We hear it often in Scouting: “I’m going for a hike.” It’s likely just the start of a conversation.

A “hike” might be along a walking path in the community; it might be a first outing for Cub Scouts at a local park; it might be a weekend on the Appalachian Trail; it might be a Philmont trek. They’re all different: they all present different challenges and require different skills and preparation. They all have one thing in common: to be successful, they require a plan.

“I’m a unit leader” is equally familiar. It, too, is just the start of a conversation. There are differences in the roles and responsibilities of unit leaders; there are differences between Scouting’s programs; there are differences between units. All affect the rest of the conversation.

“I’m a commissioner” is no different. It’s meaning is defined by role, responsibilities, and the Scouting environment.

As we look forward to a new Scouting year, the need for preparation—for planning—has never been greater. At every level of the BSA, careful consideration of strengths and needs, of what needs to be done over the course of the coming year to better serve more youth through Scouting, is essential.

Commissioners should be engaged at every level:

• Unit commissioners should be collaborating with leaders of the units they serve to help them identify how to deliver a program that will attract and retain youth and adult volunteers.
• Roundtable commissioners should be developing plans to ensure timely sharing of information, ongoing program training, and networking opportunities for unit leaders.
• Administrative commissioners should be identifying how to recruit, train, and coach an adequate number of commissioners to serve all units.
• Our district, council, national service territory, and national commissioners have a unique responsibility as members of a Key 3 and should be fully engaged in the development of plans to ensure the success of our local districts and councils and the BSA.

Your national service team recently completed its annual planning conference to identify how we can simplify and increase the impact of Unit Service. We’ll adapt and adjust those plans as the year unfolds and we hear from you what you need to be successful.

Throughout, our focus must be on impact, not on activity; if we’re not serving more youth better, our plans must change.

As commissioners, our “hike” is on a trail that leads continually upward: serving more youth better, ensuring that every member of the BSA has a great Scouting experience; growing Scouting. Like every hike, it starts with preparation. Planning collaboratively with others throughout the BSA, we can help Scouting serve more youth better. Planning should be a part of our culture: it’s a key element of being the heart, building relationships, and changing lives!

On the uptrail…