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Ask the Chairman - Role of the Supreme Chief of the Fire

        Ask the Chairman

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Q. Mr. Capp,

I had a question concerning the supreme chief of the fire. I was told by an adviser that if the supreme chief of the fire approves something within the lodge that the decision stands even if it violates national policy. I did not believe this was correct so I thought you may be able to help.

Thank you for your time.


A. Thank you for your question; glad you let me know of the local confusion. You have not mentioned whether the "violation" of policy has actually happened or if this is a hypothetical exercise. Nor have your mentioned whether the potential or real infraction has to do with an OA or a BSA policy. But in either case, The Supreme Chief of the Fire's (Scout Executive’s) responsibility is to make sure all OA and BSA policies are followed in his lodge and council. That is the reason that both the OA and the BSA give him a charter, and both the national executive board and the OA committee give that charter in expectation that every lodge and council will conduct its affairs in accordance with its charter agreements (which commit the council and the lodge to adherence to policy).

Think of it as the oath of office that the President of the United States of America takes when he takes on the mantle of that responsibility. His job is to uphold the constitution, as is the Scout Executive's job to execute the policies and procedures of the OA and the BSA. The Scout Executive is required to sign the following statement on his lodge's charter renewal form each year:

"As Scout Executive, I attest to the fact that all of the members of this lodge are currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America, and have been checked against our council membership files. I have met with the lodge leadership to discuss lodge goals, and certify that the council's OA program is in accordance with the current OA Handbook, Guide for Officers and Advisers, Field Operations Guide, Guide to Inductions, and ceremony books. I understand that our council's lodge charter fees will be billed by the National Council for the amount stated above."

No Scout Executive can trump policy; I bet if you talk with your Scout Executive, he would be the first one to agree with what I have written.

All my best to you.

Ray