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Recruitment Resources (Boy Scouts of America) (view source)
Revision as of 18:33, 26 November 2019
, 4 years ago→Scouts BSA Troop Recruitment
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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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[[Community Service]] is frequently a great example of the best of scouting. Local newspapers are always looking for good positive news stories: | [[Community Service]] is frequently a great example of the best of scouting. Local newspapers are always looking for good positive news stories: | ||
# '''[https://nextdoor.com/ NextDoor.com]''' - Invite your community to your service projects. | # '''[https://nextdoor.com/ NextDoor.com]''' - Invite your community to your service projects. | ||
# '''[ | # '''[[JustServe| JustServe.org #1]] - Post your Projects''' - Post all unit serve projects on JustServe and invite the public to join you there. Invite Community to Service Projects. | ||
# '''[https://www.justserve.org/ JustServe.org #2] - Help on other Community Projects''' - Look for service projects in your community that your scout unit can assist with. | # '''[https://www.justserve.org/ JustServe.org #2] - Help on other Community Projects''' - Look for service projects in your community that your scout unit can assist with. | ||
# '''[https://www.justserve.org/ JustServe.org #3] - FHC Indexing''' - A common ongoing service project is the international family history indexing project at many Family History Center's of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This activity is open to youth as young as age 11 and involves simple reading and data entry skills for as little as one-hour. | # '''[https://www.justserve.org/ JustServe.org #3] - FHC Indexing''' - A common ongoing service project is the international family history indexing project at many Family History Center's of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This activity is open to youth as young as age 11 and involves simple reading and data entry skills for as little as one-hour. | ||
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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) | |||
=== 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=== | === Boosting Recruitment Night Success=== | ||
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* Outdoor movie night with open house and food. | * 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 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. | |||
# '''[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 | |||
# '''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=_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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<br>C: Recruitment at Charter Schools and Homeschool Clubs | <br>C: Recruitment at Charter Schools and Homeschool Clubs | ||
Note # | <table><tr><td><b>Webelos Visitor Night:</b> -The single biggest fail that many scout troops are guilty of is whenever they have cub scout visitors, nobody greets them. This could really discourage them from joining your troop. Your Recruitment officer and New Member Coordinator should be always on the watch for Cub Scout visitors. Have activities, recognition, and youth/adult applications ready for them! </td></tr></table> | ||
Note #A: Scouts BSA should actively assist local Packs in their recruitment efforts. Scouts in attendance has a positive impact for cub packs. A large feeder pack will give abundant recruitment opportunities for the Troops a few short years later. | |||
# '''Feeder Packs''' - Cub Scout Blue&Gold / ArrowOfLight Recognition / Recruitment Night assistance. | # '''Feeder Packs''' - Cub Scout Blue&Gold / ArrowOfLight Recognition / Recruitment Night assistance. | ||
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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 == | ||
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## 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 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. | ## 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] | |||
=== Community Service === | |||
A community service project can be a great way to get a lot of local attention. Small town newspapers are always looking for feel-good community interest stories to publish. Examples: | |||
## [https://ncdailystar.com/260-boy-scouts-do-service-project-for-lds-church/ "260 Boy Scouts to Service Project during Camporee for local Church"] - NCDailyStar.com | |||
== Recruitment Calendar == | |||
=== April === | |||
* School Open House - | |||
=== August === | |||
* Back to School Night - | |||
=== October === | |||
# '''Halloween - Pass Along Card for [http://www.gec-bsa.org/document/cubscoutpeertopeercards/174887 Cubs] or [http://www.gec-bsa.org/document/boyscoutpeertopeercards/174630 Scouts]''': 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. The BSA Resource center has an easy to fill template to use to print your own neat cards. Create several dozen to hand out at Halloween. | |||
# '''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. | |||
# '''Halloween - City Festival''' - Many communities organize their own Halloween festival with lots of kid friendly booths. Bring along a giant supply of candy, old BoysLife/ScoutsLife magazine and interest cards. | |||
=== December === | |||
# '''Holiday Parades''': | |||