Chartered Organizations
This is a question we love to hear asked! For the most current requirements, you should contact one of our professional scouters called "District Executives" for your geographic area. But basically, here's what happens:
> You can't start a scout unit. A Community organization of which you are associated with must start a unit. As mandated by the National Charter of the Boy Scouts of America, units must be "sponsorered" by a community organization (e.g. church, school, civic group, etc..) that reflects the values of the BSA.
> Secondly, there has to be some local interest by the community's youth. If there is a ton of interest by grade school kids (grades 1-5), then you'll want to organize a Cub Scout Pack. If the interest lays with boys ages 11-18, then a Boy Scout Troop is more in the line. Lot's of co-ed (teenage) interest? Maybe a Venturing Crew is the best route.
> The organization must contact the local Council office (336-760-2900) and complete the required paperwork neccessary to show the community interest, their intent, and their ability to provide the resources necessary. What resources are necessary? Here's a quick list:
Adult Volunteers. 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. You'll need at least three adults to work with the youth directly. These adults need to attend New Leader's Essentials and Position Specific Training before the first meeting.
Facilities You must have a place to meet with the unit. For example, a troop may meet in a church Fellowship Hall, have individual patrol meetings in Sunday School Classrooms, and have a designated storage area for Troop equipment.
> What's required next? The organizational meeting. This meeting, hosted by the adult volunteers and the District Executive (professional scouter) is designed to ensure everyone understands the "rules of the game." You discuss organization, proposed activities, uniforming, financing, etc...
> And finally....a lot of heart. Scouting is a ton of fun. But that fun comes from everyone doing his or her part to ensure the boys have a quality program. For a Cub Scout Pack, adult leaders organize and run the show. For Troops, crews and post- well, its a little different. There are boy/girl lead organizations, or as many scouters are fond of saying: "Boy led with adult supervision." And that is where the fun begins!