Commissioners

In 1971, Boxwell adopted a program from National that, well, let’s just say no one thought it worked particular well. This was known as the Commissioner system. It ran from approximately 1971-1975.

The idea was not bad on the surface. Take the Activity Yard and break it into four different smaller staffs around camp, closer to the Scouts to better be able to teach Scout skills to youth. More staff meant smaller groups and better instruction. Each commissioner staff was about four people, headed by a Camp Commissioner and three Program Aides or Program Commissioners. Each group had their staff site, spread around the camp, serving three or four sites each. The biggest drawback was that the system was an enormous duplication of services.

Seen here is one of Parnell’s Commissioner staffs. Specifically, this is the Commissioner Staff of Camp Commissioner Steve Eubank (sunglasses) in 1972. How do we know this is 1972? Because of the staff hats. Those are green hats with black and gold patches–the very FIRST staff hats. Eddie Stephens is directly on Eubanks’ right, but we don’t know the other two individuals. The gentleman on the far left is wearing not only the famous ringer t-shirt, but a Camp Parnell belt buckle!!

Parnell Commissioners, 1972. Collection of Kerry Parker.