Chartered Organizations
Every Scouting unit (Pack, Troop, or Crew) “belongs” to a local organization like a business, school, religious institution or service club. Here’s an overview of this essential relationship for prospective, new and current partners of our Scouting Movement.
FAQs for Prospective Organizations
What is a chartered organization?
A chartered organization is a community-based group whose objectives, mission and methodologies are compatible with those of Scouting America. It agrees to use the Scouting program to further its mission to serve young people. The partnership is intended to be deeper than, say, a sponsorship arrangement between a youth baseball team and a local business.
Why do groups become chartered organizations?
The reasons are as varied as the organizations themselves. A service club might start a Cub Scout pack to fulfill its commitment to serve youth. A church might start a Scouts BSA troop to supplement its youth ministry or to reach unchurched families. A boating club might start a Sea Scout ship to engage a new generation in its members’ favorite sport.
What does the chartered organization agree to do?
In signing an annual charter agreement with the local council, the organization agrees (among other things) to follow BSA rules, regulations and policies; maintain and support a unit committee made up of at least three persons for each unit; and ensure appropriate facilities for regular unit meetings.
Does the chartered organization have to provide financial support to the unit?
No. However, many do provide support by including Scouting in their annual budgets and/or supporting unit money-earning projects.
Getting Started
After your organization has said “yes” to chartering a Scout unit, a representative from your organization is designated as the “Chartered Organization Representative” or COR.
After that, here are that COR’s next steps (the COR will need to lead everyone on the committee in following these same steps as well):
Step One: Safeguarding Youth Training
Your first step is to complete Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) at My.Scouting.org. Learn more here.
Step Two: Get Registered
Download an Adult Application form, fill it out, get signatures from your charter organization leader and committee chair, then bring it to the Scout Office nearest you.
Step Three: Basic Training
Get Fast-Start Trained for your specific program at My.Scouting.org.
Check with the Council for information on the next Basic Training Event or take the course online at My.Scouting.org.
Check your district (geographic location) to find local training events near you. Roundtable is a great way to learn from like-minded people!
