1. 2013 FALL RECRUITING & THE SQUAD SYSTEM Lake Minnetonka District Boy Scouts of America

2. Squads??  Squads are groups of Packs and Troops in a similar geographic area, focused on the same goal—to grow the scouting program.  Squads utilize the strengths of the individual units to achieve common goals as a group.

3. EQUALITY BETWEEN PROGRAMS

4. Squad Numbers  1-P537, P538, P539,T537, T538, T539  2-P206,P283,P388,P481, T206, T283,T481, T570  3-P409,P426,427,428,P429,T340,T409,T424, T426,T430  4-P303,P330,P422, T174,T303,T330  5-P285,P297,P327,P372,T209,T327,T569,T571, T586  6-P477,P577,T477,T567  7-P301,P337,P391,P589,T337,T589

5. The Goal  Squads are used to develop deeper, more effective relationships between Troops and Packs. These relationships will strengthen the scouting brand and presence in the squads area and the overall District. They will also grow membership in the program, streamline events, and allow for stronger units.

6. The Event  Squads will be responsible for developing a joint recruiting event. This event will actively recruit new Cub and Boy Scouts. This event will be a “one stop shop” for all things scouting. Families will learn about the programs, register, purchase uniforms, and be ready for their first unit meeting.

7. Event Details  One location many units  Shared marketing of event at all levels  Explain each program, separately  Each unit registers new scouts at event  Units do not compete but compliment  Mobile Scout shop at each event

8. Event Time Line  April-Meet with units, discuss the plan  May-Units provide leadership info and event details  June-Develop marketing plan, and begin implementation of plan  July-Complete implementation of marketing plan, ensure squads are ready for event  August- Secure items for event make sure team is prepared to deliver event. Attend school open houses.  September-Run event between 9/4 and 9/27

9. Unit Tasks Determine who from the unit will be on the squad team-at least 2, no more than 4 Lion Cub Program is now mandatory for all Packs Determine Unit info for flyer/mailer Create a list of all schools unit currently recruits from, give list to District

10. Unit Tasks Cont.  Inform District of all school open houses, attend these open houses  Hold unit meeting within 2 weeks of event to ensure new families connect  Hold new parent orientation meeting within 2 weeks of event.

11. Squad Tasks  Develop core leadership team from all members of squad, select one key point person to report progress to District  Set Date for Event, determine location, marketing plan, event details, etc.  Create Budget  Set up and run the event

12. District Tasks  Provide a District Representative to give the presentation at the event.  Set up marketing resources for squads, provide any necessary support.  Create flyers/mailers, assist in production and distribution.

13. District Tasks Cont.  Unit Commissioners will assist and oversee squad functions as needed  Provide mobile Scout Shop for events  Provide online marketing of events through UTS and Adventure is Calling.  Potentially develop custom QR code for each event, to be used on promotional items

14. Benefits Of Squads  Shared work load  Stronger relationships  Shared expenses  Increase number of new scouts  Shared ideas and concepts  Improve Webelos Transition  Squads can be used for other events like Friends of Scouting, Camporees, etc..

15. BSA Strategic Plan 2015  What is to come…  The family of scouting, one Charter organization, one committee, 3 units a Pack, a Troop, and a Crew.  Squads utilize the benefits of that approach on a larger basis and will help us to easily implement the 2015 when it is put forth.