Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

Live Scouting

Fall Recruitment

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!

Ready, Set, Recruit! How Your Unit Can Support Fall Recruitment

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As the new school year approaches, the Alamo Area Council is excited to announce our comprehensive marketing plan to support fall recruitment efforts. This season, we’re rolling out TV and social media ads to bolster your grassroots campaigns and help bring new families into the Scouting community.

1. Update Your BeAScout Pin and Information

Your BeAScout pin acts as your storefront. Ensure it’s current and provides clear, direct information that anyone can understand. Highlight how your Chartered Organization supports both Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops. For example:

“Scouting is a family activity, and our Pack is great for families with kids in elementary school, middle, and high school because our Troop meets the same night at the same place. Bring the entire family and discover the adventure together!”

Avoid Scouting jargon. Instead of terms like “scout-led” or “rank,” use universally understood concepts like “leadership building activities” and “awards and recognition for achievements.” Double-check that your contact information is accurate and respond promptly to inquiries. Quick replies can make a significant difference in keeping potential members interested. Instructions for updating your pin can be downloaded here.

2. Share Contact Information with the Council Office

After your recruiting events, send your contact information sheets to the council Membership Team at Growth@AlamoAreaBSA.org. We have tools to maintain contact with these individuals and support their journey into Scouting, making membership as seamless as possible.

3. Participate in Our Grassroots Media Campaign

Peer-to-peer recruitment is incredibly powerful. Share your positive Scouting experiences with your friends and invite them to see the benefits for their children. Even if they live out of the area, every kid deserves the chance to join Scouting. We have created a toolkit to help you spread the word to your circle. Download your copy here. You can also share the TV advertisement from our YouTube Channel.

4. Attend a Unit Growth Workshop

Stay informed about the latest recruitment and retention strategies by attending a Unit Growth Workshop and Fall Membership Kickoff. These workshops provide valuable insights and practical tips to help your unit grow.

New Membership Incentives

$48 Promotion

If you haven’t already heard about the $48 promotion, read this article for details. Our commercial ads will reference this limited offer in August, so be prepared! Because this is a limited offer, our commercials will change once the offer is exhausted.

Cub Scout Promotion

From August 1 to October 31, 2024, every new Cub Scout who registers online will receive a Welcome Kit. This kit includes a sticker for a water bottle, a Scout Life Mini Magazine, and a Peer-to-Peer Recruiting card. This card provides details on how to recruit a friend into Cub Scouts and earn a FREE Recruiter Strip Emblem at the Mussleman Scout Shop. TV commercials promoting this offer will run through the end of September, and social media advertising will continue through October to maximize this opportunity.

Recruiter Incentives

From August 1 to October 31, 2024, any Scout who recruits a friend into the Scouting program can earn a Recruiter Strip. Complete the information on the backside of the Peer-to-Peer Recruiting card and take it to the Musselman Scout Shop for immediate redemption.

Let’s work together to make this fall recruitment season the best one yet. Ready, set, recruit!

Scouting Adventures