Recruiting & Retaining Youth

Objectives
Develop a successful recruiting program Elements of a Crew Open House Role of VP-Admin in recruiting youth members Tools for retaining youth

Why Recruit?

Recruiting Tools
Venturing Activity Interest Survey Publicity & Promotion Personal Contacts Marketing Visits

Activity Interest Survey

Council or district sponsored Identifies youth with Venturing-type interests in local area Crew president or COR should write a personal invitation to visit
Open House or Activity

Follow up invitation with a phone call

Publicity & Promotion

After school meeting Notice & posters in school, church, teen center, student union Radio public service announcements Newspaper articles Notices in outdoor stores Promotional spots on school TV systems

Personal Contact
Friends invite friends
Shared interests and goals Already a sense of belonging Helps overcome fear of something new

Most successful recruiting tool

Marketing & Demonstrations

Scout troops Youth groups Service clubs Scout shows Junior Leader Training Order of the Arrow events Camp staff Scout shows Youth leadership camp Eagle courts of honor University of Scouting Municipal service events

Recruiting Tips
Make visitors feel welcome & included Follow up the visit with a phone call
Or other personal contact (school, church, etc)

Include them in an activity Avoid jokes about initiation or hazing Advisor call or visit prospective members parents

Crew Open House

Exciting, enthusiastic, energetic program Primary purpose is recruit new members Also, encourage current Venturers and kick off the new program year Keys to successful Open House:
Greeting Icebreaker What is Venturing About our crew Past Programs Invitation to join Activity Registration & followup

Be InnovativeBe Bold!
Hands-on program
Pictures = 1000 words Try something related to your crew: Discover Scuba event Skeet or rifle shoot Rappel off meeting place Water sports & picnic Accident scenario

First impressions are lasting impressions

Role of VP-Admin
Primary responsibility for recruiting new members
Develops a recruiting plan Promotes the crew Follows up with members who seem to be losing interest

Usually the chair for the Open House

Recruits a committee to help plan & conduct

Conducts the Reflection afterwards

Tools for Retention

Program, program, program!!!!
Meets youths desires and needs Exciting, fun, challenging Safe, inclusive, positive

Supportive & welcoming environment

Capable youth planning, preparing, & leading crews program Caring & supportive adults
Coaches & mentors Leads to youth ownership

Jamie S. Crew 2000

Recruiting never stops and the program sells itself if you get the message out.

Summary
Recruiting is a continual process New youth members are vital to the vitality and longevity of the Crew Personal invitations are the most effective method VP-Admin is the key leader in the recruiting process Youth leadership = ownership = retention