How Scouting Works

SHELTER ROCK DISTRICT

How Scouting Works

We teach our Scouts to be good leaders by being informed leaders ourselves.

The Boy Scouts of America is an educational resource. BSA works with local groups and organizations which sponsor a Scouting unit. A charter is provided to these sponsors to use the Scouting program as part of their service, or outreach, to its members and the local community.

Theodore Roosevelt Council, working through Districts, provides support to help the chartered organization succeed.

The chartered organization is the “owner” of the Scouting unit – thus, the Scouting program is the sponsor’s program.

The Chartered Organization agrees to:

· Conduct the Scouting program in accordance with its own policies and guidelines as well as those of the Boy Scouts of America.

· Include Scouting as part of its overall program for youth and families.

· Appoint a Chartered Organization Representative who is a member of the organization and will represent it to the Scouting District and serve as a voting member of the local Council.

· Select a unit committee of parents or family members, members of the organization, and friends of Scouting who will oversee the unit’s operations and screen and select adult leaders who meet the organization’s as well as the BSA’s leadership standards.

· Provide adequate facilities for the Scouting units to meet on a regular, reserved schedule.

· Encourage the unit to participate in outdoor experiences.

Theodore Roosevelt Council agrees to:

· Respect the aims and objectives of the organization and offer the resources of Scouting to help in meeting those objectives.

· Provide year-round service, training and support to the organization and its unit (s).

· Provide training and support for the Chartered Organization Representative as the primary communication link between the organizations and the BSA.

· Provide assistance in selection quality leaders and share in the leadership approval process.

· Provide primary general liability insurance against all personal liability judgments.

· Provide camping facilities, service center, volunteer staff, and a full-time professional staff to assist the organization in every possible way.

The BSA serves…

Community-based organizations

Those Who Benefit Are…

Children, youth, adults, families

The BSA Offers…

An educational resource program based on “Duty to God and Country.”

The BSA Issues…

Annual “Charters” to community-based organizations and their local councils, which provide program, literature, training, support materials, and direct professional service.

The Chartered Organization Provides…

Leadership, meeting facilities, encouragement, and other support as needed.

Packs, Troops, Crews, Teams, and Posts Are Owned, Operated, and Administered By…

Community-based organizations whose objective, mission, and methodologies are compatible with those of the BSA.

Volunteers and Professionals…

Work together in a team effort. Scouting is led by over a million volunteers and nearly 3,800 professionals.

Charters are Granted…

To local councils and to community-based organizations to operate Scouting programs for one year (renewable annually).

HOW SCOUT UNITS ARE HELPED BY SHELTER ROCK DISTRICT AND THEODORE ROOSEVELT COUNCIL

WHAT KIND OF HELP?

Shelter Rock District helps Unit leaders in a variety of ways:

COMMISSIONER SERVICE: There is an experienced volunteer Scouter called a Unit Commissioner assigned to help your Unit. He or she can advise you on program ideas, administrative procedures, and opportunities for your Unit and is especially helpful at re-chartering time.

ROUNDTABLES: Another Commissioner Service program. This is a monthly get together of Units and leaders where program ideas for the following month are presented and discussed.

LEADER TRAINING: A district committee regularly provides training courses covering various aspects of Units and leadership.

ROUNDUP HELP: Another district committee that provides training and support for recruiting boys and leaders.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS: A district committee organizes a variety of special programs such as Webelos Woods, Scouting for Food, and district wide outdoor events.

DIRECT HELP FOR SCOUT UNITS: Commissioners and district committees are there to help Units put on the best Scouting programs for boys and their families. If you have problems, call on your district!

Theodore Roosevelt Council helps Unit leaders in other ways:

CHARTERS: Issues local organizations charters to operate Scout Units, Scout Troops, etc.

CAMPING: The council provides properties where Units may camp and various summer camp programs staffed by nationally trained directors.

POW WOW / UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING: Large day-long training seminars covering a variety of subjects of interest to Unit and leaders.

SERVICE CENTER: A local outlet where Unit leaders can purchase badges and other Scout equipment.

INFORMATION: The council provides regular mailings, internet access, and a Service Desk for all Scouters.

STANDARDS: The council provides and enforces safety and operating standards that are consistent with National BSA policy and are designed to protect both youth and leaders and to support the aims of the Scouting Movement.

SERVICE DESK: A place where Unit leaders and other Scouters can get answers to questions asked in person or by phone, mail or email.