Scouting: A Profession With A Mission

The Professional in Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds desirable qualities of character, trains in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. Scouting serves more than 4 million young men and women in every part of the country through more than 300 local council service centers. Nearly 3,500 professional Scouters lead, guide, and train more than 1 million volunteers. Scouting is a volunteer organization. The professional staff has the responsibility for working with volunteer committees and community leaders to identify, recruit, train, and inspire them to become involved in the program of Scouting.

Responsibilities

The professional Scouter in an entry-level position is assigned to a district or service area within a local council. The job responsibilities are broad and varied. Duties include promoting, supervising, and working in the district or service area through volunteers. Different aspects of the professional Scouter's job include:

Sales

The professional Scouter is responsible, through volunteers, for extending Scouting to religious, civic, fraternal, educational, and other community-based organizations.

Service

Major emphasis is placed on service. The professional staff ensures that all Scouting units are served through volunteer commissioners, regular roundtable meetings, training events, and activities.

Finance

The professional Scouter has responsibility for securing adequate financial support for Scouting in the assigned area. Working with volunteers, professionals recruit leadership for the Friends of Scouting and finance campaign efforts to meet the financial needs of the council.

Administration

The professional Scouter administers the Scouting program in the assigned district or service area.

Public Relations

Professional Scouters must be good role models. They must recognize the importance of good working relationships with other professionals and with volunteers. Scouting depends on community support and acceptance. Professional leaders must have good communication skills and be able to tell Scouting's story to the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• United States citizenship or declared intention to become a citizen
• Adult—at least the age of majority in the state of residence
• Willingness and ability to devote long and irregular hours to achieve positive objectives
• Dedication—interest in devoting oneself to others and belief in the Scout Oath and Law
• Adherence to BSA membership standards