Scouting Is Better With Friends!

Last week at Arizona Scout Leader Night, we had the opportunity to dive into one of the simplest and most powerful ways to grow Scouting: peer-to-peer recruitment and bringing a friend. Our Scouts, and don't forget their parents, are often our very best recruiters because they can simply say, “Come do this with me!” When we create a culture where inviting friends is a normal part of being a Scout, recruitment becomes less about asking families to join and more about sharing an experience that Scouts, parents, and families already love.

During the training, we talked about how Packs can build that culture by regularly encouraging Scouts to think about who they could invite and celebrating them when they do. We also explored how to create an effective Bring-a-Friend event, one that is planned at least two weeks in advance and, most importantly, is built around an activity where having a buddy makes the experience even better. From hands-on building to buddy Olympics the goal is to give Scouts a great reason to invite someone and give that friend an exciting first experience with Scouting. Watch the full training below to hear more ideas and examples you can put to work in your Pack.

Now it's time to put it into action! Make bringing a friend part of your Pack culture. Look at your upcoming calendar and identify an activity that could become a Bring-a-Friend event. Plan it intentionally for your entire Pack or even as a Den, tell your Scouts that they need a buddy for the activity, and give them plenty of time to invite their friends. And when they do, recognize them! Let Scouts introduce their friends, celebrate those who invite others, and don't forget about the FREE Recruiter Strip available through the Scout Shop when a Scout brings a friend who joins Scouting. Let's make it normal for Scouts to say, “You should come to Scouts with me!”