Overview
The primary recruitment season for Cub Scouting is September, timed to school start. However, Scouts can join at any time of year. A year-round recruitment mindset keeps the pack healthy.
Annual Recruitment Timeline
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| August | Attend community activities fairs (e.g., Bethlehem Activities Fair) with pack booth |
| Late August | Prepare recruitment materials: fliers, sign-up forms, promotional items |
| August–September | Coordinate with Public Relations Coordinator for school communications and social media |
| September | Host school-night recruitment event(s) at Glenmont Elementary |
| September | Follow up with interested families within 48 hours of sign-up |
| October–November | New family orientation for families who joined in September |
| Year-round | Welcome new Scouts who join at any time; connect to den leader |
| Year-round | Follow up on dropouts and lapsed members |
School-Night Recruitment Event
The school-night sign-up is the most important recruitment event of the year.
Planning steps:
- Coordinate with Glenmont Elementary for permission to use school grounds or have fliers distributed
- Book the date (BSA often provides district-wide school-night dates — coordinate with Twin Rivers Council)
- Prepare sign-up table: promotional materials, applications, info sheets, tablet/laptop for digital sign-ups
- Recruit current pack families to bring their Scouts in uniform — uniformed Scouts are the best advertisement
- Coordinate with Cubmaster to be present and speak to prospective families
- Follow up: email or call every interested family within 48 hours
At the event:
- Greet every family warmly — this is their first impression of Pack 232
- Have sign-up materials ready and registration fees clearly communicated
- Give every interested family an info packet with pack contact info and website
Community Activities Fairs
Pack 232 participates in community activities fairs (e.g., the Bethlehem Activities Fair) as a recruitment tool.
- Set up a booth with pack branding, sign-up sheets, and Cub Scout materials
- Scouts in uniform attending are the best recruitment tool
- Collect contact information; follow up after the fair
See: docs/Training/Positions/Marketing - Public Relations Chair/Events/2025 Bethlehem Activities Fair.md
Year-Round Recruitment
Scouts can join at any time. When a new Scout joins mid-year:
- Connect them to their den leader immediately
- Assign them a “buddy” Scout in the den
- Ensure health form and adult application (if applicable) are submitted
- Membership Chair or new family coordinator conducts a brief welcome orientation
Resources
docs/Training/Positions/Membership Coordinator/Membership Chair Guide.mddocs/Training/Positions/Marketing - Public Relations Chair/Events/2025 Bethlehem Activities Fair.md- public-relations-coordinator.md — Public Relations Coordinator manages promotional materials