Getting the word out—an opportunity for every Scouter during Round-Up

Telling the story of Scouting is vital year-round, but is especially important right now as new youth are invited to join Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing during Fall Round-Up, Scouting’s largest annual recruiting drive. Your role is critical to the success of our campaign, and this issue of Scout’s Honor includes excellent information on how to effectively recruit and promote.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary year for Cub Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America has announced a unique marketing partnership designed to grow membership. Through its Chevrolet Division, General Motors has signed on as a national sponsor of Cub Scouting, with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon serving as honorary chairman of Race to Cub Scouting—It’s Fun at Every Turn.

Jeff is being featured in public service announcements across the country, and is allowing the use of his image in posters, fliers and print ads. The Greater Pittsburgh Council is seeking airtime from local TV and radio stations to support the national campaign.

In addition, GM engineers are building the world’s largest Pinewood Derby car for display nationwide, including the National Scout Jamboree and Walt Disney World.

Why it’s important

Parents of young boys have many choices in after-school activities. Boys want to have fun, and parents want them to learn positive values and skills that will last a lifetime. For boys entering first through fifth grade, Cub Scouting may be exactly what they’re looking for.

Generations of American men have participated in and benefited from Cub Scouting, and has enabled us to make Cub Scouting one of the most exciting and rewarding programs available to families. Parents can be assured that Cub Scouting involves a variety of activities, encourages respectful relationships, teaches lifelong values and helps to strengthen the bonds of families.

Below are six simple promotion ideas to help you deliver the message about Scouting in your community: 

• Place yard signs in strategic locations, such as intersections, bus stops and lawns ofcurrent Scouts.

• Tack flyers and posters on bulletin boards in schools, churches, recreation facilities, day care centers, grocery stores, malls, libraries and pediatrician offices.

• Ask schools to include information in their emails and mailings to students’ families. Automated email messages can be modified for each grade.

• Promote your Round-Up Night with all local chartered organizations, including churches, schools, service clubs and youth groups.

• Set up a model campsite in a high-traffic location to show that Cub Scouts go camping. Good locations include malls, superstores, rec centers, schools and churches.

• Set up a Pinewood Derby track at an above location to attract even more attention.

The Greater Pittsburgh Council will be updating local reporters about our membership recruitment, and also encourage you to send news releases to your hometown newspaper, announcing sign-up events in your community. Contact Bob De Witt for an easy-to-customize news release template. Together, we can share the wonderful story of Scouting.