A Scouting District is a geographical area of the local BSA council, determined by the council executive board. District leaders mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of Scouting units within the ditrict's territory (see the About and Maps pages for more info).

The purpose of the district is to work through chartered organizations and community groups to organize and support successful units. The end result of effective district support; more and more youth members receiving a better and better program.

This committee coordinates all the functions of the district for the purposes of (a) organizing and supporting Quality Units, (b) carrying out the policies and objectives of the council, and (c) extending the program to the greatest number of youth.

District members at large are elected annually in the district annual meeting. All chartered organization representatives (selected by community organizations operating units) are automatically members of the council and of their district committee, thus providing close tie-in with chartered organizations.

The district chairman should be a person who is universally recognized in the community as outstanding because of his or her character and achievements as a leader with executive ability. He or she has a positive personality and organization experience that inspire confidence and that will win support for Scouting. Because of his business and social relationships, he should be able to help the council in securing adequate financial support from the district.

The role of the district chairman includes the following points:
1. A strong belief in Scouting and the caliber of person who can organize the actions of others.
2. Knows what to achieve, where he or she wants to go and how to get there.
3. Associates with enough of the right kind of people to help do the various jobs that have to be done.
4. In brief, does three things: a. Plans clear goals and objectives with completion dates and deadlines. b. Recruits the proper personnel. c. Gets results.

The district chairman, and vice chairmen as needed, are the elected officers of the district. They are nominated by the district nominating committee. The district chairman serves as a member of the council executive board for purposes of two-way communication and coordination between the council and the district. The district nominating committee, after consultation with the Scout executive, recommends a district commissioner to the executive board for appointment and commissioning. Refer to Selecting District People, No. 34512E.

The nominating committee meets throughout the year to build its prospect list, cultivate potential leadership, and fill vacancies. District leaders are in a crucial position in the Scouting movement. They are the link between the chartered organizations and their units, and the Boy Scouts of America and its program. The district's role is to help unit leaders be successful in providing a quality program for their youth.