Welcome to the Build Scouting and Retention Session a breakout of the Unit Support Conference

1. Welcome to the Build Scouting and Retention Sessiona breakout of the Unit Support Conference

2. Welcome and Overview

3. It is the goal of the Pathway to Adventure Council to build and serve the healthiest and strongest units in the communities we serve

4. "Scouting's Journey to Excellence" is designed to set goals that encourage and reward success and measure performance andcontinuous improvement in key objectives in our units, districts and our council. It provides a road map, with benchmarks, to deliver the promises of the Scouting program and to operate at the most optimal level.

5. Three Aims of Scouting • CHARACTER • Growth in moral strength and character through each youth’s personal qualities, values, and outlook. • CITIZENSHIP • Building lasting and impactful relationships through obligations to other people, society, and government. • FITNESS • The development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness through a healthy lifestyle, ability to think critically, and courage/self-respect. “I think they say ‘once a Scout, always a Scout.’” - Former US President Gerald Ford

6. Journey to Excellence: Build and Retention • Build Scouting • Bronze: Net of 1 member • Silver: 5% increase or “x” number of members • Gold: 10% increase or “x” members with an increase over last year • Retention • Bronze: Retain & reregister “x”% or have 2% point increase • Silver: Retain & reregister a higher “x”% <or> retain & reregister Bronze % and have 2% point increase • Gold: Retain & reregister a higher “x”% <or> retain & reregister Silver % and have 2% point increase

7. Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders Cub Scout Recruitment • 95% of Boy Scouts participated in Cub Scouts at some point. • However, only 55% of Cub Scouts join a Boy Scout troop. • Just one year of poor Cub Scout recruiting can have an upward ripple effect on Packs, Troops and Crews for many years. • Diminished Cub Scout recruiting in a given year typically means diminished recruitment of new adult leaders as well. Research shows that most boys do not join Scouting because they were not aware the program existed, or they were never invited to join. Unless we ask, we’ll never know if a boy is interested in joining Scouting!

8. Reaching out to Millennial Parents: To what extent do you trust each of the following types of advertising and promotions

9. How Do We Return to a Culture of Sustained Growth and Retention? Ensure that all current adult leaders are TRAINED • There is a direct correlation between a unit’s retention rate and its percentage of trained leaders. • Trained leaders results in a better program which results in greater retention and a greater product to offer new Cub Scouts. Promotional Table at Parent-Teacher Nights or Other Adult Events • Opportunity to invite family decision-makers to Roundup or other recruitment events. Participate in BOTH Blast Recruitment Night and Spring Roundup • Today’s families have much busier schedules. While Scouting may not be an option for them in the Fall, it could very easily be a great fit in the Spring (or vice versa).

10. Build Scouting through Blast • The increase in membership growth will be captured through the following tasks: • Blast 2016 • Recruit Boy Scouts from Middle Schools (Grades 5th through 8th) • Make Blast process simpler • Sneak Preview program as part of Blast 2016 • Support our units with their Spring Recruitment • Unit Timeline • BLAST Promote: July – August • BLAST Open House: Aug 22nd – Sept 14th • BLAST Register (Roundup): Sept 15th • BLAST Build: Sept 16th – Oct 7th • BLAST Adventure Day: Oct 1st & Oct 8th

11. NEW - Sneak PreviewConcept OVERVIEW While a huge recruiting campaign with a single call to action (Blast into Scouting at your local elementary school on Sept 15th) is beneficial for many reasons, we realize that many of the school districts that make up the Pathway to Adventure Council start earlier. In order to get a jump on recruiting scouts sooner in those districts/ schools, the Blast team has come up with the NEW Sneak Preview Concept

12. NEW - Sneak PreviewConcept • What does the Council / Community do? • Volunteer and Staff support: • Commissioner Corp, Training Teams and Council Staff • A targeted marketing strategy would be built and deployed in partnership (use of flyers and customizable promotional resources) • Rockets will be ready for use • The key is to work together as a neighborhood to market the chance to join scouting via “a sneak preview” • What does the Unit do? • The Unit agrees to support BOTH the sneak preview AND the main event (9/15)!

13. Recruiting Boy Scouts • Troops should be working closely with at least one nearby Cub Scout pack. • Host one or more open houses, and invite both Webelos and their families. • Invite Webelos to go camping with the troop. • Go to a pack or den meeting and put on a Scout Skills demonstration. • Ensure that Webelos and their families who do cross over are welcomed and made to feel a part of the troop. • Consult “A Year-Round Guide to Boy Scout Recruiting.” More information can also be found in the Webelos-to-Scout Transition Specialist Module.

14. Recruiting Boy Scouts 95%of Boy Scouts participated in Cub Scouts at some point How do we increase the percentage of Boy Scouts who do not have a Cub Scouting background? • Boy Talks might be less effective for boys in 6th or 7th grade, especially if they have a misguided—but pre-existing—image of Scouting. • Consult with middle school principals or guidance counselors to distribute flyers or show unit-specific promotional videos. • Identify which boys in this age group are not currently involved in extracurricular activities. • Gain access to parents at parent-teacher nights or other school events.

15. Retention “Hot Spots” • There are other “Hot Spots” where we can lose our Scouts, beyond just the Webelos to Scout Transition • Overall Retention • Bears to Webelos • Webelos to Scouts • 1st to 2nd year Boy Scouts • Middle School to High School • Troop to Crew / OA (includes once they turn 18) • ID where we see the greater drop in numbers of our High School youth

16. Retention 50%of Tiger Cubs Will Drop Within Three Months of Joining • We only have one chance to make a first impression. • Disorganized or poorly-run meetings will drive boys and their families away from the pack. Create a Culture of Innovation in Program • Make it FUN! • Avoid changing Tiger Den Leaders every year • Delivering a quality program to Tiger Cubs is arguably the most critical step in retention • Organization, preparation, execution.

17. Retention Why do Boys Drop Out of Scouting? • Sports and other after-school activities get in the way. • The unit’s program has gotten stale. Meetings are dull and boring. • Lack of commitment from parents. • Poor fit between the Scout and his unit. • Scouting is too expensive. • It’s hard to connect with today’s children.

18. 10 Ideas for Increasing Retention 1. Quality Leaders – Cub Scouts need quality leaders. Boys deserve trained, responsible leadership, leaders who enjoy boys and have pride and commitment in being a Cub Scout leader. 2. Quality Program – Present a quality Cub Scout program for boys built around the Cub Scout purposes. Make it a fun-filled, well-planned, year-round program. 3. Pride in Being a Cub Scout – Develop pride in your boys. Make and display den and pack flags. Do fun and important things together. Develop great den and pack spirit. 4. Fun – Fun – Fun: KISMIF – Develop a year-round program – weekly den meetings with fun games, instant recognition, singing, preparation for pack meeting, monthly pack meetings will meaningful advancements, ceremonies, skits, outside activities with day camps, field trips, community events. 5. Recognition and Advancement – Recognize boys and parents. Boys like earned recognition presented in impressive and meaningful ways. Advancement is the result of an effective Cub Scout program.

19. 10 Ideas for Increasing Retention 6. Parent Involvement – Induct families, not just boys. Involve and invite the entire family to participate. Cub Scouting is a family program that can aid family unity. 7. Uniforming – Cub Scouting is a uniformed organization. Make wearing the uniform important and orient parents on the importance of proper uniforming. 8. Communication – Develop good communication in your pack. Have annual planning meetings, yearly calendars, monthly planning meetings. Telephone-calling sessions, e-mail, newsletters, etc., prove to be beneficial. Develop den meetings around the Cub Scouts’ wants and needs. 9. Chartered Organization and Pack Committee – A good relationship between the chartered organization and pack committee is vital. Work together to build a quality pack. Work with the council in effectively using the renewal plan. 10. District and Council Activities – Have your pack take advantage of activities offered by district and council, such as day camps, Scout Shows, bicycle safety, physical fitness, and learn-to-swim activities, service projects, parades, pinewood and space derbies, etc.

20. Q: Our unit is very large and we cannot accommodate new members in good conscience. Should we turn potential new families away? A: No! We understand that each unit has a limited capacity to serve Scouts and their families. However, if the growth potential significantly outweighs this capacity, then additional units should be organized to make a quality Scouting program available to everyone in the area.

21. APPENDIX

22. Journey to Excellence: Build Scouting PACK • Bronze – Have a membership growth plan and either a net gain of one member over last year or at least 27 members. • Silver – Have a membership growth plan and either increase youth members by 5%, or have at least 40 members. • Gold – Have a membership growth plan and either increase youth members by 10%, or have at least 60 members with an increase over last year. TROOP • Bronze – Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment night and either a net gain of one member over last year, or at least 15 members. • Silver – Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment night and either increase youth members by 5%, or have at least 25 members. • Gold – Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment night and either increase youth members by 10%, or have at least 35 members with an increase over last year. CREW • Bronze – Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment night and either a net gain of one member over last year, or at least seven members. • Silver – Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment night and either increase youth members by 5%, or have at least 10 members. • Gold – Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment night and either increase youth members by 10%, or have at least 15 members with an increase over last year.

23. Journey to Excellence: Retention PACK • Bronze – Retain and reregister 60% of eligible members, or have a 2 percentage point increase. • Silver – Retain and reregister 65% of members, or retain and reregister 60% and have a 2 percentage point increase. • Gold – Retain and reregister 75% of members, or retain and reregister 65% and have a 2 percentage point increase. TROOP • Bronze – Retain and reregister 75% of eligible members, or have a 2 percentage point increase. • Silver – Retain and reregister 80% of members, or retain and reregister 75% and have a 2 percentage point increase. • Gold – Retain and reregister 85% of members, or retain and reregister 80% and have a 2 percentage point increase. CREW • Bronze – Retain and reregister 45% of eligible members, or have a 2 percentage point increase. • Silver – Retain and reregister 60% of members, or retain and reregister 45% and have a 2 percentage point increase. • Gold – Retain and reregister 80% of members, or retain and reregister 60% and have a 2 percentage point increase.

24. Cub Scout Membership Trends

25. Roundup Activity Ideas Can be any FUN activity that excites boys to check out and join Cub Scouting • Fishing Event • Egg Drop • S’mores Fest • Swimming Party • Bike Rodeo • Water Bottle Rockets • Treasure Hunt • Ice Cream Social

26. Keys to a Successful Roundup • Coordinate with Pathway to Adventure Council Membership Teams to reach out to target membership (Boy Talks or other established rallies). • Provide existing Scouts an incentive to invite LOTS of friends (patch, nominal prize, small gift card, etc.). • Have a sign-in sheet to collect key contact information so that you can follow-up with each family. • Youth and adult applications are readily available. • Provide refreshments (water, juice, cookies, chips, etc.). • Have a secondary activity for overflow in case not everyone can participate in the main activity at one time.

27. Keys to a Successful Roundup (cont.) • Show a video or slideshow of your pack having fun. • Make sure current Cub Scouts are in uniform or pack attire. They are your best advertisement! • Have lots of adult leaders and parents of current Cub Scouts available to answer the most common questions potential new families always have. • SEAL THE DEAL: it’s important to “ask” for membership at the event. If the event is well-run, organized, and all the boys are having a great time, it should be an easy sell!

28. Keys to a Successful Roundup (cont.) • Incorporate an easy advancement item • The night could end with something like, “Guess what? You’ve just earned your first activity pin/belt loop/arrow point/etc. As soon as you join, you can show off your achievement!”

29. We Can’t Get Into the Schools… School access has become increasingly difficult in recent years. If you are unable to reach new recruits through the traditional “Boy Talks,” here are a few alternative methods: • PTA Packet Pickup/School Registration • These are usually held a few days before school starts. • Set up a display table with plenty of fun photos and information. • Be sure to have a contact sheet to collect as many new names as possible. • School-Sponsored Parent Information Nights • A “Boy Talk” for parents. • Have current adult leaders wear their uniform to the event. • Give each adult leader an “Ask Me About Cub Scouting” nametag. • Meet-the-Teacher Night • Set up a table in a high-traffic area during Parent/Teacher night.

30. We Can’t Get Into the Schools… • Recruitment Video • Present a short video of your pack’s activities during the school’s morning announcements. • Coordinate with a local Boy Scout troop and the principal/superintendent to conduct a service project for the school • This may entice the school’s decision-makers to grant traditional access. • Mailing/Emailing Invitations and Flyers • Collaborate with other youth organizations to share contact information for prospective families. • Neighborhood Association Events • Community and Cultural Events (carnivals, fairs, etc.)

31. Other Potential Markets • Homeschooled Children • Nearby Churches That do not Currently Have a Unit • Nearby Private Schools That do not Currently Have a Unit • Your Chartered Organization Have a “kid magnet” at roundup events if possible. These include bounce houses, monkey bridges, large game, or an unusual/unique activity.

32. NEW for 2016 - Sneak Preview What does the Unit do? • The Unit agrees to support BOTH the sneak preview AND the main event (9/15)! • Adopt the Blast 3 step system. • Determine the level of coverage needed for both days. • Complete, have in place and submit the following: • Membership Readiness Form • Unit Program Plan/ Calendar • Unit “what scouting costs” Component • Shared with families at the Pack orientation to explain program cost • Help will be provided on how to create this • Trained leadership • Blast training

33. Recruiting Venturers • Develop a recruitment video highlighting the great activities crews participate in and coordinate with high schools to show video during morning announcements or email to student addresses. • Emphasize that the program is co-ed. • Emphasize that previous Scouting experience is NOT required. • Target areas where teenagers typically gather. • Church, youth groups, Sunday School classes, shopping malls, the movies. • Current Venturers can set up a table at any of these locations and tell their story. • Remember that teenagers are visual and hands-on in what they respond to.

34. Recruiting Venturers • Conduct student interest surveys to determine what type of Venturing Crew would appeal most to a particular school/city, or work with guidance counselors to utilize this information if it is already on-hand. • Conduct an Open House that considers the following: • Check for community and/or school conflicts. • Concentrate on making it fun—elections and bylaws can wait! • Is the meeting conducive to the travel needs, meal times, and other activities the average teenager has to balance? • Make sure another event is planned to take place shortly after the Open House. • Venturing “IC5” campaign. • Consult the “Recruiting Venturers” resource.

35. Retention Solutions Why do Boys Drop Out of Scouting? • Sports and other after-school activities get in the way. • Be accommodating. Encourage balance and emphasize that Scouting can work around band, sports, and other activities. Scouting is year-round! • The unit’s program has gotten stale. Meetings are dull and boring. • Innovative programming. Change at least 25-30% of your unit’s programming each year. If you follow this method, your entire program will be “fresh” by year three. • Lack of commitment from parents. • Get parents invested from the beginning. Show them the value of being engaged as a leader or committee member. This will gradually make Scouting a priority for the entire family.

36. Retention Solutions (cont.) Why do Boys Drop Out of Scouting? • Poor fit between the Scout and his unit. • Help the youth find a new unit. Adult leaders need to humble themselves when necessary. If a youth is on the verge of dropping out, make sure they know there are plenty of other options available. • Scouting is too expensive. • Emphasize the availability of fundraisers that directly benefit the youth (popcorn, camp cards, etc.). There are also plenty of low-cost activities that are fun and will keep members engaged. • It’s hard to connect with today’s children. • Get unit leaders trained! Training empowers committee members and adult leaders with the resources needed to execute a quality program. Better training leads to continued education, which leads to the cross-pollination of best practices.

37. Thank you for attending theBuild Scouting and Retention Sessiona breakout of the Unit Support Conference