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Revision as of 13:24, 16 September 2019
, 4 years ago→Annual Recruitment Plan
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# '''Report to Unit Committee''': share goals, accomplishments, plans and advise your unit on how they can assist the recruitment effort. | # '''Report to Unit Committee''': share goals, accomplishments, plans and advise your unit on how they can assist the recruitment effort. | ||
# '''[https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/year-round-guide/recruiting/ Youth Recruiting Event]''': Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective. | # '''[https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/year-round-guide/recruiting/ Youth Recruiting Event]''': Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective. | ||
'''CALENDAR: [[January Scouting Recruitment|JAN]] / | |||
[[February Scouting Recruitment|FEB]] / | |||
[[March Scouting Recruitment|MAR]] / | |||
[[April Scouting Recruitment|APR]] / | |||
[[May Scouting Recruitment|MAY]] / | |||
[[June Scouting Recruitment|JUN]] / | |||
[[July Scouting Recruitment|JUL]] / | |||
[[August Scouting Recruitment|AUG]] / | |||
[[September Scouting Recruitment|SEP]] / | |||
[[October Scouting Recruitment|OCT]] / | |||
[[November Scouting Recruitment|NOV]] / | |||
[[December Scouting Recruitment|DEC]]''' | |||
* See Also : [[Recruitment Resources (Boy Scouts of America)]] | |||
=== Basic Supplies === | === Basic Supplies === | ||
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Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items. | Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items. | ||
# '''[http://BeAScout.org Update Unit BeAScout Pin]''': - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at '''[http://BeAScout.org BeAScout.org]'''. | # '''[http://BeAScout.org Update Unit BeAScout Pin]''': - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at '''[http://BeAScout.org BeAScout.org]'''. Only a member of the Unit Key3 can edit this item, however, it should prominently display a email to your unit recruiter/new member coordinator. Also link it to a digital online recruitment flyer (using your website). | ||
# '''[[Prepare Unit One-Sheet]]''': one-page flyer about the unit, important contacts, annual calendar of events and unit goals (Ie "have fun"). | # '''[[Prepare Unit One-Sheet]]''': one-page flyer about the unit, important contacts, annual calendar of events and unit goals (Ie "have fun"). | ||
# '''Stack of Scout Interest Cards''': | # '''Stack of Scout Interest Cards''': | ||
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# '''Stack of Boys Life Samples''': | # '''Stack of Boys Life Samples''': | ||
# '''Unit Poster Exhibit''': | # '''Unit Poster Exhibit''': | ||
# '''Council Resourse Room''': Usually a giant library of lots of free promotional material shipped to each council from National. | |||
* BSA Recruiting Hub - More online resources. | * BSA Recruiting Hub - More online resources. | ||
* Prepare Recruitment Station - table, tablecloth, large posters, easles, handouts, etc. (My best posters were photos of the youth doing super fun outdoor activities. I also had old boys life magazines ready to handout too.) | * Prepare Recruitment Station - table, tablecloth, large posters, easles, handouts, etc. (My best posters were photos of the youth doing super fun outdoor activities. I also had old boys life magazines ready to handout too.) | ||
=== Recruitment Partners === | === Recruitment Partners === | ||
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# '''Visitor Attendance Log:''' Each unit should keep a visitor attendance log. Some units may award a year end prize or family membership discount to the top 1-3 recruiters of the year. | # '''Visitor Attendance Log:''' Each unit should keep a visitor attendance log. Some units may award a year end prize or family membership discount to the top 1-3 recruiters of the year. | ||
# '''Pass-A-Long Card:''' A simple 3x5 type invite card. Front side is a colorful invite and the backside has contact information for the troop, troop website, BeAScout.org, etc. (See example to the right.) | # '''Pass-A-Long Card:''' A simple 3x5 type invite card. Front side is a colorful invite and the backside has contact information for the troop, troop website, BeAScout.org, etc. (See example to the right.) | ||
# '''Recycle that ''[[Boys Life]]'':''' Drop off your old Boys Life magazines at the waiting room for your local medical, dental, vehicle care, or other lobby. | |||
=== Cyber Presense=== | === Cyber Presense=== | ||
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# '''Unit Instagram Account''' - | # '''Unit Instagram Account''' - | ||
# '''Unit Facebook Page''' - I ran mine like a big private group scrapbook to share event pictures with scouter families. These families could then share with their friends and extended family. | # '''Unit Facebook Page''' - I ran mine like a big private group scrapbook to share event pictures with scouter families. These families could then share with their friends and extended family. | ||
# '''[http://BSAParents.com BSAParents.com]''' - Encourage your families to share their scouting success stories here. | |||
# '''Open for more ideas''' | # '''Open for more ideas''' | ||
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=== Community Events === | === Community Events === | ||
[[Image:Globetrotters1.jpg|thumb|right]] | [[Image:Globetrotters1.jpg|thumb|right]] | ||
At any event, the more people that are there will naturally increase the fun, diversity and energy. | |||
# '''Host a Family Friendly Event''' : [https://antelopevalley.bsa-la.org/2019/WLACC_Carnival/2019-06-15_WLACC_Carnival.pdf WLACC Family Carnival] - | # '''Host a Family Friendly Event''' : [https://antelopevalley.bsa-la.org/2019/WLACC_Carnival/2019-06-15_WLACC_Carnival.pdf WLACC Family Carnival] - | ||
# '''Local Attraction Discout Rates''' - Many families with tight budgets enjoy visiting local attractions and benefitting from the discount rates available to large groups such as scouts. | # '''Local Attraction Discout Rates''' - Many families with tight budgets enjoy visiting local attractions and benefitting from the discount rates available to large groups such as scouts. | ||
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# '''[[Scouting for Food| Adopt a Charity]]''': They may feature your unit in their press releases. | # '''[[Scouting for Food| Adopt a Charity]]''': They may feature your unit in their press releases. | ||
== | === Public Library === | ||
This place is heavily trafficked by families with young children. Most libraries will as a community service support free flyer posting | |||
# '''Free Flyer at the Library''' - Update regularly with your best flyer. | |||
# '''Service Project at the Library''' - Even a bigger way to get recognition. Put up a special learning exhibit on behalf of your unit. | |||
=== Referral Advertising === | |||
'''The Single Most Effective Recruiter is when youth have a fun experience at every event and invite their friends and younger siblings to Join the Adventure! - Are youth having fun at your events???''' | |||
# ''My biggest wake up call would come from my son at just two minutes before meeting start - "Dad, will tonight's meeting be fun?"'' - Bryce Hall (MainTour) | |||
# ''Do what you do so well that they want to come back and bring their friends.'' (Walt Disney) | |||
=== School Recruiting | === Special Events === | ||
# '''Trick-or-Treat Pass-Along Cards''' - every year millions of little kids go trick-or-treat on Halloween in search of free candy. Include a BeAScout (or pack or troop) Pass-a-long card with every candy handout. Maybe handout extra copies of the "Mini Boys Life" to each family. | |||
== School Night Recruiting for Packs and Troops == | |||
[[Image:PeachJar2019.jpg|thumb|right|PeachJar Flyer]] | [[Image:PeachJar2019.jpg|thumb|right|PeachJar Flyer]] | ||
School Night for Scouting | School Night for Scouting: From June to August, watch your District Roundtable for training cub scout recruiting, and organizing School Night for Scouting in your area. | ||
# '''Lots of Pictures:''' Use a large tri-fold poster board. | |||
# '''Class A Uniform:''' If students are present then have scouts there. Class A uniforms are best for elementary school, | |||
# '''Class B Uniform:''' Best for middle school recruiting. | |||
# '''No Uniform:''' Invite a couple of troop moms (with daughters/sons in the troops) there at the table, not in uniform, to talk with other moms. | |||
# '''[https://insanescouter.org/p/3383/34/School_Night_for_Cub_Scouting.html School Night for Cub Scouting]''' - One evening is designated for all parents to gather at the school to learn about and hopefully join Cub Scouting. | # '''[https://insanescouter.org/p/3383/34/School_Night_for_Cub_Scouting.html School Night for Cub Scouting]''' - One evening is designated for all parents to gather at the school to learn about and hopefully join Cub Scouting. | ||
# '''[[Back to School Night]] (Fall Recruiting)''' - a one night event at the start of the school year, where we provide the opportunity to sign-up for Cub Scouts at every elementary school in the district. Most new scouting recruits come from this event. Ask your district executives which schools (public, private, charter, church-school, home-school, etc) are in your neighborhood and have not been assigned to a Cub Pack as of yet. | # '''[[Back to School Night]] (Fall Recruiting)''' - a one night event at the start of the school year, where we provide the opportunity to sign-up for Cub Scouts at every elementary school in the district. Most new scouting recruits come from this event. Ask your district executives which schools (public, private, charter, church-school, home-school, etc) are in your neighborhood and have not been assigned to a Cub Pack as of yet. | ||
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# '''[[School Open House]] (Spring Recruiting)''' - | # '''[[School Open House]] (Spring Recruiting)''' - | ||
# '''[[School Festivals]] (Mid-Year Recruiting)''' - | # '''[[School Festivals]] (Mid-Year Recruiting)''' - | ||
=== Boosting Recruitment Night Success=== | |||
'''Question: How do I get families to attend our Recruitment Night Event?''' | |||
Note - some units focus on the following events with varying success | |||
# Open House Night: Late spring - before the summer break | |||
# Fourth of July Parade: Huge community turnout - but some families have vacation plans during the summer | |||
# Back to School Night: Late summer / early fall - A little bit late for annual planning -but this is when most families actually focus on organizing their kids schedule for the new school year. | |||
* Hand out flyers at Fourth of July Parades and other large summer community events: Allow 1-2 weeks before recruitment night. Offer two recruitment nights in case families are on vacation. Even hold a recruiting booth there. | |||
* During the Summer - Recruitment night should have fun activities for the kid. | |||
* Activities and Refreshments - Build marshmallow catapults and have done rockets. We also had pizza. | |||
* Hand out flyers during school registration days. | |||
* Advertise on buy sell trade websites & local facebook groups. Indicating gender and age groups | |||
* Put flyers at the school office. | |||
* Put out yard signs. | |||
* Encourage unit members to post flyers to their personal page. | |||
* Paid Facebook to promote the post to people in our area. | |||
* Place tri-fold flyers at the local bank and a couple of churches that allow for it. | |||
* Stickers made for the little kids. Pencils and pens printed up with the pack info. | |||
* Election days we can sell popcorn so we hand out flyers | |||
* Include BBQ and had an ice cream truck come to our Recruitment Event. | |||
* Be seen in your uniform and flag! | |||
* Find something fun, and can you advertise "A community event for boys and girls grades 1-5" hosted by the Cub Scouts | |||
* Be organized. Families can sense between a unit in chaos and the opposite - A pack with a computerized registration table, notebooks and calendars ready to distribute. | |||
* Schedule Recruitment night two weeks after school starts and the school handout flyers in school packages. | |||
* Our council gives rockets with a certain camp date to launch. But for them to get a free rocket kit they had to be registered. | |||
* Outdoor movie night with open house and food. | |||
== More Cub Scout Recruiting == | |||
# School Community Newspapers - they are always looking for appropriate news stories. Share with them about scouts, activities, accomplishments, etc. | # School Community Newspapers - they are always looking for appropriate news stories. Share with them about scouts, activities, accomplishments, etc. | ||
# School Message Boards - | # School Message Boards - | ||
# PTA Meetings - link School Night for Scouting with parent orientation, a PTA meeting, or some other event that is more heavily promoted. Some packs often provides crafts and games for the children while parents are meeting teachers. | # PTA Meetings - link School Night for Scouting with parent orientation, a PTA meeting, or some other event that is more heavily promoted. Some packs often provides crafts and games for the children while parents are meeting teachers. | ||
# '''[https://peachjar.com/ PeachJar.com]''' - What's After Class? ''Elevating student outcomes by connecting K-12 families with life-changing school and community resources.'' - Many schools now contract with PeachJar to deliver timely online notices about approved after-school programs like sports and scouting. (Normally $25 per listing, but ask around about "Free" listings.) | # '''[https://peachjar.com/ PeachJar.com]''' - What's After Class? ''Elevating student outcomes by connecting K-12 families with life-changing school and community resources.'' - Many schools now contract with PeachJar to deliver timely online notices about approved after-school programs like sports and scouting. (Normally $25 per listing per school, but ask around about "Free" listings.) | ||
## '''Post Notices Two Weeks Prior to School Start''' - For maximum exposure - post your notice on PeachJar at least two weeks before school start. This is probably the one time of the year when All parents are checking the school website for info about when their children's classes will start and where. | |||
## '''Council PeachJar Discount''' - be sure to ask if your council has a discount rate inplace. Also make sure to pick the best hosting rate. | |||
# '''[[New Family Orientation Night]]''' - Schedule a scout night roughly 1-2 weeks after the School Night Recruiting to welcome them to your pack, collect signup forms and initial membership | # '''[[New Family Orientation Night]]''' - Schedule a scout night roughly 1-2 weeks after the School Night Recruiting to welcome them to your pack, collect signup forms and initial membership | ||
# '''District / Pack / Troop - Websites Flyers''' - Post your Pack flyer (free) on the Facebook page for your partner organizations - linked scout troop, scout district, charter organization, meeting space providor, etc. Encourage all pack members to post the flyer on their personal social media accounts. It's best of this happens before school starts. | |||
# '''Flyers for Car Drivers''' - What to do if the school wont let you onto campus? How about walking the parking lot handing out flyers to every car driver waiting to pick up kids. | |||
=== Popcorn Sales Recruitment === | |||
Notice how Popcorn Sales takes place the same time as recruitment at the beginning of the school year. Most families take a few weeks to figure out their balance between sports, church, scouts, etc. | |||
* '''Popcorn Sales Flyer''' - handout awesome color graphic recruitment flyers to families you see at the Popcorn booth. A good flyer showcases some of your great scouting activities. | |||
=== Cub Recruiting Resources === | |||
* '''[https://scoutingmagazine.org/2019/08/recruit-families-to-your-pack-using-a-blend-of-online-and-real-world-means/ Ready to Grow 2019] - Pack 90's New Recruiting Methods'. Mixing the best of Online and Real World recruiting methods in Centralia MO (ScoutingMagazine.Org Aug 2019 issue). | |||
* '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QeBJ0TYGGE Pack 24 Recruitment Secrets]''' - Pack 24 Scouting Volunteer Membership Recruiting Success Stories - (Fall 2010) - 4 Minute YouTube - Great for District Roundtable presentation | |||
* '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2k1hd-6dao Pack 37 Recruitment Video]''' - The membership team for this pack created a cool video to send to all interested families. Look for it on YouTube at "Join 37". | |||
* '''Inexpensive Day Camp''' - Did you know that BSA Cub Day Camp is usually the most inexpensive week long summer program offered to the community? | |||
== Scouts BSA Troop Recruitment == | == Scouts BSA Troop Recruitment == | ||
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# '''Feeder Packs''' - Cub Scout Blue&Gold / ArrowOfLight Recognition / Recruitment Night assistance. | # '''Feeder Packs''' - Cub Scout Blue&Gold / ArrowOfLight Recognition / Recruitment Night assistance. | ||
# '''[[Webelos Woods]]''' - Very popular event sponsored by District or Council is very effective at matching Cub Scouts to their Future BSA Troop. | # '''[[Webelos Woods]]''' - Very popular event sponsored by District or Council is very effective at matching Cub Scouts to their Future BSA Troop. Many troops bring large exhibits that showcases their adventures. | ||
## [https://www.piedmontcouncilbsa.org/webewoods Webelos Woods] - PiedmontCouncil | |||
## [http://phoenix.shac.org/webelos-woods Phoenix District Webelos Woods] - | |||
# '''[[Den Chiefs]]''' - It is amazing how much cub scouts admire and respect the older boy scouts. Have him share a moment at pack meeting about their hi-adventure trips and other activities. | # '''[[Den Chiefs]]''' - It is amazing how much cub scouts admire and respect the older boy scouts. Have him share a moment at pack meeting about their hi-adventure trips and other activities. | ||
## [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oycAHS6quXI How to Use a Den Chief] - YouTube: Scouting In The Park 056 - What does a Den Chief Actually Do. | ## [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oycAHS6quXI How to Use a Den Chief] - YouTube: Scouting In The Park 056 - What does a Den Chief Actually Do. | ||
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## [https://troopleader.scouting.org/den-chief/ Den Chief Training] - | ## [https://troopleader.scouting.org/den-chief/ Den Chief Training] - | ||
# '''Invite Webeloes Den to Your Troop/Patrol Meeting''' - It is one of the [https://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Webelos_Scout_Adventures#Arrow_of_Light_Required_Adventures Arrow of Light Requirements] for a Cub Scout to attend a BSA troop meeting. Court of honor, patrol activity, etc. | # '''Invite Webeloes Den to Your Troop/Patrol Meeting''' - It is one of the [https://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Webelos_Scout_Adventures#Arrow_of_Light_Required_Adventures Arrow of Light Requirements] for a Cub Scout to attend a BSA troop meeting. Court of honor, patrol activity, etc. | ||
# '''Middle School Troop Night''' - Similar concept to Cub Night School Night. Booth exhibit featues cool activities the troop has planned for the coming year. | |||
== Venturing Crew Recruitment == | == Venturing Crew Recruitment == | ||
[[Image:Venturing2019a1.jpg|thumb|right]] | |||
Every group needs a "shiny object" that grabs the interest of the young crowd, today's youth have so many competing interests! | Every group needs a "shiny object" that grabs the interest of the young crowd, today's youth have so many competing interests! | ||
# '''[[District Camporee|Camporee Exhibits]]''' - Lots of the best candidates for older scout units are those scouts that are actively participating at District Camporees and council summer camp | |||
# '''Host Merit Badge Clinic''' - Many crews have special talents and could host some phenomenal merit badge classes. | |||
# '''District Webelos Woods''' - While there are usually many strong scout units present trying to recruit the webelos, this would be a great opportunity for the Crews to strut their stuff. | |||
# '''Invite a Friend Night''' - The friends get a special gift . | |||
# '''Special Event Day/Night''' - Shooting sports and arcade game day. For STEM enthusiasts, launching rockets, indoor rock climbing wall, RC vehicles, and drones are all popular. | |||
## '''Troop Court of Honor Displays''' - | |||
## School’s Eagle Scout Display inspires Others : Bryan on Scouting - See what they do at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge NJ. (11-Dec-2018) | |||
== Sea Scouts Recruitment == | == Sea Scouts Recruitment == | ||
# Camporee Exhibits - Lots of the best candidates for older scout units are those scouts that are actively participating at District Camporees. | |||
# Host Troop Sail Adventures - Have a promotional display at District Roundtables. | |||
# Scout Summer Camp Exhibits - | |||
== OA Recruitment == | == OA Recruitment == | ||
# Camporee Exhibits - Lots of the best candidates for older scout units are those scouts that are actively participating at District Camporees. | |||
# Indian Lore Merit Badge - OA units have the best material to present this | |||
# Scout Summer Camp Exhibits - | |||
# District Webelos Woods - While there are usually many strong scout units present trying to recruit the webelos, this would be a great opportunity for the Crews to strut their stuff. | |||
# December Roundtable - Inform all Scoutmasters about the importance of January OA Elections. Include big display (pictures / video / etc) to help scouts understand what is OA. | |||
# OA Retention - Experience has shown that the vast majority of youth of the next generation prefer their communication via text messaging instead of email! (Make it happen.) | |||
== District Membership Committee == | |||
===Community Events === | |||
# Community 5K Run - This event could get lots of attendance, hand out bsa t-shirts and other take home souvenirs. Collect $40 from each participant and you just knocked a big chunk out of our District FOS quota also! | |||
== District | === More Recruiting Resources === | ||
* '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QeBJ0TYGGE Pack 24 Recruitment Secrets]''' - Pack 24 Scouting Volunteer Membership Recruiting Success Stories - (Fall 2010) - 4 Minute YouTube - Great for [[District Roundtable]] presentation | |||
=== Roundtable Ideas:=== | |||
# '''Recruitment Training''' - This should be a major session of District Roundtable, several times a year, especially in the early summer months. | |||
# '''New Unit Moment''' - A brief roundtable big rock is to review with the membership new units being formed in the area. | |||
# '''Preview New Recruiting Videos''' - a fun big rock item for Roundtable. | |||
=== Recruitment Resources:=== | |||
# BSA Membership Recruitment Hub - From recruiting ideas to social media best practices, the Hub provides a one-stop resource to discover, activate, and improve your marketing and recruiting strategy. | |||
# BSA Brand Center - With new digital-specific guidelines, the BSA brand identity guide contains all the tools you need to craft messages and materials that resonate with today’s families while keeping true to the BSA brand. | |||
## BSA Bumper Stickets (Custom Unit Stickers?) - Put on Cars, Scout Trailers, School Notebooks and Lunch Boxes, and your Scout Gear. Gift for Grandparents and Alumni. | |||
## BSA License Plate Frames (Custom Council Frame?) - Put on Cars and Scout Trailers. Gift for Grandparents and Alumni. | |||
=== | === LDS Scouting Transition Team === | ||
# [[LDS Transition Letter]] | |||
# [https://www.facebook.com/SaintsandScouts/ Saints & Scouts] | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/CubScoutScouters.LDSandCommunity/ BSA Scouters] | |||
== Recruitment Calendar == | |||
=== April === | |||
* School Open House - | |||
=== | === August === | ||
* Back to School Night - | |||
=== October === | |||
# '''Halloween - Pass Along Card''': Every year many scouters see hundred plus little kids knocking on their door yelling trick or treat. This year give out two treats - including a small card featuring your unit, district, favorite camp, BSAParents or BeAScout. Our neighborhood gets a lot of spanish speaking visitors - so a dual language card is our pick. | |||
# '''Halloween - Haunted House''': Have a troop gathering at a scout's home that gets a lot of visitors. Include both themed and scouting exhibits. Show the scouts know how to have fun and do really cool things. Little kids will be really impressed to see the older kids having a serious party. | |||
=== December === | |||
# '''Holiday Parades''': | |||