RECRUITING RESOURCES
Build a Pack Families Want to Join.
Successful and sustainable recruiting is more than holding a school sign-up night. Strong units build a program families want to join, promote that program throughout the community, recruit enough adult leaders to support growth, and create welcoming opportunities for families to experience Scouting throughout the year.
Use the resources below to build a recruiting plan that works for your unit. These steps can be used in spring, summer, fall, or winter whenever your pack is ready to welcome new families.
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RECRUITING RESOURCES
Six Steps to Successful Recruiting
Successful recruiting begins long before a formal joining event. Use these six steps to create a recruiting program that supports sustainable unit growth:
- Build a Calendar of Fun Activities - Create a program filled with activities current and prospective families will want to join, not simply a schedule of meetings.
- Promote Your Pack Program - Let families know what your unit does and where it goes. Be sure to also update your BeAScout pin and online registration tools.
- Recruit More Leaders & Helpers - Continually identify adults who can help your unit deliver a strong program.
- Build School & Community Presence - Develop positive relationships with schools, chartered organizations, and community partners.
- Host Welcoming Sign-Up Events - Combine traditional school sign-up nights with fun den and pack joining events.
- Keep the Fun Going - Continue adding activities and inviting prospective families throughout the year.
Recruiting Is a Year-Round Effort
Cub Scout recruiting does not have to begin and end with back-to-school season. Spring and summer activities can provide relaxed opportunities for prospective families to experience your pack before the traditional fall recruiting season.
Picnics, cookouts, bike rides, fishing, hiking, kites, rockets, STEM activities, Day Camps, family camping, and other simple outings can become welcoming events for friends and prospective families.
Keep it simple. Make it fun. Families are more likely to join when they can see Cub Scouts and parents enjoying time together.
Build a Strong Program Plan
The question most families ask is, "What do you do in Cub Scouts?" rather than simply, "When do you meet?" A strong program filled with outdoor activities and memorable experiences gives families a compelling reason to join and current families a reason to stay.
Start by creating your Calendar of Fun Activities. Once you know what your pack plans to do, promote that program so families can see what they will experience by joining.
Recruit Families, Not Just Scouts
Cub Scouting is a family program. The goal is not simply to register more youth, but to welcome families who will participate in and help deliver the program.
- Encourage parents and guardians to participate with their own Scout.
- Invite parents to help lead activities and Adventures.
- Identify adults who may become den, pack, or committee leaders.
- Make sure your leadership capacity grows along with your youth membership.
For more ideas, visit Recruiting Leaders & Helpers.
Build a Welcome Team
Create a team of friendly parents who can welcome new families at activities and meetings, introduce them to current families and leaders, answer basic questions, and follow up after events.
Scouting America may refer to this position as a New Member Coordinator, but your pack can use a friendlier name such as Welcome Team, Greeters, or Hospitality Team.
Welcome Team members do not need to know everything about Scouting. They simply need to know enough about your pack to be helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind.
- Equip them with current pack information and upcoming activities.
- Encourage them to greet unfamiliar families without waiting to be asked.
- Have them follow up with new or absent families before the next activity.
- Consider assigning experienced families as buddies or mentors for new families.
Additional Recruiting Resources
Remember that no single recruiting method works every time for every unit. Try different approaches, learn what works in your community, and continue adapting your recruiting plan.