NEW PARENT ORIENTATION
Turn New Sign-Ups Into Engaged Scouting Families.
A bunch of families signed up. Now what? Help new parents understand what they need to know right now, while making additional information available for those who want a deeper dive. Returning parents should be invited too, so everyone stays informed and connected.
Topics on This Page:
RECRUITING RESOURCES
Methods of Parent Orientation
When and how you conduct Parent Orientation is up to your pack. Three methods work especially well together:
- Live In-Person Orientation Social: The best option for questions, conversation, and relationship-building. Consider holding it alongside a fun pack event.
- Zoom and/or Video: Useful for families who cannot attend live. A short recorded orientation can also help onboard families who join later.
- Handouts and/or Website: Provide written information families can review later, especially details that are too much to cover during a short live session.
Make It a Social, Not Just a Meeting
For most packs, a live Parent Orientation Social should happen soon after the largest Sign-Up Event. Consider holding it alongside a swim party, cookout, game day, or other fun pack event. Food, casual conversation, and opportunities to meet other parents will increase participation.
If possible, arrange activities for children during the parent portion so adults can focus. An affiliated Scouts BSA troop, Unit Commissioner, or additional volunteers may be able to help provide children's activities.
Use Zoom and Video as a Backup
Not every parent can attend the live event. A Zoom orientation, recorded presentation, or short videos covering key topics can help keep those families connected.
Keep the Live Session Short
Aim for 30 minutes or less. Cover the most important things families need to know now, then return to socializing, food, and fun.
Give Families Key Information to Take Home
- Pack and den leader names, emails, and phone numbers
- Upcoming events, dates, times, and locations
- Pack website, Facebook page, or other communication channels
- Key parent commitments and volunteer opportunities
- How to contact pack leadership with questions
Suggested Orientation Topics
- Welcome & Introductions: Introduce pack leadership and returning families.
- How the Pack Operates: Explain den and pack meetings, activities, camping, and the calendar.
- Advancement: Explain the adult role in helping Scouts advance and how awards are presented.
- Costs: Explain national registration fees, pack program fees, uniforms, handbooks, fundraising, and financial assistance.
- Den Structure: Help families connect with den leaders and establish meeting dates, times, and locations.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Explain open roles and ways every parent can contribute.
- Training: Show parents where to find online and live training, and promote Youth Protection Training.
- Next Steps: Review the next pack activity and confirm everyone knows how to stay connected.
Supplemental Pack Information, Handouts & Websites
Give families an easy place to find the information they will need after orientation. A well-organized pack website, shared document, handbook, or FAQ can explain how your pack operates without forcing parents to remember everything from one meeting.
Information to Include
- Pack Program Fees: Explain local dues, what they cover, and how they differ from national registration fees.
- Fundraising: Explain popcorn, Camp Cards, and other approved fundraising opportunities.
- Uniform Expectations: Clearly explain what your pack requires and what items may be optional.
- Handbooks & Other Purchases: Clarify what families need to buy and what the pack provides.
- Adult Participation: Explain expectations for parent involvement and open volunteer roles.
- Den Meetings: Explain meeting frequency, locations, participation expectations, and how parents can help.
- Advancement: Explain how requirements are recorded and how loops, pins, badges, and patches are awarded.
- Communication: Explain whether your pack uses email, websites, GroupMe, Remind, WhatsApp, newsletters, or another system.
- Major Pack Events: Provide information about campouts, Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Banquet, and other signature activities.
- What's New: Highlight program changes and improvements for the current year.
Do not try to cover all of this live. Use your website and handouts as a reference library parents can revisit when questions arise.
Keep it simple. Make it fun.
Ideas for Simple & Fun Parent Sessions
- Welcome everyone. Use a welcome team and make a point of introducing new families to returning families.
- Reduce perceived barriers. For a parent-only orientation, dress like a parent and create a relaxed environment.
- Use small groups. Grade-level or den-level breakout conversations make it easier for families to participate and ask questions.
- Limit the presentation. Focus on what parents need to know now rather than everything they might need later.
- Consider a "Five Things You Need to Know" format. Adapt those five items to your pack's actual needs.
- Leave time for questions. If a parent asks about something, it matters to that family.
Possible "Five Things" might include contact/calendar/communication, pack fees and fundraising, den meeting plans, den leadership, and what families need to buy. Your pack may choose different priorities.
