Ready to Recruit
All kids are invited to say, “Ready, Set, SCOUT!,” this fall as they join the fun, adventure and character-building opportunities found in Scouting.
The Ready, Set, Scout wants to help kids get outside shifts the perspective by showing what it’s like to be a Scout from a kid’s point of view. Instead of simply showing Scouts participating in activities, the campaign brings the young viewer into the middle of the action – from fishing, biking and canoeing to launching rockets and making slime – where they get even closer to the experiences that Scouting brings to life. The campaign presents an energizing Scouting experience that speaks to kids but also engages parents who are looking for ways to make the most of the time they have with their children and help them to be Prepared. For Life.
BSA Recruitment Resource Website
BSA Brand Center: Fliers, Posters, Handouts, Photos, Templates and MORE
BSA Marketing and Membership Hub: Webinars, Ideas, Resources and Help Aides
Online Adult and Youth Registration Resources: QR Codes, Navigating BeAScout.org, Updating Unit Information Help
Cub Scout Pack Recruitment Guide: Invitation methods and recruitment ideas
New Parent and Youth Resources
BeAScout is a online portal for prospective new families to join and find out about Scouting programs in their neighborhoods. Simply go to BeAScout.org and type in your zip code to find the closest Scouting unit in your area.
Unit leaders should also be populating their “unit pin” in order to display the most accurate information.
Safety is our #1 priority in the Boy Scouts of America. As Scouts, we “Do Our Best” and “Do Our Duty” to follow all local and state guidelines. This Fall recruitment will be different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t grow our units and help more families enjoy the Scouting program we know and love.
Below are a few ideas and links to help your unit plan and prepare for Fall recruitment. Be sure to check back often for more ideas!
Ideas:
- Drive-Thru Recruitment Night
- Reserve and schedule a day and time at your local school’s parking lot, park or other public location
- Create a geofence to promote your event (See the “Geofencing” tab for more details)
- Have drive-thru stations where information can be given (following social distancing guidelines)
- Use a QR code or special link that contains a “Welcome Packet” that you can text to new parents when they arrive
- Have a craft or giveaway item for each child
- Follow-up with all families within 24 hours of the event
- Drive-In Movie Recruitment Night
- Reserve and schedule a day and time at your local school’s parking lot, park or other public location
- Create a geofence to promote your event (See the “Geofencing” tab for more details)
- Choose a family/child appropriate movie to show
- Rent or procure proper sound and video equipment for your movie night
- Use a QR code or special link that contains a “Welcome Packet” that you can text to new parents when they arrive.
- Show a “Scout Talk” or BSA approved recruitment video before the selected movie and discuss the fun Scouting is
- Follow-up with all families within 24 hours of the event
- Hoola Hoop Party Recruitment Night (A fun way to Social Distance!)
- Reserve and schedule your local school’s gym, parking lot, grass area or park or other public location
- Promote your event through geofencing (see the “Geofencing” tab for more information)
- Invite everyone to bring their own hoola hoop that they must wear or stand in at all times during the event
- Have different stations with games that require a hoola hoop
- Have extra hoola hoops on hand for anyone who doesn’t have one
- Use a QR code or special link that contains a “Welcome Packet” that you can text to new parents when they arrive.
- Follow-up with all families within 24 hours of the event.
- Peer-to-Peer Recruitment
- Peer-to-peer recruitment is and always will be the best way to recruit friends and family
- On average, it takes up to 7x’s of asking before someone says “Yes” to something.
- Visit the BSA’s Brand Center for handouts and pass-along cards to share with friends and family
- Share Scouting videos, photos and posts on social media for friends and family to see
The council will be taking recruitment efforts to the next level using a resource you probably use every day. Below is how you create your own geofenced Facebook events that will specifically advertise your unit’s recruitment event.
The strategy is hyper-local, and it only applies to your unit. The best part? It costs less than $1-$2 a day to promote your event.
To help you “Be Prepared” for recruitment this Fall, click the links below to learn more.
