Tuesday Talkback: How will you recruit new members to Scouting America this fall?

As I write this from my office in North Texas, the temperature outside is 101. It might not feel like fall (yet), but fall is almost (basically) here.

And that can only mean one thing: It’s time to recruit new members to Scouting America.

Since many of our organization’s best recruiting practices originated from the creative minds of our most dedicated volunteers, I’d like to open up the discussion: How will your unit recruit new youth?

Below are a few ideas to get us started.

School Night for Scouting

Also known as “joining night” or “join Scouting night,” this is one of the oldest, most traditional ways to add members.

Though it’s most common in Cub Scout packs, it doesn’t have to be limited to Cub Scouts only. There’s no reason why Scouts BSA troops, Sea Scout ships, Venturing crews and Exploring posts can’t have their own join nights.

Schools are great places to conduct join nights; however, schools and school districts have different policies on allowing outside groups to host events like this. If you don’t already have an established relationship with the schools in your community, reach out to your local council to coordinate the first step. It could be that they’ve already contacted your school or school district and have already agreed to a set of guidelines that will allow you to host this event on their property.

Likewise, don’t assume that it’s OK to hand out fliers or other promotional materials on school grounds. Contact your local council for guidance on working with your school and/or school district.

Be present in your community

Often, just showing up at a community event is a great way to remind people that there are active Scouting units nearby.

With permission from the organizers, you could set up a table at such an event. Or you can volunteer at the event (picking up trash, giving people directions) while wearing a Scouting America T-shirt.

This is called passive recruiting.

Conducting a flag ceremony or participating in a community parade is another great way to show people that Scouting is thriving in their community. Check your neighborhood, city or county website for a calendar that lists upcoming events.

If you are chartered by a religious organization, ask for permission to speak during a service

In just 45-60 seconds, you can remind other members of your religious organization that you’re always looking for new youth to join. This is also a great way to recruit new adult volunteers!

Conduct activities that aren’t specific to Scouting, and invite the community to join

Scouts participate in a lot of activities that are fun for everyone: swimming, bike rides and rocket launches, just to name a few. Instead of conducting activities like these during a unit meeting, do them out in the open … and invite everyone to join in on the fun.

The key is to make this a low-pressure event that isn’t about advancement. It’s just for fun.

If your unit has access to a Pinewood Derby track, consider hosting an unofficial race in full view of the community. There’s a greater than zero chance that at least one family will stop to ask what all the hubbub is about.

Encourage youth to recruit other youth

The Recruiter Strip has been around for a long time. Take advantage of it! Inviting non-members to meetings and outings is a great way to open their eyes to what Scouting is about.

Don’t forget about the Brand Center

The Scouting America Brand Center has all the resources you need to create fliers, images for email, and other materials you can use to recruit new members. Click here for the Cub Scouts page; click here for Scouts BSA materials.

And remember: Halloween is right around the corner.

How will you recruit new members this fall? Let us know in the comments.

Photo from the Scouting America archives