7 tips to empower parents to lead your pack

It’s one of the hottest topics in Cub Scouts. How do we recruit and engage adults to help lead an awesome group of kids?

A recent #CubChatLive featuring Cub Scout committee chair Tamara Christensen had this to share: Keep your end goal in mind right from the jump in your recruiting strategy.

“The power of Cub Scouting is volunteers,” Tamara explained. Her point centered around imparting on prospective Cub Scout parents that the future of the pack they’re considering joining depends solely on volunteers.

And building a successful Cub Scout pack doesn’t happen via one recruitment event. It’s a year-round process focused on creating a strong, welcoming community (and succession plan). When you plan with the end in mind, you set the stage for long-term growth and engagement.

Here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by the latest #CubChatLive episode to help your pack thrive.

Step 1: Start strong in the fall

Your initial recruitment event and the meetings that come right after are the first impressions families get of Cub Scouts. Make them count.

• Have everyone wear name tags. Current pack parents should include their name, their children’s grades and, most importantly, “Parent Volunteer.” Invite new families to do the same, listing their children’s grades too.
• Hand out the family information guide with your contact information filled in on the back cover.
• Remember, Cub Scouting is powered by parents. Make it clear from the start that you’re not just recruiting Scouts; you’re also welcoming families.

National also supports new families with a series of introductory emails and videos about Cub Scouting. When a new family joins, they should be queued to receive information that supports your messaging.

Step 2: Host a parent orientation

A parent orientation meeting is great opportunity to answer questions that new parents are inevitably going to have. Don’t rely on email invites. Invite parents in person and via text/phone call.

At the meeting:

• Have a list of specific unit tasks that need to be accomplished in the next few months. Include short descriptions and time commitments.
• Ask each parent to pick two to four tasks they’re willing to help with.
• Hand out or send a Family Talent Survey. Then follow up individually based on the results to identify where parents are best suited to serve.

Keep a record of everyone’s assignments, and follow up to make sure parent volunteers are supported.

Step 3: Recruit help for den meetings

Plan to lead the first couple of meetings yourself so families can see how it’s done. Then let them take the reins.

• Make a plan listing the adventures your den will complete and which dates they’ll happen. Include a QR codes to den meeting resources so parents can see what the planning for each entails.
• Ask each parent to sign up for an adventure.

Step 4: Rethink committee meetings

Instead of calling it a “committee meeting,” try “parents’ meeting” and invite everyone.

• Meet in different venues. Consider meeting for appetizers, coffee, etc. The most important part of these meetings is to build your community.
• Bring a list of tasks needed for the next pack meeting.
• Consider planning like many packs do: two den meetings, one pack meeting and one parents’ meeting per month.

Avoid using the word “leader” when asking parents for help. Many people hesitate at that title, but everyone can say yes to helping with a task here or there.

Step 5: Recruit intentionally (skip the desperate pleas)

Skip the last-minute “we need leaders for the unit to survive” announcement at pack meetings. Instead, think about who fits each role best.

• Identify the skills each job needs (e.g., for a den leader: communication, organization, reliability).
• Look at your families and pinpoint who has those strengths.
• Reach out privately and have a conversation. Make the ask and give your parents the space to consider.

Use the Recruiting Volunteer Leaders & New Leaders brochure to guide your approach.

Step 6: Set your new leaders up for success

Once someone steps up, give them everything they need to succeed.

• Provide training and handouts, and encourage them to tune into #CubChatLive for timely tips.
• Offer feedback regularly. Praise in public. Coach in private.

Make new leaders feel part of something special from day one. How? See step 7.

Step 7: Build a strong community

Recognition matters.

Thank volunteers in public at pack meetings. People want to be part of a winning team, especially one that feels like family.

For a ton of creative ways to say thanks, check out our list of tips to thank volunteers.

Supercharge your volunteer base to power the pack

A thriving pack is built by a team of parents who show up, step up and stick around.

When you plan your year with this in mind, your pack becomes a community that families love to be part of.

What do you think gets families involved in your unit? And what keeps them around for the long haul? Let us know in the comments!