Growing the Scouting Movement is one of the most important things we can do. The more young people that can be impacted by the character building and personal growth found in our Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, & Posts, the better our country and world will be. As a Scouting volunteer, you play a vital role in engaging new youth (and their parents/families) in the adventure we call Scouting!
BE PREPARED…
Get ready to grow your Scouting community locally by doing THREE easy things:
…GET INVOLVED…
Recruiting is a COMMUNITY EFFORT! Your Unit grows when the WHOLE COMMUNITY is involved.
…SUCCEED & GROW!
Your growth is Scouting’s growth! Make sure you share the story of Scouting and help the Movement spread!
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH GUIDE
Recruiting new families into your awesome Scouting program can be challenging.
That’s why the Lake Erie Council, working with volunteers in our area and borrowing successful ideas from around the country, has put together a complete Membership Growth Guide that you can use as a roadmap to growth!
Click on the image to download the playbook.
SOCIAL MEDIA - BEST PRACTICES
Every Scouting unit is encouraged to create a public Facebook page. This provides a simple platform for communicating with the local community as well as current and prospective families. Check out our recommendations below:
Create a post every time you have a meeting, event, activity, or service project.
Never share private information through a public Facebook page.
Share your posts in Community groups. The key here is engagement and visibility!
Follow the 10 Best Practices for Promoting your Event
Pro tip: Every unit has unique QR Codes and URLs that are specific to them. They provide links to your unit’s online application so make sure you use them on handouts, flyers, emails, social media, and beyond. Use this document to find your unit’s QR Code and unique application link.
Click on the button below to see some sample captions you can use on your own Facebook page. Post them along with your own pictures or any of the ones below. You can also navigate the BSA’s Brand Center for more options!
additional SCOUTS BSA assets
Additional CUB SCOUT assets
GEOFENCING
Geofencing an event on Facebook allows you to target a specific audience located around a physical location. Check out the guide below to learn how to advertise your events!
PEER-TO-PEER
Nothing is more powerful than a personal invitation. Plus, Scouts can earn the Recruiter Strip when a friend joins Scouting.
Use the join cards below to invite others to start their Scouting adventure!
TEMPLATES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Any of the templates below can be edited to be specific to your unit. Make sure you update each field with your information. Thanks to our volunteers for sharing these!
MY.SCOUTING RESOURCES
Every unit can create and edit a BeAScout Pin. This is where prospective families who visit www.BeAScout.org will be able to learn more about your Scouting program, request more information, and apply online.
When a new family requests more information through BeAScout.org, a new Lead is created in your unit’s Invitation Manager on My.Scouting.org. A member of the unit’s key-3 or a designee can access and interact with these leads. Every parent who requests information should receive a phone call from the unit within 48 hours of submitting their request.
Families can also complete and submit online applications through BeAScout.org. These applications must be accepted through your unit’s Application Manager portal on My.Scouting.org. A member of the unit’s key-3 or their designee can accept youth applications. Only the Chartering Organization Representative or their designee can accept adult applications.
Parents and Unit leaders can transfer members between units through the My.Scouting.org website. This is especially useful for Arrow of Light Scouts who are transferring to a Scouts BSA Troop.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information on My.Scouting.org, visit their resource website or download the Online Registration Unit Guidebook
If you have any questions or if you would like assistance with Membership & New Family Engagement, please contact the Lake Erie Council Member Care department
