In 2022, the Council Commissioner Corps identified a need to improve Roundtables. Unit attendance at Roundtable has for years been stuck at around 30-35%. That means 65-70% of units in our council were not benefitting from Roundtable. When we began surveying units as to why they were not attending Roundtable, a few common responses began emerging: the date/time/location was not convenient for them, the content of Roundtable was not relevant enough for them to attend, and many Scouters told us that they would be more likely to attend if there were a way to attend virtually and/or watch Roundtable later if the virtual meeting were recorded.

When leaders were surveyed in 2023 for the Unit Health Reporting Tool and Unit Leader Surveys, many responded that they did not like attending Roundtable because they felt that half of the content did not apply to them. By doing separate Roundtables for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, it allows the focus of each Roundtable to be exclusively on one group. Separating the Roundtables also allows for adults who wear many hats spanning multiple programs to be able to attend both Roundtables.

Cub Scout and Scouts BSA Roundtables are broadcast live alternating each month on YouTube Live, and recordings of each broadcast will be available shortly after. You can access past recording on the Great Trail Council YouTube account, and here on this page.

Each roundtable presented live, including digital elements provided to the districts and handouts, will be available shortly after the event so leaders can change and refer to past trainings as needed. The links will be on this page.

It is up to each district whether they wish to present their in-person events virtually in addition to in-person, and whether they will be recorded. Should they desire to present virtually, the council Commissioner corps will work with them to help in that presentation. Potential technical limitations at the meeting sites will also factor into the feasibility of virtual options for the quarterly Roundtables.

When presented properly, roundtables offer a variety of training sessions on topics such as program development, leadership skills, safety, and more. This training can help unit leaders to improve their skills and knowledge, which can lead to a better Scouting experience for their Scouts. Roundtable can provide unit leaders with support and resources to help them succeed. This may include things like help with program planning, fundraising, and recruitment. Roundtables are also a great way to learn about upcoming events and activities in the district and council. This can help unit leaders to plan their own Scouting programs and activities.

Going forward, Cub Scout Roundtable will be every other month, on the first Thursday of the month, alternating with Scouts BSA, and all-virtual. A link to the livestream will be presented on this page. The Roundtable will be broadcast live from the Great Trail Council office in Stow, and will be recorded to watch later for those unable to watch live, or who want to review something presented at a later date.

Scouts BSA Roundtables will also be every other month, on the first Thursday of the month, alternating with Cub Scouts, and all-virtual. A link to the livestream will be presented on this page. Districts may also be holding their own events in-person each month, should they desire. Stambaugh District would be on the second Wednesday of the month at Camp Stambaugh, Canal District on the second Thursday of the month at Firestone Park United Methodist Church, Crooked River District on the second Thursday of the month at Kent United Church of Christ, and Soaring Eagle District on the second Thursday of the month at Medina United Methodist Church.

All Roundtables will start at 7:00 p.m.

We will use this new format through the end of 2025, then reevaluate whether we achieved our goals of increased attendance, a better program, and the ability for Scouters to participate virtually if they and their district desire to do so. We will take the feedback we receive from our Scouters to continue to tweak and improve Roundtable. Feedback is a gift--let us know how we're doing and where we can improve!