The best recruitment is for troops to recruit 5th and 6th graders directly from the school. To get support and materials contact your District Team.
Downloadable Resources
Troop Open House Guide
2022 Troop Recruitment Guide
Troop Recruitment Plan Worksheet (required for 2022 Camp Incentive)
Webelos to Scout Transition Guide for Troops
Images and more to download
Online Application Guide For Leaders
New in 2022: Troops that conduct confirmed spring recruitment by submitting a completed plan (the last page of this packet) in advance of recruitment will receive early access to register their unit for merit badges and classes at Camp Wilderness in 2022.
Your Six Steps to a Great Recruitment
1.) Determine Your Strategy
Troop Open House at a unit meeting, special event or an community event. There are many opportunities to share Scouting with families. Pick what you think will work best there are several event guides prepared to help you with themes of Chess or Geo-caching. Overnight events are NOT successful recruitment events for youth that are not currently in a Scouting program.
2.) Set a Budget
There are many recruitment resources available to help you; contact your District Staff for ideas. However, how much are you willing to budget. Program supplies, promotion on facebook, printing and more all have some fees associated with them.
3.) Pick a Date
You will want to pick a date that is at least 30 days in the future. It can take time to get items printed or out for distribution. It also takes time to plan and host a great event. Once you have a date make sure to let your District Executive know.
4.) Plan the Event
- Choose a good venue. The place you host it says a lot about your troop. Is it clean and new looking or old and dingy? Do not ask families to drive more than 30 minutes
- Secure Materials. Have both program supplies and information to share with parents.
- Show Safety. Families new to Scouting look for a program that will keep youth safe.
- Hospitality. Welcome people at the door. Provide drinks and food.
- Staff. Make sure you have enough staff to both network with parents and to provide a great program for youth.
5.) PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!
There are so many ways to promote your event. However, one of the most effective is personal ask. Here are other ways to consider: Social media, School Outreach, Printed materials, mailers, church and other organizations.
6.) Have a great Event and Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Sure youth had a great time at the event, but we need to make sure they come back and join the Troop. Make sure to ask the families to join and then remind them of upcoming events.