Recruiting easily becomes a year-round thing as you make a conscious effort to always welcome prospective new Scouts and families to events. And as this becomes the norm for your troop, there are things you can do to help improve the chances for success in the coming years.
Here are a few ideas:
Establish – or strengthen – an ongoing relationship with packs in your community
Maybe you have a relationship with a pack that is chartered by the same organization as your troop – or not. Whether that relationship is thriving or simply cordial, explore how you can strengthen that partnership moving forward. Also, consider reaching out to packs without an associated Scouts BSA troop.
Implementing a Den Chief program
Den Chiefs are Scouts from a troop who are selected to work with a nearby Cub Scout den for a defined period of time. This gives Cub Scouts a trained Scout BSA role model to look forward to emulating and provides a service to Den Leaders, building goodwill and strengthening your troop’s relationship with pack leaders. It also offers another means of fulfilling the leadership requirement for Scouts seeking to earn Star, Life or Eagle.
Inviting Webelos/Arrow of Light scouts to participate and camp at a Scouts BSA troop unit campout.
All Cub Scout camping requirements still apply, including all Youth Protection policies and the den having a BALOO-trained adult leader in attendance. See the Guide to Safe Scouting and Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse for more information.
Providing Scout and adult assistance at pack events.
This might include helping with a pack Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, or another pack program.