Spring Recruitment Playbook
Support system for Cub Pack Growth and expectations for new families.
This playbook is intended to be a hands‑on planning tool for unit leaders. Each section walks through what to do, when to do it, and how to do it effectively.
The primary goal of spring recruitment is to introduce youth to Scouting in a fun, engaging, and hands‑on way—ideally by participating in events you or your school district are already hosting. Youth who join during this period are not expected to focus on rank advancement this year. Instead, the emphasis is on experiencing as many adventures as possible, having fun, and getting involved in summer camp and upcoming activities. They can receive recognition for what they complete, but rank advancement should only occur if the family chooses to make it a priority
April 6-12
- Confirm dates/locations for: school talks, spring community events, and a Join Night.
- Request principal approval
- Flyer distribution/Scout Talks
- Dress up week at school (suggestion – the week of Join Night)
- Table permissions at Community Events
- Request principal approval
- Materials ready
- Flyers with QR signup link – (Council Order) (Templates)
- Yard signs – Pick Up at Office
- Interest cards – Suggested
- (print at home or send for Business Cards)
- Join Night Presentation – Make your own edits
- Digital setup – Social Media Plan
April 13 – 26
- School talks: 2–3 minute fun pitch + take-home flyer.
- Example – Scout Talk | Kathleen Scout Talk | Dax
- Backpack flyers / e-news
- Member invites: each Cub invites 2 friends (give them invite flyers).
- Community posting: library, churches, community Facebook groups, Nextdoor.
- Event sign-ups
- 2 local spring events – Already happening in your community!
- Bring a simple hands-on activity
- Social Media Package
- email + social, text reminder + short video from a Cub, “See you tonight!” text
- Phone/text follow-up to all interest cards/leads (invitation manager) weekly
- Visible
- Host a Scouting Dress-up Week at School
- Wear Scouting Shirts (not uniforms) at school drop-off/pick-up
By April 30 – Host your event
- Station 1: Welcome table – name tags – Sign In
- Station 2: Interest/registration station – QR Codes and Computer
- For people who might need help or would like a paper application
- Station 3: Program stations (Pinewood car, campsite display, knot station)
- Station 4: Kid Activities during presentation – Work with Troop
- Presentation:
- Welcome (5 min)
- Breakout (20 min): kids rotate fun stations; parents review calendar, fees, assistance options, safety, and Q&A.
- Register (20 min): on phones via QR + dues collection.
- Next-step card (5 min): 26. Rack Card – Unit Calendar
- Close: Thank you – We will be here to offer Q&A
May – Onboarding & Retention
- Welcome email within 24 hours + calendar + uniform guide + financial assistance
- Buddy system: assign new families a “welcome buddy.”
Social Media
A strong social media presence should be part of every pack’s playbook. It’s a valuable tool for sharing updates with families, promoting recruitment events, and highlighting Scout achievements.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are easy to use and require no formal experience. With most people already active on these platforms, your unit can reach and engage a wide audience.
- Week 1: Update your unit’s social media pages (photos, contact info, meeting details) and create a simple recruitment plan.
- Week 2: Post consistently—highlight recent activities, share testimonials, and announce upcoming events.
- Week 3: Promote your spring recruitment event across all platforms and encourage families to share posts.
- Week 4: Engage directly—respond to messages, follow up with interested families, and post reminders leading up to your event.
Social Media Templates
Please replace with your own photos and videos! These are just examples!!!
Welcome Email to Scouting – Spring Email
Weekly Steps to Gear Up for Spring Recruiting
Post Theme: Save the Date + Excitement Caption:
🌟 Save the Date!🌟
Spring is the perfect time to join Cub Scouts! Our pack is gearing up for an amazing season of outdoor adventures, new friends, and hands‑on activities. Join us for our Spring Join Night on [DATE] at [LOCATION]!
Everyone is welcome—bring a friend and come see what Scouting is all about! #CubScouts #JoinCubScouts #AdventureStartsHere
Post Theme: Activities + Fun
Caption: 🚀🔦🎨 From launching rockets to exploring the outdoors, Cub Scouts is all about hands‑on fun!
Kids learn new skills, build confidence, and make lasting memories.
Join us on [DATE] to find out how your family can be part of the adventure!
#ScoutingFun #ChooseAdventure #CubScoutLife
Post Theme: Family + Community
Caption: 💛 Cub Scouts is family time done right.
You’ll make memories together through camping, service, crafts, hiking, and more. Our Join Night is coming up on [DATE]—we’d love to welcome your family to our pack!
#FamilyScouting #StrongerTogether #CubScouts
Post Theme: Final Reminder + Invitation
Caption: ⏰It’s almost here!
Our Cub Scout Join Night is THIS WEEK on [DATE] at [LOCATION]! Stop by, meet our leaders, try a fun activity, and discover what Cub Scouts has to offer.
See you there!
#JoinNight #CubScoutPack[NUMBER] #AdventureAwaits
