Scouting provides life changing opportunities for youth, families, and our communities at large. Welcoming new families is vital to ensure these traits continue on in our Neighborhoods. A recruitment event provides an opportunity to speak to the families of the new Scouts. We recruit so that more youth can grow from Scouting and so more adults have an opportunity to volunteer so we can maintain a local community legacy.
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Step 1: Plan the Event
- Be at an easy to access location.
- Provide a fun, hands on experience.
- Consider when families are available.
Example: Think of the local school or park after 6pm on Tue, Wed, or Thu.
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Step 2: Invite Families
Be sure to consider;
- How youth want to be communicated with?
- How families want to be communicated with?
Example: Facebook posts and personal Scout to Friends invites.
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Step 3: Register New Members
- Have Council provided QR code and applications in hand.
- Activate your BeAScout pin & applications at: my.scouting.org
Pro tip: It’s important for families to join on the first night, they feel connected and attached to the troop when they join.
Welcome New (Non-Cub) Scouts
Communicate with future Scout families the way you communicate with other non-Scouters. Think about the most effective communications for your social group.
- Be present in their social circle. (Wear your activity shirt at other youth and community events.)
- Be present on social media and share pictures of fun and adventure.
- Ask your District Executive for social media and printed invites at no cost to your unit.
- Avoid Scout terms so new families do not feel lost.
Set a welcoming environment for new families. Think about how you are comfortable meeting a new group.
- Host your recruitment in the local neighborhood.
- Have Scouts and Scouters present to help welcome new families.
- Consider greeters who are not in uniform to help new families fit in.
- Have a welcome packet that includes meetings, calendars, contacts, and costs.
- Have an activity that all youth can participate in.
- Keep the event light, laid back, and brief. Under 45 minutes
Recruitment Readiness checklist
Commit to welcome more families into Scouting
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