Peer-to-Peer & Parent-to-Parent Promotion
The Most Effective Recruitment Tool: A Personal Invitation
The most successful recruiting tool isn’t a flyer, social media post, or advertisement; it’s a personal invitation.
When Scouts invite their friends, parents share their positive experiences with other families, and leaders personally welcome prospective members, families are much more likely to join. People trust recommendations from people they know. Whether it’s Youth to Youth, Parent to Parent, or Family to Family, personal connections help grow Scouting.
Personal Follow-Up
After meeting a prospective family at a school event, community activity, or sign-up night, don’t let the conversation end there. A personal phone call, text, or email inviting them to an upcoming den meeting, pack activity, or family event makes a lasting impression.
Assigning a welcoming parent or New Member Coordinator to reach out can make new families feel comfortable and valued before they ever attend their first meeting.
Make the Call
While texting is often the easiest way to communicate, a friendly phone call can still be incredibly effective. Encourage parents to reach out to other families they know from school, sports, church, or neighborhood activities and share why Scouting has been a positive experience for their family.
Send a Personal Note
A handwritten note or postcard stands out in today’s digital world. A simple invitation to an upcoming activity or open house can be a memorable way to welcome a new family.
Every Scout Can Help Grow Scouting
Every member of your unit is a recruiter. A friendly invitation, a shared experience, or a simple conversation can make all the difference in helping another family discover the adventure, friendships, leadership, and fun that Scouting offers.
The strongest invitation is still the simplest:
“Come to Scouts with me!”
Empower Scouts to Invite Friends
Scouts are some of the best recruiters.
Provide simple invitation cards, bookmarks, stickers, or QR codes that link directly to your unit’s BeAScout page or information page. Encourage Scouts to hand them to classmates, teammates, neighbors, and friends.
The Blue Mountain Council has recruitment materials available for your unit.
Recognize Recruiting Efforts
Celebrate Scouts who invite new friends to Scouting.
The Recruiter Strip is an excellent way to recognize Scouts who successfully recruit a new member. Packs can also create fun challenges or friendly competitions with small prizes or special recognition to encourage participation.
Turn Activities into "Bring a Friend" Events
Many regular pack or den activities can become outstanding recruiting opportunities by simply encouraging Scouts to bring a friend.
Consider hosting events such as:
- Bring-a-Friend Campfire
- Buddy Bike Ride
- Fishing Day
- Rocket Launch
- Hiking Adventure
- STEM Night
- Pinewood Derby Build Day
These activities introduce families to Scouting in a fun, relaxed environment.
Promote Scouting in Your Neighborhood
Simple, creative promotions can spark conversations and generate interest.
Ideas include:
- Sidewalk chalk messages inviting families to learn more about Scouting.
- Painted kindness rocks with a Scouting message or QR code (where appropriate).
- Yard signs during recruitment season.
- Flyers or invitations shared with neighbors, classmates, and community groups.
Always follow local school, park, and community guidelines when distributing materials or displaying promotional items.
Make recruiting as easy as possible by providing your families with ready-to-use promotional materials. The Blue Mountain Council has created customizable Canva templates that units can personalize with their own meeting information, contact details, and QR codes.
Available templates include:
- Peer-to-Peer Cards – Small invitation cards Scouts can hand to friends at school, sports, church, or other activities.
- Bookmarks – Great for schools, libraries, and reading programs.
- Flyers – Customizable flyers for schools, community bulletin boards, businesses, and events.
- Social Media Graphics – Ready-made graphics for Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
- Event Posters – Promote Join Scouting Nights, open houses, and “Bring a Friend” events.
These templates are designed to help every unit create professional-looking recruitment materials without needing graphic design experience.