National Commissioner's Podcast
Don Belcher has volunteered at all levels of Scouting, over his long career.
He knows the many roles commissioners play, as friends, teachers, and "emergency
technicians" to their appointed units. As National Commissioner, Don is famed
for his passion for the job. Here, in an informal, conversational style, Don
reveals how we can make a difference, bringing a quality Scouting experience
to more young people than ever.
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Episode Menu
A Quick Look at Venturing - Fall 2007
In this episode, Don chats with our co-educational program's National president, Dave George. They discuss what commissioners should know about this rapidly-growing teen Scouting program.
Quality Customer Service, Part One - Fall 2007
Don visits with Stephanie Ricketts, Council Commissioner in Greater Cleveland as they discuss putting together a quality commissioner team for the council.
Quality Customer Service, Part Two - Fall 2007
Don continues his discussion of the effective commissioner team with Rick Hillenbrand, from National Capital Area Council in Bethesda Maryland. In this chat, they focus on bringing diversity onto the commissioner team.
Tracking Unit Visitation - Fall 2007
Don discusses a new tool for tracking units visits with John McCollum from Circle Ten Council, in Texas. Don shows us how unit visitations are vital to attaining the Centennial award.
The Annual Service Plan - Fall 2007
Don and Stan Child, Council Commissioner in the Great Salt Lake Council talk about how to lay out the kind of plan that can result in quality unit service.
Youth Retention - Spring 2007
Don focuses on how to retain more youth in Scouting. We hear how one local council has enjoyed special success, then we discuss the tools that let more youth enjoy a better program for a longer time.
Commissioner Recruiting - Spring 2007
Don probes the winning ways to having enough commissioners to serve in every unit. One council shares their 10-step process that has provided them with unusually successful recruitment record.
Unit Centennial Quality Award Review - Spring 2007
Don "opens the hood" on the Centennial Quality Unit Award, showing us how to help turn the six criteria into concrete and achievable goals for unit leaders.
Importance of Monthly Unit Visits by Commissioners - Winter 2006
Don talks about one of the single most important thing we do as commissioners, and tells us how to do it best.
Centennial Quality Awards - Winter 2006
Don Belcher introduces the concept for this new award program as a part of the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Boy Scouts of America—the perfect for tracking unit, district, and council delivery of a quality program.
The Parent Initiative - Winter 2006
Don Belcher discusses the 2006-2010 national Strategic Plan and its implications for commissioners.
Membership Validation - Winter 2006
Reliable membership data is essential for the credibility of the council's claims to true public service. Don Belcher gives us a clear grasp of this important process, likening it to a physical check-up.