Why settle for just keeping Scouting going when Scouting can thrive? A strong sense of purpose, thoughtful adaptability, and forward-thinking action can move us well along the trail to a thriving BSA—IF we hike with energy and vigor.

No limping, despite our painful injuries. Just as physical therapists tell their clients every day, focusing on our strengths, not our exhaustion, will help us to regain lost energy. Helping others along the trail will give us an extra boost.

Can commissioners help lead the way? The answer is YES. Commissioners have a wealth of experience in the very skills and attitudes the BSA needs right now. Commissioners can be the heart, build relationships, and change lives.

Purpose

                As always, the “why” is key. Guiding young people to be inspired by Scouting in the decision-making they do over their lifetimes is well worth our best effort.

Adaptability

                The world around us may be shifting, but, with a firm foothold in our values and purpose, we can be like those species who adapt to changing environments rather than those who become endangered or extinct.

Action

                But what can commissioners DO to help lead the way for the BSA?

Sustaining Scouting means strengthening units. Unit service is all about supporting, and we can’t support well without strategic action built on thoughtful and continuous collaboration and idea sharing.

Hiking purposefully toward a thriving BSA means that unit service volunteers:

• Know where we are going
  • Use our BSA mission and our commissioner vision as our compass and map
  • Define success and keep aligning destinations with our purpose
• Find new ways to work with others to build pathways to achievement
  • Be thoughtfully creative in establishing networks both within and beyond the BSA
  • Put particular focus on partnerships with unit, district, council, and other BSA groups
• Learn how to reach out and engage families who have not been part of previous journeys
  • Find ways to build connections with diverse and under-served populations
  • Promote, invite, invite, keep welcoming, and keep building trustworthy friendships
• Establish a deep and broad base of diverse volunteers to help lead the hikes
  • Find and engage values-based leaders from a mix of ages, genders, and backgrounds
  • Work with 21- to 30-year-olds to establish meaningful ways to leverage their leadership to support local Scouting
• Ensure that all participants will be prepared for a good experience
  • Collaborate and keep everyone informed about goals, plans, logistics, and resources
  • Consult with individuals or small groups about specific needs and expectations
• Stay in touch and take care of each other along the trail so that no one feels lost or alone
• Keep moving forward while enjoying the discovery, the learning, and the friendships of the journey.

So, can commissioners really help lead the way to a thriving BSA? The answer is YES.

YES. As Scouters, we already have the “magical” means to get where we want to go. Like Dorothy in Oz, we know where we want to be but may not have realized that we have the means to get there.

YES, it will be one step at a time for each of us, but with each in our own magical but well-fitting and well-worn Scouting footwear, what a purposeful journey it will be.

And YES, as commissioners, we know what it means to help lead a hike so that everyone has a great experience along the trail. YES. We can do it!