Community Organizations and the Boy Scouts of America

That the purpose of this corporation shall be to promote, through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are now in common use by Boy Scouts.

Sec. 3, federal charter, Boy Scouts of America
June 15, 1916, by the United States Congress

Charters

Two kinds of charters are issued by the Boy Scouts of America: one to community organizations and the other to BSA local councils. The first enables community groups to use the Scouting program under their own leadership as a service to their children, youth, and families. The other empowers local councils to help chartered organizations effectively use the Scouting program and to expand the use of the program to other community groups.

How Community Organizations Use the Scouting Program

Schools, community and religious organizations, and groups, with the help of the BSA, organize Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, Venturer crews, and Learning for Life groups for children and youth. They manage these units and control the program of activities to support the goals and objectives of the chartered organizations. When community organizations establish a new unit, they must take these two important actions to ensure a quality Scouting program:

1. Selecting leadership

The head of the chartered organization appoints a chartered organization representative to provide leadership in the selection of a committee of adults that will provide overall supervision for the unit's program. The committee selects the adult unit leaders who will work with the youth. The chartered organization representative is also a voting member of the local council and may serve as a member of the district committee.

2. Providing a meeting place and promoting a good program

The chartered organization arranges for adequate meeting facilities for the unit and promotes through its committee the full use of the program, including outdoor experiences, advancement, recognitions, and, in particular, Scouting's values.

How the BSA Supports the Community Organization

To support approximately 124,000 Scouting units owned and operated by chartered organizations, more than 300 BSA councils provide professional counseling and administration, commissioner service, training for leaders, camping and outdoor facilities, program materials and literature, planning tools, and other program aids. Councils also maintain records on units and their membership, provide rank certificates and merit badge cards, and maintain service centers where badges, insignia, literature, and other helps can be obtained.

In addition, council representatives conduct annual charter review conferences with chartered organization personnel to evaluate how effectively the Scouting program is being delivered and how it might be improved.

Chartered Organization Representative

The chartered organization representative is the direct contact between the pack and the chartered organization. This individual is also the organization's contact with the district committee and the local council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council. If the chartered organization has more than one unit, one representative serves them all.

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is a member of the chartered organization other than the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its official Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities: The chartered organization representative's responsibilities are to

• Help select the right leadership for the unit.
• Encourage unit leaders and committee members to take training.
• Promote well-planned unit programs.
• Serve as a liaison between the units and the organization.
• Organize enough units.
• Promote the recruiting of new members.
• See that boys transition from unit to unit.
• Help with the charter renewal.
• Suggest Good Turns for the organization.
• Encourage the unit committee to hold meetings.
• Cultivate organization leaders.
• Encourage outdoor program activities.
• Emphasize advancement and recognition.
• Utilize district help and promote the use of district personnel and materials.
• Use approved unit finance policies.
• Encourage recognition of leaders.
• Cultivate resources to support the organization.
• Represent the organization at the council level.