Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

Live Scouting

Recruiting: Be Visible After Meet The Teacher Night

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If you want Cub Scout recruitment in schools to be more visible and engaging, the key is to show Scouting’s fun, skill-building side in a way that makes kids curious and parents feel confident.

School-Based Events Where a Cub Scout Pack Could Be Present

Here’s where you can set up a table, activity, or even run part of the event:

STEM Night / Science Fair – Showcase Scouting’s hands-on STEM activities.

Literacy / Reading Night – Tie in with badge requirements related to reading or storytelling.

Family Fun Night – Bring a kid-friendly activity.

School Carnival / Fall Festival / Spring Fling – Outdoor, high-energy environment perfect for Cub Scout challenges.

Field Day – Run a station with a Scout-related skill or game.

Book Fair – Set up a “Scout Stories” corner with books about adventure, camping, or animals.

Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) – The theme for 2025 is “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.”

Career Day – Let Scouts share about careers they’ve explored through badge work.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Events – Any family event can have a Scouting presence.

Veterans Day Assembly – Cub Scouts can participate in flag ceremonies or assist with distributing programs.

Multicultural Night – Showcase international Scouting traditions.

Community Service Day – Lead a mini service project with kids at school.

Booth Ideas & Interactive Activities

The goal is to make kids want to drag their parents over. Activities should be quick (1–3 min), visual, and give a take-home item.

STEM / Craft Booths

  • Build-a-Mini Catapult (popsicle sticks & rubber bands) – test-launch pom-poms.

  • Marshmallow & Toothpick Towers – tallest one wins bragging rights.

  • Balloon-Powered Cars – quick builds with straws, tape, and balloons.

  • Make-a-Paracord Bracelet – take-home craft.

  • Host a holiday craft night at the school – easy build ornaments are great fun.

Outdoor Skills Booths

  • Rope-tying Challenge – simple knots, timed.

  • Compass Treasure Hunt – short course to find a “prize.”

  • Mini Tent Setup – race to pitch a small pop-up tent.

Fun & Silly Booths

  • Pinewood Derby Test Track – let kids race a car.

  • Nerf Target Range – aim at Scouting-themed targets.

  • Photo Booth – dress up in Cub Scout hats, hold adventure props.

  • Trunk or Treat – make a Scout-themed candy stop

Service & Values Booths

  • “Good Turn” Jar – kids draw a random act of kindness to try that week.

  • Service Opportunity – seed bombs for conservation, sandwiches for the homeless, making dog toys for the local shelter…find something people can stop and participate in, or even host a community service project!

Pro Tip for Any Booth

Always have flyers with meeting times and a QR code to BeAScout.org.

Have actual Scouts in uniform running the activity—peer-to-peer excitement works wonders.

Give out small “pocket invitations” that kids can take home and give to parents.

Keep it loud and fun—cheers, photos, and movement attract more kids!

Scouting Adventures