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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) == | ||
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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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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''' - | ||
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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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# ''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 == | ||
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* 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 - | ||
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# '''[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 | ||
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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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# '''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. | ||
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## '''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 == | ||
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# [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]] | ||