For the purpose of area service, administration, and finance, the council territory is divided geographically into such districts as the Executive Board determines. The supervision of Scouting in each district is exercised by the council through a District Committee consisting of all council members residing within the District, Chartered Partner Representatives, and District Members-at-large elected by the District Committee. At its annual business meeting, each District Committee elects a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and other District Committee members. The District Chairperson is nominated and elected by the District Committee. This person's name is then submitted for election to the council Executive Board. The District Chairperson, after consultation with the District Executive, recommends a District Commissioner to the Executive Board for appointment and commissioning.

This District Committee coordinates all the functions of the District for the purposes of:

• organizing and supporting quality-program units
• carrying out the policies and objectives of the Council
• extending the program to the greatest number of youth.

All Chartered Partner 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 partner organizations.

The council is no stronger than its districts. District Committees are the arteries through which the Council program flows to organizations, to units; and, through these units, to youth. A major responsibility, therefore, of top council leadership is to build strong districts through capable district personnel, both volunteer and professional. Careful guidance of the district nominating committees is vital. The key leaders of the district are the District Chairperson, the District Commissioner, and the District Executive, often referred to as the "District Key Three."

District Chairperson

The District Chairperson is the top volunteer leader of the district. He/She has responsibility to carry out the council program and give leadership in achieving the district objectives. As a member of the Executive Board he/she has the responsibility for coordination between the council and the district. The District Chairperson should be a person who is universally recognized in the community as outstanding because of his/her character and achievements as a leader with executive ability. He/She has positive personality and organization experiences that inspire confidence and that will win support for Scouting. Because of his/her business and social relationships, he/she should be able to help the council in securing adequate financial support from his/her district.

The role of the District Chairperson includes the following points:

• Strong in his/her belief in Scouting and is the caliber of person who can organize the actions of others.
• Knows what he/she wants to achieve, where he/she wants to go and how to get there.
• Associates with enough of the right kind of people to help to do the various jobs that have to be done.
• In brief: plans clear goals and objectives with completion dates and deadlines, recruits the proper personnel, and gets results.

Functions of the District

All districts are responsible for carrying out the four standard functions:

• Membership
• Finance
• Unit Service (Commissioner Service)
• Program:
  • Camping
  • Activities and Civic Service
  • Training
  • Advancement and Recognition