Mark the Way: Increase Retention of First-Year Cub Scouts

Three Simple Steps to Retain More Families
What Packs Can Do

1. MAKE IT PERSONAL!

Create Immediate, Personal Connections

• Contact every new family quickly (within 48 hours).
• Assign a single point of contact. We call this person the New Member Coordinator.
• Make families feel known and included right away.
• Provide a pack t-shirt when joining; a neckerchief, hat, handbook, or swag bag can also work.

2. MAKE IT FUN!

Deliver Early Fun and Outdoor Experiences

• Host one or more fall campouts or major outdoor events (maybe in September or October).
• Personally ensure every new family knows they can attend.
• Set the tone: Scouting = fun and adventure — hikes, outdoor games, cookouts, s’mores, etc.

Run Simple, Fun, Activity-Based Meetings

• Less talk, more activity.
• Embed advancement into games and hands-on experiences.
• Meet outdoors when possible. Avoid meetings that feel like school.

3. MAKE IT EASY!

Provide Strong Early Leader Support

• Experienced leader runs the first few meetings.
• Give new den leaders time to observe, train, and gain confidence.
• Use simple, ready-to-go plans.

Set Clear Expectations and Structure

• Publish a full-year calendar early with a consistent schedule.
• Communicate clearly using a main channel.

Engage Parents Early with Small Roles

• Each family plans a meeting Adult partners in Lions and Tigers — shared leadership at all levels.
• Use micro-volunteering: A volunteer may run a station at meetings or help with the Pinewood Derby,popcorn sale, group hike, Blue and Gold, field trips, campout cooking, award ceremonies, etc.

Bottom line: Retention improves when families feel connected early, experience fun immediately, and encounter fewer barriers.

WHAT PACKS CAN DO
RESOURCES 1, 2, 3

1. MAKE IT PERSONAL!

• Create immediate, personal connections.
• What to say: Hello (name), we are so glad you are part of our pack. We look forward to seeing you atour next activity (date/time/location). Send as a text or email within 48 hours of joining.
• Welcome new families: WelcomeNewCSFamily_WEB.pdf
• Video: Welcoming New Families
• Welcome ceremony: Welcome to Our Pack
• Team building pack meeting planner: Team Building
• Order pack T-shirts. National vendors include Scout Shop, 4imprint, and ClassB.

2. MAKE IT FUN!

Deliver Early Fun and Outdoor Experiences

• Check with your local council for activities and events.
• Planning tools: Outdoors Pack Meeting Plan Worksheet
• Outdoor Adventures by den: Cub Scouting Outdoor Adventures
• Video: Cub Scouting Camping

Run Simple, Fun, Activity-Based Meetings

• Den Leader Resources
• Activities for Adventures by rank: Cub Scout Adventures
• Fun and games: Cub Scout Fun and Games
• Den leader tips and tricks: Tips and Tricks Videos
• Four-Month Plan (best for new and small packs): Pack Program Planning Deck
• Den Decks: Planning Decks by Den or to purchase

3. MAKE IT EASY!

Provide Strong Early Leader Support

• Encourage training: Adult Leader Training.
• Check with your executive and/or Scout office for roundtables/den leader rallies/forums, etc.
• Watch #CubChatLive on Fridays at 2 p.m. CST (Cub Chat Live) or listen to the podcast afterwardSet Clear Expectations and Structure
• Publish a full-year calendar early with a consistent schedule using the Scoutbook Plus Calendar Guide or other online calendar creations: Canva, Calendar.online, Adobe Express.
• Communication options beyond email: ScoutBook, groupme, band, or other channels of your choice

Engage Parents Early with Small Roles

• How to Volunteer in Cub Scouting
• Family Talent Survey
• Videos: Getting Parents Involved, From Parent to Leader
• Committee Resources: Pack Committee Resources

This information was produced based on feedback from surveys and in-person sessions with pack leaders and parents across the AtlantaArea, Greater St. Louis Area, Green Mountain, and Coastal Georgia councils. A Scouting America New Programs project.