How to launch a Council Wheels & Board Sports Committee

All Scouting America councils can benefit from cultivating knowledgeable local resources (volunteers, professionals, and consultants) to help districts, units, leaders, and families by providing program, health, and safety information and strategies for Wheels and Boards Sports.  The council Wheels & Board Sports Committee oversees programs related to cycling, BMX, mountain biking, board sports, and winter sports. 

This article discusses how to provide this support with a Wheels and Boards Sports Council Committee. One size does not fit all, but however you decide to organize your committee, the overall goal remains the same: provide support to Scouts and their leaders to participate in Wheels and Boards Sports in the Scouting program. Most Wheels and Board Sports committees will start with a limited number of goals that address the council’s most pressing needs. Over time, the work of the committee typically broadens as new opportunities are identified and volunteers are recruited. A successful committee is one that is responsive to the needs of its Scouting community.

This usually begins with an individual specialist or champion in the field of Wheels and Boards Sports—who advises leaders and fields questions from youth. Over time, as the council sees new opportunities, this group is often organized first as a subcommittee of the council program committee, but it can grow into much more. While it may start out with a particular focus, such a committee often expands to cover many different sports.

PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES FOR A COMMITTEE

Each council knows its own needs and priorities best, and the charter of a Wheels and Boards Sports committee needs to reflect those priorities. The following list of possible purposes and objectives is more comprehensive than most councils have resources for. Do not let this overwhelm you. Instead, think of these as a menu of possibilities for your council to choose from. There is no single way to run such a committee, and no one expects a Council Wheels and Boards Sports committee to do everything listed below:

Training/Leader Development

• Develop volunteer leaders prepared to serve Scouts with Wheels and Boards Sports.
• Provide one-on-one consulting for leaders, Scouts, or families needing help with Scouting’s Wheels and Boards Sports.
• Organize and teach training sessions at the district or council levels (Roundtables, University of Scouting, College of Commissioner Science, camp staff, etc.).
• Support youth and adults with additional training.
• Recruit leaders/adults with Wheels and Boards Sports backgrounds to serve on training course staff.
• Disseminate newsletters and training materials developed by the national Wheels and Boards Sports committee.
• Support camp staff training.
• Promote and complete nomination procedures for BSA and non-BSA awards and recognitions for volunteers and youth involved in Wheels and Boards Sports programs.
• Encourage volunteers and professionals to attend national conferences at the Philmont Training Center, including the National Outdoor Conference.

Advancement

• Consult with Scouts, parents, guardians, and unit leaders supporting advancement requirements for Wheels and Boards Sports merit badges and awards.
• Advise the council Advancement Committee on Wheels and Boards Sports advancement as needed.

Commissioners

• Serve as a resource for commissioners.
• Maintain a library of reference literature that commissioners can use with units.

Liaison/Communication

• Recruit and maintain a Wheels and Boards Sports specialist for each sport.
• Assist with council websites and media communication to promote awareness of Wheels and Boards Sports programs.
• Share stories of Wheels and Boards Sports achievements by Scouts in your council.
• Identify people with specific skills or knowledge in Wheels and Boards Sports to serve as consultants or committee members.
• Maintain communication with the national Wheels and Boards Sports committee.
• Ensure that the needs of youth are included in the local council strategic plan, integrating key issues from the National Strategic Plan.

Camping/Program/Facilities

• Provide guidance and resources to the council, districts, and units for facilities, programs, and technology.
• Help with camp program designs for Wheels and Boards Sports (e.g., track and trail development and upkeep).
• Assist with district and council event planning when requested.
• Help train staff in the maintenance of Wheels and Boards Sports equipment (e.g., bikes, skis, helmets).
• Help train staff in trail and track maintenance.
• Consult with camp directors to create accommodations that allow all Scouts to participate in Wheels and Boards Sports activities.
• Recommend specialized equipment needed for Scouts with disabilities.

Membership & Finance/Development

• Identify and prioritize facility improvements and equipment purchases to increase access and opportunities in Wheels and Boards Sports.
• Assist the council in soliciting individuals, companies, and groups to fund improvements for Wheels and Boards Sports programs.
• Seek in-kind donations or loans of equipment and supplies.
• Provide tours of existing facilities to potential donors to showcase needs and plans.
• Report to supporters on how their resources have benefited youth.
• Assist in starting new Wheels and Board Sports units.

HOW TO CREATE A COUNCIL WHEELS AND BOARDS SPORTS COMMITTEE

Here is a recommended process for growing to the next level. The National Wheels and Boards Sports Committee is available to offer advice and support.

1. The Council President, in consultation with the Scout Executive, recruits a committee chair.
2. The Scout Executive appoints a staff adviser for the committee.
3. Develop lists of:
   • Local agencies, companies, and organizations that could partner with Scouting America for events, training, programs, and equipment.
   • Potential chartered organizations and recruiting partners.
   • Individuals and organizations that could be funding sources.
4. The Council President, Scout Executive, committee chair, and staff adviser identify priorities and establish the committee’s initial charter.
5. The chair and adviser recruit people with knowledge and interest in Wheels and Boards Sports to serve on the committee.
6. Hold launch events/meetings at the district level to explain the committee’s purpose and benefits.
7. Host training opportunities.
8. Periodically reassess council needs and update the committee charter and membership as necessary.

RECRUITING ADVOCATES FOR A COMMITTEE

Great committee members have a passion for Wheels and Boards Sports and experience in specific sports. Many may already be Scout volunteers or involved in health and safety, sports, outdoor programs, or other council roles. Parents, coaches, and professionals in related sports organizations are also excellent candidates.

When recruiting, identify the skills needed to support your objectives, such as advancement knowledge or expertise in adaptive technology for Scouts with special needs.

ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES

Your council’s objectives will determine the best structure:

• A stand-alone committee reporting to the Council Executive Board.
• A subcommittee within the Program Committee supporting activities, advancement, camping, and training.
• A “matrix” committee of representatives from the Wheels and Boards Sports community led by council leadership.

Consider whether the committee chair should be a member of the council executive board and what title they should hold.

NATIONAL WHEELS AND BOARD SPORTS NETWORK

As of 2025, a national network is developing. The Wheels and Board Sports Subcommittee is part of the Outdoor Program and Properties Subcommittee. The goal is to have a Wheels and Boards Sports champion in each council.

This network aims to:

• Share best practices across Scouting America.
• Support program delivery.
• Address challenges and share adaptive technology for Scouts with special needs.
• Place knowledgeable specialists within councils.
• Provide health and safety guidelines.

The National Wheels and Boards Sports Committee supports councils in forming committees and identifying goals. Council chairs should have deep knowledge of Scouting America’s programs and regional laws and regulations related to Wheels and Boards Sports.