Recruiting Latter-day Saint Families to Your Troop or Pack

We see the value in Scouting, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Scouting can work side-by-side with the Church’s “Children and Youth Program” to develop the rising generation.

If we want more Latter-day Saint youth in our pack/troop/crew/ship, we have to go find them ourselves – one family, one conversation, one relationship at a time.

That sounds hard. But here’s the thing: you actually have an advantage most Scout recruiters don’t.

You speak their language.

So here’s what’s working for Latter-day Saint Scouters who are actively growing their units with Latter-day Saint families:

1) Start with people you already know.

Your ward is the best place to begin – not with announcements, but with personal conversations. A text to a parent you know. An invite to come see what your troop or pack actually does. People don’t respond to flyers. They respond to people they trust.

2) Lead with outcomes, not the program.

Latter-day Saint parents aren’t looking for Scouting. They’re looking for what Scouting PRODUCES. Talk about what you’ve watched kids become, not merit badges, ranks, and campouts. “My son learned to lead people he didn’t choose” lands differently than “we go camping every month.” Even though the outdoors is also a good place to start ; )

3) Invite them to something first.

Don’t ask a family to commit to Scouting. Ask them to come to a Court of Honor, a campout, or a service project. Let them SEE it before they have to decide anything. The program sells itself when people actually see it.

4) Be honest about how it fits with the Church.

Many Latter-day Saint parents worry that Scouting competes with the Church’s youth program. Address it directly. Scouting doesn’t replace the youth program. It gives it legs. Scouting is a way to actually complete the Children and Youth Program. Show them how it connects.

5) Ask for a referral.

The best lead you’ll ever get is a name from someone who already believes in what you’re doing. “Who else do you know with a kid this age who might be interested?” That one question can open doors faster than any flyer ever will.

You’re not recruiting for a program. You’re inviting families into something that’s going to change their kids.

That’s a very different conversation.