

Lifesaving commissioners can function on their own, or Council and District

Commissioners may put together "lifesaving teams" for their districts. Without

"intensive care" from a commissioner or a team of lifesavers, a unit could become a

"terminal case" and stop serving kids.

When you verify the need to conduct a li fesaving adult leader recruitment you

should consider using the team approach. There are two kinds of lifesaving teams the

commissioners might use: the strictly ad hoc or temporary team and the permanent

lifesaving team.

The temporary team is a lifesaving team of two or more people selected by the

District Commissioner with the advice of the District Executive, solely for the short-term

goal of helping a high-priority unit over a life-threatening situation. The selection of this

ad hoc team is made on the basis of a single question: Who are the best people in the

district to work with a particular unit during a particular crisis?

The temporary team may consist of the Unit Commissioner, an Assistant District

Commissioner, a person in the community with special influence on the unit and its

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chartered organization, a key member of the chartered organization, perhaps the head of

the organization, another unit leader and anyone who has the ability to help. The Unit

Commissioner may head the team. In some cases, however, it may be best for someone

other than the Unit Commissioner to give team leadership. It depends on the situation

and the people.

A permanent lifesaving commissioner team operates the district's intensive care

program. The team members are appointed by the District Commissioner and are chosen

based on their knowledge, demeanor, talents and skills. The team is led by an Assistant

District Commissioner and this is the ADCs main assignment. The rest of the team

includes Unit Commissioners and other scouters as needed. The Unit Commissioners

primary assignment is to the lifesaving team. Other scouters can come from the District

Committee or other units. The District Commissioner assigns units for the team to work

with. When the unit is active with youth and adults and providing a thriving program, the

unit is reassigned to a regular Unit Commissioner when healthy.

As a member of a lifesaving team i t is important how you approach with and

work with the adults in a unit. Lifesaving commissioners need to:

Be enthusiastic -Unit leaders who are discouraged will be uplifted by

your attitude that their situation is far from hopeless. Share vision of

future.

Apply "first aid" - for the priority unit. Take care of the most critical

needs first.

Apply "second aid" - based on your best strategy or action plan.

Generate a real atmosphere of teamwork - by involving the other

people you talk with.

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Gain commitment to help. Give specific things to do. Organize efforts

around tangible activities.

Whatever the problem, examine the facts, consider possible solutions,

reach a conclusion,

and move toward action.

Most lifesaving teams are probably ad hoc, made up of the Unit Commissioner, the

Assistant District Commissioner, a member of the training team, and/or a member of the

membership team. The District Executive should often be involved.

If there are sufficient resources to do this, some people could specialize in this

function. Each team will have a little different emphasis, depending on the nature of the

problem. Some may need crisis resolution, others need recruiting skills, others may just

need training.

When the decision has been made to have a lifesaving team go to the unit, the

team should contact the current unit leadership in advance to ascertain valuable

information for the presentation. The unit leadership should be asked to participate in the

event.

By including the unit leaders in the presentation you are teaching them how to

recruit adults. You use the process of telling them (the current leaders) what you are

going to do. During the presentation you are showing them how to conduct the

presentation and you are letting them contribute during the presentation. After the event,

you review what happened with the adults so they understand what happened and how it

happened.

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By following this procedure, you give the leaders the knowledge and they gain

confidence to conduct leader recruiting in the future

The team should find out when and where the unit is meeting. When visiting with

the unit leader you can find out who is already serving in leader positions in the unit.

You can find out what has been done so far by the unit to recruit leaders. Find out who

has been contacted and why they are not able to volunteer. You can possibly work with

the unit leader to schedule a meeting with a prospect. You can find out where the needs

are. Often times, leader positions can be filled in advance. Find out if there is anyone

who has already volunteered to fill a position. You should visit with this person and have

that person wait until their position is recruited to come forward to the seat for their

position.

Talk to the Charter Organization representative in advance and explain what you

are going to do. Explain that the adults who attend will probably be uncomfortable.

Explain this is more likely than not because the adults do not know what is expected of

them. Their likely role model has been the Cubmaster or den leader who has

singlehandedly run the program.

On the day of the presentation your team should arrive early enough to meet with

the leaders and set up the room for the event.

The setting should illustrate where help is needed in the unit. The commissioner

or Committee Chair should tell the adults in the audience that there are leadership

positions which need to be filled for the pack to operate.

13

A good way to do this is to set up a chair at the head of the room representing

each of the adult leader positions of the pack committee and den leadership. (Figure 1)

A label should be put on each chair identifying the position. I have printed out sheets

with all the pack committee positions and have laminated them. I can tape the signs to

the back of the chairs. The signs are neat and can be used over.

Remember to thank the leaders who served the following year. Guide the unit

leadership to recognize the service and accomplishments of those adults who volunteered.

It is always best if someone from the unit makes the plea for leaders. This way it

does not give the impression that someone other than the unit is requesting the leaders to

fill the roles. However, you need to be prepared in case no one from the unit feels

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Figure 1. Set-up for Recruiting Event

Line 11 chairs facing the audience. The audience should face the chairs. Label each chair with the pack leader position. As adults volunteer they sit in the appropriate chair.

Audience

comfortable or is willing to stand in front of the group. It is often uncomfortable for adults

to ask for help when others are not so willing to step forward. The person conducting the

presentation should be assertive. You are acting as a recruiter. By being confident other

adults might be more willing to volunteer as there is less uncertainty. The person needs to

know the joining requirements for Cub Scouts and be familiar with the Cub Scout Youth

Application the Parent agreement each parent acknowledges when they sign the application

for their son. The team should make sure there are adult applications available.

When is the best time to hold this meeting? One suggestion for a unit is to

conduct a mandatory parent meeting. You can consider having a flip chart on which an

eagerly awaiting youth can write down suggestions for programming that parents would

like to see. As the adults provide ideas, ask them if they have anything that they can do

to help.

Another suggestion is to utilize an event like the pinewood derby to overcome this

problem. At the pinewood derby, before the race, make sure the parents of all Scouts

participating are signed up for at least one task. Ifyou don't have J OO-percent signups,

hold up the race until that occurs. You want to see pressure put on the parents? Watch

an eager pinewood racer being held up with the threat of no race.

How do you start the presentation? I talk about the Cub Scout program and that it

is a family program that relies on adults to hel p the boys advance. I briefly describe the

filnction of the Council, District, and the Charter organization. I talk about the purposes

of Cub Scouting, character development, physical fitness, and citizenship. Finally, I

15

discuss the need for leadership in the unit and how important it is for adults to

volunteer to help the pack.

Though I have not used this presentation for many years, another presentation that

has received favorable reviews by leaders, and comments by parents is "The Yardstick

Story, Leader Recruitment Tool” This story behind this tool is a story discussing the ages

of a child and the period of time adults truly have with their children. It is very effective

in demonstrating how short this period of time is and how important it is for parents to

share this time with their children.

The Northern Lights Council has a very good document that lists the pack

adult leader positions and a brief position description. I t is given to the unit in the

recharter packets every year. It is also available from the office at any time.

What if you don't get adults to volunteer? You can show the adults the youth

application and remind the adults of the agreement each parent signed when they

signed the application for their son. You can quote the agreement:

"I have read the Cub Scout Promise and I want my son to join the pack. I will assist

him in observing the policies of the Boy Scouts of America and of his pack's

chartered organization. I will

While he is a Tiger Cub, serve as his adult partner and participate in all

meetings and approve his advancement. *

While he is a Cub Scout, help him and approve his Cub Scout advancement.

While he is a Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout, attend monthly pack

meetings and take part in other activities; assist pack leaders as needed. "

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This is important when adults are not coming forward to fill the positions.

Reminding the adults about the agreement they signed, causes them to reflect and

reminds them of the commitment they made to their boys.

At least one additional commissioner and hopefully two or more should be

present during the event. These additional people can fill many roles. They can be like

spotters at an auction. If someone is timidly signaling an interest in filling a particular

position, the commissioner can watch for the raised hands, etc. Often times, adults will

have questions about the responsibilities of a particular position. The additional

commissioners can sit with the adults one-on-one and explain what the responsibilities

of the position are. Often, this puts the adults more at ease and willing to accept a role

in the pack leadership.

When an adult does step up to fill a role in the pack, the additional commissioner

can assist the volunteer to complete their applications and to collect the application for

the unit. It is very important that you have the adult fill out the application that night.

If possible, coordinate with the charter organization representative and the

Committee Chair to be present at the recruiting event. This facilitates getting all the

required signatures so the application can be turned in to the Council office expeditiously.

Once you have adults step up and fill the chairs, it is important to personally thank

them for stepping up to lead their units. Now it is the commissioner's tum to make a

commitment to the adults.

Tell the adults about the on-line training at myscouting.org and encourage them to

complete their youth protection and position specific training.

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If you know when the next district Cub Scout leader training is going to be, let the

adults know when and where it will be. If there is no training planned, talk to the leaders

and have them give you a date and location that works for them to provide them training.

Once you have this date and location, you can contact the district training committee and

notify other units of the training opportunity.

Results or Outcome.

I have two recent examples when this procedure has been successful in recruiting

adults and successful pack operations.

The first was a unit about a year old and all the adults who started the unit were

moving on to boy scouts. The unit had a good number of boys and families who attended

the meeting, however, they only saw the Cubmaster doing all the work. The lifesaving

team was invited to a pack meeting pot luck where good attendance was anticipated.

There was some anticipation at first, with only a couple of adults coming forward.

I ultimately had the boys all stand up, tell us how excited they were to be in scouting and

asked the boys to ask their parents if they would volunteer.

One of the commissioners who was present and helping me that night later told

me that he observed one of the boys pulling his parent's arm and crying because he

wanted to be a Cub Scout. The parent came forward to fill one of the positions. Our

team successfully recruited a full pack committee including Committee Chair,

Cubmaster, Den Leaders, and committee positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement.

The district had a Cub Scout leader training session planned for the following Saturday in

their community. We invited all the leaders to attend the training session and many of

them did attend the training.

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One of the commissioners and I had the opportunity to share some time with the

leaders a few years later at the Council Camporall in August at the West Fargo

Fairgrounds. Their unit has become one of the largest units in the Northern Sky District.

The leaders remembered us being at their meeting that night. The leaders were glad we

conducted the presentation and glad they became involved in scouting. They talked

about the importance of having the succession plan in place for leaders as they are now

starting to move on into Boy Scouts. The leaders d id say that if they had to, they were

comfortable conducting a recruiting event like we conducted. As they were sitting,

having lunch with their boys, the leaders relayed they have had a wonderful experience

spending time with their boys, taking part in the activities and meeting the other leaders.

They all plan on continuing as leaders in Boy Scouts.

The second unit is a small unit in an established neighborhood and school. The

Cubmaster had essentially been running the pack without any support from other adults.

Two parents approached a commissioner following a roundtable one night and expressed

their concern about the pack failing and their boys not having a Cub Scout pack to attend.

I had the unit commissioner contact the Cubmaster. The commissioner reported

back to me that the Cubmaster's son was moving on to Boy Scouts and her plan was to

move on with him. She had not communicated this with any other adults in the unit.

1 had the commissioner make an appointment to meet with the two concerned

parents. I met with the commissioner before hand and we discussed a strategy to handle

the meeting like a training session for concerned adults. We told the adults how the

program is about adult participation and leadership. We described the different

leadership positions of the pack and what their responsibilities are. Three family

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members volunteered to step up for the Charter Organization Representative, the

Committee Chair and the Cubmaster. I then described to them the recruiting event I

planned on conducting and they agreed on the plan and to conduct it the next pack

meeting. We recruited the rest of the Den Leaders and committee members at the pack

meeting. That night, we had the unit set a date for leader training to be conducted within

a month. The district training committee was contacted and an in-residence training

session was conducted at the unit's neighborhood school. The event was publicized to

other units and was well attended.

I was asked a couple of years later to attend their pack meeting where they were

going to recruit leaders for the next year. The Committee Chair conducted a presentation

with a slight variation and was able to recruit all the leaders for their pack.

One common comment from both of the groups of leaders was how much they

felt getting the training as soon as they did was a key factor in their success. The leaders

indicated that they really did not know how to run a pack or den and were concerned

they would not be able to fulfill their responsibilities. By receiving the training so soon

after volunteering as leaders, they learned about the program and how the program is

supposed to work. They learned that with the full pack committee, each person could be

concerned with the responsibilities of their position and they knew who served in the

other positions in the pack and what their responsibilities were.

Conclusion or summary

Units will continue to have times when all leaders will leave a unit,

resulting in leadership vacancies at the unit level.

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Many times, if not every time, these situations will require a "lifesaving"

response from the District Commissioner Staff.

The better the expectations of a volunteer are explained the more likely

the adult will volunteer.

The sooner after accepting a position a leader can receive quality

training, the more likely the leader is to continue serving as a leader.

The more training a leader receives the leader becomes more confident

and comfortable asking other adults to help.

When adults become involved early in small tasks, they are more likely

to later accept positions of more responsibility.

When leaders are informed about a skill to be trained, are shown how to

conduct a skill, and are mentored in the skill, the more they are likely to

know what to do when the situation occurs again. They are also able to

make the necessary changes to meet needs of the group.

A trained, understanding commissioner is a key resource for providing

information, mentorship, orientation and training to unit adults.

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Selecting Cub Scout Leadership, 13-500, Boy Scouts of America, 2006 printing Selecting District

People, 345 l2A, Boy Scouts of America, 2009 Printing

How to recruit Cub Scout leaders, Scouting Magazine November-December 2011, http://scoutingmagazine.org/2011/10/how-to-recruit-cub-scout-leaders/ accessed March 29, 2013

THE YARDSTICK STORY, Leader Recruitment Tool http://www.wdboyce.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=18id=82308 accessed April 15, 2012, and March 31, 2013

Scouting The Net, THE YARDSTICK CLOSING http://www.scoutingthenet.com/wiki/index.php/Main/AlternativeYardStickTalk, accessed April 15, 2012, and March 31, 201 22

Boy ScoutS of AmericA youth ApplicAtion

Cub Scout Promise

I, (name), promise to do my bestTo do my duty to God and my country,

To help other people andTo obey the Law of the Pack.

Cub Scouting

Tiger Cub Cub ScoutWebelos Scout

Boy Scouting

Scout Oath or Promise

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

Varsity Scouting

Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help

others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

Venturer/Sea Scout

524-406 711

524-406.indd 1 6/10/11 4:01 PM

Appendix A

Boy Scouts of AmericaInformation for Parents

A parent or guardian must certify that he or she has read this information sheet for all applicants under 18 years of age.

(Venturing and Sea Scout members: It is important that you share this with your parents.)

Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America!Your child is joining more than 4 million members of the Boy Scouts of America. Please take the time to review this material and reflect upon its importance. Visit www.scoutparents.org.

The BSA and the Chartered OrganizationThe Boy Scouts of America makes Scouting available to our nation’s youth by chartering community organizations to operate Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships.

The chartered organization must provide an adequate and safe meeting place and capable adult leadership, and must adhere to the principles and policies of the BSA. The BSA local council provides unit leader training, program ideas, camping facilities, literature, professional guidance for volunteer leaders, and liability insurance protection.

Scouting’s Volunteers and YouScouting’s adult volunteers provide leadership at the unit, district, council, and national levels. Many are parents of Scouts; many entered Scouting as youth members. Each chartered organization establishes a unit committee, which operates its Scouting unit, selects leadership, and provides support for a quality pro-gram. Unit committees depend on parents for membership and assistance.

Youth Protection Begins With You™. Child abuse is a serious problem in our society, and unfortunately, it can occur anywhere, even in Scouting. Youth safety is of paramount importance to Scouting. For that reason, the BSA continues to create barriers to abuse beyond what have previously existed in Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on providing the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA has developed numerous procedural and leader-ship selection policies, and provides parents and leaders with numerous online and print resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs.

All Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout parents should review How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide booklet in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout handbooks or at www.scouting.org/training/youthprotection.

Become a ScoutParentA ScoutParent must be at least 21 years old and be a parent or adult mentor of a Scout. The ScoutParent enthusiastically participates with their Scout and also helps volunteer leaders provide the best quality program experience to all youth in every unit. Visit www.scoutparents.org.

Note: If the parent is not serving as a ScoutParent, the parental signature on the application indicates approval of the ScoutParent, and also if the ScoutParent does not live at the same address as the Scout, a separate adult application is required.

The respective unit committee selects the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, Venturing Advisor, or Sea Scout Skipper, subject to approval of the head of the chartered organization or the chartered organization representative and of the BSA. The unit leader must be a good role model because our children’s values and lives will be influenced by that leader. You need to know your child’s unit leader and be involved in the unit committee’s activities so you can evaluate and help direct that influence.

Scouting uses a fun program to promote character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness for every member. You can help by encouraging perfect attendance, assisting with your child’s advancement, attending meetings for parents, assisting with transportation, and assisting when called upon by the unit leader.

Program PoliciesChartered organizations agree to use the Scouting program in accordance with their own policies as well as those of the BSA. The program is flexible, but major departures from BSA methods and policies are not permitted. As a parent, you should be aware that• LeadershipisrestrictedtoqualifiedadultswhosubscribetothepreceptsoftheDeclarationofReligious

Principle,theScoutOath,theScoutLaw,andtheBSAStandardsofLeadership.• Citizenshipactivitiesareencouraged,butpartisanpoliticalactivitiesareprohibited.• Militarytraininganddrillsareprohibited.Marksmanshipandelementarydrillforceremoniesarepermitted.• TheBoyScoutsofAmericarecognizestheimportanceofreligiousfaithandduty;itleavessectarianreligious

instruction to the member’s religious leaders and family. • Memberswhodonotbelongtoaunit’sreligiouscharteredorganizationshallnotberequiredtoparticipatein

its religious activities.

Youth Protection Policies• Tworegisteredadultleadersoroneregisteredadultleaderandaparentofaparticipant,oneofwhommust

be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. If trips and outings are coeducational, lead-ers of both genders must be present.

• One-on-oneactivitiesbetweenyouthmembersandadultleadersareneverpermitted.EvenpersonalScoutconferences must be conducted in plain view of others.

• Corporalpunishment,hazingandbullyingarenotpermittedinScouting.Onlyconstructivedisciplineisacceptable. Parents and unit leaders must work together to solve discipline problems.

• NewleadersarerequiredtotakeYouthProtectiontrainingwithin30daysofregistering,andYouthProtectiontraining must be taken every two years.

• WeencourageallparentstobeinvolvedwiththeirScout.Thereareno“secret”organizationsinScoutingandall Scouting activities are open to parental visitation.

• Ifyoususpectthatachildhasbeenabused,immediatelycontactthelocalauthoritiesandtheScoutexecutive.

Excerpt from the Declaration of Religious Principle The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing tosubscribetothesepreceptsoftheDeclarationofReligiousPrincipleandtotheBylawsoftheBoyScoutsofAmerica shall be entitled to certificates of membership.

Policy of NondiscriminationYouth membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all boys and young adults who meet the joining requirements. Membership in Scouting, advancement, and achievement of leadership in Scouting units are open to all youth without regard to race or ethnic background and are based entirely upon individual merit.

Ethnic background information. The BSA receives inquiries from various agencies regarding racial composition. Please fill in the appropriate circle on the application to indicate ethnic background.

Thank YouTheBoyScoutsofAmericaappreciatesyoutakingtimetobecomefamiliarwithScouting.Wefeelthataninformed parent is a strong ally in delivering the Scouting program. Help us keep the unit program in accord with Scouting principles. Alert the unit committee, chartered organization representative, and head of the chartered organization to any major deviations. Please do your fair share to support a quality unit program.

524-406.indd 2 6/10/11 4:01 PM

BOYS’ LIFE MAGAZINE

A message to parents. The youth registration fee is $15 for one year.

Boys’ Life is the monthly magazine of the Boy Scouts of America. It will help in your Scouting program and stimulate your interest in good reading. The subscription is only $12 a year (half the new regular rate of $24 a year). Just fill in the Boys’ Life circle on the application. Please calculate and remit the appropriate state and local taxes. On late registrations it may be necessary to deliver back issues. Boys’ Life will not begin for at least two months after you register.

Joining RequirementsParent/Guardian Information

Cub Scout PackPack membership is open to boys.1. Complete the information on the application page and sign your name, indicating approval.2. Give the completed application and fees to the Cubmaster.

Tiger Cub—Must be under the age of 8, have completed kindergarten or be in the first grade, or be age 7.Cub Scout—Must have completed first grade but not completed third grade, or be age 8 or 9.Webelos Scout—Musthavecompletedthirdgradebutnotcompletedfifthgrade,orbeage10butnotyet111⁄2.

Parent AgreementI have read the Cub Scout Promise and I want my son to join the pack. I will assist him in observing the policies of the Boy Scouts of America and of his pack’s chartered organization. I will• While he is a Tiger Cub, serve as his adult partner and participate in all meetings and activities and

approve his advancement.*• While he is a Cub Scout, help him grow as a Cub Scout and approve his Cub Scout advancement.• While he is a Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout, attend monthly pack meetings and take part in

other activities; assist pack leaders as needed.

*If the parent is not serving as the adult partner, the parental signature on the application indicates approval of the adult partner and also if the adult partner does not live at the same address as the Tiger Cub, a separate adult application is required.

Health information. PleasefillouttheAnnualHealthandMedicalRecord,No.680-001,foundon www.scouting.org/forms and give it to the unit leader.

Venturing Crew/Sea Scout Ship (Coeducational)Isubmitmy$15registrationfeeforoneyear.Iamatleast13yearsofageandhavecompletedtheeighthgrade or am 14 years of age and not yet 21. Must have parent/guardian approval if under 18 years of age.

Venturers and Sea Scouts registered in a crew or ship prior to their 21st birthday may continue as members after their 21st birthday until the crew or ship recharters or until they reach their 22nd birthday, whichever comes first.

Venturing and Sea Scouting include challenging physical and mental activities. If you have not recently had a completemedicalexamination,youareurgedtoseeyourfamilyphysician.NotifyyourAdvisor/Skipperifyourequire special medication or if your physician recommends limited activity. Please fill out the Annual Health andMedicalRecord,No.680-001,foundonwww.scouting.org/forms and give it to the unit leader.

Boy Scout Troop/Varsity TeamBoy Scout TroopYoursoncanbeaScoutifhehascompletedthefifthgradeandisatleast10yearsoldorisage11orhasearnedtheArrowofLightAwardandisatleast10yearsold,buthasnotreachedage18.1. Complete the application (sign your name, indicating approval).2. Give the completed application and fees to the Scoutmaster.3. SecureacopyoftheBoy Scout Handbook and complete the joining requirements as listed.

Health information.PleasefillouttheAnnualHealthandMedicalRecord,No.680-001,foundonwww.scouting.org/formsand give it to the unit leader.

Varsity TeamVarsity Scouting—A male youth must be at least 14 years of age and not yet 18.(Complete the application process as above and give it to the Varsity Coach.)Health information. Varsity Scouting involves strenuous activities. You should inform your Varsity Scout Coach of any conditionthatmightlimityourson’sparticipation.PleasefillouttheAnnualHealthandMedicalRecord,No.680-001,found on www.scouting.org/forms and give it to the unit leader.

Registration and Subscription Fee Chart

Term per month

Youth/adult registration fee

Boys’ Life subscription fee

1 1.25 —

2 2.50 2.00

3 3.75 3.00

4 5.00 4.00

5 6.25 5.00

6 7.50 6.00

7 8.75 7.00

8 10.00 8.00

9 11.25 9.00

10 12.50 10.00

11 13.75 11.00

12 15.00 12.00

TEMPORARYMEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE

(Goodfor60days)

This certifies that

__________________________________

is a member of ______________________

__________________________________Unit leader signature

__________________________________Date

Cut along dotted line.

Tips for completing the Application for Youth Membership:

Print—do not use cursive. Use black or dark blue ink. Press firmly when printing. Print one letter only in each box. Use uppercase letters and stay within the blue boxes for legibility. Fill in circles; do not use check marks.Make sure you have all needed signatures on application.Don’taltertheapplication—itcouldaffectthequalityofthescan.

Mailing address example:

7 0 3 F I R S T S T

524-406.indd 3 6/10/11 4:01 PM

SAMPLE

Cub Scout Boy Scout Varsity Scout Venturing Sea ScoutPack Troop Team Crew Ship

TigerCub CubScout WebelosScout

Former Scout Former Venturer Former Sea Scout

If applicant has an unexpired membership certifi cate, registration may be accomplished in this unit by paying $1 for processing the transfer. Mark and attach certifi cate. It will be returned by the council.

Transfer application

Enter membership number from unexpired certifi cate:

Unit number:

Mark here if the adult partner/ScoutParent is not living at the same address; complete and attach an adult application.

Select relationship:

NativeAmerican

Hispanic/Latino

AlaskaNative

Pacifi c Islander

Asian

Other

First name (No initials or nicknames) Middlename Lastname Suffix

J O H N A N D R E W S M I T H

UnitNo.:

Homephone Dateofbirth(mm/dd/yyyy) Grade Ethnicbackground:

5 5 5 - 1 2 3 - 4 5 6 7 0 1 / 0 1 / 1 9 9 5 0 6School

O A K T R E E E L E M E N T A R Y


D E B O R A H S U E S M I T H

Business phone Ext. Previous Scouting experience Cell phone

- - X - -

Parent/guardian email address

Homephone Dateofbirth(mm/dd/yyyy) Occupation Employer Gender:

M

F

Date

/ /

Name and address information (Please print one letter in each space—press hard, you are making a copy.)

Reta

ino

nfil

efo

rthr

eey

ears

.

LoneCubScoutLoneBoyScout

ArrowofLightearned

Registrationfee Boys’ Life fee$ . $ .

Unit type:(Fill in the circle.)

For pack registration select one:

Mark here if new to Scouting.

Country Mailing address City State Zip code

1 2 3 4 A N Y S T R E E T A N Y T O W N N Y 1 2 3 4 5U S


1 2 3 4 A N Y S T R E E T A N Y T O W N N Y 1 2 3 4 5U S

Pack Troop Team Crew Ship

Parent Guardian Grandparent Other (specify)

USE BLACK OR BLUE INK ONLY.

I have read the attached information for parents and approve the application. I affi rm that Ihaveorwillreview“HowtoProtectYourChildrenFromChildAbuse:AParent’sGuide.”

Bill TaylorDeborah Sue Smith

Signature of unit leader (or designee)

Signature of Venturer

Signature of parent/guardian (required if applicant is under 18 years of age)

5 5 5 - 1 2 3 - 4 5 6 7 0 1 / 0 1 / 1 9 7 2

Youth MeMBeRShIP

Transfer from council number: Unit type:

Boys’ Life subscription

Parent/guardian information Mark here if address is same as above. I agree to be an active ScoutParent. Mark here if you are the Tiger Cub adult partner.

524-

406

@

Black/African American

Caucasian/White

Gender: Male Female

•

•

•

•

• Print—do not use cursive.

• Print one letter or number only in each box.

• Use uppercase letters and stay within the blue boxes for legibility.

• Fill in radio buttons completely.

• Make sure you have all needed signatures on application.

524-406.indd 4 6/10/11 4:01 PM

Youth MeMBeRShIP

Cub Scout Boy Scout Varsity Scout Venturing Sea Scout Pack Troop Team Crew Ship



If applicant has an unexpired membership certificate, registration may be accomplished in this unit by paying $1 for processing the transfer. Mark and attach certificate. It will be returned by the council.

Transfer from council number:

Enter membership number from unexpired certificate:

UnitNo.:




I have read the attached information for parents and approve the application. I affirm that Ihaveorwillreview“HowtoProtectYourChildrenFromChildAbuse:AParent’sGuide.”


UnitNo.:


- - / /

School



- - X - -



M

F- - / /

Date

/ /


Reta

ino

nfil

efo

rthr

eey

ears

.


ArrowofLightearned






U S


U S



Transfer application Unit type:


524-

406

@

NativeAmerican

Hispanic/Latino

AlaskaNative

Pacific Islander

Asian

Other


Caucasian/White

Gender: Male Female

This form is read by machine. Please print the numbers and letters as shown on the sample application.

2002




LOCA

LCO

UNCI

LCO

PY

524-406.indd 5 6/10/11 4:01 PM

Youth MeMBeRShIP

Cub Scout Boy Scout Varsity Scout Venturing Sea Scout Pack Troop Team Crew Ship



If applicant has an unexpired membership certificate, registration may be accomplished in this unit by paying $1 for processing the transfer. Mark and attach certificate. It will be returned by the council.

Transfer from council number:

Enter membership number from unexpired certificate:

UnitNo.:




I have read the attached information for parents and approve the application. I affirm that Ihaveorwillreview“HowtoProtectYourChildrenFromChildAbuse:AParent’sGuide.”


UnitNo.:


- - / /

School



- - X - -



M

F- - / /

Date

/ /


Reta

ino

nfil

efo

rthr

eey

ears

.


ArrowofLightearned






U S


U S



Transfer application Unit type:


524-

406

@

NativeAmerican

Hispanic/Latino

AlaskaNative

Pacific Islander

Asian

Other


Caucasian/White

Gender: Male Female




UNIT

COP

Y

524-406.indd 7 6/10/11 4:01 PM

Item Number Objective Bronze Level Silver Level Gold Level Bronze

PointsSilver Points

Gold Points

1 Advancement: Increase the percentage of Cub

Scouts earning rank advancements.

Have 40% of Cub

Scouts advance one

rank or have a 2

percentage points

increase.

Have 55% of Cub

Scouts advance, or 40%

advance and have a 2

percentage points

increase.

Have 75% of Cub

Scouts advance, or 55%

and have a 2

percentage points

increase.

100 200 400

2 Retention: Improve retention rate.

Retain and re-register

60% of eligible

members or have a 2

percentage points

increase.


65% of members, or

retain and re-register

60% and have a 2

percentage points

increase.


75% of members, or

retain and re-register

65% and have a 2

percentage points

increase.

100 200 400

3Building Cub Scouting: Have an increase in

membership or be larger than the average size pack

at recharter time.

Have a net gain of one

member over last year,

or have at least 20

members.

Increase youth members

by 5% or have at least

40 members.

Increase youth members

by 10% or have at least

60 members with an

increase over last year.

75 150 300

4 Outdoor activities: The pack has activities in the

outdoors.

Have three outdoor

activities during the

year.

Have four outdoor


year.

Have five outdoor


year.

75 150 300

5 Trained leadership: Have a trained and engaged

pack committee.

Have a Cubmaster and

a committee with at

least three members. All

dens have registered

leaders.

Bronze level, plus the

Cubmaster and Den

Leaders have completed

Leader-Specific Training

or, if new, complete

within three months of

joining.

Silver level, plus 2/3 of

active committee

members must have

completed Leader-

Specific Training.

50 100 200

6

Day/resident/family camp: Increase the

percentage of Cub Scouts attending Cub Scout day

camp, Family camp, and/or Cub Scout resident

camp.

33% or 2 percentage

points increase.

50% or 33% and 2

percentage point

increase.

75% or 50% and 2

percentage point

increase.

50 100 200

7

Service projects: The pack participates in service

projects, with one benefitting your chartering

organization. The projects and hours are entered

on the Journey to Excellence website.

Participate in two

service projects.

Participate in three

service projects.

Participate in four

service projects.50 100 200

8 Leadership planning: Next year's leaders are

identified early.

By May 31, the pack

committee

recruits/confirms pack

and den leadership for

the next year.

Earn the Bronze level,

plus the pack holds its

fall recruitment by

September 30.

Earn the Silver level,

plus every leadership

position is filled by

October 15.

50 100 200

9 Webelos-to-Scout transition: Have a Webelos-to-

Scout transition plan with a troop or troops.

With a troop, hold two

joint activities, one of

which is a parent

orientation and camp

promotion meeting.

60% of eligible Webelos

register with a troop.

80% of eligible Webelos

register with a troop.50 100 200

10Budget: The pack has a budget that is continually

reviewed by the committee and follows BSA policies

relating to fundraising and fiscal management.

Have a written budget

reviewed at committee

meetings and that

follows BSA policies.

Earn the Bronze level,

plus Cub Scouts' ideas

are used in the budget

planning process.


plus budget is

completed before the

next program year.

25 50 100

11 Pack and den meetings: Packs and dens have

regular meetings.

Hold nine pack

meetings a year, with

one meeting reviewing

program plans and

asking for parental

involvement. Den or

pack meetings have

started by 10/31.

Meet the Bronze level,

plus pack committee

meets at least six times

a year. Dens meet at

least twice a month

during the school year.

Meet the Silver level,

plus earn the

Summertime Pack

Award.

25 50 100

12 Fitness: Pack and Den meetings have activities that

include a physical fitness component.

Introduce the

SCOUTStrong program

in the pack.

Earn the Bronze level

plus the Pack promotes

and coordinates group

fitness activities.


plus the Pack holds an

ongoing fitness

competition where

members can track their

performance.

25 50 100

13 Reregister on-time

Complete charter

reregistration, obtain all

signatures, and submit

paperwork to the council

office or your

commissioner prior to

the expiration of your

charter.

Meet the Bronze level,

plus email addresses

are provided for all

parents of youth

members and registered

adults who have one.

Meet the Silver level,

plus promote the new

Unit Tools software

program accessed

through your

MyScouting account.

25 50 100

Points ________ ________ ________

Bronze: Earn at least 700 points by earning points in at least 10 objectives.

Silver: Earn at least 1,000 points by earning points in at least 10 objectives. Total points ________

Gold: Earn at least 1,600 points by earning points in at least 10 objectives.

We certify on our honor as Scout leaders that these requirements have been completed.

Cubmaster ________________________________________ Committee chair _______________________________________

Commissioner _____________________________________ Chartered Org. Rep. ____________________________________

Level achieved _______________ Did not achieve _____ Date ______________

This form should be turned in to the Scout service center or your Commissioner with your charter renewal paperwork.

PACK ________ of _________________________ District2013 Scouting's Journey to Excellence

Appendix B

Revised 5/13/13 513-105

1

Total number of Cub Scouts advancing at least one rank (Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light) since your last charter

renewal date (A), divided by the number of boys you started your charter renewal year with (B1) plus all new boys who joined or

transferred into the pack at any time during the current year (B2). Advancement = A / (B1 + B2).

2Number of youth members on this year’s recharter (C) divided by the number of youth members on last year’s recharter (D) plus any

additional youth members (E) minus any transfer outs or age outs (F). Total = (C) / (D+E-F).

3At charter renewal time, have an increase in the number of youth members over the number of youth members on the previous year's

charter renewal.

4The pack has activities in the outdoors, which could include outdoor pack meetings, hikes, family campouts, parades, outdoor service

projects, etc.

5

Have a pack committee with all dens having registered leaders. The Cubmaster and Den leaders (paid or multiple registration) have

completed leader specific training or, if new, complete within three months of joining. 2/3 of active committee members have completed

leader specific training.

6

Cub Scouts attend an in-council or out-of-council Cub Scout day camp, family camp, and/or Cub Scout resident camp in 2013. All levels

are total number of different Cub Scouts attending (G) divided by total number of Cub Scouts registered in the pack as of 6/30/2013 (H).

Total = G / H.

7The pack participates in at least two service projects during the year and enters them on the Journey to Excellence website. The

projects may be completed as joint projects with other organizations. At least one project must benefit the chartered organization.

8The pack recruits or confirms the next year's leadership, including CM, DLs, and WLs, by 5/31/2013. The pack holds its fall recruitment

event by 9/30/2013.

9Hold at least two joint activities with a troop or troops, one of which is a new parent orientation and camp promotion meeting, and have

graduating boys register with a troop. If pack has no Webelos Scouts, this requirement is met at the Bronze level.

10

The pack has a written budget that is reviewed at all pack committee meetings, and the pack follows BSA policies relating to fundraising

and fiscal management as found on the Unit Money-Earning Application form, the pack treasurer's book, and any other publication that

the council has developed for fundraising and fiscal management.

11

Have at least nine pack meetings within the past 12 months, with one of those meetings being to review the pack's program plans and

asking for parental involvement in the pack. Den meetings start by October 31, 2013 and all dens meet at least twice each month

during the program year. Pack committee meets at least 6 times a year. Pack earns the Summertime Pack Award.

12The pack and den meetings have activities that include a physical fitness component. This is ongoing and members can track their

performance. The pack is introduced to the SCOUTStrong PALA award by going to www.scouting.org/SCOUTStrongPALA.

13

Complete the pack's charter renewal paperwork, including all required signatures, and submit completed forms to the council service

center or your commissioner before the end of the charter year. Provide all email addresses for parents and registered adults on

charter renewal forms and promote the new "Unit Tools" software accessed through your MyScouting account.

WHO USES THIS FORM?

Packs with a charter renewal date in any month from October of 2013 to September of 2014.

Journey to Excellence changes the basic way we measure and recognize success in the Boy Scouts of America by moving away from measuring

process and moving to measuring performance. Below provides specific information to help you understand the criteria and exactly what data will

be used to determine the three levels of performance. In planning your strategy, use actual numbers from the previous year to guide your

performance improvement goal planning. In each area, the pack may qualify by meeting a specific standard or by showing measured

improvement.

Scouting's Journey to Excellence2013 Pack Performance Recognition Program

Scoring the pack's performance: To determine the pack's performance level, you will use the above information to determine the points earned

for each of the 13 individual criteria and then add those individual point scores to determine a composite score. Count only the highest point total

achieved in any one criterion. Bronze level requires earning points in at least 10 criteria plus 700 points, Silver level requires earning points in at

least 10 criteria and 1,000 points, and Gold level requires earning points in at least 10 criteria and 1,600 points.

For more resources: www.scouting.org/jte

The spreadsheets will be especially helpful to you!

http://www.scouting.org/SCOUTStrongPALA.aspx�





Appendix C

Unit: Current Year YPT

Position

Trained Current Year +1 YPT

Position

Trained

Charter Organization Rep

Committee Chair

Cubmaster

Advancement Chair

Membership Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

Camping Coordinator

Pack Trainer

Pinewood Derby

Blue and Gold

Weblos II Den Leader

Webelos I Den Leader

Bear Den Leader

Wolf Den Leader

Tiger Den Leader

Assistant Cubmaster

Assistant Weblos II Den Leader

Assistant Webelos I Den Leader

Assistant Bear Den Leader

Assistant Wolf Den Leader

Assistant Tiger Den Leader

Northern Sky District Pack Leadership Inventory. Pack Leadership Inventory and Succession Plan To Be Conducted in April by the

Unit Commissioner with the Unit. Enter the name of the person who is currently

filling each position in the current year column. Check the box if the leader has

completed the training for their position. Enter the names of leaders for next year in

the other columns. Pack Positions Required for Recharter – CR, CC, 2 MC’s, CM

and at least (1) TL, DL or WL. This fulfils 2013 JTE requirement # 8 for Packs.

Appendix D

Your organization’s values and the mission of the Boy Scouts of America are reflected through your pack’s leadership. With the support of your organization, the pack committee, Cubmaster, den leaders, and other volunteer Scouters carry out the pack program dealing directly with other adults and with Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. The adult leadership will influence the life of every boy and family in your pack. Since

the leaders play a vital role in the success of the pack, the chartered organization, working through the pack committee, has a prominent role in their selection.

There are many qualified prospects for Cub Scout leadership. This selection process will assure that the most qualified person is selected. The important role of shaping the lives of youth demands nothing less!

SelectinG cub Scout leaderShipthe chartered orGanization’S MoSt iMportant ScoutinG reSponSibility

Appendix E

The STepS for SucceSS

New leaders must be selected when a new pack is organized, when new dens are formed, or when there is a leadership change in an existing den or pack. Following the steps below will help the

chartered organization and pack committee select the best leaders for the boys of their pack. In some cases, a representative of the council or district may be on hand to guide the chartered organization and pack committee through the selection process. This representative could be a unit organizer, a unit commissioner, a member of the district committee, or a Scouting professional.

1. AppoinT The LeAderShip SeLecTion TeAm.

The organization head or chartered organization representative appoints a team to select the new leaders. The team may include at least one rep-resentative from the chartered organization, members of the pack com-mittee, parents, or others interested in the success of the pack. Selection team members are recruited and a meeting is scheduled.

2. LiST And ApprAiSe proSpecTS.

It is preferred that the head of the chartered organization chair the meet-ing of the leadership selection team. If not, the chartered organization representative should do so.

1. Develop a prospect list. Have on hand a membership roll of the chartered organization and the names of the parents of pack or den members or prospective members. Ask each person to suggest addi-

tional names. Enter the names in the spaces provided under “Guide for Selecting a Leader” in this folder.

2. Rate each prospect by placing a check mark in the appropriate box (“Yes,’’ “No,’’ or “Don’t Know’’) for each quality of leadership. Don’t omit people assumed to be “too busy.’’ That decision belongs to the candidate.

3. If there are several “Don’t Knows” for any prospect, it is imperative that some discreet inquiry be made.

4. In the overall evaluation, rank the prospects in order of preference as soon as all information is obtained.

5. Secure approval from the organization head to contact the preferred candidates.

6. Appoint three or four people to call on the first prospect. At least one member of the team must be from the chartered organization.

3. mAke An AppoinTmenT wiTh The proSpecT.

The chairman of the selection team calls the first prospect for an appoint-ment. If a member of the task force knows the prospect well, the chair-man may ask this person to make the call.

The appointment usually can be made by phone. If the prospect questions the purpose of the meeting, frankly state that it is to discuss a matter of importance to the youth of the community.

Set the time and date of the meeting, preferably at the prospect’s home in a family setting. Be sure it is a date convenient to the members of the visitation team.

4. cALL on The proSpecT.

Members of the visitation team should meet at a convenient spot and arrive at the prospect’s home as a group.

Explain the purpose of the visit and make every effort to convince the prospect to accept the position because of the opportunity for service. Honestly review the steps that have been taken, how the qualifications were reviewed, and the endorsement of all involved. The member of the chartered organization extends the invitation to serve the organization as a Cub Scout leader and pledges the organization’s full support.

If the prospect cannot give a reply during the visit, a follow-up contact should be made within 24 hours. If the prospect declines, the process is repeated with the next candidate.

5. weLcome The new LeAder.

The new leader is formally registered and the application approved by the head of the chartered organization or the chartered organization representa-tive. The leadership selection team members, Cubmaster, pack committee, key members of the chartered organization, den leaders, and others involved in the pack attend a “get acquainted” meeting with the new leader.

The new leader is briefed on the general organization of the pack, its procedures, meeting place and meeting patterns, and program plans. The leader is introduced to the other adults involved in the pack. Hand-books, records, and materials are turned over. Arrangements are made for a press release, letter to parents, an introduction of the new leader at a meeting of the chartered organization, and an introduction of the new leader to the parents at the pack meeting. Another leader accompanies the new leader to the first den or pack meeting.

6. fAST STArT TrAining.

As soon as the new leader agrees to serve and completes the Adult Reg-istration application, a member of the pack provides to the new leader the Cub Scout Fast Start Viewer’s Guide and the appropriate Fast Start videotape for the position.

An experienced Scouter follows up to make certain the new leader has a clear understanding of the job and knows that resources are available. For a new den leader, this is usually done by the den leader coach; for a new Webelos den leader, the Webelos den leader coach. The leader is invited to the next Cub Scout leader roundtable, and arrangements are made for basic training.

All Cub Scout leaders must be adults 21 years of age or older (except

assistant Cubmasters, assistant den leaders, and assistant Webelos

den leaders, who must be at least 18 years of age) and of good moral

character. Men and women may serve in any position. All registered

Cub Scouters shall subscribe to the declaration of principle and meet

the citizenship or alternate requirements as prescribed on the official

registration forms.

List the names of prospects in the vertical spaces on the right. Place a

check mark in the appropriate box (“Yes,” “No,” or “Don’t Know”)

for each leadership quality. Include any special qualifications your

organization may require. In the overall evaluation, rank the pros-

pects in order of preference as soon as all information is obtained.

Successful leaders have been found to have many of the following

characteristics.

Guide for SelectinG a leader

13-500 2006 Printing

Qualities of Unit Leadership Nam

e

Nam

e

Nam

e

Nam

e

1. Accepts the ideals and principles of the Boy Scouts of America and its chartered organization. Yes

No

Don’t Know

2. Sets a positive example as a role model through appearance and consistent ethical behavior(fairness, honesty, trust, and respect for others).

Yes

No

Don’t Know

3. Has the ability to delegate tasks that permit use of adult and youth resources. Yes

No

Don’t Know

4. Advocates and enjoys seeing youth development and growth. Yes

No

Don’t Know

5. Appreciates the outdoors and enjoys the natural environment. Yes

No

Don’t Know

6. Has some experience in group activity leadership in club, lodge, or religious organizations. Yes

No

Don’t Know

7. Wins the confidence of parents, youth, and the community. Yes

No

Don’t Know

8. Listens and builds rapport with others in a counseling role. Yes

No

Don’t Know

9. Is willing to invest a definite amount of time for training and unit leadership. Yes

No

Don’t Know

10. Is an active member of the chartered organization or its affiliates. Yes

No

Don’t Know

Overall Evaluation

1

34207©1978 Boy Scouts of America2011 Printing

Six Major TaSkS for VolunTeer SucceSS

Define responsibilities Volunteers must know what is expected for them to be successful. Carefully define, in writing, the responsibilities for each position. Use Commissioner Responsibility Cards, No. 34265; District Committee Responsibility Cards, No. 34266; and A Handbook for District Operations, No. 34739, to assist you.

Select and recruitFit the right person to the job. Consider each prospect’s skills, interests, and other relevant factors. Consider the variety of motivating factors for people getting involved in Scouting. Use all the prescribed steps in recruiting district volun teers and use the recruiting resources of the BSA. Helpful recruiting resources include Selecting District People, No. 34512; A Handbook for District Operations, No. 34739; and the District Nomi nating Committee Worksheet, No. 513-332.

orient and TrainProvide each person with prompt orientation and adequate training on their individual assignment to be successful. Use the District Committee Training Workshop, No. 34160, and Administration of Commissioner Service, No. 34501.

coach VolunteersProvide ongoing coaching as needed. Build a volunteer’s confi dence and self-esteem. Help conserve a volunteer’s time. Coaching should be provided by the appropriate committee chair or professional.

recognize achievementRecognition must be sincere, timely, and earned. Use the great variety of formal BSA recognition items, but also be creative with frequent locally devised thank-yous. Even more effective may be the personal “pat on the back” for a job well done. Recognize volunteers on a face-to-face basis, from a person of status, and preferably in front of the volunteer’s peers.

evaluate PerformanceHelp district volunteers regularly evaluate how they’re doing. Use the Self-Evaluation for Unit Commissioners in the Commissioner Fieldbook for Unit Service, No. 33621; A Self-Evaluation Guide for Successful District Operation, No. 34207; and the “How Will You Know When You Have Done A Good Job?” section in A Handbook for District Operations, No. 34739.

council volunteers and professional staff members strengthen district committees and commissioner staffs with six major tasks—the six

things they must do to make a volunteer system work.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Appendix F

W. D. Boyce Council Boy Scouts of America

“THE YARDSTICK STORY”

Leader Recruitment Tool

Stand holding the yardstick about chest high.

Look at this yardstick as your son’s life. Each inch is about 2 years. The 36 inch yardstick becomes 72 years, about the average person’s lifespan. Here he is today (point to the 3 or 3½ in mark). Here is where he started School at 5 (point to the 2 ½ inch mark). At this point (the 5 inch mark) he will be starting middle school or junior high. And here (9 inch mark) he is graduating from high school. And four years later he may be graduating from college and starting his own career and family.

All of that lies ahead in the future. Here today (again point to the 3 or 3½ inch mark), these are critical years in your son’s development. These are the years (spread your thumb and forefinger about 2 inches or 4 years) when many of his decision-making skills, ethics and moral values will be developed. Besides having fun these are key elements in the Tiger Cub and Cub Scout program. Studies continue to show that young people who are close to caring adults and involved in this type of youth program are less likely to get into trouble with drugs and crime, and more likely to continue successfully in school.

These 4 years are the Cub Scout years – Tigers through Webelos Scouts. In Cub Scouting we need every family to get involved this much (hold up your hand with the 2 inch spread between thumb and forefinger). “This much” is different for everybody. Your “this much” might be as a committee member, or a den leader for your son. I might be helping to plan an outing, writing a newsletter, working on the Pinewood Derby, or Blue and Gold Banquet. If everyone does “this much”, in your son’s Scouting career, both you and he will have a great experience.

We need you to sign up tonight along with your son. Then, these 4 years (again pointing to the Cub Scout years – 3 inch to 5 inch) will provide wonderful memories and a great foundation for the rest of his life (as you sweep your hand to the 36 inch end of the yardstick).

For added effect you can score the yard stick and break of the pieces that correspond to the Cub scouting 3 in. & 51/2 in.

Appendix G

THE YARDSTICK CLOSING

Advanced preparation: mark and score on the yardstick where it will be broken.

If you consider that the average man lives about 72 years, then every half inch of this yardstick represents one year. (Hold up the yardstick)

When you realize that after the age of 21, you really don’t have any say over how that person thinks, what he does or what he believes, (take the stick and break it off at the 10 ½ inches) we have lost this whole section of time. It is not available to us. (Toss the large piece on the floor).

Now all we have left it this. (Hold the 10 ½ inch piece up).

But, then you have to realize that at the age of 18, a boy can vote, own property, be married or in the military. That leaves this much. (Break off the 9-inch piece and to the 1 ½ inch piece on the floor).

A boy goes into the Boy Scouts’ sometime after he is 11 years old. So, we as Cub Scout Leaders really only have this (break off the 5 ½ inch piece section and too the 3 ½ inch piece on the floor) to influence these boys. (Hold the 5 ½ inch piece up).

But then, when you realize that these boys are already at least 6 years old, we have already used this (break off the pice at 3 inches) part and it is no longer available to us. It is gone, and we can’t get it back. That leaves us with this. (Hold up what is left). Not a lot, is it?

FAMILY TALENT SURVEY SHEET

Each parent or adult family member should fill out a separate sheet and turn it in at this meeting.

Pack ___________________________ Chartered Organization ______________________________ Date _________________________

Welcome to the Cub Scout family of our pack. As explained to you, Cub Scouting is for parents as well as boys. We have a fine group of families who have indicated a willingness to help, according to their abilities. We invite you to add your talents and interests so that the best possible program can be developed for your boy and his friends.

Den leaders are always busy with den activities. Our pack leaders and committee members know you have some talent that will help in the operation of our pack. Although your help may not be on a full-time basis, whatever you can do will be appreciated.

In making this survey, your pack committee wants to uncover ways you can enjoy giving assistance. Please answer the following as completely as possible:

1. My hobbies are: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. I can play and/or teach these sports: ________________________________________________________________________________

3. My job, business, or profession would be of interest to Cub Scouts: _____________________________________________________

4. I am willing to help my boy and the pack as: ■ pack committee member, ■ Cub Scout den leader or assistant,■ assistant Cubmaster, ■ Webelos den leader or assistant, ■ Cubmaster, ■ Pack trainer.

5. My Scouting experience: Cub Scout _____________________ Boy Scout _____________________Girl Scout ____________________

Explorer ______________________________________________ Rank attained _____________________________________________

Adult leader _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. I can help in these areas (please check applicable boxes for all ranks):

General Activities Special Program Assistance

■ Carpentry ■ Computer skills ■ I have an SUV or ■ van or ■ truck.■ Swimming/watercraft safety ■ Drawing/art ■ I have a workshop.■ Games ■ Radio/electricity ■ I have family camping gear.■ Nature ■ Dramatics/skits ■ I can make contacts for special trips and activities.■ Sports ■ Cooking/banquets ■ I have access to a cottage or camping property■ Outdoor activities ■ Sewing ■ or a boat.■ Crafts ■ Transportation ■ I can help Webelos Scouts with Boy Scout skills.■ Music/songs ■ Hiking ■ I can give other help. ________________________■ Citizenship/flag etiquette ■ Other _________________ _____________________________________________■ Bookkeeping --- _______________________

Tiger Activity Areas Wolf Activity Areas Bear Activity Areas Webelos Activity Areas

■ Nutrition/health ■ Knots ■ Pocketknives/wood carving ■ Outdoor cooking■ Magic ■ Sign language ■ Camping ■ First aid■ Biking ■ Coin collecting ■ Carnival games ■ Camping■ Astronomy ■ Physics ■ Citizenship/flag etiquette ■ General science■ First aid ■ Math/codes ■ Fishing ■ Disabilities awareness

■ Collections ■ American Indian culture ■ Survival skills■ Disabilities awareness ■ Animal care ■ Geocaching■ Dinosaurs ■ Forensics ■ Geology■ Compass use ■ Physics ■ Engineering■ Health ■ Marbles ■ Home repair■ Gardening ■ Robotics ■ Game design■ Civil service/military ■ General science ■ Wildlife

■ Plant life■ Moviemaking

Name __________________________________________________________________ Home or cell phone _________________________Street address ________________________________________________________________ Business phone ________________________E-mail address ______________________________________ City _____________________ State ___________ ZIP ________________

Appendix H

Northern Lights Council Boy Scouts of America

HOW CAN I HELP?

Please fill out this page and turn it in tonight!

There are many opportunities for parents and family members of Cub Scouts to help make our pack program

the best it can be. Some opportunities involve weekly commitments, some monthly and others involve

helping with annual events. If each parent is willing to assist in the capacity that works best for them all our

boys are going to have a great Cub Scout experience!

Below is a list of the many opportunities there are to help. Some of these positions may already be filled.

Please offer you help by indicating which areas you might be willing to serve. Please number your top two to

four preferences. Thank you.

My hobbies are:___________________________________________________________

My sports interests are:_____________________________________________________

Job________________________________ Work Shift/Hours______________________

I have a truck______ van ______ trailer______ station wagon_____ workshop_______

Parent’s Name__________________________________ Phone___________________

Scout’s Name___________________________________ Grade___________________

_____ Den Leaders &

Asst. Den Leaders

Plan den meetings twice a month. Attend monthly pack committee meetings.

Tiger Cub Den _______ Wolf Den _______ Bear Den _______ Webelos Den _______

_____ Cubmaster &

Asst. Cubmaster

The Cubmaster is primarily responsible for the running the monthly pack meeting. The

Cubmaster attends the monthly pack committee meetings to help plan the pack meeting.

_____ Pack Committee

Chair

The Committee Chair prepares the agenda for and runs the monthly pack committee

meeting. The committee chair is responsible for communication and follow-up with each

member of the pack committee.

Pack Committee

Members

Members of the pack committee attend monthly committee meetings. Committee

members typically take on responsibility for a specific function of the pack. Key pack

committee positions include:

____ Pack Trainer ____ Camp Committee

____ Pack Secretary / Treasurer ____ Day Camp Coordinator

____ Pack Advancement Chair ____ Popcorn Kernel

____ Pack Special Events Committee

____ Pack Song Leader ____ Telephone Committee

____ Fund-Raising Committee ____ Blue & Gold Committee

____ Pack Holiday Party Committee ____ Pinewood Derby Committee

____ Other (specify):__________________

Other Key Positions

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