Commissioners are district and council volunteer leaders who help Scout units succeed. In our council, they coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Venturing Crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. They also oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit re-registers on time with an optimum number of youth and adult members.

How Does Your Unit Function
Details about Commissioner Service
Training Topics
Tools
History

In Westchester-Putnam Council each of the 5 Districts has a District Commissioner who works with a staff of Unit Commissioners to provide each unit with service and present a monthly Roundtable for unit leaders to gather for information sharing.

Your District Commissioner is listed below, and should be contacted directly about specific questions, such as who is serving as your unit Commissioner, or to volunteer to join our Commissioner Corps.

Commissioner Tips for a Better Relationship  [PDF, 42K]
Professional Volunteer Relationships

Maybe I'd like to be a Commissioner?
It's a great Scouting job, and very rewarding! Did you know our Council has more than 75 active Commissioners? Many have lots of years of experience in Scouting, but that's not a requirement! Even if you're pretty new to Scouting, if you like helping folks promote good Scouting and solve problems, and you're willing to take advantage of the many Commissioner training opportunities we have throughout the year, you just might be a great candidate for this area of Scouting service. Just contact your District Commissioner and you'll be on your way!

Commissioner Qualifications

• Trained Scouter (or willing to be trained)
• Meet basic BSA membership requirements
• Willing to visit and regularly contact Scout units
• Willing to attend district activities
• Be pro-district and pro-council
• Willing to attend Commissioner staff meetings
• Willing to live by the Scout Oath and Law

Commissioner Training Continuum

• Commissioner Orientation
• Commissioner Basic Training
• Roundtable Commissioner Training
• Monthly Continuing Education Topics
• College of Commissioner Science
• Wood Badge

Commissioner's Creed
I shall make the Scout Oath and Law an active force in my life.

I shall recognize that the responsibility of each unit rests in the Chartered Organization and I shall assist in achieving the full value of the Scouting program meeting its needs.

I shall strive to lead through information, persuasion and inspiration rather than coercion.

I shall stimulate friendly and orderly discussion until all facts and opinions are considered.

I shall assist those who serve to receive information.

I shall measure my success by the extent to which boys and adults exemplify the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.

Commissioner's Pledge
On my honor I will do my best by the example of my daily life to make the Scout Oath and Law a more vital force for the good character and citizenship in the lives of the boys and the leaders I serve.

I will do my best to help secure and help to make more effective, the finest possible leadership for the units I serve.

I will do my best to help make the program of the units I serve the best that can be given, rich in wholesome fun and adventure.

In all that I do, I will strive to help my units attract into membership every possible boy so that, through his participation, that boy, can help make America a finer, greater nation in a world community.