Recruitment is one of the most important things we do in Scouting. Without new youth and families coming into our programs, our packs and troops cannot thrive. Recruitment is everyone’s responsibility, but the primary work falls on the units themselves.
Working Together
Troops—are you helping your packs? Packs feed troops, and if we don’t support our Cub Scout programs, there won’t be Scouts BSA units in the future. Troops and packs must work together to build a strong pipeline.
School Access
School access is often the key to successful Cub Scout recruitment. If your unit has access, share how you got it and how you maintain it. If not, here are some ideas:
Build relationships with superintendents, principals, and office staff.
Offer service projects for or with the schools.
Do visible, positive activities such as a school car wash.
Brainstorm creative ways to build goodwill with educators.
Fall and Spring Recruitment – A 3-Step Process
The first three months of a new Scout’s experience are critical. Units must have an exciting plan in place for retention right from the start.
Step 1: Plan a Sign-Up Event with a Draw
Families need more than just a form to fill out—they need a reason to attend. Successful events we’ve seen include:
Carnivals with popcorn, games, cotton candy, prizes, and music
Car shows with refreshments
First responder nights with fire trucks, EMS, helicopters, and police cars
Baseball at the Altoona Curve with Steamer
Racing demonstrations with local drivers and cars
Outdoor adventures like Cold Stream Dam Park with Smoky Bear, kayaking, demo campsite, s’mores, fishing games, and prizes
Step 2: Promote the Event
Create flyers and distribute them widely.
Order yard signs with dates and post them around the community.
Send details to local newspapers and radio stations.
Place posters in schools, grocery stores, and on community boards.
Step 3: Execute and Follow Up
Participate in school open houses and hand out flyers.
Ask local businesses to support recruitment efforts.
Hold your sign-up event and communicate immediately with families—many units use BAND for quick coordination.
One month later, run a peer-to-peer campaign, encouraging new and current Scouts to invite friends to join.
Year-Round Recruitment
Recruitment doesn’t stop after fall sign-up. Every quarter, aim to hold one recruitment-related activity:
Fall: School talks, open houses, National Night Out, community events.
Winter: Unit open houses, church presentations, peer-to-peer campaigns, partnerships with outdoor clubs, YMCA lock-ins, bowl-a-thons.
Spring: School talks and open houses.
Summer: Community festivals, parades, and church/organizational events.
Public Relations & Partnerships
Recruitment also depends on visibility. Keep public relations going all year with invitations to join at every event. Partner with schools, churches, and community organizations. Service projects are another great way to raise awareness while showing Scouting values in action.
Resources
National has provided great tools to make this easier. You can find resources, templates, and ideas at: www.scouting.org/recruitment
Closing Thought
Recruiting new Scouts isn’t just about building numbers—it’s about welcoming new families into the Scouting movement and giving more young people the opportunity to experience the adventure, leadership, and fun that only Scouting can provide.
