Longhorn Council Summer Recruitment Series: Week 9
Your team is trained and your fall dates are confirmed. This week you pull together the marketing assets from Longhorn Council and the welcome materials and systems that will turn interested families into registered, engaged Scouts.
Welcome to Week 9 of our 2026 Longhorn Council Summer Recruitment Planning Series. This week combines two practical priorities: using the professional marketing resources created at the council level and building the welcome packets, tracking tools, and onboarding processes that deliver a warm first impression.
What to Do This Week (July 27–August 2)
1. Request and Customize Marketing Resources from Longhorn Council
Access templates, graphics, social media ads, and other ready-to-use materials that keep branding consistent while saving your team time. Customize these resources with your unit's information to promote your upcoming recruitment events.
2. Assemble Complete Welcome Packets and a Clear "First 30 Days" Roadmap
Prepare everything new families need to feel confident after joining. Include your unit calendar, cost information, contact details, meeting locations, and any fun giveaways or promotional items tied to your upcoming events.
3. Set Up Simple Tracking and Follow-Up Systems and Test Everything
Create a shared process to log inquiries, collect contact information during events, and assign follow-up responsibilities within 48 hours. Walk through the entire process before your first recruitment event to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Tips for Success
- Longhorn Council marketing resources are designed specifically for units. Ask about co-branded options and easy QR codes that link families directly to your BeAScout pin.
- Include a short "What to Expect in the First 30 Days" guide so new families know exactly when meetings happen, what to bring, and who to contact.
- Assign specific volunteers to handle immediate follow-up. Personal contact within two days dramatically increases the likelihood that families complete registration.
- Prepare a few low-cost giveaways or activity samples that connect directly to your fall calendar and create excitement from the very beginning.
By the End of August 2, You Should Have:
✅ Council marketing materials customized and ready to use
✅ Complete welcome packets prepared for every new family
✅ A simple, reliable system for tracking prospects and following up quickly
✅ Confidence that every new family will receive a warm, organized welcome
The first few interactions after a family expresses interest often determine whether they become active members of your unit. Professional marketing materials, organized welcome resources, and prompt personal follow-up create a positive experience that helps new families feel connected and excited about beginning their Scouting adventure.
Stay tuned for Week 10 (August 3 – August 9): Build excitement through peer-to-peer promotion and early visibility efforts that encourage more families to attend your fall recruitment events.
Happy Scouting!
Building stronger units together in Longhorn Council.
