The New-Unit Organization Process
Before We Can Put Scouting's Values Into Youth,
We Have to Put Youth Into Scouting.
Click any of the steps below for a more detailed description
Teamwork, Planning, and the Process
From experience, the Boy Scouts of America has learned that one sure way to
get more youths into Scouting is to have more units available for them to
join. One person can't effectively organize a new unit alone, but one person
can motivate others to get involved. It takes a team to organize a new unit.
That team usually consists of the district executive, new-unit organizer,
unit commissioner, trainer and is �supported by district committee members.
The New-Unit Organizer
Organizing units is a function of the district membership committee, which
designates people to be new-unit organizers. Although there is no limit to the
number of new-unit organizers in a district, each prospective new unit should
have an assigned organizer. A new-unit organizer can work with more than one
unit at a time if the units are in different stages of development. For
instance, a new-unit organizer may work with
one unit in the final stages of
organization, as well as work with another unit that is just starting.
The District Executive
The district executive usually helps make the sale to the head of the
prospective chartered organization. Once the organization agrees to appoint
an organizing committee, the new-unit organizer should assume responsibility.
The district executive will continue working with other chartered organizations
in the early stages of unit organization, thus extending the opportunity for
additional organizations to offer Scouting as part of their youth programs.
The district executive is also available to advise and support the new-unit
organizer.
Following the Plan
Later on, the process will involve other members of the district committee,
such as members of the training committee. The unit commissioner continues to
nurture and serve the new unit as it begins its program.
Take no shortcuts in new-unit organization. Omit a step and the new unit will
likely suffer. A unit that is organized using all the time-tested steps stands
an excellent chance of enjoying a long tenure.
Follow All 12 Steps
Successful new-unit organization requires teamwork and careful attention to
the 12 steps discussed. Skip a step and that becomes a weak link in the process.
Remember that following each step closely helps ensure strong new-unit
organization and reinforces the unit's ability to build tenure and develop
quality leaders.
It's up to the district executive, new-unit organizer, and unit
commissioner—with support from district committee members—to work as
a team with the chartered organization toward a common goal.
Joining Requirements for Youth Members
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
Must have completed third grade but not completed fifth grade, or be age 10
but not yet 11 1/2
Boy Scouting
Troop membership is open to boys as follows: A boy can be a Boy Scout if he
has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old, or if he has earned the Arrow
of Light Award, and is at least 10 years old, but younger than 18 years old.
Varsity Scouting
Team membership is open to young men as follows: a Varsity Scout must be at
least 14 years of age or have completed the eighth grade, but has not reached
age 18.
Venturing
Venturing membership is open to young men and women as follows: A Venturer or
Sea Scout must be at least 14 years of age and have completed the eighth grade,
or must be 15 years of age regardless of grade. They must not have reached 21
years of age at the time of registration.
Before We Can Put Scouting's Values Into Youth,
We Have to Put Youth Into Scouting.