Every year, a new group of kids becomes old enough to join the Boy Scouts, and every year, a new group ages out. For troop leaders, this means one thing: the work of finding new members never really stops. Even for a well-known organization like the Boy Scouts of America, keeping a troop full and thriving takes more than just a famous name. It requires a lot of hard work, a bit of creativity, and a genuine connection with the community.
Especially for leaders who might not have a lot of personal connections to local families, figuring out how to get the word out can be a challenge. But there are some tried-and-true methods that can make all the difference, helping a troop find enthusiastic new scouts who are ready to jump into the adventure.
Throw a Great Open House
Imagine a family is trying to decide on an activity for their child. They hear about the Boy Scouts, but they don’t really know what it’s all about. That’s where an open house comes in. It’s a chance to open your doors and show them everything your troop has to offer. You can host one yourself or team up with other local troops for a bigger, district-wide event that gives people a great overview of scouting in your area.
For a successful open house, think about location and timing. A school gym or a community center is a perfect spot. And be sure to start promoting it early, use flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth to get the word out. The more people who know about it, the better. When families arrive, make it interactive. Have a couple of scouts demonstrate how to tie a knot or set up a tent. Show them pictures and videos of past trips and adventures. When a family can see what scouting looks like, they can start to imagine their own child as part of the fun.
Plan an Adventure-Packed Event
Sometimes, the best way to get people interested is to show them, not just tell them. Instead of a formal event, try an activity-based one. Think about what gets kids excited: a geocaching treasure hunt, a friendly paintball match, or even a mini-survival challenge in a local park. These kinds of events naturally attract kids who love adventure and give them a taste of what scouting is all about.
The best part? These events create a relaxed atmosphere where prospective scouts can hang out with your current members. Encourage your scouts to invite their friends. A recommendation from a peer is often more powerful than a message from an adult. You can charge a small fee to cover the costs of the event, which helps the event pay for itself while also showing that participants are truly committed to being there. And don’t forget to take plenty of photos and videos to use for future promotions!
Let Your Scouts Be Your Best Recruiters
Your most enthusiastic and convincing recruiters are already in your troop. The kids and their families who love being a part of it are your best ambassadors. Why not give them a reason to spread the word? Create a referral program that rewards them for bringing in new members. This is one of the most effective ways to get new scouts.
Keep it simple. When a new family signs up, make sure to ask who referred them. The rewards don’t have to be big, it could be a special patch, a gift card, or even an entry into a raffle for some new camping gear. You can also make it a fun challenge during peak times, like when school starts back up in the fall. A little friendly competition can create a lot of excitement and bring in a wave of new members.
Become a Staple in Your Community
People can’t join your troop if they don’t know you exist. That’s why it’s so important to be visible in your community. Take part in local events like community fairs, town festivals, or farmers’ markets. Set up a booth where you can talk to families and hand out brochures. This is a great way to meet people face-to-face and show them that your troop is an active, positive force in the area.
Building relationships with community leaders and business owners can also open doors. They might recommend scouting to their employees or customers, creating a steady, long-term source of new members. Just be sure to have a professional-looking display and volunteers who are ready to have friendly, low-pressure conversations about the benefits of scouting.
Invest in Your Local Area
Sponsoring local youth sports teams or other community events is a great way to get your troop’s name out there. Think about sponsoring a youth soccer team or putting a banner up at a little league baseball field. These are places where you’ll find a lot of families with kids who are just the right age for scouting.
While these sponsorships do cost money, they offer a great return on investment by boosting your troop’s visibility and goodwill in the community. Be sure to track which new members heard about you from these sponsorships. This data will help you decide which partnerships are most effective and worth doing again in the future.
Don’t Stop Looking
Recruiting is a continuous process, not a one-time event. You should always be looking for new members. A great way to do this is by tracking what works and what doesn’t. After an event, check how many new inquiries or sign-ups you got. You can even ask new families what first got them interested in your troop. Their feedback can give you valuable insights.
By using a mix of these strategies and always thinking about how to reach new families, your troop can stay strong and vibrant for years to come. Ultimately, the best recruiting tool you have is the fantastic experience you provide for your current scouts. When they’re having fun, they’ll be your most enthusiastic advocates, and that’s what truly brings in new members.
