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Recruitment &

Engaging New Parents

Amanda Kirby

August 2026 Roundtable

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Recruitment

  • Every Scout has a different story.
  • Recruitment isn't one event.
  • It's an ongoing process.

Recruitment is Everyone's Job

  • Every leader
  • Every parent
  • Every Scout
  • Youth recruit youth.
  • Parents recruit parents.

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Where New Families Come From

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Back to School Events

  • Recruitment tables during open houses or events
  • Provide a simple flyer with your meeting times and contact info.
  • Have Scouts and leaders available to answer questions and encourage sign-ups.

Table set up

  • Banner/flag of your unit
  • Information sheet with meeting and contact information
  • Enough leaders to talk to people individually (2-3)
  • Scouts in uniform at the table
  • Laptop or tablet to have them sign up right then and there
  • Display board of some of the fun activities unit has done (derby, camping, camping, outings, etc)
  • Activity for kids to do while parent talks to unit leader

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Recruitment Ideas

  • School Open House
  • Join Scouting Night
  • Community Festivals
  • National Night Out
  • PTA Events
  • Wear Uniform

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  • Library
  • Church Events
  • Farmer's Markets
  • Parades
  • Local Businesses
  • Service Projects

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The Parent Perspective

Parents are asking:

  • Is my child safe?
  • Will they make friends?
  • How much time will this take?
  • What does it cost?
  • Can I volunteer?
  • Will my child have fun?

Recruitment begins by answering these questions.

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  • Parents don't join Scouting.
  • Parents join because of their child.
  • But they stay because they feel needed.

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Ways to engage:

  • Welcome personally
  • Introduce them
  • Explain expectations
  • Give a small job immediately

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Keep Parents Informed

Parents should always know:

  • Next meeting
  • Upcoming events
  • Uniform expectations
  • Who to contact
  • Calendar
  • Volunteer opportunities

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Welcome Wagon

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Small Steps

Big Success

  • Big tasks: A huge goal looks too hard to finish all at once.
  • Small steps: Breaking the work into tiny, easy pieces helps you succeed.
  • No rushing: Trying to do everything right now leads to stress or giving up.

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Social Media

  • Weekly photos
  • Leader spotlight
  • Scout spotlight
  • Upcoming events

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  • Parent testimonials
  • Camp pictures
  • Success stories
  • Games and Crafts at meetings

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Parents join what they can see

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Next Month

Running Effective Den Meetings

  • Tips for planning fun, engaging meetings
  • Keeping Scouts active and involved
  • Working with parents and den leadership
  • Resources to make meeting planning easier

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Resources

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Resources

Join the National Membership Mixer on August 9!

How can your unit create a welcoming experience that helps today's families feel like they belong? Find out during the National Membership Mixer on Sunday, August 9, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

This month's topic, "Onboarding Today's Families," features council membership volunteers Anne Shumaker and Eric Sampson, who will share insights and best practices they brought back from this summer's Growing Scouting Conference at Philmont.

Whether you're a unit leader, membership volunteer, or simply passionate about growing Scouting, you'll leave with practical ideas you can put to work right away.

Register today:

https://scouting-org.zoom.us/.../3uXAXuLORmGh1GrNwUvWEw

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Thanks!

Do you have any questions?

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amandan3kids@gmail.com

804-512-3234

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