What’s the secret to recruiting Boy Scouts?

Tuesday-TalkbackThere’s plenty of great material out there to help Cub Scouters recruit boys into their pack and den.

Focusing on Cub Scouts makes sense. Why not introduce families to the adventure of Scouting as early as possible?

But less is said about another important aspect of strengthening the Scouting movement: recruiting Boy Scouts.

For today’s Tuesday Talkback, let’s hear from our Boy Scout leaders. What are some proven ways to grow the number of Scouts in your troop?

First, though, a quick three-part overview of Boy Scout recruiting.

1. Remember that Boy Scout recruiting happens all year.

I don’t like to think of Boy Scout recruiting as having a “season.” You can add new Scouts to your troop all year long.

And doing so helps maintain your troop’s health and bring in new energy and enthusiasm.

One good goal is to add at least 10 new Scouts every year. That way your troop grows without ever growing stagnant.

2. Appoint a troop membership chairperson.

Every successful recruiting effort needs a strong leader.

Find a committee member who can take the lead on growing troop membership.

This person develops and implements a year-round growth plan. He or she should work closely with Cub Scout packs in the community, the district membership committee and the unit commissioner.

3. Use all three methods of growing your troop.

There are three primary ways to get new Scouts into your troop:

  1. Graduate Webelos from Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting.
  2. Host a troop open house.
  3. Encourage peer-to-peer recruiting.

If you use just one or two of these recruiting methods, you’re likely missing out on adding new Scouts to your troop. For best results, use all three.

Your turn

Is your troop growing? What’s your secret? Do a good turn by leaving your ideas below.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.