Councils, As defined on the Boy Scouts website...

"A council is a voluntary association of citizens, including representatives of organizations that are chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, to promote the Scouting program within a geographic area. There are four major functions involved in achieving the purposes of a council: membership, fund development, program, and unit service. These four functions and all other responsibilities are accomplished in each council in a manner that is consistent with local conditions and circumstances."