What do professionals in Scouting do every day? The responsibilities are as broad as the United States, and the tasks are just as varied. No two days are the same for a typical Scouting professional. No matter where you work, in the city, the suburbs or the countryside, one thing is certain — this is anything but a “cubicle job.”
A professional Scouter works with a volunteer board of directors and other community and business leaders to identify, recruit, train, guide and inspire them to become involved in youth programs.
A professional Scouter recruits leadership for campaigns to meet the financial needs of the organizations. He or she has responsibility to use volunteers to extend programs to religious, civic, fraternal, educational and other community-based organizations.
A professional Scouter ensures there are enough engaged, trained volunteers to serve all programs and events.
A professional Scouter provides quality service through timely communication, regular meetings, training events and activities.
A professional Scouter engages volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Scouting. Working in partnership with the country’s most amazing volunteers, the professionals of the Boy Scouts of America provide programs that build character, develop leadership and promote personal fitness. This unique relationship has impacted lives for more than a century.
A professional Scouter connects with the community. Whether it’s the pastor of a local church, a chamber of commerce member or a local educator, professional Scouters bring people and resources together to change the lives of youth through Scouting.
A professional Scouter builds relationships. Relationships are the foundations of the success Scouting enjoys in the communities around the world. Professional Scouters build relationships with volunteers, benefactors and community leaders with one purpose: to make our country better.
A professional Scouter offers support. Delivering quality programs takes resources. One of a professional Scouter’s many roles is to develop the resources it takes to make Scouting happen. That time, talent and treasure come from local businesses, organizations, schools, religious organizations, families and individuals. With their support — orchestrated by the Scouting professional — the BSA is able to change lives in almost every community.
Do I Have the Skills?
If you have skills in marketing, management, budgeting, planning, sales and fundraising and are comfortable with public speaking and interacting with diverse audiences, you should consider taking the opportunity to become a professional Scouter. A self-motivated individual with solid time-management skills and strong organizational skills will be successful in this role.
If you are in college, some of the majors and classes that could be of benefit are liberal arts, education, marketing, communications, business administration, social sciences and nonprofit management.
A Professional Scouter’s Checklist
✓ Building and empowering teams
✓ Building relationships in the community
✓ Salesmanship
✓ Time management
✓ Project management
Do I Have the Qualifications?
A professional Scouter must…
- Be willing to accept and meet the Boy Scouts of America’s leadership and membership standards and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Be at least 21, unless the age requirement is prohibited by law.
- Be able to work varied hours. Evening activities and weekend work is frequently required.
- Be people-oriented and have the ability to work well with adult volunteers, community and business leaders, and representatives of other organizations.
- Become a registered member of the BSA.
- Believe in the BSA and subscribe to its principles and standards.
- Be able to travel for training at least once a year for one to two weeks.