Boy Scouts of America

Commissioner Engagement

What is commissioner engagement? Commissioner engagement is anything that affects commissioner recruitment, retention and morale. Whether you are looking for new ideas on organizing your commissioner teams, finding the commissioner knots and awards, identifying and inviting new commissioners, or planning commissioner events; you are in the right place.

Seeking and inviting volunteers to be commissioners is key to keeping Scouting strong and successful. The best way to find new commissioners is by sharing the impact of Scouting and showing how individuals can make a difference. Personal invitations, clear roles, and flexible opportunities make it easier for people to get involved. When new commissioners feel welcomed, supported, and appreciated, they are more likely to stay and grow with the program. Strong recruitment leads to a thriving, engaged unit service team that helps Scouting flourish.

Job Descriptions

Forms

Guides

Keeping commissioners engaged as volunteers helps Scouting units grow and make a bigger impact. When commissioners stay involved, less time is spent training new helpers, allowing more focus on supporting units. Experienced volunteers understand Scouting traditions, build strong connections, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. A committed team strengthens relationships and fosters a supportive, fun community. Dedicated commissioners help Scouting thrive for years to come!

Commissioning in Scouting

A commission is an authorization to serve. In Scouting, only professional staff and commissioners are eligible for commissioning, symbolizing their commitment. Commissioners serve one-year terms, and commissioning ceremonies publicly affirm their service. These ceremonies help recognize achievements, plan for the future, and improve retention.

View Commissioner Ceremony here

The Commissioner Awards & Recognition program honors all commissioners by establishing clear criteria and providing easy access to awards and tracking.

Categories & Classifications:

  • Commitment to Serve, Personal Development, Impact on Scouting
  • Selection-based (appointed), Application-based (self-applied), Nomination-based (peer-recognized)

Why Recognition Matters

Recognition sets goals, celebrates achievements, and inspires others. It defines success, supports recruitment and retention, and strengthens Scouting units.

Requirements, Progress Records & Certificates

Forms for tracking progress and nominations are available in a single downloadable PDF. Certificates can be completed online and printed on standard or high-quality paper for framing.

Available Commissioner Awards and Recognitions

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.