Membership Growth
Fall 2026 Recruitment
Welcoming new families into Scouting is one of the most impactful ways we can strengthen the Scouting movement throughout the Occoneechee Council. Our units work year-round to grow and thrive, but the biggest opportunity to invite youth into the adventure of Scouting happens during our annual Fall Round-Up campaign—our council’s largest and most important effort to recruit new Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members.
2026 Focus: New Member Coordinators
Strong units are built by both reaching out to new families and helping them feel excited, included, and connected. That’s where the New Member Coordinator plays a vital role—ensuring that every new family receives a warm welcome and has a clear path into the fun, friendships, and growth that Scouting offers. Their leadership helps ensure that the energy of Fall Round-Up turns into lasting engagement all year long.
Why Recruit in the Fall?
Fall is the perfect time to welcome new families into Scouting — school is back in session, routines are settling in, and the adventure of a brand-new program year is just beginning.
This year, our Council’s recruitment initiative is focused on reaching 2,000 new families by meeting them where they are and inviting youth from every background to experience America’s most trusted and rewarding youth development program.
Our campaign timeline:
- Recruiting elementary students from Aug. 15 to Sept. 30.
- Recruiting middle schoolers from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Help New Scouts Join the Adventure – Check Your Applications!
Interest in Scouting is growing fast thanks to your local efforts and marketing from the Council and National. Families are visiting BeAScout.org and submitting applications to join your unit. That’s great news!
But here’s the catch: these families have already paid to join, but their youth won’t officially become Scouts until you accept their applications in my.scouting. If no action is taken within 60 days, their payment is automatically refunded and we lose the opportunity to welcome a new Scout.
Please make it a priority to check your unit’s pending acceptance applications regularly. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in growing your unit and delivering the Scouting experience to more families.
Thank you for everything you do to support Scouting!
Questions about accepting applications? Email membership@ocscouts.org.
Cub Scout Recruitment +
Support Resources
Planning Materials
2. Cub Scout Recruitment Guide for Pack Leaders
3. Slides from Aug. 2 recruiting training for Occoneechee Council leaders
Things for Kids
1. Flyer, wristbands and more: Request recruiting materials
2. Fun materials for Cub Scouts (excellent for keeping kids busy at events while leaders talk to parents):
Recruiting Materials
Unit Support + Best Practices
New Den Leader Guides + Support
Volunteer Training Slides – Cubs
See slides from the Aug. 2, 2025 volunteer recruitment training event. All the resources we shared with leaders that day are linked on this page, as well.
Scouting America Brand Center
Get new branded campaign assets to support your recruiting, build a strong unit website and enhance your social media presence: Logos, images, photography and more.
Recruit Spanish Speaking Families
Get materials that have been approved by Hispanic Emphasis District Executive Laura RomoMarin for recruiting Spanish-speaking families. You can also get Laura’s contact info to collaborate on recruitment efforts.
Scouts BSA, Venturing Recruitment + Support Resources
Recruiting Resources
Talk to Us
Need to ask a question or suggest something for our recruitment campaign? Email us.
Have questions or suggestions for content on this page? Email marketing@ocscouts.org.
Words of Wisdom
The most worth-while thing is to try to
put happiness into the lives of others.
