Recruitment Resources (Boy Scouts of America): Difference between revisions

From ScoutWiki, For Everyone, Everywhere involved with Scouting and Guiding...
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(25 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:


Resources to Assist Volunteers of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] with their unit recruitment:
Resources to Assist Volunteers of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] with their unit recruitment:
== 2020 Social Media Recruitment ==
[[Image:2020 Recruitment.PNG|right]]
2020 is the year to turn life's lemons into lemonade! 


== Recruitment Preperation (General) ==
== Recruitment Preperation (General) ==
Line 38: Line 42:
# '''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 ===
Line 110: Line 128:
Social Media Marketing:  
Social Media Marketing:  


# '''[https://www.facebook.com/theboyscoutsofamerica/videos/1461448717366665/UzpfSTI1Mzk5NDczMTI5NTQ0MjozMzMwNzc3NzYwMjgzNzc1/ Scouting in the City: BSA Video Series]''' - Have all unit members post this clip on their social media account!
# '''Business Message Boards''' -  
# '''Business Message Boards''' -  
# '''Church Message Boards''' -  
# '''Church Message Boards''' -  
Line 183: Line 202:
[[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.
# '''[https://www.justserve.org/ 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.  
# '''[[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.  
Line 207: Line 226:
# ''Do what you do so well that they want to come back and bring their friends.'' (Walt Disney)
# ''Do what you do so well that they want to come back and bring their friends.'' (Walt Disney)


== Special Events ==
=== 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.
# '''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.
# '''[http://www.pikespeakbsa.org/How-To-Support-Scouting 10 Ways to Support Scouting] - (From Pikes Peak Council BSA)
## Enroll your children in Scouting. They will love it and thank you for it! Read more about joining >>
## Become a BSA volunteer. With the enormous time pressures in their lives, America's youth need time well spent. Whether you volunteer as a den leader, Scoutmaster, or merit badge counselor, Scouting will be worth your time and effort because of the benefits it provides to youth.
## Tell your neighbors and friends about Scouting. Youth love Scouting and its activities, but they love it even more when their friends are involved.
## Get your place of worship involved in Scouting. Churches, synagogues, and mosques are great places for Scouting activities. The Boy Scouts of America supports the strong ideals and values that families are looking for today.
## Write a letter to your local newspaper. The Boy Scouts is a great organization that builds character and values. Tell other people about it!
## Write a letter to your United Way. The Boys Scouts of America is one of the founding organizations of the United Way. The Boy Scouts of America and United Way have a long relationship. Many of the more than 1,400 local United Way chapters support the BSA. Let them know what a great job Scouting is doing in your community.
## Write your local school board president and principal. Thank them for the opportunity to use their facilities for Scouting activities, for the use of their bulletin boards to get information to youth, and for the access their school provides to help get information to parents of Scouting-age youth.
## Call your local Boy Scout council.  Tell them how much you appreciate what the organization is doing in your community to build tomorrow's leaders. Contact the Council Service Center.
## Organize a Scout color guard for local athletic events or city council meetings.  It is important for people to see Scouting as a meaningful and vital part of the community.
## Financially support a youth in need.  Everyone who shares BSA's strong values should be able to participate in Scouting. Contribute to Scouting and you will change a life. Read about financial support >>


== School Night Recruiting for Packs and Troops ==
== School Night Recruiting for Packs and Troops ==
Line 254: Line 284:
* 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.
* 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.
* Outdoor movie night with open house and food.
 
* Got extra scout patches?  (ie Last year's popcorn patch, etc) - Bring those to handout.  Another attention getter.


== More Cub Scout Recruiting ==
== More Cub Scout Recruiting ==
[[Image:CarpoolLine1.jpg|thumb|right|Having trouble getting noticed at your school?  Try some magnetic car decals for other parents to stare at while waiting in the school pickup line.  Our Cubmaster made custom pins that the Scouts put on their school backpacks. Plus really cool pack t-shirts. ]]
# [https://scoutingwire.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/522-520_WEB-6.pdf School Access Challenges] - More Tips for Building relationships with your local schools. 
# '''Pack T-Shirt Day''' - Pack t-shirt day at school to spread the word for an after school meet and greet?
# Uniform Recycle Church Flyer - Churches usually smile and this donation request. 
# 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 -  
Line 262: Line 296:
# '''[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.)  
# '''[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.
## '''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.
[[Image:CalUni5.PNG|thumb|right|This is one of our favorites to reach church congregations.  A clever way to start buzz in the younger families]]
## '''Council PeachJar Discount''' - be sure to ask if your council has a discount rate inplace. Also make sure to pick the best hosting rate.
## '''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
Line 286: Line 321:
<br>C: Recruitment at Charter Schools and Homeschool Clubs
<br>C: Recruitment at Charter Schools and Homeschool Clubs


Note #1: 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.
<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.
Line 298: Line 335:
# '''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.
# '''Middle School Troop Night''' - Similar concept to Cub Night School Night.  Booth exhibit featues cool activities the troop has planned for the coming year.
# '''<i>This Troop Doubled in Size Last Year</i>''' - See Bryan On Scouting Blog - BSA Troop Recruitment Secrets


== Venturing Crew Recruitment ==
== Venturing Crew Recruitment ==
[[Image:Venturing2019a1.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[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!


<blockquote>
"Over the last 9 years, I've heard leaders discourage their Scouts, BSA troop members about joining a Venturing Crew, because the leader is worried that the teen will leave the troop in the lurch. So incorrect.
Venturing Crews build leadership into everything we do. Troop needs a mentor for the SPL? Ask a Crew. Several of the older teens have been SPLs AND had to take a mandatory class on HOW TO BE A MENTOR! ;)
Listen to the podcast, and if you have any questions, ask me, or any of your Green shirted friends. We'll explain how Venturing can help your troop thrive. We are Crew 223, Wichita KS, chartered by Range 54 "
</blockquote>
# '''How Venturing Can Help Your Troop''' - See the SCouting Podcast = https://podcast.scouting.org/scoutcast/2020/march-2020-how-venturing-can-help-not-hurt-your-troop/ 
# '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4EGlw4UYyw&feature=emb_logo We are Venturers]'''  - BSA YouTube Recruitment Video (2013)
# '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxF_o_fEysY Venturing Revolution]''' - BSA YouTube Recruitment Video (2013)
# '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y00OhggzLVg Venturing Recruitment]''' - BSA YouTube Recruitment Video (2016)
# '''[[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
# '''[[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.  
# '''Host Merit Badge Clinic''' - Many crews have special talents and could host some phenomenal merit badge classes.  
Line 310: Line 358:
## '''Troop Court of Honor Displays''' -  
## '''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)
## 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)
# '''Combined Crew Activity''' - Very popular recruitment event (especially if you are a small crew) is to joint activities with other crews and troops in your area.  Many potential crew members are looking for more social activities and to try different things.  Always - Invite your Friends!


== Sea Scouts Recruitment ==
== Sea Scouts Recruitment ==


# '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzMC0eCOrp8 This Is Sea Scouts!]''' - BSA Recruitment Video (2019)
# '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQOjvuRzfxc Sea Scouts 3-Week Alaska Cruise]''' - (2016) Youtube Tour.
# Camporee Exhibits - Lots of the best candidates for older scout units are those scouts that are actively participating at District Camporees.  
# 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.  
# Host Troop Sail Adventures - Have a promotional display at District Roundtables.  
# Scout Summer Camp Exhibits -
# Scout Summer Camp Exhibits -
# Plan a Sea Scout Me in Day activity, which can be day of sailing, kayaking, cruising, or other event where prospective Sea Scouts get on the water. Draft press release that includes date, time, location, description of event, and contact information.
# Check with School District website on procedures for submitting flyers for inclusion in August school newsletters. Complete all forms as required by school district.
# '''Sea Scout Me In Day (Aug/Sep)''': This is a day to plan a back to school open house, host a Nautical Merit Badge Midway, or help a new Sea Scout Ship to recruit their first Sea Scouts.
# Share announcement for Sea Scout Me in Day with the District Executive, District Commissioner, and District Membership Chair, for inclusion at monthly District Meeting. Send request to council marketing professional for inclusion in Council newsletter.
# '''Media:''' Submit press releases to community publications, such as local newspapers and online community groups. Check with local publications for any deadlines for inclusions.
# '''Social Media and Online Communities:''' Post announcement to Nextdoor, Patch, or similar applications.
# '''Instagram:''' Create Instagram account for your Sea Scout Ship. Under Settings, select “Switch to Business Profile.” After business account is created, begin posting weekly images promoting Sea Scout Me in Day messages. Boost posts targeted for youth interested in boating, sailing, SCUBA, and other on the water activities in your service area.
# '''Facebook Fan Pages:''' Create a Fan Page for your Sea Scout Ship. Create an “Event” for your Sea Scout Me in Day activity. Boost the event targeted to parents of high school students. Include as “Interests” for the campaign to include Scouting, Sailing, Boating, Stand Up Paddleboard, Kayaking, and other boating activities. Test the effectiveness of your boost, adjusting your campaign each week. 
## [https://www.facebook.com/California-Scouts-1547358932233705/ California Scouts] - Sample Scout Fan Facebook Page.
# Parents: Ask parents of Sea Scouts to share the Facebook Event on their personal pages on in any parental groups they are members of on Facebook.
# Community Boards: Print flyers for posting at Starbucks, teen centers of libraries, and similar locations.
* [https://seascout.org/regions/western/area3/ Western Region BSA "Sea Scout Me In" Day] -
== Facebook Fan Pages ==
'''Facebook Fan Pages:''' Create a Fan Page for your Sea Scout Ship. Create an “Event” for your Sea Scout Me in Day activity. Boost the event targeted to parents of high school students. Include as “Interests” for the campaign to include Scouting, Sailing, Boating, Stand Up Paddleboard, Kayaking, and other boating activities. Test the effectiveness of your boost, adjusting your campaign each week.
"Share" your Facebook page with like minded facebook groups in scouting, your charter org, free neighborhood shopping exchange, etc:
Sample Regional / Topical Facebook Pages - These can help promote your unit:
# [https://www.facebook.com/California-Scouts-1547358932233705/ California Scouts] - Sample Scout Fan Facebook Page for California
# [https://www.facebook.com/SaintsandScouts/ Saints & Scouts] - LDS Church Supports.


== OA Recruitment ==
== OA Recruitment ==
Line 350: Line 424:
# [https://www.facebook.com/SaintsandScouts/ Saints & Scouts]
# [https://www.facebook.com/SaintsandScouts/ Saints & Scouts]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/CubScoutScouters.LDSandCommunity/ BSA Scouters]
* [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''':


[[Category: Recruiting]]
[[Category: Recruiting]]
[[Category: Boy Scouts of America]]
[[Category: Boy Scouts of America]]
[[Category: Pack Meeting]]
[[Category: Pack Meeting]]

Revision as of 03:05, 12 April 2020

Nyscouts1.gif

A steady flow of youth into a each scout unit is essential to maintaining unit health. New Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the program. To avoid the pitfall of shrinking membership, aim to add at least 10 new Scouts every year. Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.

The first step for any recruitment effort is to appoint a volunteer to serve as the unit membership chair. This person will develop and implement a year-round growth plan that incorporates all methods of recruitment, working closely with the community, the district membership committee, and the unit commissioner.

Resources to Assist Volunteers of the Boy Scouts of America with their unit recruitment:

2020 Social Media Recruitment

2020 Recruitment.PNG

2020 is the year to turn life's lemons into lemonade!

Recruitment Preperation (General)

ScoutMeIn4.jpg

Training

  1. Scout Leader Basic Training: Having a rich understanding of the program will greatly enhance your success as a unit recruiter. This section provides a variety of materials, from quick references to complete courses, all designed to help our members improve leadership skills and deliver a quality program.
  2. Youth Protection Training: - BSA is the worldwide leader in developing guidelines to serve and protect our youth. Be familiar with YPT.
  3. University of Scouting: Most BSA Council's hold an annual event on scouting best practices. Several of these courses focus on recruiting strategies unique for your community.
  4. Online Recruitment Courses:
    1. Scouts BSA Year Round Recruiting Guide -
    2. Recruiting New Members - Scouts BSA
    3. Venturing Crew Recruiting Guide -
    4. Family Scouting- ScoutMeIn Campaign Guide
  5. Attend Wood Badge: This advance adult scouting leadership training course will give you some awesome skills to greatly enhance your success as a unit recruiter.
    WoodBadge2.png
  6. Attend District Membership Committee: get update info on recruitment events, ongoing training, opportunities and best practices in your area.
  7. District Roundtable - get update info on recruitment events and opportunities in your area. Several times a year they have recruitment refresher sessions and updated recruitment collateral.
  8. Pack and Den Recruiting: - ScoutingWire Special Training Feature

Additional Resources:

Annual Recruitment Plan

Pack584picnic.png

Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.

  1. Year Round Guide to Scouting Recruitment: -
  2. Spring School Open House: Public School Event. Excellent time to recruit for summer camp and secure enrollments before the new program year starts.
  3. Back to School Nite: Public School Event. Contact many new families
  4. Spring Unit Open House: Showcase great outdoor adventures planned for spring and summer.
  5. Frequently attend unit events: Look for new faces of youth, adults, and siblings that are participating or could be potential participants. Greet all Visitors
  6. Report to Unit Committee: share goals, accomplishments, plans and advise your unit on how they can assist the recruitment effort.
  7. Youth Recruiting Event: Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective.

CALENDAR: JAN / FEB / MAR / APR / MAY / JUN / JUL / AUG / SEP / OCT / NOV / DEC

Basic Supplies

Pack894house.jpg

Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items.

  1. Update Unit BeAScout Pin: - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at 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).
  2. Prepare Unit One-Sheet: one-page flyer about the unit, important contacts, annual calendar of events and unit goals (Ie "have fun").
  3. Stack of Scout Interest Cards:
  4. Stack of Adult Applications:
  5. Stack of Youth Applications:
  6. Stack of Boys Life Samples:
  7. Unit Poster Exhibit:
  8. 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.
  • 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

Know your local recruiting partners:

  1. District Membership Committee
  2. Council Membership Committee
  3. District Executive


Unit New Member Coordinator

  • New Member Coordinator - Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends partly on reaching new audiences to invite them to join the unit and partly on engaging new members and their families so that they feel welcomed and want to stay. The role of the New Member Coordinator is to ensure that both keys to success take place. (ScoutingWire)

General Recruiting Tips

TroopCard19.png

Year Round Referrals

  1. Invite A Friend: By far the single most effective recruitment tool is a word of month referral youth-to-youth or parent-to-parent. Scouting holds weekly, monthly annual activities that are fun. All activity announcements sent to families by phone, mail, flyer, text, etc should always carry a note to Invite a Friend.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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

BeAScout Update.png
  1. BeAScout.org: Every Scout unit should check their listing here periodically. Be sure to frequently mention this link. Update "BeAScout" Cyber Pin - BSA National and Council conducts various large scale marketing campaigns that directs parents to use this interactive online map to find the right scouting unit nearest their home or school or special interest. Proof that your "pin" is working, has the right contact info and a good description of your program and link to your unit website.
  2. Build Unit Website - Many perspective families will do online research before contacting you again. Your website presense should have great pictures and family testimonials to help sell your unit. State your unit mission and purpose.
    1. BSA Pack 235 - Red Hill Lutheran Church. (Sample)
    2. BSA Troop 11 - Alameda CA (Sample)
    3. BSA Troop 707 & Crew 707 - Lake Highlands Elks Lodge. (Sample)
    4. BSA Sea Scout Ship 3500 - "Rock of Ages" - Pleasant Harbor Marina. (Sample)
  3. ScoutWiki Unit Pins - Update your unit listing on this additional volunteer scouting cyber marketing effort.

Other Referrals

Recruiter1.jpg
  1. Recruiter Recognition - Scout to Scout "word of mouth" referrals is certainly the most effective way attract and retain new members. Encourage the youth to earn and display this patch.
  2. Class B Shirts - Encourage Scouts and Leaders to Wear the Class B shirts - especially before Back To School Night or any School Festival. Also wear other souvenir scouting shirts - (I frequently get positive feedback when I wear mine out in public.)
  3. ScoutShop Bumber Sticker -
    Troopsticker123.jpg
  4. Custom Troop Bumber Sticker - place on scout vehicles, trailers, camp gear, school binders, etc, etc, etc, and more.
  5. Benefits of Scouting Flyer - Prepare a summary recap handout of the many benefits of Scouting.
  6. Invite A Friend - Every scouting activity flyer should include a reminder to the scouts to bring a friend. Fun activities is their opportunity to make a positive impression.
  7. Serve your Neighbors - encourage scouts to look for frequent opportunities to serve their neighbors. (Matt 5:14-16)
  8. Scouting Posters for the Home - Encourage scouting families to hang scouting posters in the home.
  9. Digital Device Background - encourage youth and adults to have a scouting theme backdrop for their phone, reader, computer or other digital device.
  10. Share Scout theme videos - in social media, Youtube, facebook, twitter.
  11. Unit Newsletter - monthly, quarterly or annual. Emphasize fun and adventure and outdoors and service.
  12. Frequent Field Trips - every scout outting is a unique opportunity to interact with the general population and to show your unit brand.
  13. Make New Friends - A Scout is Friendly - as often as possible. Look for someone who needs a friend.
  14. Use Scouting Lingo - Get friends to ask you about what those words mean.
  15. Room Decor - Hang a mini-Scout Law or Timeless Values Poster in your workplace or office cubicle.

Social Media

Benefits bsa1.jpg

Social Media Marketing:

  1. Scouting in the City: BSA Video Series - Have all unit members post this clip on their social media account!
  2. Business Message Boards -
  3. Church Message Boards -
  4. NextDoor.com - "The Private Social Network for Your Neighborhood." Post all invites to local scouting open house events here!
  5. Facebook Advertising -
  6. #Beascout Hashtag on Twitter -
  7. Share a daily/weekly scout message
  8. Encourage Scouter Blogging - Many scouters have different journal methods and reach different audiences.
  9. Facebook Comments - post scout positive comments in Facebook.
  10. Include US Flag Image - scientifically proven to have a positive persuasive effect for scouting recognition.
  11. Facebook Compliments #1 - Thank people and organizations for their support of scouting or the country or for our Veterans.
  12. Facebook Quote of the Day -
  13. Facebook Links
    1. Great BoysLife Articles - link to fun articles in BoysLife, Scouting Wire, etc.
    2. [Scouting News] - Find lots of positive eagle service project news articles. Positive, complementary, service, and humorous. (There are always lot.)
    3. ScoutingWire.org - more great scouting articles.
    4. Benefits of Scouting - Links to great articles about the benefits of Scouting.
    5. Benefits of Scouting #2 - more great article links
      1. 14 Benefits of Sending a Scout to Camp -
      2. 9 Benefits of Scouting -
      3. Why Scouting - A Study of the Many Benefits of Scouting
      4. Troop 282 Honors Veterans with 21-Gun Salute and Flag Ceremony
      5. Scouting For Food Kick’s Off Giving Season
      6. University Acceptance Letter Compliments Eagle Scouts -
      7. Webelos Scout Sells Popcorn in all 50 States
  14. Unit Twitter Handle - #Troop726SDIC
  15. Unit Instagram Account -
  16. 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.
  17. BSAParents.com - Encourage your families to share their scouting success stories here.
  18. Open for more ideas

Youth Service Organizations

Contact any of the following organizations about doing a joint community expo day to help raise awareness about scouting programs for youth in your community:

  1. Kiwanis Club - Mission Statement: "At the Kiwanis Children's Fund, our mission is to develop resources that transform the goodwill and vision of Kiwanians into programs that serve the children of the world." - This means they frequently sponsor and support scouting units in the local community.
  2. Lions Club Internations - "To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs."
  3. Rotary Club - "... to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders."
  4. Civitan Internation - "... an organization of volunteer service clubs around the world, dedicated to helping people in their own communities."
  5. Moose Lodge -
  6. Order of Elks - "To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship..."
  7. Optimist Club - "By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves. Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential."
  8. our Charter Organization:
  9. Local Church Groups: Most communities have a local church partnership program that includes efforts to outreach and serve local youth.

Community Events

Globetrotters1.jpg

At any event, the more people that are there will naturally increase the fun, diversity and energy.

  1. Host a Family Friendly Event : WLACC Family Carnival -
  2. 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.
  3. Local Attraction VIP Tours - Many families enjoy that scout groups frequently enjoy VIP guided tours to local attractions.
  4. Community Event Display - try and have a recruiting booth at community events, like National Night Out, Christmas Parade, christmas caroling, etc.
  5. Pinewood Derby Display @ Community events—set up a booth with a pinewood derby track and some cars.
  6. YMCA Events - check a YMCA or JCC in the area they are always running community events. Setup a table at the YMCA heathy kids day, start of the fall basketball season, trunk or treat etc.
  7. Town Hall Flag Presentation - Many City Council meetings being with a flag pledge and really (!) enjoy having a scout unit there to lead the presentation of the colors.
  8. Community Flag Ceremonies - get short news clips in the school parent news letter and do flag ceremonies whenever we can.
  9. Interfaith Council Events - Contact interfaith councils / participate in interfaith events.
  10. Scout Day at the Ballpark - another opportunity to show the community our scouting spirit and have a fun time doing it. Petco Park - Campout on the BallField - popular scout event. Frequently done by out-of-council units staying the week at nearby Camp Fiesta Island Summer Camp. (Ex: Padres Scout Day, Red Sox Scout Sleepovers, )
  11. Harlem Globetrotters Scout Night - All Scout tickets include a commemorative Harlem Globetrotters patch.
  12. Zoo Roar and Snore Sleepover - sleepovers include camp activities, an after-hours look at the wild life of our animals, guided walks, a campfire program, dinner, an evening snack, and breakfast the following morning. (Ex: LA Zoo Sleepovers, )
  13. Ten Commandments Hike - Combination high-profile parade, wave the flag, Duty to God, etc. Visits several local churches, including many that don't sponsor a scout unit but are more than happy to host a scout visit. (Ex: New York Peace Hike, Nov-2018, )

Scout Show

The Scout Shows is an opportunity to invite friends and family to see your unit perform.

  1. Scout Show - games, scout skills, food trucks, and more. A lot of other units have been going back to school events, PTO events, and family nights at the schools.
  2. Recognition Dinner for Charter Org -
  3. Court of Honor Show - A lot of guests attend special advancement ceremonies such as the Court of Honor. You should have your best troop recruitment material and exhibits out on display.

Community Service

CubScoutFoodDrive1.jpg

In the Law of the Pack, a cub scout gives good will and in the Boy Scout Promise, a boy scout promises to help other people at all times. By participating in a Scouting for Food program, scouts come a step closer to fulfilling those words.

Community Service is frequently a great example of the best of scouting. Local newspapers are always looking for good positive news stories:

  1. NextDoor.com - Invite your community to your service projects.
  2. 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.
  3. JustServe.org #2 - Help on other Community Projects - Look for service projects in your community that your scout unit can assist with.
  4. 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.
  5. Historic Sites - Service project for local historic sites.
  6. Eagle Project List - Prepare a list of Eagle Projects ideas that provide maximum visibility in the community.
  7. Scouting for Food: A great annual event to engage your neighborhood. Contact all your neighbors. Include Scout Unit pass-a-long card.
    1. Scouting for Food - BoyScoutTrail.com
    2. Scouting for Food - SVMBC.org
    3. This is How to Promote Scouting for Food - Video Show from ScoutingWire.org
    4. WUSA9.com NewsCast - Scouting for Food
  8. 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

  1. Free Flyer at the Library - Update regularly with your best flyer.
  2. 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???

  1. 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)
  2. Do what you do so well that they want to come back and bring their friends. (Walt Disney)

Special Events

  1. 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.
  2. 10 Ways to Support Scouting - (From Pikes Peak Council BSA)
    1. Enroll your children in Scouting. They will love it and thank you for it! Read more about joining >>
    2. Become a BSA volunteer. With the enormous time pressures in their lives, America's youth need time well spent. Whether you volunteer as a den leader, Scoutmaster, or merit badge counselor, Scouting will be worth your time and effort because of the benefits it provides to youth.
    3. Tell your neighbors and friends about Scouting. Youth love Scouting and its activities, but they love it even more when their friends are involved.
    4. Get your place of worship involved in Scouting. Churches, synagogues, and mosques are great places for Scouting activities. The Boy Scouts of America supports the strong ideals and values that families are looking for today.
    5. Write a letter to your local newspaper. The Boy Scouts is a great organization that builds character and values. Tell other people about it!
    6. Write a letter to your United Way. The Boys Scouts of America is one of the founding organizations of the United Way. The Boy Scouts of America and United Way have a long relationship. Many of the more than 1,400 local United Way chapters support the BSA. Let them know what a great job Scouting is doing in your community.
    7. Write your local school board president and principal. Thank them for the opportunity to use their facilities for Scouting activities, for the use of their bulletin boards to get information to youth, and for the access their school provides to help get information to parents of Scouting-age youth.
    8. Call your local Boy Scout council. Tell them how much you appreciate what the organization is doing in your community to build tomorrow's leaders. Contact the Council Service Center.
    9. Organize a Scout color guard for local athletic events or city council meetings. It is important for people to see Scouting as a meaningful and vital part of the community.
    10. Financially support a youth in need. Everyone who shares BSA's strong values should be able to participate in Scouting. Contribute to Scouting and you will change a life. Read about financial support >>

School Night Recruiting for Packs and Troops

PeachJar Flyer

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.

  1. Lots of Pictures: Use a large tri-fold poster board.
  2. Class A Uniform: If students are present then have scouts there. Class A uniforms are best for elementary school,
  3. Class B Uniform: Best for middle school recruiting.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
    1. School Night Tips - NorthernStarBSA.org
    2. Sign-up Night Playbook - ScoutingWire.org
    3. School Night Planning Guide - Prepare for and deliver an effective school recruiting function
    4. School Night for Scouting - 2013 YouTube Presentation
  7. School Open House (Spring Recruiting) -
  8. 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

  1. Open House Night: Late spring - before the summer break
  2. Fourth of July Parade: Huge community turnout - but some families have vacation plans during the summer
  3. 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.
  • Got extra scout patches? (ie Last year's popcorn patch, etc) - Bring those to handout. Another attention getter.

More Cub Scout Recruiting

Having trouble getting noticed at your school? Try some magnetic car decals for other parents to stare at while waiting in the school pickup line. Our Cubmaster made custom pins that the Scouts put on their school backpacks. Plus really cool pack t-shirts.
  1. School Access Challenges - More Tips for Building relationships with your local schools.
  2. Pack T-Shirt Day - Pack t-shirt day at school to spread the word for an after school meet and greet?
  3. Uniform Recycle Church Flyer - Churches usually smile and this donation request.
  4. School Community Newspapers - they are always looking for appropriate news stories. Share with them about scouts, activities, accomplishments, etc.
  5. School Message Boards -
  6. 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.
  7. 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.)
    1. 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.
This is one of our favorites to reach church congregations. A clever way to start buzz in the younger families
    1. Council PeachJar Discount - be sure to ask if your council has a discount rate inplace. Also make sure to pick the best hosting rate.
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  • 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).
  • Pack 24 Recruitment Secrets - Pack 24 Scouting Volunteer Membership Recruiting Success Stories - (Fall 2010) - 4 Minute YouTube - Great for District Roundtable presentation
  • 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

"Den Chief" by Norman Rockwell

Where can Scouts BSA Troops easily recruit from?
A: Webeloes Youth bridging from a Cub Pack
B: Inviting Friends to Activities
C: Recruitment at Charter Schools and Homeschool Clubs

Webelos Visitor Night: -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!

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.

  1. Feeder Packs - Cub Scout Blue&Gold / ArrowOfLight Recognition / Recruitment Night assistance.
  2. 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.
    1. Webelos Woods - PiedmontCouncil
    2. Phoenix District Webelos Woods -
  3. 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.
    1. How to Use a Den Chief - YouTube: Scouting In The Park 056 - What does a Den Chief Actually Do.
    2. Den Chief Service Award -
    3. Den Chief Training -
  4. Invite Webeloes Den to Your Troop/Patrol Meeting - It is one of the Arrow of Light Requirements for a Cub Scout to attend a BSA troop meeting. Court of honor, patrol activity, etc.
  5. Middle School Troop Night - Similar concept to Cub Night School Night. Booth exhibit featues cool activities the troop has planned for the coming year.
  6. This Troop Doubled in Size Last Year - See Bryan On Scouting Blog - BSA Troop Recruitment Secrets

Venturing Crew Recruitment

Venturing2019a1.jpg

\

Every group needs a "shiny object" that grabs the interest of the young crowd, today's youth have so many competing interests!

"Over the last 9 years, I've heard leaders discourage their Scouts, BSA troop members about joining a Venturing Crew, because the leader is worried that the teen will leave the troop in the lurch. So incorrect. Venturing Crews build leadership into everything we do. Troop needs a mentor for the SPL? Ask a Crew. Several of the older teens have been SPLs AND had to take a mandatory class on HOW TO BE A MENTOR! ;) Listen to the podcast, and if you have any questions, ask me, or any of your Green shirted friends. We'll explain how Venturing can help your troop thrive. We are Crew 223, Wichita KS, chartered by Range 54 "

  1. How Venturing Can Help Your Troop - See the SCouting Podcast = https://podcast.scouting.org/scoutcast/2020/march-2020-how-venturing-can-help-not-hurt-your-troop/
  2. We are Venturers - BSA YouTube Recruitment Video (2013)
  3. Venturing Revolution - BSA YouTube Recruitment Video (2013)
  4. Venturing Recruitment - BSA YouTube Recruitment Video (2016)
  5. 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
  6. Host Merit Badge Clinic - Many crews have special talents and could host some phenomenal merit badge classes.
  7. 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.
  8. Invite a Friend Night - The friends get a special gift .
  9. 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.
    1. Troop Court of Honor Displays -
    2. 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)
  10. Combined Crew Activity - Very popular recruitment event (especially if you are a small crew) is to joint activities with other crews and troops in your area. Many potential crew members are looking for more social activities and to try different things. Always - Invite your Friends!

Sea Scouts Recruitment

  1. This Is Sea Scouts! - BSA Recruitment Video (2019)
  2. Sea Scouts 3-Week Alaska Cruise - (2016) Youtube Tour.
  3. Camporee Exhibits - Lots of the best candidates for older scout units are those scouts that are actively participating at District Camporees.
  4. Host Troop Sail Adventures - Have a promotional display at District Roundtables.
  5. Scout Summer Camp Exhibits -
  6. Plan a Sea Scout Me in Day activity, which can be day of sailing, kayaking, cruising, or other event where prospective Sea Scouts get on the water. Draft press release that includes date, time, location, description of event, and contact information.
  7. Check with School District website on procedures for submitting flyers for inclusion in August school newsletters. Complete all forms as required by school district.
  8. Sea Scout Me In Day (Aug/Sep): This is a day to plan a back to school open house, host a Nautical Merit Badge Midway, or help a new Sea Scout Ship to recruit their first Sea Scouts.
  9. Share announcement for Sea Scout Me in Day with the District Executive, District Commissioner, and District Membership Chair, for inclusion at monthly District Meeting. Send request to council marketing professional for inclusion in Council newsletter.
  10. Media: Submit press releases to community publications, such as local newspapers and online community groups. Check with local publications for any deadlines for inclusions.
  11. Social Media and Online Communities: Post announcement to Nextdoor, Patch, or similar applications.
  12. Instagram: Create Instagram account for your Sea Scout Ship. Under Settings, select “Switch to Business Profile.” After business account is created, begin posting weekly images promoting Sea Scout Me in Day messages. Boost posts targeted for youth interested in boating, sailing, SCUBA, and other on the water activities in your service area.
  13. Facebook Fan Pages: Create a Fan Page for your Sea Scout Ship. Create an “Event” for your Sea Scout Me in Day activity. Boost the event targeted to parents of high school students. Include as “Interests” for the campaign to include Scouting, Sailing, Boating, Stand Up Paddleboard, Kayaking, and other boating activities. Test the effectiveness of your boost, adjusting your campaign each week.
    1. California Scouts - Sample Scout Fan Facebook Page.
  14. Parents: Ask parents of Sea Scouts to share the Facebook Event on their personal pages on in any parental groups they are members of on Facebook.
  15. Community Boards: Print flyers for posting at Starbucks, teen centers of libraries, and similar locations.


Facebook Fan Pages

Facebook Fan Pages: Create a Fan Page for your Sea Scout Ship. Create an “Event” for your Sea Scout Me in Day activity. Boost the event targeted to parents of high school students. Include as “Interests” for the campaign to include Scouting, Sailing, Boating, Stand Up Paddleboard, Kayaking, and other boating activities. Test the effectiveness of your boost, adjusting your campaign each week.

"Share" your Facebook page with like minded facebook groups in scouting, your charter org, free neighborhood shopping exchange, etc:

Sample Regional / Topical Facebook Pages - These can help promote your unit:

  1. California Scouts - Sample Scout Fan Facebook Page for California
  2. Saints & Scouts - LDS Church Supports.

OA Recruitment

  1. Camporee Exhibits - Lots of the best candidates for older scout units are those scouts that are actively participating at District Camporees.
  2. Indian Lore Merit Badge - OA units have the best material to present this
  3. Scout Summer Camp Exhibits -
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. 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!

More Recruiting Resources

Roundtable Ideas:

  1. Recruitment Training - This should be a major session of District Roundtable, several times a year, especially in the early summer months.
  2. New Unit Moment - A brief roundtable big rock is to review with the membership new units being formed in the area.
  3. Preview New Recruiting Videos - a fun big rock item for Roundtable.

Recruitment Resources:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
    1. 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.
    2. BSA License Plate Frames (Custom Council Frame?) - Put on Cars and Scout Trailers. Gift for Grandparents and Alumni.

LDS Scouting Transition Team

  1. LDS Transition Letter
  2. Saints & Scouts

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:

    1. "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

  1. Halloween - Pass Along Card for Cubs or 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Holiday Parades: