Roundtable on Roundtables

20 Tips on Planning Effective BSA Districts & Roundtables:

District Roundtables are held monthly by the local BSA District. A roundtable is a monthly presentation of unit program ideas, inspiration, and additional training for all leaders. The unit commissioner should let leaders know when and where the roundtable is held and give them an idea of what happens at a roundtable. Roundtables are enjoyable and convey many practical ideas for leaders to use.

Tips for Planning Effective Roundtables

Here's how the BSA defines this important part of being a Scout leader: Roundtable is a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. The objectives of roundtables are to provide leaders with program ideas; information on policy and events; and training opportunities.

"The first thing you have to have is a Good Program! Material that is relevant to both the current themes (for Cub Scouts) or seasons (for Boy Scouts) and that stays at least One Month in Advance! What good is learning about Blue and Gold ideas in February? Or learning about Swimming Safety in July? These are needed much earlier. It also helps to have FUN in both programs. Trained leadership also on the RT Commissioner level is needed." (DaLane Cox)

Council Assistance

Guest Presentations from Council!

Encouraging Attendance

• See Also https://scoutingmagazine.org/2016/01/05/how-do-you-encourage-fellow-leaders-to-attend-roundtable/ Bryan on Scouting - 2016.

Inviting More Presenters

Invite troops do to present flags, snacks, activity rock, service rock news rock. Special Troop Flag Exhibits.

District Communications

District publicity - instagram/FB/twitter/email/newsltter/

District Roundtable Branding

District patch and nametags. raffle. breakouts. Midways.

Commissioner College

Every year a number of BSA Councils host a training event called College of Commissioner Science (aka: Commissioner College). BSA Commissioners, District Volunteers, Perspective Commissioners and all other Adult Scouting Volunteers are invited. Topics include a wide range of the latest developments in scouting and other subjects mostly geared to scouting commissioners.

This event has the feel and format of an all-day Scouting Roundtable and includes several presentations on how to improve District Roundtables. Look for a special course called "A Roundtable on Roundtables".

University of Scouting

Every year a number of BSA Councils host a training event called University of Scouting. A great many scouting topcs are presented for both youth and adults, but the emphasis is expanded training for adult leaders. Topics include a wide range of the latest developments in scouting and other subjects mostly geared to scouting commissioners.

This event has the feel and format of an all-day Scouting Roundtable and includes several presentations useful for improving District Roundtables.

Benefits of Effective Roundtables

• Strong District - More Volunteers
• Train Adult and Youth Staff
• Recruit District Volunteers
• Coordinate and Plan major scouting events.
• Share new Scouting ideas.
• To provide the skill to do—skills, techniques, information, program ideas—the know-how that makes for successful unit operation.
• To provide unit leadership with the will to do—the morale, enthusiasm, inspiration, and vision that periodically renew the desire to serve youth.
• Help leaders develop an action plan for success.