Scouting: A Profession With A Mission
The Professional in Scouting
The Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds
desirable qualities of character, trains in the responsibilities of participating
citizenship, and develops personal fitness. Scouting serves more than 4 million
young men and women in every part of the country through more than 300 local
council service centers. Nearly 3,500 professional Scouters lead, guide,
and train more than 1 million volunteers. Scouting is a volunteer organization.
The professional staff has the responsibility for working with volunteer
committees and community leaders to identify, recruit, train, and inspire
them to become involved in the program of Scouting.
Responsibilities
The professional Scouter in an entry level position is assigned to a district
or service area within a local council. The job responsibilities are broad
and varied. Duties include promoting, supervising, and working in the district
or service area through volunteers. Different aspects of the professional
Scouter's job include:
- Sales
- The professional Scouter is responsible, through volunteers, for extending
Scouting to religious, civic, fraternal, educational, and other community-based
organizations.
- Service
- Major emphasis is placed on service. The professional staff ensures
that all Scouting units are served through volunteer commissioners, regular
roundtable meetings, training events, and activities.
- Finance
- The professional Scouter has responsibility for securing adequate financial
support for Scouting in the assigned area. Working with volunteers, professionals
recruit leadership for the Friends of Scouting and finance campaign efforts
to meet the financial needs of the council.
- Administration
- The professional Scouter administers the Scouting program in the assigned
district or service area.
- Public Relations
- Professional Scouters must be good role models. They must recognize
the importance of good working relationships with other professionals and
with volunteers. Scouting depends on community support and acceptance. Professional
leaders must have good communication skills and be able to tell Scouting's
story to the public.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or
university
- United States citizenship or declared intention
to become a citizen
- Adult—at least the age of majority in the state
of residence
- Willingness and ability to devote long and irregular
hours to achieve positive objectives
- Dedication—interest in devoting oneself to others
and belief in the Scout Oath and Law
- Adherence to BSA membership standards
Call or visit the local council service center of the Boy Scouts of America,
listed in the white pages of your telephone directory.
Back
