Growing the Scouting Movement is one of the most important things we can do.  The more young people that can be impacted by the character building and personal growth found in our Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, & Posts, the better our country and world will be.  As a Scouting volunteer, you play a vital role in engaging new youth (and their parents/families) in the adventure we call Scouting!

SOCIAL MEDIA - BEST PRACTICES

Every Scouting unit is encouraged to create a public Facebook page. This provides a simple platform for communicating with the local community as well as current and prospective families. Check out our recommendations below:

• Create a post every time you have a meeting, event, activity, or service project.

• Never share private information through a public Facebook page.

• Share your posts in Community groups. The key here is engagement and visibility!

• Check Scouting America’s Social Media Guidelines

• Follow the 10 Best Practices for Promoting your Event

Pro tip: Every unit has unique QR Codes and URLs that are specific to them. They provide links to your unit’s online application so make sure you use them on handouts, flyers, emails, social media, and beyond. Use this document to find your unit’s QR Code and unique application link.

Click on the button below to see some sample captions you can use on your own Facebook page. Post them along with your own pictures or any of the ones below. You can also navigate the BSA’s Brand Center for more options!

Additional CUB SCOUT assets

GEOFENCING

Geofencing an event on Facebook allows you to target a specific audience located around a physical location. Check out the guide below to learn how to advertise your events!

PEER-TO-PEER

Use the join cards below to invite others to start their Scouting adventure!

Together We Grow is our adult-to-adult recruitment campaign that empowers current Scouting families to invite other families to join the adventure. While Scouts invite their friends, parents and guardians can help by spreading the word to neighbors, coworkers, and friends in their circles. Growing Scouting is a team effort!

TEMPLATES AND OTHER RESOURCES

Any of the templates below can be edited to be specific to your unit. Make sure you update each field with your information. Thanks to our volunteers for sharing these!

• Responding to a BeAScout Lead | email

• Inviting families to join | email

• Online Registration (Step by Step) | printable instructions to sign up online

• Welcome to Cub Scouts-One Pager

• New Cub Scout Family Orientation | slideshow

• New Scout QuickStart | one-page guide

• Family Talent Survey

• Cub Scout Printable QR Code Sign

• Scouts Printable QR Code Sign

• Cub Scout tri-fold

• Scouts tri-fold

• Conducting a “Family Chat”

• Recruitment Training PowerPoint Presentation

• “100 Point Form” for Packs (for volunteer recruiting)

• “100 Point Form” for Troops (for volunteer recruiting)

When a new family requests more information through BeAScout.org, a new Lead is created in your unit’s Invitation Manager on My.Scouting.org. A member of the unit’s key-3 or a designee can access and interact with these leads. Every parent who requests information should receive a phone call from the unit within 48 hours of submitting their request.

Families can also complete and submit online applications through BeAScout.org. These applications must be accepted through your unit’s Application Manager portal on My.Scouting.org. A member of the unit’s key-3 or their designee can accept youth applications. Only the Chartering Organization Representative or their designee can accept adult applications.

Parents and Unit leaders can transfer members between units through the My.Scouting.org website. This is especially useful for Arrow of Light Scouts who are transferring to a Scouts BSA Troop.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For more information on My.Scouting.org, visit their resource website or download the Online Registration Unit Guidebook