If your troop is currently not recruiting, think about where your troop may be in the next two years.
Troop A---Actively Recruiting—Adds one new scout for each current scout (In 2 years they will have quadrupled their numbers)
Troop B—Does not Recruit and waits for the Pack---4 scouts on average crossover---they lose four scouts to aging out or earning their Eagle (This troop has stayed even; they are not gaining membership but staying the same. The cyclical nature of packs, may eventually lead to a downturn in membership)
How do we revive our troop and keep it going?
Besides a great program, you need to have an active recruitment plan.
What is your best resource?
The scouts are your best resource. They already know the program and have that peer-to-peer connection. They understand what a scout is looking for in a program and can easily speak to their peers regarding the programing within the unit. This also gives the potential scout a sense of belonging and feeling welcomed into the unit.
Where do we start?
Start with a PLC meeting for the scouts to put together a plan for recruitment.
-What is your goal?
-What events will be included?
-What dates are important to the plan?
Some ideas to think about:
-An Ice cream social or a pizza party and invite a friend
-Invite a friend to a sporting event the Troop may be attending
-Go Karts or Mini Golf Special Night for the Troop and invite friends
-Host a spirit week where scouts participate in several events throughout the week and wear their uniform or A special scout shirt to school
Tips: Start working with Webelo/AOL Dens- Retention is a HUGE part of recruitment for your Troop Create a Membership Patrol- Have the Youth develop Recruitment Plan- with guidance It’s crucial to impress on your scouts the benefits of having new members join, so they’ll be extra enthusiastic and friendly. Try to take great photos during your troop’s events
