The Role and Responsibilities of the National Jamboree Council Contingent Chair

The primary role of the Council Contingent Chair can be summed up very easily - provide the enviorment and reources to assure the success of a mountain top experience for all of the adults and boys attending Jamboree from the Council you represent. A simple statement with a mountain of effort from a strong committee of dedicated scouters that takes place over approximately 2 - 3 years. From Personnel to Equipment, PR, Promotions, Transportation, Touring, Registration and Accounting the roles ultimately become the responsibility of the Chair to assure the Council all is progressing according to plan and arrangements, financing and payment schedules meet the requirements and timing . The pitfalls are many, but the rewards are tremendous. The key is at the very beginning of the process, selecting the right mix of committee members. From this point the job becomes one of coaching and letting everyone perform as any good leader would do. So, bottom line the role is to lead and let the responsibilities and accomplishments of each committee position shine and be recognized. Much of this recognition and reward is accomplished on the successful return of the contingent and the many smiles and shouts as the scouts re-unite with their parents and loved ones. That excitement and energy is unbelievable, and best witnessed from the inside of a Jamboree Tour bus.

The recognition and measurements, improvements and recommendations, and individual applaus wil happen at our final committee meeting. It should be exciting and kind of bitter sweet. The 2010 Jamboree is over, but 2013 and the Bechtel Summit is just around the corner.

I'll add to this post after our final meeting on 10/6 with more thoughts and reflections.