In Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell wrote that to Be Prepared means “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”

As commissioners, we understand the value of having a vision, setting goals, and planning ahead. So how can we help units Be Prepared? Commissioners can help units plan in two key areas: Cub Scout Roundups and Unit Service Plans.

BSA’s membership drive this fall will be one of the most critical in the history of the BSA, so planning in these two areas will help units prepare for success.

Cub Scout Roundups: Regardless of how roundups are conducted in your local council—whether the professional staff does all the work or whether volunteers lead the charge for their own units—commissioners can help packs prepare by encouraging unit leaders to develop a welcome packet for parents. A basic welcome packet might include the following:

• A simple pack calendar for the next 3–6 months (or for the year if the pack is well organized).
• Contact information for unit leaders.
• A letter that includes basic (and brief) information about uniforms, cub camping, general leadership structure, the role of the parent, youth protection policies and a link to the pack’s webpage or social media platform.
• A list of anticipated costs for the next year along with fundraising opportunities to address those costs.

Planning ahead for a successful roundup will improve youth retention and ensure that more youth have the opportunity to participate in Scouting.

Unit Service Plans: Commissioners can support older youth programs in the development of a Unit Service Plan by helping unit leaders identify one or more goals that address the needs and/or concerns of the unit. For example, unit leaders may recognize that they need to conduct more recruiting activities during the year or that they need to identify a new unit leader in the next few months or that they need to conduct fundraisers for an upcoming high-adventure trip. A Unit Service Plan doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.

Planning provides direction, ensures that goals are clearly stated, encourages collaborative participation from unit leaders, and inspires innovative thinking. Planning doesn’t have to be difficult, but it should be intentional.

When asked, “Prepared for what?” Robert Baden-Powell responded, “Why, for any old thing.” As commissioners, let’s encourage unit leaders to Be Prepared and plan ahead for a sensational Scouting year!