1 Cub Scout Recruitment Cub Scout Spring Recruitment Idea – Scout Olympics P100 Created May 2014 Massabesic District – Daniel Webster Council

May – June Scout Olympics Spring is a GREAT time to recruit Cubs before Summer occurs. You can use the resources of the schools to get your message to youth. There is probably less other activities competing for the youth’s attention. If you can keep them engaged over the Summer, then most likely they will be ready in September to be in the Pack. 2

Concept Your Pack has an outdoor activity that has a variety of age appropriate games and cookout. Current Scouts invite their friends. You advertise the Olympics at Community venues such as school, chartered organization, cable access TV, etc. You have sign up at the Olympics for new Scouts. –You may want to have an incentive such as a free Class B T- shirts for the new boys who sign up that day. You NEED to follow up over the Summer with other activities. 3

Preparatory Work Two to four months prior –Select date for Olympics. –Select location (such as Town Sports Field). Apply for permission to use that facility from appropriate organization. –Create a flyer that can be used in community outreach (schools, community bulletin boards, etc.). –Designate an experienced Pack Adult Scouter to serve as a temporary Den Leader of any new boys that sign up. New boys and parents need someone to keep them informed over the Summer. In Autumn, the boys can be moved into regular Dens. DON’T recruit new boys and let them fall through the cracks over the Summer! 4

Preparatory Work One to two months prior. –Select games. A sample is: o Water balloon toss o Tug of war (dens and scouts vs leaders) o 3 legged race o Potato sack race o Wheelbarrow race o Egg relay 5

One to two months prior. –If having a cookout, finalize menu and any cooking gear that will be needed such as grills. –If having a new Scout incentive such as Class B shirt or Pack hat, have those in stock. –Don’t forget that the current scout who brings in a new youth is eligible for a recruiter strip. You may want those on hand also for ‘instant recognition’. 6

One month prior –Have menu finalized and people designated to buy food (and condiments). –Have people designated for set-up including use of items such as grills and utensils. –Have a designated person to discuss your Pack with the youth’s parents, have youth applications, have cash box on hand at event. Make sure you have contact information like phone numbers and s. 7

Day of the Event Have fun! A megaphone works great for events like this. Recognize any new youth and any current Scout who recruited a new youth. Have your Temporary Summer Den Leader meet with the parents and youth. This person ought to be in uniform. Announce the next Summer activity. 8

Variations Make it a Pack meeting also. So have opening ceremony, advancements, and so forth. Make it your Moving Up ceremony. Extend the day into a Pack one night camping event. 9

Extra Stuff Reach out to the graduating kindergarten youth. Once they are finished the kindergarten school year, they are TIGERS. –Recruiting these youth is a huge untapped potential. But you need to plan ahead. For 2014, the Council is giving all new youth a free handbook. Check with Mark Callahan, Massabesic District Executive, for details. Extending Pack activities through the Summer qualifies for Summertime Pack Award. 10

Follow Through the Summer You need to have some activities over the Summer to keep the boys engaged. Newly registered boys are eligible for Day and Resident Camp and that should be encouraged. Don’t be disappointed if no one takes you up on the offer though. 11

Summer Options June –Have a field trip to a beach. July –March in the Town’s Parade. August –Participate in Old Home Days. September –Make sure the parents know when the first Den and Pack meetings are. 12

Contact Info If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Thank you from the Massabesic District Membership Committee. 13