It was a warm evening and the sun was right about the height of your head if you were sitting down to enjoy a burger. District commissioners had gathered for the annual kick-off barbecue and the pavilion at the Benson Grist Mill was comfortably filled. As various potluck salads and deserts arrived, their creators would drop them off to chat and socialize. The desserts were speaking rather loudly (at least to me). I’m a sweet guy and I tend to listen to them more. Meanwhile, attendees took advantage of the time to mingle and, for a few, explain the features of their new, centennial uniform. Representatives from the Great Salt Lake Council included Council Executive Paul Moore, Director of Field Services Steve Luna, Council Varsity Vice President Bry Davis, and Assistant Council Commissioner Clyde Marshall.

Grill master Ted worked feverously to ensure the burgers were ready as Brad Bullough, the district commissioner, stood to welcome everyone and begin the feast. A Scout is courteous and following grace, the ladies were provided the first opportunity to get their food. My spouse was gracious enough to fill a plate during her round, which allowed me the less noticeable opportunity to fill a second plate at the tail end of the men’s round. I couldn’t help it — that pudding-cookie thing left me licking the spoon.

There was a perfect blend of burger grease and melted cheese, combined with a hint of ketchup that mingled quite nicely with pasta, pudding, beans and chips. It all worked together with a sort of subduing effect as the keynote speaker was introduced. President Michael A. Neider of the General Young Men’s Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed the commissioners and district staff about the importance of Scouting in the lives of young men.

The sun had now set low enough that the pavilion sat in the shadows. The Oquirrh Mountains set the background as the orchestra of chirping insects played. I’m certain it was the sweet salads now coursing through everyone’s blood that drew out the mosquito population. Michelle kept smacking her husband and blaming the mosquitoes, but for me it was hardly a noticeable annoyance as President Neider shared a few stories from his Scouting history. When he was first called as a Cub Master he had been told about the value of Roundtable so he attended the very next month and was amazed at the information and program helps available to Cub leaders. Walking out after the meeting, a member of the district staff called him back and he was asked to serve as the Cub Roundtable Commissioner. The opportunity started as a shock, but became a wonderful experience. He decided then that as long as his boys were attending, they would have a wonderful experience in Cub Scouts.

President Neider emphasized the “4 Ts” in order to change the life of boys, one boy at a time: Testimony — everything is secondary to feeling the spirit and you must have a testimony of the Scouting program to be an effective leader; Training — Scouting provides a variety of training opportunities for leaders and they must agree to be trained in order to understand how the program works; Time — leaders must understand, when they are called, the amount of time required to make the program a success.

If a Scoutmaster does not have sufficient vacation time to attend both a week-long camp and Wood Badge, the troop committee should cover the leadership for camp that first year so the Scoutmaster can attend Wood Badge; and Tenure — Scout leaders must be allowed to serve long enough to have an impact. The first year a Scoutmaster is learning. The second year he figures out what to do. The third year the leader effectively applies it. The overall average tenure for a Scoutmaster is 22 months, which means that, on average, leaders are removed just before they are effective. That seems like a lot of time, training and testimony to waste if tenure isn’t allowed.

President Neider concluded with his own testimony of the Scouting program. He loves to wear the uniform because of the service to young men, because of what the volunteers mean, because of the standards it represents, and because of the doors that it opens. He said listen to the Venturing Code, and tell that anyone wouldn’t want this in their son’s life:

As a Venturer, I believe that America ‘s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore, be faithful in my duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

A district commissioner’s role is to help adult leaders help boys. They oversee a small number of units as a resource to unit leaders to ensure the Scouting program is functioning properly. To find out more about the role a district commissioner plays in your unit, please contact Brad Bullough at 882-7947.