Rocket Into Scouting is the Cradle of Liberty Council's coordinated fall membership recruitment campaign with the aims of simplifying the sign-up process, strengthening our programs, and improving youth and family recruitment and retention. Most importantly, it's about FUN!

Let's Launch Something Big Together!

Dear ,

Scouting is one of the best youth development programs available to help parents make the most of the fleeting time they have to positively impact the lives of their children. We're sure you'd agree with this statement as a Scouting parent and leader. However, not everyone is familiar with the value of our programs and now is the time for us to collectively share the story with those families not currently involved.

The Rocket Into Scouting Campaign has been developed as a tool to help us accomplish this very important task.

Volunteers and staff have been working for months to put together a plan to support and supplement your unit's recruitment efforts and it'll all culminate with a council-wide sign-up night on Wednesday, September 30. To find out more about the plan, make visit colbsa.org/rocket and make sure to participate in the webinars (see below) or the August training sessions that will be held in your district.

We'll also be publishing this newsletter weekly to share important information and keep you updated.

Thank you for all you do for Scouting and the youth we serve. Questions and feedback are always welcome. Don't hesitate to contact us at membership@colbsa.org.

Yours in Scouting,

Mark Chilutti Brett Montich
Council Membership Chair Rocket Into Scouting Chair

Webinar: Preparation & Running the Sign-Up Night

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 7:00 PM

This webinar will explain the promotion plan, steps your unit needs to take prior to September 30, and how to conduct a "sports-style" Scouting sign-up. We'll also cover how the model rockets will be distributed, how you can order additional rockets, and take your questions and comments.

MORE INFO & REGISTRATION>

Webinar: Conducting a Parent Orientation

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 7:00 PM

Scouting works best and has the greatest impact when families are engaged and involved. That's why it's critical to hold a Parent Orientation after your unit's sign-up to establish expectations and communicate the program plan and financial commitment/fundraising. This webinar will provide your unit with the information and tools to conduct an effective parent orientation based on best practices from around the country.

MORE INFO & REGISTRATION>

Next Steps

Mark Wednesday, September 30 in your calendars.
If your pack leadership hasn't meet with your district executive to review and commit to the plan, please schedule that meeting prior to the end of this month.
Recruit a coordinator for your pack.
Working with your district membership chair and district executive, secure a location (preferably your local school or other highly-visible location) for the September 30 sign-up night.
Attend a webinar or training session this summer for tips on conducting the sign-up night on September 30 and parent orientation at your following meeting. Webinar info is above and the schedule for district training sessions in August will be available soon.
Remember, the coordinated sign-up night on September 30 is meant to enhance your pack's recruiting efforts, not replace them. Make sure your pack has a presence at community and back-to-school events prior to September 30. You can start recruiting now!

We're also putting the finishing touches on the turn-key rocket-themed meeting plans for dens/packs (and for troops and crews, too) that your unit can use in October. New Scouts will receive a rocket at their first meeting and your unit can purchase rockets at cost for existing members to use with the meeting plans. An online rocket ordering system will be available soon.

Check out the next newsletter and colbsa.org/rocket for more information next week!