The best things in Scouting happen at the unit level. It’s true for life-changing experiences that happen in every pack meeting, and it’s true for recruiting as well. When packs and dens get involved, more boys and girls are introduced to the adventure of Scouting than through any other recruiting campaign or method. We can’t do it without you!
Maintaining Vibrant and Growing Units
Packs, Troops and Crews are designed to be perpetual… young Scouts enter, grow and move on to the next program. But the unit continues. Long-lived Scouting units are no accident – they achieve that through intentionally recruiting every year.
A steady flow of youth into your unit is essential to maintaining its health. Plus, new Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the program, and provide leadership opportunities for older Scouts! As some attrition is only natural, your unit should set a goal of adding at least 10+ Scouts every year.
Also, having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.
Below you’ll find recruiting resources for both Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA.
Spring Recruiting
Fall Recruiting
- Cub Scout Recruiting Guide (2023)
- Scouts BSA Recruiting Guide (2023)
- June 2023 Roundtable Presentation
- Value and Costs of Scouting
More Resources
Below, you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun!
Cub Scouts
Scouts BSA
Social Media
- Social Media Planning Calendar
- BSA Social Media Guidelines
- BSA Social Media Playbook (2018)
- Social Media 101
Quick Hits
- Help people find your unit!
Download the BeAScout Instructions Infographic PDF - Get your unit on Google!
Download geofencing and Google Maps Instructions PDF
Also: Get geofencing tips and tricks from the BSA! - Have a great video of your unit in action?
Submit it to the council for sharing with others!! - Sign-Up Night Playbook
Want more details on hosting a great School Night for Scouting? Look here! - Case Study: Cub Scout Recruiting
North Florida Council changed the way it conducted sign-up nights and saw dramatic results. Learn more in the case study. - BSA Marketing and Membership HubLooking for more tools and resources? Check out this “resource-of-resources”! Get started here
Financial Assistance
Videos
Feel free to add any of these to your social media posts or emails, use them in School Nights for Scouting or show them any other recruiting and membership events. And these are just some of the many videos available! Do you have a favorite? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list for others to use as well.
