Retention – Retention – Holding on to Holding on to

the Scouts You Havethe Scouts You Have

David MitchkoMercer Area District Commissionercommissioner@mad-bsa.org

Why is Retention Important?Why is Retention Important?

• The BSA is always looking for a growth in membership.

• Growth in membership is the result of good recruitment and retention numbers.

• A growth in membership means that more youth are benefiting from the scouting program.

• Retention is a direct indication of how well you are running your unit.

Good retention and recruitment will ensure that scouting will be around for another 100 years.

A Fun Quality Program Retains ScoutsA Fun Quality Program Retains Scouts

• Hands On Activities: picked, planned and run by the PLC

• Minimum classroom instruction

• Positive reinforcement

• Create a safe environment

• Games and competitions between patrols – skills based

• A mix of activities - not just for advancement

• A Quality Program retains more scouts – strive for excellence

In 2011, a new program will be in place to recognize units with superior performance called, “Scouting’s Journey to Excellence”

Scouts with Friends Stay LongerScouts with Friends Stay Longer

• The program should foster and encourage friendship among scouts

• Promote the Patrol Method

• Patrol meetings during Troop meetings

• SPL should know to keep friends in the same patrol

• Encourage scouts to recruit their friends

• Avoid the “domino effect”

Peer Pressure works both ways

Involve and Work With the FamiliesInvolve and Work With the Families

• Gets Parents/Stepparents/Guardians involved in the Committee, as MB Counselors and as Leaders

• Invite new parents camping, but make sure you provide them with guidance and that they are trained in Youth Protection

• Everyone should feel welcome• Involve parents in ceremonies and Courts of Honor• Continually promote the benefits of scouting to the

parents

Keep parents informed – communicate!

Younger Scouts Need to AdvanceYounger Scouts Need to Advance

• The goal is to get them to First Class in one year• Make sure they know advancement is done both at

meetings and at campouts • Prepare them for camping

– Skills instruction at meetings– Planning during patrol meeting– Scout and Parents should have list of what to pack

• Promote Summer Camp early and often

Assign an Assistant Scoutmaster to promote and keep track of younger scout advancement

Older Scouts Need Something to DoOlder Scouts Need Something to Do

• Let them lead and value their opinions, whether or not they have a position of responsibility

• Promote High Adventure and challenging activities• Every Life Scout should know what they need to do

to advance to Eagle• No “hanging out” during troop meetings• Give JASM’s a specific leadership role• Older scouts can mentor younger scout

Assign an Assistant Scoutmaster as an Advisor

Follow Up with “Missing” ScoutsFollow Up with “Missing” Scouts

• Keep and monitor attendance - if a scout keeps missing meetings and activities, contact the parents

• Find out why a scout is not participating– Offer workarounds– Stress the benefits of the scouting program– Be discrete when dealing with the issues– Suggest scout move to a different troop, if need be

• If a Scout quits, try to get real and honest feedback• Watch out for “Bubble” and “Helicopter” Parents

Use your emotional resources wisely – scouting is not for every boy