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.
Update Your BeAScout PinThis only takes a few minutes and is the single most important thing you can do to help families find your unit! Download the BeAScout Instructions Infographic PDF Webinar: August 15, 2024 – BeAScout 101 – Learn how to update your unit pin and manage incoming leads. Register here |
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!
- Scouting America Recruiting Resources
- Includes printable materials, social media calendars, campaign kits, links to upcoming and past webinars, Cub Chat Live, the new digital Scout Life Mini Mag and more!
- Can Scouting and Sports Coexist?
- “You can be an athlete … you can be in band … you can be in theater … you can be in anything, and still be in Scouts. All it’s going to do is benefit your life.” – Addison Nichols, Eagle Scout
- Value and Costs of Scouting
- Neither the cost nor the value of Scouting should be ignored. Which is why we offer this guide to help you understand and explain both.
- Adult Recruitment Playbook
- Here’s a list of best practices, recruiting ideas and answers to the most frequently asked questions surrounding the adult recruitment process. The most important step is to ASK.
- Washington Post Article on Girls @ the 2023 National Scout Jamboree
- “They lost a piece of girlhood, then reclaimed it in an unlikely place. Isolated by covid and technology, young women go on a quest for friendship at the formerly boys-only Scouts National Jamboree.”
Welcome Packets
Here’s a list of items to include in a welcome packet for new families:
- Welcome Letter w/ Unit Contacts
- Unit Calendar
- Parent Info Sheet
- Intro to Popcorn | “Where Does the Money Go?” Flyer
- Parent Flyer(s): FOMO | Psst! | True or False?
- Roundtable Flyer
- Scout Shop Checklist with Fall Discount
- Welcome to the Adventure (Cub Scouts) – Printed Booklet from Council
- Cub Launch Flyer (Cub Scouts) – Coming Soon!
Financial Assistance
BSA Marketing & Membership Hub
- Sign-Up Night Playbook
Details on hosting a great School Night for Scouting - Case Study: Changing Up Recruiting
This Council saw dramatic results.
Geofencing
- Get your unit on Google!
Download geofencing and Google Maps Instructions PDF - Get geofencing tips and tricks in this 2021 webinar from the BSA!
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.
Have a great video of your unit in action?
Submit it to the council for sharing with others!!