Dear Parent:
An active child is a happy child. And while there are lots of activities your son can get involved in, there’s only one Boy Scouts of America®. From nature hikes to learning first aid, Scouting provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences that prepare kids for a lifetime of opportunity. And while you might call it life changing, he’ll just call it fun.
Visit BeAScout.org 
to learn more.
Here are just a few of the cool things Scouts are doing in your area:
- Family Camping
- Pinewood Derby®
- Outings and Field Trips
- Community Service
Join Scouting Night
Click here to view the Join Scouting Night Presentation Agenda
New Youth Recruiting Website
Click here to view the new BSA website devoted to membership recruiting resources.
Unit Marketing Templates
Pack Marketing Plan – click here
Troop Marketing Plan – click here
Crew Marketing Plan – click here
Sample Recruiting e-mail – click here
Troop Open Houses - Fall 2011/Spring 2012
Providing a plan to recruit youth into Scouting
Even the best products and services are advertised and promoted in the business world. Scouting shouldn’t be any different. Most Boy Scouts were former Cub Scouts but there is a large market of 5th and 6th graders who would join if asked, if invited, if approached in the right way. We also shouldn’t take for granted that Webelos will automatically move transition up.
A steady flow of youth into a Boy Scout Troop is essential to maintaining the Troop’s health. New Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the Troop program.
2012 Plan – work with Troops to hold an open house during the first two weeks of April.
Most Troops will be receiving 5th grade Webelos into their Troop just prior to that and will be just beginning on working on the Scout to First Class tract.
Resources on tap:
A Year-Round Recruiting Guide For Troops – click here>>
Troop Open House Guide – click here>>
Webelos to Scout Transition plan>>
Proven recruiting presentation for 6th graders>>
Video how-to for the 6th grade recruiting presentation>>
Hot spark rally for school recruiting>>
Scout Adventure Day Plan (for an after school program or Saturday morning)>>
Timing –
Consider the timing of when your local packs will be graduating 5th grade Webelos and will be ready to cross over to a Troop. Consider spring sports schedules. Consider school calendars.
Communicate with the Packs and Elementary Schools (for 5th graders) and Middle Schools (for 6th graders) about your recruiting and open house plans.
Jan. – presentation and promotion development
Feb. – planning and coordination – pack presentations
March – pack presentations & cross over ceremonies
April – open houses
Action items:
1. Make contact with all Troops about Spring recruiting plans. Boys won’t just coming looking for us. We need to let the community know we are open for new Scouts.
VENTURE CREW OPEN HOUSE PLAN
Spring is a great time to invite teens to join Venturing. Hold an open house or time it to coincide with a hike or community service project. Download the Crew Open House Plan, click here>>
HOW TO ORGANIZE A NEW UNIT
Click here to download the William D. Boyce Award presented to volunteers actively engaged in the new unit organization process. There are 12 steps to organizing a new unit. 
These steps are explained in the linked attachment.