Rally—continued from Page 1

Do a cheer for the Cubs to recognize that they “Did Their Best” and then send them out to the playground (with supervision) as a way to reward them for learning something new.  Take a few minutes while the boys are outside to explain, line-by-line the Cub Scout Promise.  Place special emphasis on Duty to God and country and on helping other people. Take a moment to answer any questions and then send for the boys, because it is time to have some fun!

The Newspaper Game

This is a tool to help identify potential leaders, without them ever realizing what happened.  The game is simple, families are grouped by grade and each table is given a stack of newspaper and 1 or 2 rolls of masking tape.  Each group picks a “model”  and constructs a costume using only the newspaper and the tape.  Examples  could be a pirate, astronaut, football player, etc.  They will only have 5 minutes (this is Cub Scout 5 minutes and can be as much as 10, if needed) to finish the costume so it is important that everyone participate.  When the “5 minutes” is over each group will select an adult spokesperson to explain the costume to an independent panel of judges(3 or 4 leaders whose real job is to identify prospective leaders).  As soon as you say “Go” you will see several different personality traits emerge.  The Delegator—someone who has no trouble asking/telling people he or she does not know, exactly what to do (these people often make great committee members, or chairman).  The Smiler—this person is having a great time working with the boys helping them to make the different parts of the costume, smiling all the while (potential Den Leaders or Assistants).  The Circus Barker—this person emerges during the description phase of the game.  He or she can tell a tale that leaves everyone waiting for more (Cubmaster or Asst.)  The last trait you will see is one of negative body posture—arms crossed, no involvement, no smile, etc.  These folks are probably not good candidates to be leaders, but might be able to help on some committee.  Utilizing nametags, make some notes about people from each group, focusing on Dens that need leadership.   When the game is over the judges declare that since everyone did their best, then everyone wins.  Because in Scouting “Everyone is a Winner”.  

The last step for rally night is to explain the paperwork, the fees, the calendar of events and the next meeting time and place.  If possible hold a new parent orientation within a week or so to provide more information about Cub Scouting, organize new dens and select leadership for open positions.  Your Unit Serving Executive can assist you in any of the steps listed above to insure a successful rally.  There are some other tools that can prove.

2003 Cub Scout Leader’s Guide
For Successful Recruitment

The new Cub Scout Leader’s Guide is a big help for leaders that are trying to recruit new members, adult and youth. The packet gives a brief overview of why we need growth in our packs and then has a calendar that helps with recruitment plans, such as when to have a school night and the best time to follow up with new members.  Steps to Success with Cub Scout Recruitment lists very specific steps on how to recruit new cub scouts so that all the hard work of planning is done for you.  Many ideas for getting the word out are also included.  Agendas and checklists are included for every thing from Boy Talks to School Nights.  Information to share with new adults will help recruit the needed leaders that the Council is lacking.  This packet takes all the hard work out and puts the fun into recruiting.

These items are available at the council office, or through your Unit Serving Executive.  Any questions, call 800-321-7107.

Family Packet

This packet is designed to be handed out when a new family joins a Pack.  The packet is complete except for the cover page which can easily be created by each Pack for their own touch.  The packet contains information on why Cub Scouting is so important and what Cub Scouting can do for the family.  The Bobcat Trail gets the Cub Scout started on his way through the program.  Also, a uniform inspection sheet is included so that families can work on perfecting the uniform.  The last page is Parent and Family Talent Survey Sheet.  The survey allows the family to help the Pack and to have the best possible experience by being properly matched with their skills and ideal activities

Other Tips for a Successful
Cub Scout Recruitment

Involving a Boy Scout Troop in the rally process was mentioned earlier, but cannot be overemphasized.  New boys and their families getting to see some of the older boys who are a product of Scouting makes an indelible impression.

Follow-up recruitment measures at School Open Houses, PTO meetings and church gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to recruit a few more boys and more importantly, some ideal candidates for leadership positions.

The council office and your unit-serving executive have many years experience in recruiting new members and leaders.  If we can be of any assistance, please let us know.

Certainly the biggest push for membership this fall will be in the Cub Scout Packs, but what about Boy Scout Recruitment?  Here are a couple of items that can a Troop recruit new members.

Scouting for Fun CD

This CD is an exciting new tool Scouts can use to get their non-Scout friends interested in the program.  The interactive CD guides the Scout to create his own activity slide show and email it to his friends*.  Developed for  younger  Scouts to use, the CD addresses this target market of boys who have recently completed the fifth grade.  Troop leaders are encouraged to copy the CD for all  of their younger Scouts to use and copy for their friends.

* Boys must have a copy of the CD to open the email.

The  Scout Recruiter Patch is a program provided by the national office of the BSA.  Any Scout who recruits a friend into the program from September 1 to December 31, 2003, will earn a BSA Recruiter patch.  Additional patches are available at the Scout Service Center.

A great time to focus on Boy Scout recruitment is around February when other 5th grade boys are crossing over from Cub Scouts.  A special rally can be held at each 5th-6th grade Middle School.  Involve your Unit Serving Executive in the planning process to help you be successful.  Any Troop that would like some help setting up a February rally, call the service center at 800-321-7107.

 Troop Open House

The Troop Open House packet can be very useful when recruiting new members to a Troop.  It is divided into five steps with each step describing how to run a successful School Rally.  The packet includes a sample letter to send to parents and an agenda to follow at the open house.

Bring-A-Buddy campouts are also a great way to attract and recruit new members to a Boy Scout Troop.  Plan a fun-filled activity, then have all of your existing Scouts invite one or two friends to come along.  Fill out a Scout application on each guest so that they are covered by our insurance.  Follow up by inviting the new boys, along with their parents to attend the next Troop Court of Honor and recognize them with a special patch or plaque for participating in the event.  Then extend an official invitation to join the Troop followed by a special ceremony.

Share ideas that have been successful recruiting Boy Scouts with other Troop leaders by emailing them to bsa741@gte.net.