Summer Camp

So, the Commissioner is sort of like the Dutch Uncle of Scouting. The experienced, knowledgeable, understanding Scouter who can listen sympathetically, point finger without casting blame (maybe),  mention rules when necessary (or not),  see things "as they  are" as well as "how they could be" .  She/he is available for consultation and diagnosis. Higher degrees in Social Science, Auto Mechanics, Corporate Dynamics  and Timber Engineering are appreciated, but mostly "Life Engineering" is most needed. .  Prior Scouting experience  in one's yoooth  is useful but not necessarily necessary.  Red Jacshirt covered with patches is okay, but again, not necessary. Commissioners meet with Committees, Key 3s, watch Troop meetings,  teach lashings and knife and axe safety and tell stories about  "back when I was a Scout....".   They either make themselves well meaning nuisances or appreciated Dutch Uncles....  Depends on the personality and Unit Ecology.....  When I took Woodbadge,  I had some ideas for my Tickets,  and the Guide(s) liked them, but there was a problem. I was registered as a ASM,  Scoutson having just crossed over into the Troop. My time as a Cub Parent/leader was fun and rewarding, and so my Tickets had both Cub Scout ideas and Boy Scout ideas. I was told my Tickets HAD to be appropriate to my registered position.  What to do?   Eliminate the Cub ideas?  No.  "You should be a COMMISSIONER ! They can do ANYTHING!""  Great . What's a Commissioner?  I'd never heard of that, never met one that I knew of.  Here, sign this paper....   Three days later, I had a new patch on my sleeve, a newly minted Unit Commissher, noted to my son's Troop, in my home District (which had just changed it's name for the second time since I had returned to Scouting as an adult). This has led to new friends, new "jobs", helping with CSDC,  adult training, Troop mechanics and society, public appearances, faith connections,  some successes and smiles, some disappointments.  The Troop I Commish ,like every other one, has it's ups and downs, I hope I can say I have inspired and helped along the way....   I know the present SM and two ASMs have been to Woodbadge and came back with enthusiasm. Even if I forget (or never learned) the parent's names, I am welcomed and approached for advice.  Must mean something.  You say you haven't seen a Commissioner in your Scout neighborhood?  What was it Mr. Rogers said?  Look for the "Helpers"?     Maybe that's the answer.  Maybe YOU could be one of the "Helpers".  

Every unit is supposed to have a commissioner; however, most councils have a hard time getting people to step up to become commissioners. In councils that do not have enough commissioners the method is to assign commissioners only to problem/struggling units. To see if you have a commissioner your key 3 should go into the my.scouting.org and check the unit dashboard to see if a unit commissioner has been assigned (it will be noted in the same panel as your unit key 3, advancement chair, etc ... .  If you have not seen a commissioner in years it might be because of lack of commissioners, your unit might be viewed as high functioning, lack of responding back to commissioner contacts by your key 3, or simply your key 3 telling the commissioner that they do not want him at any meetings. My unit has a new commissioner and he attends every unit committee meeting. He basically just sits there and takes notes unless someone asks him a question. Our old commissioner disappeared and we had not seen him in like 4 years.

Methinks you're overthinking this.  Having worked in DC-adjacent positions over the years, I submit this to be among the least of worries/priorities.  

Our troop hasn't seen a council rep in several years. How often do you see yours? When they show up, do they meet with the committee members or just the key3

Did you get an email with 4 pdf documents attached? The email had the "reconsideration form" on it.  That is the one that if you contested the amount, you fill out the form and send in the $1,000. It was explained to me that this was for the review committee to go back over all your documentation and listen or read your reasons. The 4 documents were: 1) a calculation form,  2) a trust review - claim notice, 3)  a release form titled Exhibit B (this one had to be notarized so I went to my banker) and, 4)  a Signature Attestation Form. We may have had different attorneys, but I would think the forms and procedures would be the same. In fact, I had an email this past Monday from the settlement folks with an online questionnaire to fill out, but I could not get it to open, so I called. This nice lady explained that it dealt with "liens" . She explained that that meant, did I have any liens against anyone involved with this, which I did not. She would then forward my claim and I got an email on Tuesday that I should receive the first check in 2 weeks. I've never been involved with anything like this, so I don't understand the disbursement. I am to receive a 1.5% check (of the total) right away, then other checks to follow. It appears to be coming to a conclusion, but until I have the check(s) in hand, I'm not making any plans. When I saw the about $500,00 amount, I think I was in sort of a shock, as to what we would do with this. I've since calmed down, talked to out financial manager, and am just waiting. Other than this, I don't know what I can do to help. I'd be glad to send you these forms with my personal information removed. Here again, we may have different attorneys, if that matters.