
What is roundtable?
Is roundtable a foreign word to you? Here’s how the BSA defines this important part of being a Scout leader:
Roundtable is a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. The objectives of roundtables are to provide leaders with program ideas; information on policy and events; and training opportunities. It is a forum for sharing experiences and enjoying fun and fellowship with other Scout leaders. When skillfully executed, the roundtable experience will inspire, motivate, and enable unit leaders to provide a stronger program for their Scouts.
What resources are available?
The BSA offers a Roundtable Planning Guide each year. That makes your job of planning or preparing for a roundtable much easier.
But what's the point?
I can find most anything I want by searching online, do I really need to attend Roundtable? Here are some reasons why you should attend Roundtable.
- Lots of information gets passed. New BSA policies, rules, guidelines, current topics, issues, or changes, awards, events, campouts, etc. is usually discussed at a Roundtable.
- Training is offered. Whether it is YPT, Merit Badge Counselor, or even Special Needs Awareness Training, Roundtable is a good place to offer and receive needed training. It is also a great place to discuss training needs and pull resources from other units to conduct or hold training in cooperation with the Training Chairperson.
- it’s sort of a support group for scouting’s leaders. A roundtable has a give and take - you can ask questions or volunteer to give a presentation. You can discuss an issue or topic in a open forum, amongst leaders with varying experience and training.
- Great place to network. Roundtable has attendees from various units in your district, with varying degrees of scouting experience. Units can work together to create joint activities, distributing the workload. There are numerous benefits to adding to your Scouting contact list.
Do you attend Roundtable? What are some reasons why you do or do not attend Roundtable?