Northern Star Scouting – Putting Units First

Scouting happens where we deliver our life-changing programs to young people. That’s in our units – Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships and Posts.

Supporting those units effectively and efficiently is our primary mission. That’s why Northern Star Scouting is launching the Units First initiative, beginning January 1, 2020, following several months’ work by a variety of task forces and sub-committees.

There will be some significant organizational changes, and all of us – staff and volunteers at all levels – need to work together to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The most notable changes:

• District functions will be narrowed and re-focused on building strong units through two things only:  coaching, and recruitment/membership support.
• All other current district committee members will be invited to be part of a centralized council committee – activities, advancement, camping, communications, FOS, OA, popcorn, roundtables, or training.
• All 16 district boundaries will shift to create 13 new Scouting districts that coincide with school districts.

Many details remain to be worked out, and we need your ideas and involvement. There will be ongoing presentations and discussions at roundtables, council meetings, work groups, and at the January 25 Council Coordinated Committees meeting. The latest information and updates will be posted on our website at www.northernstar.org/units-first.

When we put Units First, we maximize the impact Scouting has on the lives of young people. That’s what we’re all here for, and we’re grateful for your part in it.

Sincerely,