Membership
Welcome to Minsi Trails Council’s Membership Hub to develop your units recruitment toolbox. We hope you find the resources included here useful as you reach out into your communities to bring Scouting to more youth and adult volunteers. We see this page as a place for new ideas and tools, so let the Membership Taskforce know if you have an idea or tool to share!
Recruitment Resources
Unit Pins allow new people to find your unit. It is critical to keep them updated. Key 3 Members of each unit can update them through their my.scouting account.
Online applications are an efficient way for both youth and adults to join the unit. The online application manager can be customized to include information about unit fees and procedures, allowing units to collect national registration fees and advise members of how to submit any unit dues. Members show up on your roster within one business day of final approval.
Membership growth doesn't happen by chance — it's the result of intentional preparation and planning throughout the year. To support your unit's success this fall, we’ve developed a clear roadmap to guide your recruitment efforts. You’ll also find the Council Membership Growth Plan, which outlines our strategic direction and provides insight into how we’re working together to grow Scouting across our communities.
- Plan and Prepare - Successful recruitment of new families, take a well-planned and fun program is crucial!
- Promote - Get out and spread the word about your pack and its amazing program!
- Invite - Personally begin to invite families to visit your unit’s recruitment night.
- Enroll - Sign the families up, begin the official process of becoming a Cub Scout.
- Engage - Families are excited to start their new adventure, connect them with a den!
- Deliver - It is important that all your program you plan and promote actually happen. Doing this will ensure the family continues coming back!
All of these steps help your success at School Sign-Up Nights and at your own Pack Sign-Up Events. All of these steps can be done by your Pack at any time - Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter.
Grow Your Pack, One Family at a Time
Recruitment is the lifeblood of a thriving Cub Scout pack. Whether you're hosting a joining event, launching a school-night campaign, or just spreading the word in your neighborhood, effective promotion makes all the difference. This guide will help your pack build awareness, generate interest, and welcome new families into the adventure of Scouting.
- Why Promotion Matters - The connection between visibility and membership growth.
- Know Your Audience - Tailoring your message to reach parents, schools, and the community.
- Marketing Tools That Work - Flyers, yard signs, social media, peer-to-peer invites, and more.
- Event Planning Tips - Hosting fun, welcoming recruitment events that leave a great first impression.
- School and Community Outreach - Building partnerships with schools, libraries, houses of worship, and civic groups.
- Success Stories & Templates - Real-world examples and downloadable resources to get you started.
With a little creativity, consistency, and teamwork, your pack can build strong recruitment momentum and create lasting memories for new families.
Dynamic recruitment is an ongoing, flexible approach that keeps your pack visible and welcoming throughout the entire year—not just in the fall. By making recruitment a continuous effort, your pack stays top of mind in your community and ready to welcome families when they are ready to join.
Benefits of Dynamic Recruitment
- Steady Growth - Gain new members throughout the year instead of one seasonal spike.
- Increased Visibility - Stay active in your community with ongoing outreach and fun events.
- Stronger Retention - Families who join at the right time for them are more likely to stay engaged.
- Improved Program Delivery - More youth means more energy, more parent involvement, and better activities.
- Adaptability - Tailor efforts to your local calendar—school events, parades, festivals, and more.
Sample Time Frame
| Timeframe | Activity | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| May–June | Attend Council Membership Kickoff Build a recruitment team | Prepare your pack for year-round outreach |
| July–August | Community parades, fairs, and summer events | Create visibility and gather leads |
| September | Fall Join Night, Back-to-School Open House | Main recruitment push |
| October | Invite-a-Friend activities | Keep momentum going |
| November–January | Holiday service projects and pack open events | Show your pack's spirit year-round |
| February–March | School outreach, "spring into Scouting" events | Capture late joiners and transfers |
| April | Promote summer camp and preview activities | Get families excited about the future |
Parent Engagement
Effective Strategies for Growing Your Troop
Targeting Grades 5–7: The Entry Window
Middle schoolers (especially grades 5–7) are primed for adventure and leadership. Focus recruitment efforts on this age group with dynamic messaging and clear calls to action.
Success Tips
- Host engaging open houses or info nights
- Use Scout-led storytelling on social media
- Emphasize outdoor adventure, leadership, and fun
Peer-to-Peer Recruitment: Scouts Bring Scouts
Scouts are your best ambassadors. When they share their experiences with friends, it creates genuine interest.
Success Tips
- Plan “Bring a Friend” events with hands-on activities
- Offer recognition for successful recruiters (patches, awards, etc.)
- Incorporate peer recruitment into youth leadership goals
Community Visibility & Events
Being present in the community helps families see what Scouting is all about. Public service and local events are powerful recruitment platforms.
Success Tips
- Set up booths at town fairs, parades, or school events
- Lead highly visible service projects
- Use signage, QR codes, and giveaways to leave an impression
AOL to Scout Transition: Lock In the Pipeline
A smooth transition from Webelos (Arrow of Light) to Scouts BSA keeps Cub Scouts engaged and excited to continue their journey.
Success Tips
- Start joint activities in the fall with nearby packs
- Host a special crossover event or troop campout
- Pair AOLs with troop guides or youth mentors early
Final Thought
Recruitment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about sharing opportunity. When we focus on these four key successes, we strengthen our troop and grow the Scouting movement. For help planning your next recruitment effort, reach out to your District Membership Chair or Unit Commissioner.
Ready for the Next Adventure?
The transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA marks an exciting new chapter for Arrow of Light (AOL) Scouts. Here's what you need to know:
Who Can Join Scouts BSA?
AOL Scouts can join a Scouts BSA troop once they:
- Are at least 10 years old and have completed the Arrow of Light rank, or
- Are 11 years old, or
- Have completed the fifth grade.
Why Transition?
Scouts BSA offers:
- Greater outdoor adventure (camping, hiking, high adventure)
- Youth-led troop experiences
- Merit badges and leadership development
- A path to Eagle Scout
How to Join a Troop
- Visit local troops to find the right fit for your Scout.
- Attend a troop meeting or activity.
- Submit a youth application to the new troop.
Helpful Tips
- Start visiting troops in the fall or winter to transition smoothly by spring.
- Have a Scout spirit patching ceremony to celebrate the move.
- Encourage friends to transition together!
Need Help?
Reach out to your District Executive or District Director for support with troop connections and paperwork.
Grow Your Troop, One Scout at a Time
Recruitment is key to a strong, thriving Scouts BSA troop. Here are some tips to help your Scouts lead the way in inviting others to join the adventure.
Key Strategies
- Scout-Led Promotion – Peer invites, videos, and social media
- Open House Tips – Fun, hands-on events run by Scouts
- School & Community Outreach – Build local partnerships
- Downloadable Resources – Flyers, checklists, templates & more
Empower your youth. Engage your community. Grow your troop—one Scout at a time.
Explore Your Future—One Career at a Time
Exploring is a hands-on program for young men and women ages 14–20 who want to gain real-world experience in a career field of their choice. Through partnerships with businesses, public agencies, and professionals, Exploring connects youth with mentors who provide valuable insight, training, and leadership development.
Whether you're interested in public service, STEM, healthcare, or skilled trades, Exploring offers a unique opportunity to try out careers before committing to college or training programs.
Career Fields Offered Through Exploring
The Exploring program supports posts across a wide variety of industries and professions, including:
- Arts and Humanities – journalism, photography, graphic design, and communications
- Aviation – piloting, aircraft maintenance, and airport operations
- Business – management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance
- Communications – public relations, media, and broadcasting
- Engineering and Technology – mechanical, electrical, civil, software, and robotics
- Fire and Emergency Services – fire science, emergency response, and rescue
- Health Care – nursing, medicine, veterinary care, and mental health services
- Law and Government – legal practice, courts, and public administration
- Law Enforcement – patrol, forensics, investigations, and public safety
- Science – environmental science, laboratory research, and life sciences
- Skilled Trades – construction, automotive, HVAC, plumbing, and welding
- Social Services – youth services, counseling, and nonprofit work
Exploring Posts in Our Council
We currently offer the following local Exploring opportunities:
- Law Enforcement Post
- Fire and EMS Post
- Engineering Posts
Each post provides hands-on experiences and direct mentorship from professionals actively working in the field. Resources and additional information for each post can be found under the corresponding tab.
Get Involved
If you're interested in joining one of our current Exploring posts—or if you're a professional or organization interested in starting a new post—we’d love to hear from you.
Contact
Vincent Polakowski District Director, Minsi Trails Council
Vincent.Polakowski@scouting.org
(908) 463-4097
Serve with Integrity. Explore a Career in Law Enforcement.
Law Enforcement Exploring provides young men and women ages 14–20 with hands-on insight into careers in criminal justice, public safety, and law enforcement. This nationally recognized program is designed for youth who are interested in becoming police officers, detectives, federal agents, or pursuing other roles in the field of law enforcement.
Through mentorship from experienced officers and structured training, Explorers gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to protect and serve—while building leadership, discipline, and confidence.
What Police Exploring Offers
Participants in a Law Enforcement Exploring Post typically engage in:
- Instruction in criminal law, traffic enforcement, and first response procedures
- Scenario-based training in arrest and control, de-escalation, and patrol tactics
- Ride-alongs with law enforcement officers (age and training permitting)
- Participation in police department tours, demonstrations, and community service
- Exposure to forensic science, investigations, and courtroom procedures
- Leadership development and team-based competitions
Current Law Enforcement Post
Bethlehem Police Department
The Bethlehem Police Department sponsors the Minsi Trails Council’s Law Enforcement Exploring Post, offering students a firsthand look into modern police work in a diverse and active community. Explorers work alongside experienced officers to learn about patrol operations, emergency response, and community policing.
This post provides a strong foundation for youth considering careers in municipal law enforcement, federal agencies, corrections, or criminal justice.
Answer the Call. Train Like a First Responder.
Fire & Emergency Services Exploring offers young men and women ages 14–20 the opportunity to explore careers in fire protection, emergency medical services, and rescue operations. Through hands-on experiences and direct mentorship from local first responders, participants learn the skills, discipline, and teamwork it takes to serve and protect their communities.
This program is ideal for students interested in public safety, firefighting, EMT services, or emergency management—and provides real-world exposure in a safe, structured environment.
What Fire Exploring Offers
Participants in a Fire Exploring Post will typically:
- Learn about fire behavior, suppression techniques, and rescue tools
- Train in first aid, CPR, and basic emergency response skills
- Participate in physical fitness drills and fire ground simulations
- Tour fire stations, apparatus, and equipment
- Gain insight into career and volunteer pathways in fire and EMS services
Current Fire Exploring Post
Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company
Located in Moore Township, the Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company hosts the Minsi Trails Council’s Fire Exploring Post. Under the guidance of experienced fire service personnel, Explorers are introduced to the fundamental skills and responsibilities of firefighters and first responders. The post offers structured training, practical experience, and the opportunity to serve the community through public safety education and support. This post is ideal for youth considering a future in fire science, emergency medical services, or other public safety careers.
Innovate. Design. Build the Future.
Engineering Exploring is a hands-on career exploration program for high school students interested in learning more about the many disciplines within engineering. Through real-world experiences and mentorship from professional engineers, students develop a deeper understanding of the engineering process, career paths, and the impact engineers have on our everyday lives.
Engineering Explorers participate in activities that may include:
- Facility tours and product demonstrations
- Hands-on technical projects
- Mentorship sessions with professional engineers
- Exposure to various disciplines: mechanical, electrical, civil, software, and more
- Learning about internships, education pathways, and career planning
Current Engineering Posts
Minsi Trails Council currently partners with three respected industry leaders to offer Engineering Exploring Posts:
Lutron Electronics
A leader in lighting control systems and smart building technologies. Explorers at Lutron learn about product design, systems integration, and manufacturing innovation.
Air Products Inc.
A global industrial gases company specializing in hydrogen production, clean energy technologies, and process systems. Air Products offers insight into chemical, mechanical, and process engineering.
Victaulic Inc.
A global manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining and flow control solutions. The Victaulic post introduces Explorers to design, product development, and advanced manufacturing.
Each post provides a unique look at the world of engineering from different industry perspectives, giving youth the opportunity to explore both common and specialized engineering careers.