A new year marks new opportunities to create an ultra-strong unit. And it happens with intention, not luck. So here’s a simple five-step plan to make this year your best yet in Scouting.
(If you’re a Scout, check out our post on how to make this your best Scouting year too.)
1. Focus on the meeting
Your unit meetings should be many things, but high on that priority list is fun and consistency.
This is big: Your Scouts and their parents should be able to depend on when meetings start and when they end.
“Consistency in meeting schedules sets expectations and builds enthusiasm for Scouts and parents alike,” Scouts BSA Committee Chair Angelique Minett explains.
Shifting your meeting time around, canceling it a few times or allowing it to run long on a regular basis will kill your turnout faster than a Scout can devour free pizza. (Speaking of pizza, free food isn’t a bad idea to boost attendance either.)
2. Let the (older) youth lead
Yes, you provide the framework (for instance, making sure meetings start and end on time), but Scout-led meetings for Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts are what it’s all about.
Youth leadership moments — big and small — build confidence in your unit. Plus, once a pattern of youth leadership succession is established, you and future adult leaders have a better chance of navigating smooth transitions for many years to come.
3. Highlight your upcoming adventures
Find two or three of the coolest things you have on the Scouting calendar and talk about them … A LOT. Hype how fun they’ll be. Reminisce about memories from similar events in the past.
“When families know exactly when and where to show up each week and what interesting topics and fun events are going to occur, attendance improves and trust builds,” Minett says. “It’s the backbone of a strong program.”
Your enthusiasm for these events can be infectious. And you’re reminding new Scouts that so much more happens outside of your meeting space.
4. Firm up your communication
This is easy but needs repeating: Use your calendar — and stick to it. Also, contact parents in the ways they’ve requested. Be sure to regularly survey your families about how they like to communicate, and use the tools that best serve them.
5. Level up on last year
Here’s the hard part. You know what last year’s successes and failures were. So ask yourself the following questions:
- What didn’t work?
- Why didn’t it work?
- How am I going to change that this year?
As a new year ramps up, remember that acting on feedback is a priority for unit improvement.
Bonus: Keep in mind what Scouting is all about
Minett shares this advice, which really sets the tone for making 2026 exceptional for Scouting families:
Sometimes we forget that camping, hiking, fishing, merit badges and adventures are not the point of Scouting. These things are all just the tools we use to help all our kids learn the values of the Scout Oath and Law and grow into good people. And the more kids we can reach, the better our shared future world will be.
On that note, let us know: What will be in your toolkit this year? What are you changing from last year?
Sound off in the comments, and let’s all help each other make 2026 a strong year for Scouts and Scouters!
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