Who is your CO?

Does a good CO really matter? I can say that it does.

When my son and I first joined the pack, we were chartered with the local school district. Then less than a year later, we lost that charter (separation of schools and scouting) and we were looking for another CO. We found one in the form of a non-denominational church, which worked out well, but the secretary didn’t like scouts, and reported wrongful information to the church board, and they decided that they didn’t want to charter us after a year.

We now were faced with finding another CO…the 3rd in less than 2 years. The council decided that we should just self-charter, leaving the CC the top dog…a bad move, as this guy was just bad news. His crimes? He didn’t care about the program or the volunteers. It was about him and his sons. That’s it. I feared for the pack, but the decision wasn’t mine…and the fact that I moved 100 miles away.

Fast forward a year, and we moved back. I was the heir-apparent for the Committee Chair position, and one of the first things that I did before taking over, was to find a “proper” CO. I had a couple ideas, but then resigned before I took over as the CC, to be a Unit Commissioner. But I still knew the pack needed a proper CO.

I contacted the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge 801 and talked to Terry. He said sure, there would be no issues. I put all the paperwork together and presented it to the pack committee, as their UC…I explained about how a proper CO would benefit the pack, and how the liability would be taken off of the CC. They all agreed and the paperwork was signed.

Now, that was 2 1/2 years ago…and it’s been great. The Moose not only have been GREAT to the pack, but they have also chartered my troop, and we are in discussions to start a Venturing Crew. I am still in doubt about that one, but I can say that it won’t be me that starts it, nor will I be an adult leader…but a bit of the groundwork has been laid in case there is interest…and as of today, I know that there is some interest.

Just a small sampling of what our CO has done for us…
For the pack
*have a meeting place for monthly leader meeting
*have use of the hall for the Pinewood Derby
*donating food for the PWD
*assisting in fundraising for the pack

For the troop
*weekly meeting place
*free soda and popcorn after each troop meeting
*many fundraising opportunities
*monthly stipend of $100
*donated camping gear
*other food and use of facilities

I am not saying that all Charter Organizations are like this, but we have found a winner with the Moose Lodge…so much that last year, I joined the lodge as a member, as they have a lot of the same philosophies as the BSA.

If you are a unit in need of a CO, or are not happy with the one you have, don’t be afraid to check out your local Moose Lodge…it could be one of the best decisions that your unit makes…it’s worked awesome for scouting in Green Bay.