Supporting Units Through
Commissioner Service
Providing trained unit commissioners who link district resources to support quality unit programs.
Retention Mission Statement
The retention mission of the commissioner corps is best achieved by providing an adequate number of trained unit commissioners who provide a link to district committee resources in support of a quality unit program.
Unit Commissioners Focus Areas
Being the Single, Best Resource
Commissioners are the first person unit leaders turn to when they have a question. If a commissioner can’t answer, they will find the answer and deliver it timely.
Delivering Great, S.A.F.E Programs
Commissioners equip unit leaders with the district committee’s delivery of a “catalog of services” to support a particular unit’s health and success.
Enabling Sustainable Unit Growth
Commissioners partner with unit leaders to understand their goals and connect leaders with resources that drive unit growth and improve unit health.
Visiting Units & Charter Renewal
Visiting units and logging visits into Commissioner Tools, supporting on-time charter renewal with focus on unit retention and growth.
Upcoming Training & Events
LHC College of Commissioner Science
November 1st, 2025
Elizabethtown Community College – stay tuned for registration information.
Fall 2025 Wood Badge
Exceptional Training Opportunity
Many commissioners have completed Wood Badge – gain new perspectives, insights and tools to be your best!
Commissioner Training
Commissioner training is ongoing, and we have many opportunities for our commissioners to be trained. Our goal is to recruit, retain, and build a sustainable support system for our Scouting programs throughout our Council!
Basic Training
Can be conducted by a District and hosted with classroom approach for our commissioner staffs.
My.Scouting.org Training
Create an account and access Position Specific Training under the Commissioners section.
Commissioner Recognition
Commissioners who demonstrate excellence in their service can earn special recognition and achievement knots for their dedication to supporting Scouting units.
Commissioner Excellence
Excellence Award knot
Distinguished Commissioner
Distinguished service knot
Commissioner Key
Key achievement award
LHC & UMC Affiliation Agreement
Overview Affiliation Agreement
The church agrees to serve as a physical meeting place for the unit and complete/support the Affiliation Agreement that was approved by the UMC and BSA. The church will need to complete a Unit Charter Release form. This will release the charter and allow the Lincoln Heritage Council to become the chartering organization for the unit.
Affiliation Agreement paperwork tool kit to be submitted in conjunction with the recharter/membership renewal process.
Specific Sections from Tool Kit & Additional Resources
- Unit Charter Release – Assumption Form: Completed by UMC (current Chartered Org) & Council
- BSA UMC Affiliation Agreement: Completed by UMC, Council, and Unit Leadership
- Annual Registration Agreement – Council Registered Units: Completed by Council and Unit
- New Unit Application: Completed by Council Leadership
- Annual Unit Finance Report: Completed by Unit Leadership
- Annual Unit Finance Report: (Excel Format)
**Indicates paperwork, also within the toolkit, that is to be submitted to the Lincoln Heritage Council, BSA as a part of the annual recharter/membership renewal process.
Additional Information & Resources
- UMC Affiliated Council Chartered Unit Bank Account EIN FAQ Process
- Fiscal Policies of BSA Units
- Steps to Protect Unit Funds
- Steps to Protect Unit Trailers
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The new Affiliation Agreement has the same robust liability coverage and indemnification as the current charter agreement.
Council Support Team
Our council staff along with our newly formed Council UMC Subcommittee are here to support you. Our subcommittee is led by Steve Bays, a Council Board Member and the Scouting Coordinator for the Kentucky Conference for the UMC; also serving on our committee is the newly appointed Scouting Coordinator for Indiana, Steve Driver who is also a long-time LHC Scouting volunteer.
We are committed to ensure Scouting continues uninterrupted for the Scouts, leaders and Scouting families in units chartered by United Methodist Churches.
If you have any questions, please contact your District Executive or David Sikes, Director of Field Services/COO, at david.sikes@scouting.org.
Need Support or Have Questions?
Our council staff and newly formed Council UMC Subcommittee are here to support you. Contact your District Executive or David Sikes, Director of Field Services/COO.
For Commissioner College information, reach out to Adrian Shepherd at adrian.shepherd71@outlook.com