Author: Anna Wilson

2023

Scout Recruitment
Program Playbook

Central Minnesota Council, BSA

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Table of Contents

Checklist 3
Program Planning 4
Pay Your Way (Popcorn) 5
Pack Budget 6
General Timeline 7
Council Recruitment Materials 8
Unit Promotions 9
Fall Recruitment Events 10
New Parent Orientation Meeting 10
Unit Membership Growth Incentive 11
Rechartering 11
Youth Protection Training 12
Be Inviting to Adults 13
Succession Plan 14
Recruiting Volunteers (step-by-step) 15
Adopt-A-School Program 16
Unit Pin Set Up 17
Scoutbook 17
Recruitment 18
New Registration Fees 19
Monthly Informational Meetings 20
Cub Scout Events 21
Scouts BSA Events 22
Flyer Order Form 23

Check List
Unit:______________________ District:____________________
The Unit:
_____Develop annual Unit Calendar including meeting dates, activities, events and fundraisers.
_____Attend a Sign-up Night for Scouting Training session at August Roundtable
_____Conduct a local Unit marketing campaign—paper flyers, local Facebook sites.
_____Engage unit members & families in social media promotions to friends and contacts
_____Submit newspaper articles with unit rally information.
_____Post rally information on community and business marquees.
_____Distribute posters and flyers in neighborhoods and apartment complexes.
_____Put up posters and bulletins in places of worship.
_____Give your classmates/friends invitations from current Scouts and Scout Parents
_____Contact School to have table and register youth at your Open House/Meet the Teacher Night.
_____Place yard signs (1 week prior to recruitment event)
_____Conduct a Sign-up Night for Scouting Rally in September.
_____Follow-Up with all potential families.
_____Conduct a New Parent Meeting approximately one week later.
Meet with school principals (May/June/July)
PTO/PTA Open House Date & Time: __________________________________________
First School Night Date & Time: ______________________________________________
Second School Night Date & Time: ____________________________________________
1st Flyer Date: _____________________________________________________________
2nd Flyer Date: _____________________________________________________________
Determine School Access for: Confirm # Classrooms/Students
Electronic Flyers [Y/N] K: #_____ x 20 = __________
Student School Talks [Y/N] 1: #_____ x 20 = __________
School e-mail list [Y/N] 2: #_____ x 20 = __________
Community Education [Y/N] 3: #_____ x 20 = __________
A.M. Announcements [Y/N] 4: #_____ x 20 = __________
Video Announcements [Y/N] 5: #_____ x 20 = __________
School Marque Sign [Y/N] Total: #_____ x 20 = __________
Yard Signs [Y/N]
Posters [Y/N]
Submit request to Council for fall recruitment flyers
Confirm district turn-in plan for all units to turn-in applications and fees

Program Planning

Planning and Budget
The first step is to develop an annual program plan, a budget to go along with that plan, and a fundraising plan to reach your program goals.
The result is a well-managed, well-financed Scouting unit that spends time scouting and not raising money.

Developing your Program:
Brainstorm: Hold a brainstorming session with youth/parents and make a list of activities. Include a wide range of activities like field trips and service projects.
Evaluate: The unit committee evaluates each suggestion and goes back to the unit with an “approved” list.
Vote: From that “approved” list, have youth vote on their first, second, and third choices. The activities receiving the most votes should be put into your program plan.
Finalize: Put the program plan to paper into your unit calendar. Be sure to be transparent and share your plan with all families in the pack.

FUNDING YOUR PROGRAM:
So you’ve got a great program plan in place...but now how are you going to pay for it? To get started download the Pack Budget Planner at: bsacmc.org

4 STEPS FOR A FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
Establish an annual plan and budget using the Pack Budget Planner. (online versions available)
Determine the expenses from all activities, advancements, camping and training your unit wants to do, then decide how much popcorn your unit must sell to cover those expenses.
Set a pack fundraising sales goal and break down to a per-Scout-goal based on your budget.
Put together exciting popcorn kickoffs for your unit. Communicate sales goals and share prize program details. Offer additional incentives for Scouts to sell.

Pay your way

2023 Popcorn Sale
Central Minnesota Council,
Boy Scouts of America
The Central Minnesota Council popcorn sale provides Scouts and Scouting units with a safe, coordinated money earning opportunity…..with no upfront costs to the unit!
This is a very effective and important funding source for local Scouting activities. A well-planned popcorn sale could fund your entire year of activities, camps, and events. Many units have that kind of success!
The Central Minnesota Council offers four ways your unit can sell popcorn:
Take Order: Simply have your families use the sales form and take orders by phone, door to door, at church, extended family, etc. Turn the forms into the Popcorn Kernel by the unit due date and pick up popcorn product as assigned for delivery.
Show & Sell: Pre-order popcorn product and set up table display sales at local retailers, grocery stores, churches, or even door to door. This point of sale method is very effective and efficient, but you must take care not to damage tins or allow popcorn to “overheat” in car trunks, etc.
Combination Take Order and Show & Sell: Many of our units have great success with the flexibility of this combination. This will certainly meet the sale needs of all families.
Online: This is perfect for long distance sales as product will be mailed to the customer from the
manufacturer.
2023 Popcorn Briefing for Kernels
Sunday July 30, 2023
1:00pm Central Minnesota Council Office BSA – 1191 Scout Drive, Sartell
or
5:30pm Parker Scout Camp, Craft Lodge – 21930 Paradise Dr, Nisswa
The Popcorn Kernel needs to attend one of the two briefings to find out how the unit can earn more commission and other incentives. Units will receive a base commission of 25%. We are asking that only the Popcorn Kernel attend one of the briefings.
Timeline
Sunday, July 30th Attend one of the kickoffs to earn more money for your unit
Monday, August 7th 1st Show & Sell orders due online
Tuesday, August 22nd 1st Show & Sell order pick up
Friday, September 1st Unit & Kernel Form due to the Council Office
Monday, September 11th 2nd Show & Sell orders due online
Tuesday, September 26th 2nd Show & Sell order pick up
Wednesday, October 25th Show & Sell returns due to the Council Office
Monday, October 30th Popcorn Order placed online
Monday, October 30th Prizes placed online
Monday, October 30th 2023 Popcorn Sales Roster due to council office
Thursday, November 16th Popcorn pick up and payment due at pick up locations
Tuesday, November 28th Popcorn checks cashed by the Council Office

Pack Budget planning

Electronic Version available on the bsacmc.org website.

Pack				Treasurer:					Year
Charter Org				District:
BUDGETED						ACTUAL
	Youth						Youth
	Adults						Adults
BUDGETED EXPENSES:		#	each	Total Estimated		ACTUAL EXPENSES:		#	each	Total Actual
Youth Registrations		0	$ 80.00	$ -		Youth Registrations		0	$ 80.00	$ -
New Scout Fee		0	$ 25.00	$ -		New Scout Fee		0	$ 25.00	$ -
Youth Insurance		0	$ 12.00	$ -		Youth Insurance		0	$ 12.00	$ -
Boys' Life		0	$ 15.00	$ -		Boys' Life		0	$ 15.00	$ -
Adult Registrations		0	$ 60.00	$ -		Adult Registrations		0	$ 6000	$ -
Adult Insurance		0	$ 12.00	$ -		Adult Insurance		0	$ 12.00	$ -
Charter Fee				$ 100.00		Charter Fee				$ 100.00
Pro-rated BSA membership fees				$ -		Pro-rated BSA membership fees				$ -
Advancements				$ -		Advancements				$ -
Recognition				$ -		Recognition				$ -
Leader Training				$ -		Leader Training				$ -
Leader Books				$ -		Leader Books				$ -
Pack Meetings				$ -		Pack Meetings				$ -
Blue & Gold Banquet				$ -		Blue & Gold Banquet				$ -
Pinewood Derby				$ -		Pinewood Derby				$ -
Day Camp				$ -		Day Camp				$ -
Resident Camp				$ -		Resident Camp				$ -
Day Trips / Field Trips				$ -		Day Trips / Field Trips				$ -
Family Events				$ -		Family Events				$ -
Pack Equipment				$ -		Pack Equipment				$ -
Office Supplies				$ -		Office Supplies				$ -
Other Program Supplies				$ -		Other Program Supplies				$ -
Other Expense Catagory 1				$ -		Other Expense Catagory 1				$ -
Other Expense Catagory 2				$ -		Other Expense Catagory 2				$ -
Other Expense Catagory 3				$ -		Other Expense Catagory 3				$ -
Other Expense Catagory 4				$ -		Other Expense Catagory 4				$ -
Misc. Expenses				$ -		Misc. Expenses				$ -
TOTAL BUDGETED EXPENSES				$ 100.00		TOTAL ACTUAL EXPENSES				$ 100.00
BUDGETED INCOME		#	each	Estimated Amount		ACTUAL INCOME		#	each	Actual Amount
Surplus from prior year						Surplus from prior year				$ -
Pro-rated BSA membership fees				$ -		Pro-rated BSA membership fees				$ -
Pack Dues				$ -		Pack Dues				$ -
Fundraising Project 1		(total unit commission from planner page)		$ -		Fundraising Project 1				$ -
Fundraising Project 2		(total unit commission from planner page)		$ -		Fundraising Project 2				$ -
Other Income				$ -						$ -
TOTAL PLANNED INCOME				$ -		TOTAL ACTUAL INCOME				$ -
Surplus/Deficit (to carry over to next year)				($100.00)		Surplus/Deficit (to carry over to next year)				($100.00)

Electronic Version available on the Council website: bsacmc.org
Fees may change for the fall of 2023, updated fees will be send out at August or September Roundtable.

General timeline
May - August
District Executive will meet with every Pack/Troop & principal/community ed. director to prepare for signup night.
Any additional training for sign-up night held by the district at Roundtable (Monthly Informational Meeting)
Units set their membership and recruitment goals with their District Executive
Create an annual Pack/Troop calendar including meetings, activities, events, and fundraisers.
June - September
Promotion of Sign-up night in every community by the units: yard signs, newspapers, community billboards, marquees, community centers, apartment complexes, bulletins and posters in religious institutions, ads in community education publications, Facebook posts etc. Focus on Charter Partners!
Grassroots promotions are encouraged, recommended, and yield the best results. (Community Events, Parades,
County Fairs etc..)
August
Attend District Roundtable and secure additional information and materials.
Have a presence at your school Open House/Meet the Teacher to promote and register new Scouts. Maybe use an incentive from the unit as a drawing to gather interested contacts (must be in attendance to win) see sample sign-up sheets.
Place yard signs and posters in “high traffic” areas throughout the community.
Contact the school/organization and make sure you have space for Sign-up Night.
Secure all district-level volunteers to assist Packs/Troops at every school/location.
September
Confirm with your additional leaders that they will help at Sign-up Night.
Conduct fall recruiting events at/in every local school/community.
Units conducts New Parent Orientation meeting and distributes unit calendars.
Encourage new Cub Scout members & families to attend New Cub Scout and Parent Day at Sartell Council Office on Saturday, September 30, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Free for all new Scout families!
October
Recognize Pack/Troop new members with welcome & introductions ceremonies.
Assess recruiting efforts, re-flyer schools, schedule and redo recruitment rallies as needed.
Follow-up with unregistered youth and those interested but not in attendance at Sign Up Night.
Verify all new leaders are trained (youth protection and position specific) and registered. Turn in new adult applications and training certificate within 10 days of filling out to CMC/district and keep a copy for unit records
November
Continue “Follow-up Recruiting” campaign to fill dens.

Council recruitment materials
FLyERS
Full sheet flyers will be delivered to elementary schools by District Executives (DE) to be distributed at the start of the school year. Fill out a flyer order form and give to your DE at August Roundtable. Or, coordinate with your DE on when you will need flyers delivered. Please allow up to 5 days to make sure that you receive the flyers in time for your event.
POSTERS
Council/DE will provide posters for you to add your event & contact information and place on school bulletin boards and hallways, as well as key businesses in your community where parents and kids are likely to see them.
wristbands
Wristbands will be handed out and placed on students that would like to attend School Student Talks by the District Executives.
YARD SIGNS
In addition to every registered Scout family placing a sign in their yard, units should place yard signs at the school and in heavy traffic areas around the community.
Parent Guide booklets
Booklets covering basic breakdowns, structure, events, and promotions for new Scout families.
invitations for Friends and classmates
Available by request through your District Executive. Primarily in schools that do not allow Student Talks or Open Houses, or for Packs/Troops having low turnouts at Sign-up Night for Scouting.
Community Education Catalog Partnerships & COORDINATIONS
Units can request an ad through your DE. Please allow up to 2 weeks before school deadline.
Units coordination with District Executive & Community Education to hold a Cub Scout class/ event in August-October to give a sample of Scouting and an opportunity to receive sign-up information.
Social media
Council Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BoyScoutsOfCentralMinnesota), council website (bsacmc.org), e-mail blasts sign up (https://www.bsacmc.org/subscribe ), etc..

Unit promotions
LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Packs/Troops work with local newspapers for pictures, stories, and Sign-up information printed.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS/Community Education Catalog Ads
Send a press release to your local school to be included in the school’s newsletter and video/audio announcements. Highlight local youth and recognize adult leaders.
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES and MEET THE TEACHER EVENTs
Packs/Troops should have a table at these events. Best success is achieved with large, hands-on displays (water bottle rockets, pinewood derby track, games, etc.). Parents should be able to register their youth at these events. Ask them if they would like to register early, they can do it right there. Include annual Pack calendar with meeting dates, activities, events, and fundraisers. Using a “register for drawing, must be present to win on September 21” is a great addition. Find a nice prize that is appealing to all youth and parents and have it on display.
UNIFORM DAY
Scouts should be encouraged to wear their uniform or Pack/Troop t-shirt to school every Thursday in September, especially on September 21.
PEER-TO-PEER RECRUITING
Scouts create an invitation postcard at a special den meeting prior to the Sign Up Night and hand deliver to their friends/classmates the week before and the day of the recruiting event. Packs and Parents can print from council website.
PARENT-TO-PARENT RECRUITING
Parents promote Scouting to their Scouts social circle by talking to their friend’s parents and handing out flyers in their neighborhood, religious education class, sporting teams, etc. Materials can be readily accessed on the Central Minnesota Facebook page and our website (bsacmc.org) to use on social media and networks (videos, etc.).
Night to Unite (formally National Night Out)
Have a presence and plan a fun activity in your neighborhood.
Enroll in “Nextdoor” app and invite/post Scouting event/joining information to your neighborhood.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Have all members of your unit share their Scouting story on social networks like Facebook to provide messages on why they are in Scouting. Make sure that “How to Join” information is included.

Fall Recruitment Events

Between September 1 and September 21
Pick up any additional supplies needed at Roundtable or coordinate to receive them with DE.
Confirm with your additional leaders that they will help at Sign Up Night.
Contact the school/location and make sure you have space and equipment (tables, chairs, etc).
Before you leave home
Wear your uniform.
Prepare to do the work indoors or out, in case school doors are locked.
Be sure to bring: Recruitment Packet for new Scouts (provided by the Council), unit Information Sheets (Leader info and Parent Orientation Night info), and Unit calendars.
During the registration window
Collect youth applications and fees, and any additional unit dues/fees.
Immediately following the registration window
Follow the district plan by bringing applications, fees, and rosters to turn-in site.

new parent orientation meeting
Note: This meeting should not be conducted at the Sign Up Night or at a regular unit meeting. Plan an activity for youth who attend so you have the full attention of the parents. Ask your local troops to help run activities to keep Cub Scout youth engaged during meeting.
Key items
Give a basic overview of programming and events using the Sign Up Night packet as a guide
Announce key events and summer camp dates
Share your Unit fundraising plan and budget.
Hand out Popcorn sales packet and information and encourage all to sell, sell, sell!
Describe the key activities that involve parents.
Share expectations of serving on committees, describe committee work, and tell how to sign up.
Tell parents that YPT is required of all leaders and strongly encouraged for all parents. Course is online at MyScouting.org .
Describe other adult leader training opportunities.
Collect adult leader applications & YPT training certificates from parents or Scout leaders.
Adjourn meeting and dismiss parents in one hour but agree to stay for any additional questions.

Unit Membership
Growth Incentive

When you unit achieves your fall membership recruitment goal by Dec. 1st, 2023, you earn one of the incentives below! Incentives will be given out when recharter is completed and turned in. Recharters must be turned in by December 15, 2023.
Cub Scout Packs:
Receive a pinewood derby car for every youth on your recharter.
Or
Scout Shop Gift Card valued at $150
Scout BSA Troops:
Scout Shop Gift Card valued at $150

Recharters

The charter is a formal agreement allowing that organization to use the Scouting program to serve youth in its community. BSA requires that the charter be renewed annually to continue using the program. We call that annual renewal “recharter”.
Turn in all applications before October 1, 2023( or as soon as you receive them).
It makes rechartering easier if all youth and adults are on your recharter.
If you turn in applications during recharter process, please refresh your roster, make sure to note who you turned in applications for and verify they are on the recharter.
Check your rosters, update address/phone numbers/emails (start now don’t wait for Recharter time to start).
Recharter are due no later than December 15, 2023
All recharters received after December 15 will be charged an administrative fee that will need to be paid to the council:
All recharters received between:
December 16 and December 31 will be charged a $50 administration fee
January 1 and January 15 will be charged a $100 administration fee
January 16 and February 1 will be charged a $150 administration fee

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING (YPT)
BSA REQUIRED TRAINING
*NEW* All registered adults have to have current YPT training, if your training has lapsed, you will receive an email to complete it within 30 days or your membership will be suspended and you will not be allowed to participate in any scouting events.
Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.
New YPT Policy effective September 1, 2023
This update enhances the minimum “two deep leadership” requirements by additionally requiring every adult present on overnight activities to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. These adults must submit an adult application and registration fee, undergo a criminal background check, a volunteer screening database check and must complete mandatory Youth Protection training.
For more details on this new policy go to:
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/
How to Complete Your Youth Protection Training
Go to My.Scouting.org and create an account.
Log-in and click on the Youth Protection Training logo on the right side of the screen.
Or, select "My Training" from the "Menu" navigation in the upper left corner.
You should see options to take Youth Protection training (make sure to take the Mandatory option).
Upon completion, you will be emailed a copy of your certificate for you to print.
All new adult membership applications must be submitted with a copy the applicants YPT certificate.
If you would like to learn more go to: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx
Zoom Youth Protection Training Sessions:
October 9, 2023 Noon- 1:30pm
October 10, 2023 6:00pm—7:30pm
October 11, 2023 7:00pm—8:30pm
October 12, 2023 8:30pm—10:00pm

BE INVITING TO ADULTS
RECRUITING MORE ADULTS
Every unit could use more adult leaders. Here are some best practices for achieving this. There are also some things to avoid.
BEST PRACTICES
Identify areas where you need help: Blue & Gold Banquet, Cross-Over, Court Of Honors, Camp- outs, Pinewood Derby, Community Service projects, etc. Not all helpers need to be registered volunteers.
Identify areas which need a registered leader - for now or for the future. Do you need members of the committee, Den Leaders, or a Cubmaster/Scoutmaster?
Identify parents with interest, talents, and experience for these needs. (Use family Survey form)
Meet with them in person, invite them to be an adult leader, and provide them with an outline of what is expected. Provide them with info for training and support available.
ASK! This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you don’t ask someone to step up and help, they aren’t usually going to volunteer.
Make targeted asks. For example, if Juanita is the best candidate for Cubmaster/Scoutmaster, have the current Cubmaster/Scoutmaster and another volunteer go ask her personally. This shows the importance of the role and lets Juanita know that she is the best candidate for this position
POSITIONS UNIT NEEDS TO FILL? ADULT PROSPECTS
_______________________________________ _______________________________________
_______________________________________ _______________________________________
_______________________________________ _______________________________________
AVOID THESE RECRUITING TACTICS
Don’t make a general announcement at a meeting that the Pack/Troop needs help and, if interested, contact the Cubmaster/Scoutmaster. For instance, “So I’m stepping down as Cubmaster and we really need a replacement. If anyone is interested, please come talk to me after the meeting.”
Don’t recruit on your website, Facebook, or newsletter. You want the best candidate possible for the position in your Pack. Placing an ad opens these positions of importance to anyone, which then diminishes the perceived importance and value.

SUCCESSION PLANNING
Succession planning is an ongoing process of systematically identifying, assessing and developing talent to ensure the leadership continuity for all key positions in an organization.
For every Unit position there should be parent participation and future leadership representation.
Newest members can observe and help.
Experienced parents/leaders act as Co-Chairs and Co-Leaders.
Seasoned leadership will help continue to grow and strengthen the Unit by serving as top Leaders and Chairs.
“It’s far better to find ten people that can do the work than it is to find one that can do the work of ten.” Remember, everyone has something to contribute and may be waiting for you to ask for help. Look carefully at the future of your Unit. Is the best leadership in place now and in the future to make dreams and plans come true?
Create a culture of volunteering in your unit! When you sign up new Scouts make sure the parents understand that by signing their son up they will be expected to take a role in the troop of some kind, even if that is helping with badges and outings.
How will succession planning help your unit?
If your unit has a process of identifying and selecting leaders before there is an immediate need the unit will run smoothly and all the Scouts will benefit from a better program
You can find the right leaders because you have time to look
You can train your leaders so they have an idea of what to do before they start
Use the spreadsheet to plan for the future success of your unit. Where needed, use the step-by-step instructions on recruiting volunteers. If a Cubmaster or Scoutmaster is needed, use the BSA publications on recruiting these leaders.
And after you sign them up, be sure to to get them trained and remember the six major tasks of volunteer success!

1. Determine what volunteer positions are needed.
Assess the effectiveness of existing volunteers.
Define the responsibilities of the position and write a brief job description
List the qualities most likely to get the job done (may differ from job to job).
2. Determine the best prospects for job.
Characteristics of the open position to consider.
For example, for Unit Training Chair:
A Good listener, people person, some knowledge of Scouting, good communicator, determination to help leaders/parents succeed and have fun.
Team player, believes in ideals of Scouting, motivator, resourceful, has organizational skills, enthusiastic.
Consider many prospects for each job, and prioritize based on who has the qualities that best fit the job.
3. Research the prospects at the top of your list.
Learn what the prospect's interests, abilities and motivations are.
Tailor your approach to the prospect's interests. Anticipate questions.
Determine who is best to approach the prospect.
Develop specific information on what you want the prospect to do. Outline the job description. Be careful to not information overload, and scare the prospect away.
4. Make an appointment.
Do not recruit over the phone, and do not let the prospect say no over the phone.
Determine the best time and location. Avoid the workplace or office. Go to the prospect’s home and discuss with the spouse at the same time.
Make sure that someone the prospect respects or who has influence with the prospect goes along. Never recruit alone.
5. Make the sale.
Make introductions. Explain to the prospect what each person does in Scouting.
“Sell the sizzle.” Deliver an exciting, enthusiastic, and brief pitch on the Scouting program and youth. Don't dwell on details. Talk about the purposes of Scouting that will most interest the prospect.
Describe the job you want the prospect to do, its importance to youth and the community.
Ask for questions. Make sure the prospect understands what is expected. Be prepared to overcome objections. Listen for comments from the prospect that may help sell the job.
Know when to close the sale. Don't oversell the job. Make the job seem important, fun and worthwhile. Don't undersell the job. Make sure the prospect knows exactly what is expected and is willing to do it.
6. Ask for a commitment.
You need the person - say so. Be patient and wait for an answer.
7. Have a fallback position in mind.
Don't let the prospect off the hook. Get his/her help in recruiting others. Keep the door open for a later decision or position.
8. Follow up.
Give the new recruit materials or training DVD or link to online training appropriate for the position.
Formally acknowledge the commitment with a letter and additional materials for getting started in the new position.
Invite and take the person to the next meeting.
Within a week or two, follow up with specific orientation and an assignment. And get new volunteers signed up for position specific training offered by your District or Council.

Adopt-A-school program
The BSA Adopt-A-School® program is an exciting and comprehensive undertaking that will connect Scout Packs/Troops across the country with schools in their communities. Participating Scout Units then work, within clearly defined guidelines, to partner with school administrations and offer the volunteer services that most effectively meet their school’s needs.
With each unit offering their school a minimum one-year commitment, meaningful community relationships are built, and significant changes will happen in the schools. Units may use their service hours to count toward Journey To Excellence progress.
This program will provide a lasting bond between individual Scouts and their immediate community, between Scouting and the community, and among the Scouts themselves. When Scouts provide service to a school, they feel connected, they’re able to bond Scout pride with school pride, thereby strengthening the commitment to both.
This project establishes loyalty by building upon itself. At the end of the first year, when the Scouts have completed the four required projects, they gain a true sense of membership and accomplishment, which always enhances retention.
Although our priority remains to let your school’s specific needs determine how you serve, here are a few potential project ideas to get you started:
Grounds Beautification
Building Improvements
Giving Tree Coordination
Teacher Appreciation
Helpers During Festivals
Book Drive Coordination
Cleaning Up After Events
Green Effort Coordination
Literacy Program
Food Drive Coordination

Unit Pin Set up
Your Committee Chair or Cubmaster will need to go in to My.Scouting.org and set up your unit PIN, this is how people can find your unit on BeAScout.org.
Under “menu” click on your unit and then choose “Roster.”
On left hand side click “unit PIN.”
Update the unit’s information, include any additional info you would like new scouts to know about your unit.
It will take 24 hours to update and show up in BeAScout.org.
If you would like assistance setting up your PIN please fill out the attached fillable word document and return it to Anna.Wilson@scouting.org
Here is the fillable word document for the Council to set up your Pin: Unit PIN Info Form

Scoutbook
Units are required to utilize this “FREE” BSA tool.
Scoutbook is the BSA’s free online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail.
New Scoutbook features will make it easier to prepare for den meetings and ensure consistent program delivery. Scoutbook is streamlining content and advancement processes for den leaders, so they can focus on making Scouting come to life for Scouts. Visit Scoutbook.scouting.com to check it out.
Resources: help.scoutbook.scouting.org
For how to guides and answers to frequently asked questions go to: https://help.scoutbook.com/article-categories/scoutbook/
You’ll find more information on topics such as:
Getting Started with Scoutbook
Misc. Scoutbook Items
Scoutbook How To Guides
Scoutbook Video Helps
Cubs—New Experience for Den Leaders
And MUCH more…

Recruitment
RECRUITMENT GOAL
Achieve the goal of ______ new Scouts & families (January 1, 2023– December 31, 2023)
BEST PRACTICES IN RECRUITING
Pack Membership Coordinator ensures the Pack/Troop attends the fall Open House/Meet the Teacher Night to promote Scouting and to register new recruits.
The Pack/Troop Membership Coordinator ensures that the unit conducts a “Scout Sign-up Night” rally to recruit new members.
The Pack/Troop continues to invite new Scouts to every event throughout the year.
Pack/Troop Membership Coordinator conducts at least one summertime activity/event to promote and recruit new members (this could be at the town festival, parade, corn maze, etc.).
Leverage personal relationships to improve school access and secure “School Talks.”
Pack/Troop helps the school with a school carnival, parent night, etc.
Pack/Troop commits to the Adopt-A-School program and partners with their local school.
Secure a school directory to use to personally invite families to join Scouting.
Conduct a “Bring a Friend” campaign with your Pack/Troop
Work with your school to post your Pack/Troop calendar and recruitment opportunities on the school website, Facebook page, and other social media.
Other local best practice: _____________________________________________________
Ask all Pack/Troop families to promote Scouting, share activities, and invite others to join using social media (Facebook, etc.) and the Nextdoor app.
Best Practice for Registrations
Have new scouts register online using My.Scouting.org using your QR code
Units Key 3 can find their QR code by going to My.Scouting.org under Menu. Click on Unit then choose Invitation Manager and download your QR code.

Existing scout / With council fee	New Scout / With new scout fee and council fee	Scout Life / Magazine	Adult / With council fee	Merit Badge Counselor / Not registered in unit / With council fee	Unit annual recharter fee
$92.00/year	$117.00/year	$15.00/year	$72.00/year	$37.00/year	$100.00/year

New Annual Membership Fee Process Announced – BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members beginning August 1, 2023
Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.
It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.
Existing members’ Anniversary date will be their unit recharter month.
New members’ Anniversary date will be the month they joined.

Monthly Informational Meetings/Roundtable
(For Leaders, Parents and Registered Adults)

Gateway District / Serving the communities of: / Becker, Big Lake, Braham, Elk River, Foley, / Hillman, Isle, Milaca, Mora, Ogilvie, Onamia, Otsego, Princeton, Vineland, Wahkon and / Zimmerman / Informational Meeting: 7:00-8:30pm / First Thursday of each month / Location: Trinity Crossing / 112 6th Ave North, Princeton / Contact: Beth Richards: 763-316-8252 / Email: Elizabeth.Richards@scouting.org		North Star District / Serving the communities of: / Akeley, Bertha, Bluffton, Bowlus, Browerville, / Burtrum, Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Hewitt, Long Prairie, Menahga, Motley, Nevis, Park Rapids, Sebeka, / Staples, Swanville, Verndale and Wadena / Informational Meeting: 7:00 PM / Second Thursday of Each Month / Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church / 403 2nd St SE, Wadena / Contact: Holly Carlson: 218-330-9422 / Email: Holly.Carlson@scouting.org
Pine Tree District / Serving the communities of: / Aitkin, Backus, Baxter, Brainerd, Crosby, / Cushing, Deerwood, Emily, Fifty Lakes, / Garrison, Ironton, Little Falls, McGrath, McGregor, Merrifield, Nisswa, Outing, Pequot Lakes, Pierz, / Pillager, Pine River, Randall, Royalton and Swanville / Informational Meeting 6:30 PM / Second Tuesday of Each Month / Location: Salvation Army / Front and 5th Street, Brainerd / Contact: Barb Gosch: 218-330-0889 / Email: brdbarb@gmail.com / Or Debra Bultnick: 612-298-2592 / Email: Debra.Bultnick@scouting.org		Scenic District / Serving the communities of: / Albany, Avon, Belgrade, Brooten, Clear Lake, / Clearwater Cold Spring, Freeport, Greenwald, / Holdingford, Luxemburg, Melrose, Paynesville, Rice, Richmond, Rockville, Sartell, / Sauk Centre, Sauk Rapids, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, / St. Martin, St. Stephen, St. Wendel and Waite Park / Informational Meeting: 7:00pm / First Tuesday of each month / Location: Council Office / 1191 Scout Dr., Sartell / Contact: Kevin Hanson: 763-370-8379 / Email: Kevin.Hanson@scouting.org

Cub Scout Events
Event Location Date
2nd Show & Sell Orders Due Online September 11, 2023
Join Scouting Night TBD September 21, 2023
2nd Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Locations September 26, 2023
New Cub Scout/Lion Day Council Office September 30, 2023
Webelos Activity Weekend Parker Scout Camp October 6-8, 2023
Show & Sell Returns due Council Office October 25, 2023
Haunted Cub Prowl Parker Scout Camp October 28, 2023
Popcorn Orders Due Council Office October 30, 2023
Lion/Tiger/Wolf Event Foley November 4, 2023
Popcorn Pickup Various Pickup Locations November 16, 2023
Nanuq Parker Scout Camp January 13-14, 2024
Nanuq Parker Scout Camp January 27-28, 2024
Scout Sunday Local Church February 4, 2024
Nanuq Parker Scout Camp February 10-11, 2024
District Pinewood Derby TBD March 16, 2024
Bunny Hop Parker Scout Camp March 23, 2024
Bear/Webelos Lock-In St. Cloud YMCA April 6-7, 2024
Basic Outdoor Leader Training Parker Scout Camp May 10-11, 2024
Cub Camp #1 Parker Scout Camp June 14-16, 2024
Cub Camp #2 Parker Scout Camp June 21- 23, 2024
Cub Camp #3 Parker Scout Camp July 12-13, 2024
Popcorn Kick Off Council office & Parker July 28, 2024
1st Show & Sell Orders Due Online August 5, 2024
Family Camp Parker Scout Camp August 9-11, 2024
1st Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Location August 20, 2024
2nd Show & Sell Orders Due Online September 9, 2024
Join Scouting Night Various Locations September 19, 2024
2nd Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Locations September 24, 2024
New Cub Scout/Lion Day Council Office September 28, 2024
Webelos Activity Weekend Parker Scout Camp October 4-5, 2024
Show & Sell Returns due Council Office October 23, 2024
Haunted Cub Prowl Parker Scout Camp October 26, 2024
Popcorn Orders Due Council Office October 30, 2024
Popcorn Pickup Various Pickup Locations November 21, 2024
***All Events and locations are subject to change***
Check our website for the most updated information: www.bsacmc.org

Scouts BSA Events
Event Location Date
1st Show & Sell Orders Due Online August 7, 2023
Family Camp Parker August 11-13, 2023
Summerland Scout Night Summerland August 23, 2023
OA Fall Conclave Parker Scout Camp August 18-20, 2023
1st Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Locations August 22, 2023
Kayaking Merit Badge Day Parker Scout Camp September 9, 2023
2nd Show & Sell Orders Due Online September 11, 2023
Fall Camporee Parker Scout Camp September 15-17, 2023
Join Scouts Night TBD September 21, 2023
2nd Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Locations September 26, 2023
OA Section Conclave Cuyuna Scout Camp Sept 29-Oct 1, 2023
Skills & Trades Merit Badge Parker Scout Camp October 6-8, 2023
Show & Sell Returns due Council Office October 25, 2023
Unit Popcorn Orders Due Council Office October 30, 2023
Popcorn Pickup Various Pickup Locations November 16, 2023
OA Lodge Leadership Dev. Parker Scout Camp November 17-19, 2023
Merit Badge Clinic TBD November 18, 2023
OA 2021 Winter Banquet Council Office December 2, 2023
Alpha Lupus Parker Scout Camp January 26-28, 2024
Scout Sunday Local Churches February 4, 2024
Alpha Lupus Parker Scout Camp February 9-11, 2024
Klondike Derby Parker Scout Camp February 24, 2024
Merit Badge Weekend Parker Scout Camp March 8-10, 2024
CPR/Wilderness 1st Aid Council Office April 25-27, 2024
Council Recognition Dinner TBD April 28, 2024
Spring Camporee Parker Scout Camp April 26-28, 2024
IOLS/BALOO Parker Scout Camp May 10-11, 2024
OA Spring Conclave Parker Scout Camp May 17-19, 2024
Voyageurs Camp #1 Parker Scout Camp June 13-16, 2024
Voyageurs Camp #2 Parker Scout Camp June 20-23, 2024
Climbing Instructor Course Quarry Park June 21-23, 2024
Climbing Merit Badge Quarry Park June 23, 2024
National Youth Leader Training Parker Scout Camp July 7-13, 2024
Popcorn Kernel Kickoff Council office/Parker July 28, 2024
1st Show & Sell Orders Due Online August 5, 2024
Family Camp Parker August 9-11, 2024
OA Fall Conclave Parker Scout Camp August 16-18, 2024
1st Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Locations August 20, 2024
Kayaking Merit Badge Day Parker Scout Camp September 7, 2024
2nd Show & Sell Orders Due Online September 9, 2024
Council Camporee Parker Scout Camp September 18-20, 2024
Join Scouts Night TBD September 19, 2024
2nd Show & Sell Order Pickup Various Locations September 24, 2024
Skills & Trades Merit Badge Parker Scout Camp October 4-6, 2024
Show & Sell Returns Due Council Office October 30, 2024
Unit Popcorn Orders Due Council Office November 4, 2024
Popcorn Pickup Various Locations November 21, 2024
OA Lodge Leadership Dev Parker Scout Camp November 15-17, 2024
OA Winter Banquet Council Office December 7, 2024
***All Events and locations are subject to change***
Check our website for the most updated information: www.bsacmc.org

2023 FLYER ORDER FORM
Join Scout Night
☐PACK or ☐Troop #: _________
NUMBER OF FLYERS: _________
FLYERS NEEDED BY: _________
DATE OF EVENT: _________
STARTING TIME: ________________
SITE: (school, church, etc.) _____________________________
LOCATION: (e.g. school library) ________________________
STREET ADDRESS: __________________________________
COMMUNITY: _______________________________________
CONTACT NAME: ____________________________________
CONTACT PHONE #: _________________________________
CONTACT EMAIL: ___________________________________
WHAT FORM OF CONTACT YOU WOULD LIKE ON FLYER:
☐PHONE ☐TEXT ☐EMAIL
WHICH FLYER WOULD YOU LIKE: (CHOOSE ONE)
☐ ESCAPE THE GREAT INDOORS ☐ SCOUT BSA
☐ ADVENTURE ON
Do you want your Units QR code on your flyer ☐ Yes / ☐ No
Date Order Received By Scout Service Center: __________________________
Date/Time Flyers Will Be Picked Up by District Executive: ________________
Date/Time of Scout Talk: ____________________________________________
Notes: _________________________________________________________

1191 Scout Drive - Sartell, MN 56377
320-251-3930 local - 866-515-3930 toll-free
bsacmc.org - beascout.org

Other Income

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS – STEP-BY-STEP

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