For years, one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced in growing Scouting across Arizona has been a simple one: families can’t join a program they never hear about. 

That’s why the recent school access legislation passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed by the Governor has the potential to be a true game changer for Scouting in our state. 

A new door is opening. 

And now, we must be ready to walk through it. 

This new law gives us a significantly better opportunity to share the Scouting story directly with families through our schools—something that has become increasingly difficult over time. In other councils where I’ve served, I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when Scouting regains meaningful access to schools: the number of new Scouts showing up can easily double or even triple. 

That is not a small opportunity. That is a moment. 

And here in Arizona, it may be one of the most important opportunities we’ve had in years to change the trajectory of Scouting for the better. 

Our team at Grand Canyon Council is already putting a great deal of thought and effort into planning for the fall recruiting season. We are reviewing schools across our territory—especially those near existing packs and troops—to determine where we have the best opportunities and what approach makes the most sense. In some places, the best path may be a professional staff member making the introduction. In others, the best opportunity may be a volunteer who already has a trusted relationship with a principal or other key school leader. 

In short: we are not just celebrating the law. We are preparing to execute. 

And that brings me to the most important point of all. 

This opportunity will only matter if our units are ready. 

Every parent who walks into an open house, recruiting event, or Join Scouting Night is there for one reason: they want their child to join. We should never forget that. These are not casual visitors. They are families raising their hand and saying, “We’re interested. Tell us how to get started.” 

That means our packs and troops need to be preparing now. 

As unit leaders look ahead to the next program year, this is the time to ensure key leadership roles are lined up, calendars are taking shape, and families can be given a clear, confident first impression. New parents should leave with a simple welcome packet that tells them what they need to know: when and where the unit meets, who the key contacts are, how to reach them, and what the next several months of activity look like. Ideally, a unit’s calendar is already built out for at least the next 3–6 months—and even better if it is set for the full year. 

We are also exploring ways to make the joining process easier and more exciting for families. By providing activity books for new Scouts and orientation guides for parents, we help them quickly engage and begin to envision the adventures ahead. We are also working to streamline and accelerate the process of obtaining handbooks and uniforms. Every new Scout and family brings energy, excitement, and momentum to a unit. Capturing that momentum early makes a lasting difference. 

We’re even discussing a joining incentive—possibly a special patch tied to the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. And because recruiting is a team effort, we’re also exploring a recruiter version so our current Scouts can earn recognition for helping bring friends into the movement. 

Much is still being finalized. There are details yet to determine, and there is real execution risk if we are not aligned and prepared. 

But make no mistake: Grand Canyon Council is working hard to inject a tremendous amount of energy, thought, and resources into this fall recruiting effort because we believe this could be a defining moment—not only for membership growth, but for the long-term strength of Scouting in Arizona. 

If we do this well, we won’t just recruit more youth. 

We will serve more families. Strengthen more units. Build more leaders. And create more life-changing Scouting experiences for young people across our state. 

A new door is opening. 

Let’s be ready to walk through it together. 

As part of that effort, we’ll be sharing an overview of our strategy for leveraging this new legislation during Arizona Scout Leaders’ Night on Thursday, May 7. If you’d like to learn more and hear how we’re thinking about the fall ahead, I encourage you to join us. Details are available on the council calendar. 

I encourage every unit to have one, or ideally multiple; representatives attend one of our Recruitment Roadshows being held across the council this May and June. These in-person events will provide unit leaders with best practices, new ideas, and key resources to prepare for the upcoming Fall Recruitment season, including how we will leverage this new legislation to support your unit. 

Andy Price

Scout Executive & CEO, Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council