Area Youth Commissioner - Volunteer Job Description
Purpose: The purpose of an Area Youth Commissioner is to provide essential volunteer support as a member of the Area Key 3 to all members within a specific geographical area.

Accountable To: Council Key 3

Term: Appointed annually by the Council Commissioner, in consultation with the membership within the area to be served. The Area Youth Commissioner shall not hold office for more than three (3) consecutive years.

Time Required: Minimum of 15-20 hours per month and 2-4 weekends* per year (* on average).

Outcome: The Area Youth Commissioner will:
  • Work to create a climate that encourages stability, program quality, group health and growth
  • Ensure Scouts Canada’s Volunteer Support Strategy is made available and promoted to all Scouters within the Area
  • Advocate for effective solutions from Council to address the needs and unique challenges facing the Scouters within the Area
  • Promote and educate Scouters, youth and parents on the importance of Scouts Canada’s award process
  • Be committed to Scouts Canada’s program—the Canadian Path—including the Four Key Elements: Adventure, Plan-Do-Review, SPICES and Youth-led

Focus: The primary focus for the Area Youth Commissioner will be on developing and supporting the Area to ensure all groups are providing quality programming to the youth. As such, the Area Youth Commissioner should not hold multiple roles within the Area or at the group level—unless otherwise specified 

Objectives: The Area Youth Commissioner is committed to partnering with the Area Commissioner and Scouting Relationship Manager to achieve Scouts Canada’s Strategic Goals based on the 5 Priorities—Membership Growth, Safety, Program Quality, Volunteer Support and Group Capacity. Together this creates an Area Key 3 dedicated to overseeing and ensuring youth have the opportunity to engage in fun, safe, youth-led Scouting adventures 

Activities: In order to be successful, the Area Youth Commissioner will be deeply committed to our model of shared leadership, including partnering with professionals and youth to make all key decisions for the program side of the Council/Area
The Area Youth Commissioner will:
  • Be an advocate for youth input and involvement at the Area level and ensure appropriate opportunities are available
  • Promote the value of council based initiatives directly related to managing growth and development of groups and membership
  • Ensure all Area volunteers receive the support necessary to perform their roles through routine Group and Section visits
  • Develop positive working relationships with the youth, Scouters, parents, and community partners within the Area
  • Routinely meet with Group Commissioners to provide in-person support
  • Provide feedback to Group Commissioners and Area Service Team members identifying opportunities for professional growth
  • Promote in the recruitment, appointment and ongoing training of Group Commissioners within the Area
  • Actively recruit Support Scouters to assist Area Commissioner with supporting the needs of the Area
  • Ensure compliance with all Scouts Canada’s Bylaws, Policies and Procedures
  • Promote effective communications throughout the Area
  • Represent the Area as a member of the Council Service Team at meetings, conferences and calls, as scheduled
  • Represent the Area as a member of the Council Service Team and provide quarterly updates on the 5 Priorities for the Area via Group and Area Health Checks and verbal reports
  • Promote the successes of the Area at the Council level and encourage opportunities for groups to interact with groups from other Areas and Councils

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will:
  • Demonstrate leadership, management, problem solving, delegation and decision making skills
  • Self-motivated
  • Be a team player with a coachable personality
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal and excellent communication skills
  • Model positive behaviours appropriate to Scouting
  • Be a registered and active member of Scouting and must maintain most current level of training
  • Possess a strong Scouting background OR other equivalent volunteer experience 

How to Apply: Submit Cover Letter and Scouting/Volunteer Resume to Council Youth Commissioner, Joel Hatcher: joel.hatcher@scouts.ca .