Longhorn Council Summer Recruitment Series: Week 8
Your volunteer team is growing and your fall dates are locked. Now is the time to make sure everyone feels confident and prepared for the exact activities you have planned.
Welcome to Week 8 of our 2026 Longhorn Council Summer Recruitment Planning Series. This week focuses on practical, hands-on training tailored to the Join Nights, open houses, and follow-up processes tied to your confirmed calendar.
What to Do This Week (July 20–July 26)
1. Hold a Focused Training Session for New and Returning Volunteers
Bring your entire recruitment team together to practice greeting families, answering common questions, running activity stations, and collecting contact information efficiently. Even experienced volunteers benefit from reviewing expectations before recruitment season begins.
2. Rehearse the Flow of Your Scheduled Recruitment Events
Walk through the setup, timeline, and volunteer responsibilities for each confirmed Join Night or open house. Reviewing the sequence of events ahead of time helps eliminate confusion and creates a welcoming, organized experience for every family.
3. Take Advantage of Longhorn Council and District Training Resources
Participate in council or district recruitment trainings, role-play sessions, and planning resources designed to help units deliver successful fall recruitment events. Use these tools to strengthen your team's confidence and consistency.
Tips for Success
- Use a dual-zone format with hands-on activities for youth while parents receive a short, engaging overview of your Scouting program.
- Role-play real situations your team may encounter, including collecting applications and answering frequently asked questions from parents.
- Keep presentations brief and focus on the adventure, friendships, leadership, and fun that families can expect from Scouting.
- Review Longhorn Council recruitment tools, follow-up resources, and attendance-building strategies that support your scheduled events.
By the End of July 26, You Should Have:
✅ A fully trained volunteer team prepared for your scheduled recruitment events
✅ Volunteers confident in their individual roles and responsibilities
✅ Event logistics and timelines rehearsed for a smooth family experience
✅ Greater confidence that your team is ready to welcome new Scouting families
Great recruitment events do not happen by accident. They are the result of volunteers who know what to expect, understand their responsibilities, and work together as a team. Investing time this week to train and prepare your volunteers will help create a positive first impression that encourages new families to join and stay engaged throughout the Scouting year.
Stay tuned for Week 9 (July 27 – August 2): Access Longhorn Council marketing resources and prepare the welcome materials and onboarding systems that make every new family feel at home from day one.
Happy Scouting!
Building stronger units together in Longhorn Council.
