A possible solution to a weak unit committee

[tgelvin]

For the most part a charter will have two units--a pack and a troop--although charters will support the units every way they can, sometimes there are units that have a week unit committee. In my two units, both had a week committee, so I asked the COR and the two committee chair persons if they would be open to combining the two committees into one committee. This was done 2 years ago and we're starting our third year with one committee overseeing the troop and pack. The benefits that came when we combined are greater support for the leaders, better communication between the units, more interaction between the boys of both units allowing the younger boys to become familiar with the older boys so that when it's time for crossover, it wouldn't be such a scary thing for them, and last is better support and cooperation when fundraising--proceeds are split in half between troop and pack after expenses are paid.

Again the best part about this, some activities are done together, which allowed the boys to interact with eachother.

Remember, the key is to keep an open mind and be willing to make changes that helps the units be successful. What was once a great thing 5 years ago may not be so today.

[lambeausam]

I'm glad you mentioned this. Because most of our scouts have younger siblings, many of our families hold positions on both the pack and troop committees. This may be a solution for us to improve our committee!

Thank you!

Sam

[Chief J]

I do not see a problem with the same individual's serving on both committee's, however the functions of a pack committee are a little bit different than the Troop Committee.

In our organization, we sponsor both a Pack and a Troop, in that respect, the Cubmaster also serves as a member of the Troop Committee, and keeps the Troop Committee apprised of the Pack and the Pack operations.

I as the Scoutmaster of the Troop also serve on the Pack Committee to let the Pack Committee know what is going on.

As far as fundraising, The Pack can do its own fundraisers or participate and receive their share of the profits from Troop Fundraisers.

We also do joint activities such as pool parites and camping trips, however, the Pack has an agenda and the Troop has an agenda and age appropriate guidelines are followed to ensure we remain legal.

YIS
Chief J

[Mrw]

Although the troop and the two packs that feed into our troop are a three different charter organizations, there are members in common on the troop committee and both Pack committees.

We can co-ordinate better with a few joint activites or if the Packs need some older boys to help with something.

The troop has also combined popcorn and candy ordering with the Packs to increase quanities of materials ordered where there is a benefit to doing that. (such as higher commissions).

Ironically, about 15-20 years ago the really active troop was #677 and the big pack was 223. Now the troop is 223 (pack long gone) and the pack is 677 (no troop).

[mhjacobson]

In my troop we also had an almost nonfunctioning troop committee. The committee chair was doing almost everything, and most of the parents were missing. The committee really did not meet on a regular basis, and was not there to assist when problems arose.

The SM and the ASM meet regularly and stated that there was a real problem when we needed adults to go camping with us, and the CC was starting to complain about all of the work.

We set up a meeting of the parents and simply stated that we needed people to step up and take the various unfilled positions. When we left the meeting we had the following adult positions filled: CC, QM, Treasurer, Advancement, and Outdoor program. Things started to work after than meeting.

Sometimes better to take action and to let inaction take you!