We are at the time of year when retention and rechartering is becoming the focus of our committees. Unit retention is something we all puzzle over. Why do some units recharter easily every year? Why do other units struggle to recharter? Is there anything commissioners or the key three can do to make unit retention easy for all units?

Of course, the key to unit retention is youth retention, one youth at a time. That comes as no surprise to anyone. But what does come as a surprise is the amount of control unit leadership has over youth retention. A few years ago the National Council conducted two research projects. The first was focused on why Cub Scouts leave the program, and the second was focused on Boy Scout retention. The results were remarkably similar. The percentages listed reflect the percentage of boys who left Scouting who said the factor was a major reason for leaving. When working with a unit with dwindling membership, the units should analyze the situation. Why are the youth leaving? Boring meetings? Not enough outdoor program? Cost? This may not be easy to determine at first glance, and certainly different boys will have different reasons. But using the Journey to Excellence work sheets combined with observations should reveal an area or two that can be improved upon within the unit. Then it is a simple matter of working with the committee and identifying which areas to work on improving and then to decide upon strategies to improve those areas. If you would like help, your unit commissioner is always available to help guide this process, and having an outside set of eyes on the situation doesn't hurt either.

Factors in the Hands of Pack Leadership

   Boring meetings 44%

   Poor/disorganized leadership 43%

   Not enough outdoors 22%

   Not enough challenge 19%

Factors in the Hands of Troop Leadership

Boring meetings 56%

Disorganized troop 24%

Didn't like other guys 18%

Not challenging enough 15%

Leaders too strict 14%

Bullying in troop 13%

Costs too much 11%

Not interested in camping 10%

Rechartering is now done on-line and most units are familiar with the process. Working through the process as early as possible will help to insure the process goes smoothly. Having discussion about the recharter process should remind the committee of the tasks and can facilitate making sure things such as getting the appropriate signatures are not left to the last moment. The unit should review the unit rosters to make sure all the unit members are listed and make decisions about members that will be retained or dropped during the process. Any youth considered for a drop should be contacted to attempt to retain them.

Other Notes:

-         Five Star University is January 12th, 2013. Visit the following Link for more information...

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