Longhorn Council Summer Recruitment Series: Week 2
You've made a strong start in Week 1 by forming your recruitment team and setting clear goals. Now it's time to turn your focus inward. Week 2 emphasizes strengthening what you already have by auditing your current membership, improving retention, and preparing for smooth Arrow of Light transitions.
Welcome to Week 2 of the 2026 Longhorn Council Summer Recruitment Planning Series. The strongest units don't focus solely on attracting new Scouts—they also work intentionally to keep the families they have and ensure seamless advancement from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. A thoughtful review this week will prevent future surprises and position your unit for sustainable growth.
What to Do This Week (June 8–14)
1. Audit Your Current Roster
Pull the latest membership report from Scoutbook or My.Scouting.org. Carefully examine:
- Active youth and adult members by den or patrol
- Dues status, registration renewals, and any lapsed members
- Attendance patterns over the past 6–12 months
- Youth-to-adult ratios and den balance
This clear picture will show how your unit measures up against the goals you set in Week 1.
2. Identify Leadership Gaps
Review your current leadership structure and note any shortfalls:
- Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders for every den
- Key committee roles (Treasurer, Advancement Chair, Secretary, etc.)
- Trained versus untrained leaders
- Potential vacancies due to moves, job changes, or parents stepping down
Create a simple "Leadership Needs" list so you can begin recruiting volunteers well before the fall rush.
3. Re-Engage Families Who Have Left
Identify any families that dropped from your unit in the past 12 months. Reach out personally through a phone call, friendly text, or handwritten note. Ask genuine questions about their experience and what might bring them back. Many families return once they feel truly heard.
4. Coordinate Crossover Plans with Linked Units
Connect early with your partner packs or troops:
- Packs: Schedule Arrow of Light crossover ceremonies, bridging events, and joint activities with feeder troops.
- Troops: Work with your linked packs to welcome incoming Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts.
Set tentative dates and begin planning shared experiences while summer schedules are still flexible.
Tips for Success
- Send a quick personal message or email to every current family highlighting an upcoming summer activity. A simple note about a bike ride, fishing trip, or family outing can rebuild excitement.
- Use feedback from current families in your future recruiting materials by asking what first drew them to Scouting and what they value most.
- Prepare a clean, one-page "Unit At-a-Glance" sheet with meeting times, costs, and key highlights. This becomes an invaluable tool when speaking with prospective families.
- Focus on building relationships before the bridging ceremony through joint troop visits or campouts.
By the End of June 14, You Should Have:
✅ A thorough membership audit
✅ A prioritized list of leadership needs
✅ A personalized plan to welcome back former families
✅ Clear next steps for strong, well-coordinated crossovers
This internal work is just as important as bringing in new members. A healthy unit retains families and creates natural momentum for growth.
Stay tuned for Week 3 (June 15–21): Developing Your Annual Program Calendar.
Happy Scouting! Building stronger units together in Longhorn Council.
