Cub Scout Recruitment Training

Transcription

1 Cub Scout Recruitment Training A Recruiting Plan for Offering Amazing Experiences for more Youth and Families CornhuskerCouncil.org 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. General Information Purpose of the School Night for Scouting School Night for Scouting Recruitment Time Line Marketing/Communications Plan to support you Open Houses/Safe Walk to School Radio/TV/Print Media Community Mapping Adopt-a-School Program Digital Presence Boy Talks Why and How Scheduling Method Postcards to new 1st graders Pack Information Fliers School Night Fliers/Reminder Fliers Request Form 2. How to Run your School Night 3. Follow-up School Night Coordinator Checklist Applications New Parent Guides 100 point form Den Roster Room Lay-Out and Design School Night For Scouting Agenda Turning in your Applications from the School Night District Turn In Parties The 3-Day Plan Cub Scout Joining Event Saturday October 4th - 9am - 1:30pm at the Outdoor Education Center Unit Best Practices Discussion What do our units do that is successful? What would you share with other units? 2

3 Purpose: Help Pack Leadership implement and follow the Fall Recruitment Plan. Reasoning: Membership growth and development is more than just recruiting. Teamwork: Packs, Districts, and Council Staff WORKING TOGETHER for the benefit of the youth Goal: Invite more families to be ENGAGED in Scouting. Mission of the Boy Scouts of America The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Vision of the Cornhusker Council, Boy Scouts of America The Vision of the Cornhusker Council, BSA is to deliver Unparalleled Experiences for More Youth through top-notch volunteers, units, and program to foster a Great Scouting Experience through shared responsibility between the Units, Chartered Organizations, Districts, and Council organizations You are here because... You are the difference makers for youth and their families, you believe this program molds leaders for tomorrow, you want to be a GREAT promoter of Scouting. We are here to Help by giving you A guide for attracting more families and youth to your pack Tools for recruiting NEW leaders and NEW youth An exciting program that engages the youth in your community District and Council support SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING PLAN OVERVIEW Your Path to Success Begins with a Plan that Creates Awareness Builds Interest Gains Commitment Building Great Cub Scout packs helps to enroll more boys into Cub Scouting and engage NEW adult leaders to help deliver the promise of Scouting...by creating a shared responsibility that gives every parent of potential Scouts a consistent message, supports the recruitment efforts of every unit, and offers every youth a chance to get excited about the adventure of Scouting no matter where they live. 3

4 2014 SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING TIMELINE Date Activity Purpose Responsible July 24th SNFS Training Help packs prepare for SNFS Council and Districts In July Update BeAScout.org Locating Units using Google maps Units August 7 Roundtables SNFS supplies available Districts Early deadline for flyers Units Early August Postcards Inform families to join on August 26th Districts Mid August Television Ads Advertising Council Late August Radio Ads Advertising Council August 2-30 Safe Walk to School Informational Packs or School Open House August 15 Deadline for SNFS Flyers Order SNFS flyers Units August SNFS Flyers to Schools Ask families to join on August 26 th Units and District August Boy Talks Personal Invitation to join Units Scouting on August 26 th August 26th School Night for Scouting Register new boys for Cub Scouts Units August 26th Turn-in Parties Turn-in all new youth applications District Aug Sept. 26 2nd Round Recruitments Personal Invitation to Join Scouting for Units and Districts those who missed the 1st opportunity October 4 th Joining Event at the OEC Deliver the Promise of Scouting Council 4

5 SCHOOL NIGHT MARKETING / COMMUNICATION PLAN The Importance of Creating Awareness Creating Awareness provides new parents an opportunity to know what the Scouting program is about. Marketing elements of this process will help the parents know how to join and connect with the Scouting family. This requires: Consistent messages to all stakeholders and prospects as to what Scouting is and what it will do for them. Multiple touches to create a positive Scouting culture. The School Principal Meeting This meeting strengthens relationships and fosters support for your recruitment efforts. It gives you a chance to share exciting news and successes regarding your Pack. It also demonstrates your Pack is a Resource and Asset to the School. Consider using the new BSA Adopt-a-School Program to strengthen your relationship with the school your Pack serves. Adult - Centered Awareness Touches (6 hits beyond school) 1. Television Advertisements through Time Warner Cable 2. Yard signs NOT AT SCHOOLS! These should be placed at Major Intersections in your area! 3. Newspaper ads in Community or Neighborhood Newspapers or Newsletters 4. Radio PSAs in the Lancaster County area 5. Place fliers at supermarket checkouts or other locations around your community. 6. Postcards mailed to families of potential Cub Scouts. Youth-Centered Awareness Touches (7 hits at school) 1. Join Scouting fliers targeting specific grades: first (Tigers); second and third (Cub Scouts); fourth and fifth (Webelos Scouts). 2. Classroom rally (boy talk)* A. Provide stickers and/or one final flier for each boy. B. Show an action poster and school night incentive they can receive when they join. 3. Media center announcements (each morning leading up to School Night). 4. Posters at the front-door entrance and in the cafeteria. 5. Encourage your current Scouts to wear their uniforms on the day of School Night to invite their buddies to join Scouting. Use the Peer-to-Peer Recruitment Cards to invite other boys to join Scouting. 6. School marquee message (up to School Night.) 7. School s open house sign-up. *If no classroom access is allowed: Set up a camping display outside, recess rally, cafeteria talks, or assembly by grade. Find creative ways to get into classrooms. Schedule yourself as a guest reader, or teach flag etiquette or citizenship. Wear the Tiger suit. 5

6 Creating Awareness in the Community Creating Awareness is a vital aspect of maintaining a consistent public image for your Pack. In addition to the vital marketing efforts already mentioned, we encourage you to consider using the following tactics as well: Pack Press Releases Every community within the Cornhusker Council is served in some capacity by a local or area newspaper, newsletter, or newsgram. Scouting is an easy and fun topic for these media outlets to cover. Every time your Cub Scout pack has an outing, gives out awards, or does community service, send a paragraph about what you ve done along with photos of the Scouts to your area media outlet. When people know about the fun and good work Scouting brings to their community, they will want to join. Community Mapping The Cornhusker Council is geographically a unique area. We are made up of communities of 12 to over 250,000 residents. Our communities range from 100% American born Caucasian to communities with over 50,000 non-american, non-english speaking individuals. These staggering numbers require each and every Pack to carefully consider the manner and locations in which your recruiting campaign is employed. The Community Inventory is meant to help you think about your Community, or your neighborhood that you live in and help you figure out which areas of your community or neighborhood will give you the greatest return on investment for recruitment efforts. The Urban Community Inventory and Rural Community Inventory Worksheets can be found on pages 8 and 9, respectively. Is your Pack on the Web? When a family makes a decision to join the Scouting program, they are buying a membership, and program items to make this commitment. A 2012 study by Fleishman Hillard Communications noted that 89% of buying decisions for all consumers start online through websites and or Social Media. This is a continually upswinging trend...is your Pack online? What Does this Mean to You? Your Cub Scout Pack needs to ensure that you have a consistent presence on the internet. There are several options for you to consider if you are not already on the internet. Perhaps you want to create a Facebook or Google + page. In addition to these Social Network options, you will want to make sure your Pack at least has a digital home on the internet (a website). While there are many sources to create a website already on the internet, the Cornhusker Council has already provided a template for you. We have left the information blank so you can fill it in. Your website can be found at: -your unit number your unit town NE. Before you dive into any of these options make sure you do a Google Search for Boy Scout social network safety rules to ensure that what ever your unit does, complies with BSA safety guidelines. Last but not least, The National Boy Scouts of America has created BeAScout.org. This is a Google based map website that allows any interested individuals to search for a local Scouting unit based on zip code. This GREAT tool only works if you update it with 6 your current information.

7 Community Mapping The purpose of the CI is to help you understand and account for the multiple opportunities that you have available to you and your unit to invite families into the Scouting program. While Schools are a great resource for recruiting, many times they may not make the most recruiting sense for your community or neighborhood. Using the CI approach is one more method that you have at your disposal to account for potential situations in your community that may make sense for you to recruit from. What Communities are served by your Public School System? (list all that apply) What Communities not served by your school, are within 30 minutes of where your Unit meets, and do not currently have a Scouting program? (list all that apply) What Private Schools exist within the Geography covered by these communities? (list all that apply) What Churches exist within 30 minutes of where your Unit meets that are currently not served by Scouting? (List all that apply, remember to account for Country Churches as well) What Organizations (public or private) exist within your geographic area that may be willing to promote your Scouting Program?(EX: Community Action, Chambers of Commerce, Leadership Organizations, Masonic Groups, Knights of Columbus, American Legions, Rotary Clubs etc List all that apply) 7

8 Community Mapping For Communities with Multiple Cub Scout Packs The purpose of the CI is to help you understand and account for the multiple opportunities that you have available to you and your unit to invite families into the Scouting program. While Schools are a great resource for recruiting, many times they may not make the most recruiting sense for your community or neighborhood. Using the CI approach is one more method that you have at your disposal to account for potential situations in your community that may make sense for you to recruit from. What Neighborhoods are served by your Public School(s)? (list all that apply) Do you live in an area with multiple Cultures and Ethnicities? (list all that apply) What Neighborhoods not served by your school, are within 10 Driving minutes of where your Unit meets, and do not currently have a Scouting program? (list all that apply) What Private Schools exist within a 10 minute radius of your Meeting place? Do they have Scouting? (list all that apply) What Churches exist within 10 minutes of where your Unit meets that are currently not served by Scouting? (List all that apply, remember to account for Country Churches as well) What Organizations (Public or Private) exist within your geographic area that may be willing to promote your Scouting Program? (EX: Community Action, Chambers of Commerce, Leadership Organizations, Masonic Groups, Knights of Columbus, American Legions, Rotary Clubs etc List all that apply) 8

9 BOY TALK SCRIPT Hello, My name is. I am with Cub Scout Pack. I have some questions for you. By the show of hands, how many of you like to: Go on field trips and visit new places? Play games and sports? Use tools and make things? Great! These are some of the things we do in Cub Scouts. We go on field trips to places like the fire station and police station. We play games and sports like soccer and basketball. We make things like these racecars and have a big race. Tonight we ll be making exploding Frisbees! If this sounds like fun, we are having a meeting tonight at (location) and (time). Don t forget to bring your parents. Ask: When is the meeting? What time is the meeting? Where is the meeting? Who should you bring to the meeting? All of the information is on these flyers. Don t forget and I will see you tonight. Thank you. The purpose of Boy Talks is to build excitement but don t get tied down with conversations as they prolong the meeting. Use visual aids such as a pinewood derby car. Some like to entice the boys to come back that night with gimmicks, such as Patches, Boys Life magazines, etc. Use reminder flyers have the boys fold them and put them in their shoe, or take them home and place in or on the refrigerator. Four things need to be said. They can also be asked as questions. Always remember to repeat, repeat, repeat. 1. What day is the meeting? 2. What time is the meeting? 3. Where is the meeting? 4. Who do you need to bring to the meeting? EXPLODING FRISBEE Materials: Five craft sticks or tongue depressors. Weave the five sticks together as shown, in the order corresponding to the numbers on the sticks in the illustration. Fly the creation like an ultimate disc. The craft explodes on contact with the ground or other surfaces. Assemble again and have more fun! 9

10 Recruitment Resources Glossary 100 Point Parent Involvement Sheet: The 100 Point Parent Involvement Sheet is to be given to Parents of new and current Scouts in your unit. The form asks them to commit 100 points worth of involvement during the upcoming Scouting year. If everyone commits to 100 points of involvement, your Scouting year will be easy and fun for everyone! Adult Membership Application (available in Spanish/English): Every Adult who wants to be a registered leader or committee member must have a Membership Application on file. If any current leaders want to change their positions, they must file a new application. Before any Adult application (new or position change) can be processed at the Council Service Center, they must have current BSA Youth Protection Training. Boy s Life Bookmarks: Boy s Life Bookmarks featuring the famous Pedro the Burro, mascot of Boy s Life Magazine, make great promotional tools for Scouting. These are great items to hand out at recruitment open houses, or to donate to your local public or school library to get Scouting into the hands of everyone in your community. Den and Pack Roster: The Den and Pack Roster are ready made Sign in Forms for your Joining Night. If this entire form is filled out you will have great information about your new families to start your Scouting year off right! Half Sheet Reminder Flyer: The Half Sheet Reminder Flyer features this year s BSA recruitment campaign. These flyers should be used to hand out during a Boy Talk, School Open House, or any pre-school night recruitment awareness effort your unit does within 3 days of your School Night. Miniature Boys Life Magazine ( Mini-Mags ): Boy s Life Magazine produces an annual miniature edition of the magazine. This item is a great recruitment event or School Night hand out to new or interested families. Pack Information Flyer: New to our Recruitment Resources arsenal this year is the Pack Information Flyer. The Pack Information Flyer is a template we provide you to build your own Informational Flyer and Calendar to ensure that your new or potential families have key pieces of information about your Cub Scout Pack. Parent Information Guide (available in Spanish/English): The Parent Information Guide is the perfect resource for new families. It gives anyone a great overview of the different terms and concepts in the Scouting program. Peer-to-Peer Recruitment Card: The Peer-to-Peer Recruitment Card is a business card sized invitation to give to all of your current Scouts. This card serves as a great invitation tool to any interested boys to join Scouting. 10

11 Recruitment Resources Glossary (Continued ) Postcard Invitations: The Postcard invitations, designed with the current BSA recruitment theme in mind make great invitations to invite youth to join Scouting. If you have access to mailing addresses for youth in your area, make sure to request these from your District Executive. Recruitment Flyer: The Recruitment Flyer is the standard In-School Invitation resource. This flyer is printed for you by the Council Service Center, with information specific to your School Night. The flyer is ideally delivered by you or someone from your unit to the school at least one week prior to the School Night. Recruitment Flyer Request Form: The Recruitment Flyer Request form must be filed with the Council Service Center at least two full weeks before your event. This form allows the Service Center to get all of the information necessary to create a quality recruitment flyer for your unit. After we have completed your recruitment form you will be contacted to determine the best way to deliver the flyers to your unit. Recruitment Stickers: Recruitment Stickers are a great asset to use during Boy Talks or Open Houses. These are available at the Council Service Center at no cost. The more burnt the better Bookmark (Available in Spanish/English): These bookmarks feature the BSA s current recruitment campaign and come in Spanish and English. They make great promotional tools for Scouting. These are great items to hand out at recruitment open houses, or to donate to your local public or school library to get Scouting into the hands of everyone in your community. Yard Sign: The Yard Sign is an important recruitment resource for every School Night. It is an easy way for you to promote Scouting in your community. It is important for you to place these signs in strategic areas of your communities. Pin-point the busiest intersections in town (think about where families are regularly present in your community) and place them in those intersections. Youth Membership Application (Available in Spanish/English): Youth Membership Applications are required to be filled out for every new youth in your unit. Each youth s family (whether new or a transfer) must have one of these on file with the Council Service Center before they are officially consider a member of the BSA. If you have questions or need to request any of these resources please contact your Professional Staff at the Council Service Center 1-(402) or at: Salt Valley - Jerad.Reimers@Scouting.org Salt Valley - Heidi.Daubendiek@Scouting.org Prairie Winds - Caitlin.Lowe@Scouting.org Seven Feathers - William.Cover@Scouting.org 11

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17 Gaining Commitment The School Night Process Prior to your Recruitment Night 1. Attend your district s August Roundtable to pick up recruitment materials. 2. Conduct a Pack Program Planning Conference before School Begins 3. By August 10th, Confirm with your Pack the Recruitment date, time, and location. 4. Complete the 3 phases of the recruitment campaign: Create Awareness, Build Interest, Gain Commitment. 5. Prepare your pack s program calendar and set your dues. 6. Organize and schedule two fun activities for NEW Families 7. Coordinate logistics for your event with your District Professional at the Council Service Center. 8. Plan to attend the Joining Event on October 4th from 9am 1:30pm. Compel Families to Join Scouting...the School Night Process Overview Every family who attends your School Night will have done so because they want to join Scouting! To ensure that families want to join, make sure that you have done your due diligence by having already done the following steps: Create Awareness via recruitment posters, flyers, Boy Talks, Uniform Days, submitting event Press Releases to your area Media Outlets, PERSONALLY ASKING FAMILIES TO JOIN YOU IN THE SCOUTING PROGRAM. Awareness Challenge: If this is a possibility in your area, working in conjunction with your School(s), go door-to-door and personally invite every new 1st grader in your community and their family to join Scouting. You will be amazed at the success you will have if you place a strong emphasis on personal invitations to join Scouting. If you have created awareness successfully, you have done your part to ensure that the families who attend your School Night will be ready to join Scouting...so don't oversell the program. They ve already bought in. Gain commitment. Families expect to receive paperwork and be asked for money the night they come to your School Night. Your Expectation needs to be that they return the paperwork and payment to you the same night. If you don t do this...don't expect these families to ever come back. Having a Successful Cub Scout Recruitment Night Means.. 1. You have utilized all potential services and resources from the District and Council. 2. You have utilized all opportunities within your geographic area to Create Awareness, Build Interest, and Gain Commitment prior to your Recruitment Night. 3. At your School Night, provide a COMPLETE 6 month calendar for the new families that includes at least two events specifically for the new families to be a part of. 4. Every family who attends your School Night leaves with a positive view-point of the Scouting program, a better understanding of what Scouting can do for their family, and having enjoyed themselves at their first 60 MINUTE Scouting meeting! 5. Turn-in all COMPLETE applications and fees at Turn-in Party in your area. 6. Follow up with all parents that attended School Night, or showed interest, but did not attend or join at your School Night. 7. Welcome and Coach all New Leaders into their positions. 8. Invite all new families to attend the Council Joining Event held at the Outdoor Education Center on October 4th from 9am - 1:30pm. 17

18 SCHOOL NIGHT COORDINATOR S CHECKLIST KEY ITEMS TO HAVE ON SCHOOL NIGHT: Plenty of helpers. Your School Night agenda and script. Sign-in attendance sheets. Unit organization chart / flip chart. Plenty of applications - both youth and adult. Parent s Information Booklets ScoutParent Information Pens, pencils and change. Mini Boys Life magazines. Grade-level table markers with job description. Cub Scout Handbooks. Training flyers. Pack Newsletter. Any local Pack displays. BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME: Confirm with the school that it will be unlocked. Rehearse your pre-opening activity. Prepare your Pack organization chart. Wear your complete uniform. Review agenda and practice your presentation. Take a pocket calculator. Take pens and/or pencils. Take some change, both bills and coins. Take masking tape. (check with custodian before putting tape on the walls) Take School Night for Scouting packet of materials. Take agenda and script. WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE SCHOOL (by 6:30 p.m*.) *assuming 7pm start time Empty your packet and organize your materials. Set up tables, by grade (see how to organize and register sample layout of Room) Check with other School Night Team Members on their part of the program. Display your Pack organizational chart. Unit Leaders set up displays by 6:45. Pre-opening activity ready to begin at 6:45 as first families arrive. Station someone at the door to welcome and sign-in families (by 6:45). Keep boys and parents in the room. Boys and parents should stay together at den tables Do not allow uncontrolled running, shouting and horseplay. Have a helper assigned to each age group. THE GENERAL PRESENTATION Begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Be confident - you are prepared and have support. Be enthusiastic - you set the tone! Follow School Night for Scouting agenda. Provide training information and a Parent Guide for all new joiners. 18

19 SCHOOL NIGHT COORDINATOR S CHECKLIST (CONTINUED) AFTER THE MEETING: Meet with new adult leadership, arranging Fast Start, Youth Protection and This Is Scouting Training. Collect all applications and money - write on applications : Paid, amount, cash/check No. Review youth applications for: Parent signature; Cubmaster signature; Boys Life magazine; address. Review adult applications: need COR signature, Committee Chair signature, Social Security number and two signatures from adult applicant. Report to district headquarters immediately. District representatives will wait for your arrival. Turn in all applications. Money: Please bring one pack check if possible. Provide a copy of the sign-in sheet. SCHOOL NIGHT ROOM LAYOUT Entrance Door Display Table Display Table Welcome / Registration Table 1st Grade Table 2nd Grade Table 3rd Grade Table 4th Grade Table 5th Grade Table The above is a sample layout of a typical School Night for Scouting setting. Be sure all tables are clearly marked by assigned grade. As parents and boys enter, ask them to sign the attendance roster, give them application forms, and direct them to the appropriate table. Doing this simple task at the beginning will save a tremendous amount of time and organization later. Parents and youth already sitting in den areas will make the registration process go smoothly. A mini campsite setup in the entry area serves as a great visual for the Cub Scout outdoor programs. School Night Helpers should: Make the boys and their families feel welcome by introducing them to a Host Scout who can show them the unit display, where to sit and any other pre-opening activities. Pre-opening 15 minutes The welcoming committee greets families as they arrive. Register attendance. Provide applications and forms to families. Start a pre-opening get-acquainted game or activity. Direct visitors to the exhibit area and to their seats. 19

20 SCHOOL NIGHT AGENDA AND SCRIPT A. Welcome and introductions - 3 minutes ASSIGNED TO Have the Cubmaster or Scouting Night chair introduce pack leaders and guests. B. Opening - 5 minutes ASSIGNED TO 1. Lead the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Teach the Cub Scout salute. 3. Lead a Cub Scout action song. C. Explain how Cub Scouting is organized - 5 minutes ASSIGNED TO 1. Explain age groups-dens and the uniforms, handbooks of each den. 2. Explain how often Cub Scouts meet (two den meetings a month and monthly pack meeting D. Explain the Cub Scout program - 5 minutes ASSIGNED TO 1. Include Scouting s aims and the purpose of Cub Scouting. 2. Den, pack, district and council activities 3. Explain Cub Scouts 2010 E. Separate the youth from the adults. - 2 minutes ASSIGNED TO Take the youth outside or in another room to have a fun activity such as the exploding Frisbees. F. Explain the costs of Cub Scouting - 5 minutes ASSIGNED TO 1. Explain registration fees, Boys Life, uniform costs, den and/or pack dues. Use the Den and Pack Roster to track payments. If a family can t afford Cub Scouting (is choosing not to join solely because of cost), financial assistance is available from the Council for registration fees. Your full-price dues amount should include enough to cover fall registration PLUS re-chartering fees, that way you don t have to collect again right away. BSA registration is $24 for one year of membership and $12 for one year of Boy s Life. Use your membership turn-in envelope for to calculate pro-rated fees. AUGUST: Membership = $10, Boy s Life = $5, SEPTEMBER: Membership = $8, Boy s Life = $4, OCTOBER: Membership = $6, Boy s Life = $3, NOVEMBER: Membership = $4, Boy s Life = $2, DECEMBER: Membership = $2, Boy s Life = $1 Collect all Fees at your Recruitment Night Party and Turn in one check if at all possible into the Council Service Center. 2. Explain fundraisers popcorn sales F. Explain Parental Involvement - 10 minutes ASSIGNED TO 1. Explain every adult plays a role in the success of our pack. 2. Great emphasis should be placed on giving each parent the opportunity to join Scouting with their son. 3. Families with sons of Scouting age are the major resource of Scouting s leadership. a. Program leadership is totally volunteer. b. Over 1,000 parents volunteer in the Cornhusker Council. 4. Scouting is a family program. BSA does not stand for Baby Sitters of America. 5. REVIEW PARENT CONCERNS: a. There are two questions I would like to ask you, parents... Do you realize that your son has spent almost one-half of his life at home already? (expand) Next, do you know what influences our youth today in how they think, and what they do? b. Well, when you and I were growing up, the biggest influence on our lives were: 1-Family; 2-School; 3-Religious institution; 4-Peers and 5-TV. 20

21 SCHOOL NIGHT AGENDA AND SCRIPT (CONTINUED) c. But for today s youth, these influences have changed, and not necessarily for the good. They are: 1-Peers; 2-Family; 3-TV; 4-School; 5 Religious institution. d. Since peers have such a big influence on our kids, a program like Scouting is more important than ever. We must expose our sons to peer groups with the proper ideals and positive objectives. e. Yes, we all want our sons to grow up into good citizens with good character and a respect for themselves and others. Scouting will certainly help. f. Now for your son to join in Cub Scouting, he must join a Pack. Show already prepared organizational chart. (Explain) g. Now where do these leaders we ve talked about come from? Get the audience to tell you that Yes, from the parents. Parents run the Pack. h. Yes, for your son to be involved in Cub Scouts, you, the parents, must be involved. By your presence here, you have already shown that you want to be involved in his life. i. Now, I know all of you are sitting there thinking of all the reasons why you cannot be a Cub Scout leader. There are really only three objections you may have. 1st YOU WORK Well, there aren t many people here who don t work. 75% of the Den Leaders work, but they still find time to hold a Den Meeting on: 1. their day off; 2. early evening after work, or; 3. on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. 2nd YOU ARE TOO BUSY IN OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS It s great that you re busy - busy people get things done. We realize that there are many worthwhile things you may be involved in, but are they all a benefit to our sons? Cub Scouting is a great benefit, so maybe you may have to reset your priorities, as most of us have had to do and get involved with your son in Cub Scouts. 3rd YOU DON T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CUB SCOUTS, SO HOW COULD YOU GET INVOLVED? The local Council volunteers and staff will see to it that you will have all the training and information you need to be a successful leader. For whatever position you hold, there is a handbook explaining your job in detail. (show) Program Helps spells out exactly what to do at each of your meetings. (Show and explain) A Cub Scout Roundtable is held once a month. All leaders should attend this meeting where the following month s theme is thoroughly discussed and seen in action. New Pack leaders, especially, learn a lot from other leaders. Most important WE WILL TRAIN YOU either at a formal course setting. We have a training team made up of former Cub Scout people ready, willing and able to help you be successful. Another option is the on-line training available through myscouting at Scouting.org. G. Recruit (If You Need) Pack level leadership. - 5 minutes ASSIGNED TO Refer to Pack Organization Chart - Identify specific needs. 1. Bring volunteers up front as examples (with a brief description of each). 2. Remind them that each of us has a talent to share with others. There is a position in Scouting that will match up with your talents and time constraints - we need your involvement now! Who will fill the job of? 3. Get the popcorn chair also, if a new pack or your pack needs one. H. Recruit Den level leadership - 10 minutes ASSIGNED TO 1. Explain temporary chair s responsibility - to obtain a Den Leader, Assistant Den Leader and committee member from your Den. 2. Then I will turn your Den over to your temporary chair. The temporary chair will raise their hand when leadership is secured. Youth and adult applications will be brought to your table once all leadership is identified. Read Boy s Eyes - then leave them alone to organize Den. Do not answer any more questions from the front of the room have an assistant occasionally visit their table, checking progress and answering questions. 21

22 SCHOOL NIGHT AGENDA AND SCRIPT (CONTINUED) I. Supply registration application forms only as Den s leadership is organized. (Ideally, a current leader would assist each new Den.) - 10 minutes 1. Explain registration and Boys Life Fees. 2. Have parents help fill out boys application. 3. Collect applications and fees with assistance from current leader -write notes on application, Paid, $ amount (cash or check#). 4. All new leaders complete adult applications. They should immediately get training information and a calendar. 5. Ask new leaders to remain for a brief orientation meeting about training and getting started. Provide a new leader handout with date and place of Pack Leaders Meeting, next Pack Meeting and key contacts, suggested Den meeting locations with key contacts. 6. Dismiss other parents and boys. J. New Leader Orientation Meeting. 1. Explain Youth Protection Training policy. 2. Welcome new leaders and answer any questions. LEADERS RESPONSIBILITIES COMMITTEE CHAIR Conducts monthly Committee Meeting to oversee Committee Member functions and support and approve the Pack program. Ensures that adequate support is given to the Cubmaster and Den Leaders by Committee Members. Helps recruit additional leaders as needed. Attends training. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Provide Pack support by taking care of records, finances, advancement, activities, membership, etc. (Ideally, one committee member for each function: Treasurer, Advancement Chair, Special Event Chairs, Secretary, Scout Parent Unit Coordinator, Popcorn Chair, etc.) Attends monthly Committee Meeting to report and perform committee responsibilities. Attends training. CUBMASTER Conducts monthly Pack Leader s Meeting to plan details of upcoming Pack program with Den Leaders. Conducts monthly Pack Meeting for all youth, families, and leaders. Attends training and monthly Roundtable. DEN LEADERS AND ASSISTANTS (1st - 3rd grades) Meets weekly or every other week for one hour with den of 6-8 boys. Den Meeting can be held in Den Leader s home, park, school or other suitable place. Den Leader and assistant determine time, day and location of Den Meeting that is most convenient for them. Attends training and monthly Roundtable. WEBELOS DEN LEADER AND ASSISTANT (4th and 5th grades) Same as Den Leader and encourages periodic parent or guardian/son overnight campouts. Attends training and monthly Roundtable. CHARTER PARTNER REPRESENTATIVE Assures meeting spaces, storage, and that additional help is available for the Pack. Serves as liaison with the Chartered Partner. 22

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