As the new school year approaches, the Alamo Area Council is excited to announce our comprehensive marketing plan to support fall recruitment efforts. This season, we’re rolling out TV and social media ads to bolster your grassroots campaigns and help bring new families into the Scouting community.
1. Update Your BeAScout Pin and Information
Your BeAScout pin acts as your storefront. Ensure it’s current and provides clear, direct information that anyone can understand. Highlight how your Chartered Organization supports both Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops. For example:
“Scouting is a family activity, and our Pack is great for families with kids in elementary school, middle, and high school because our Troop meets the same night at the same place. Bring the entire family and discover the adventure together!”
Avoid Scouting jargon. Instead of terms like “scout-led” or “rank,” use universally understood concepts like “leadership building activities” and “awards and recognition for achievements.” Double-check that your contact information is accurate and respond promptly to inquiries. Quick replies can make a significant difference in keeping potential members interested. Instructions for updating your pin can be downloaded here.
2. Share Contact Information with the Council Office
After your recruiting events, send your contact information sheets to the council Membership Team at Growth@AlamoAreaBSA.org. We have tools to maintain contact with these individuals and support their journey into Scouting, making membership as seamless as possible.
3. Participate in Our Grassroots Media Campaign
Peer-to-peer recruitment is incredibly powerful. Share your positive Scouting experiences with your friends and invite them to see the benefits for their children. Even if they live out of the area, every kid deserves the chance to join Scouting. We have created a toolkit to help you spread the word to your circle. Download your copy here. You can also share the TV advertisement from our YouTube Channel.
4. Attend a Unit Growth Workshop
Stay informed about the latest recruitment and retention strategies by attending a Unit Growth Workshop and Fall Membership Kickoff. These workshops provide valuable insights and practical tips to help your unit grow.
New Membership Incentives
$48 Promotion
If you haven’t already heard about the $48 promotion, read this article for details. Our commercial ads will reference this limited offer in August, so be prepared! Because this is a limited offer, our commercials will change once the offer is exhausted.
Cub Scout Promotion
From August 1 to October 31, 2024, every new Cub Scout who registers online will receive a Welcome Kit. This kit includes a sticker for a water bottle, a Scout Life Mini Magazine, and a Peer-to-Peer Recruiting card. This card provides details on how to recruit a friend into Cub Scouts and earn a FREE Recruiter Strip Emblem at the Mussleman Scout Shop. TV commercials promoting this offer will run through the end of September, and social media advertising will continue through October to maximize this opportunity.
Recruiter Incentives
From August 1 to October 31, 2024, any Scout who recruits a friend into the Scouting program can earn a Recruiter Strip. Complete the information on the backside of the Peer-to-Peer Recruiting card and take it to the Musselman Scout Shop for immediate redemption.
Let’s work together to make this fall recruitment season the best one yet. Ready, set, recruit!
