Pin First. Adventure Next!
Fall recruiting is here, and families are looking for Scouting opportunities in their community. When they find your unit on BeAScout.org, what will they see?
For many prospective families, your unit’s BeAScout pin is their first introduction to your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or Post. An outdated meeting location, old contact information, missing website, or inactive application setting can make it harder for an interested family to take that next step.
The good news? You can give your unit pin a quick check in about five minutes.
Scouting America recommends reviewing your BeAScout pin at least annually and whenever there is a leadership or meeting-location change.
Your 5-Minute Pin Check
Open my.Scouting and take a look at your unit's information.
Check Your Contact Information
Make sure the primary contact information displayed to prospective families is current.
Ask yourself:
Is the phone number correct?
Is the email address monitored regularly?
Is the person listed someone who will actually respond to inquiries?
A great BeAScout pin does little good if a family reaches out and never hears back.
Verify Your Meeting Location and Schedule
Make sure families can easily determine where and when your unit meets.
If your meeting location or schedule has changed, update it. This is especially important during recruiting season when families may be comparing several units.
Update Your Website and Social Media Information
Your BeAScout pin should give families an easy way to learn more about your unit.
Make sure your website and social media information is current and actually leads families to places where they can learn about your program, upcoming activities, and how to get involved.
Make Sure Online Applications Are Ready
Check your online registration settings and make sure prospective youth and adults can take the next step.
Scouting America's current guidance recommends reviewing your application settings in Organization Manager, including the settings that control how youth and adult applications are handled.
Why Does This Matter?
Think of your BeAScout pin as your unit's digital front door.
A family may discover Scouting because they saw a flyer, attended a community event, heard about it from a friend, or simply searched online for activities for their child. When they click on your unit, you want them to immediately see:
"Yes. This looks like a great place for my family."
An accurate pin builds confidence. Clear meeting information removes barriers. A current website gives families more information. And an easy online application makes it simple to take the next step.
Most importantly, don't let an interested family become a missed opportunity simply because your unit's information is out of date.
Ready? Pin First. Adventure Next!
Take five minutes today to review your unit's BeAScout information.
Log in to my.Scouting → Menu → Your Unit → Organization Manager → Unit Pin
Review your information, make any necessary changes, save your updates, and verify that everything looks correct.
Scouting America has also published a detailed Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up Your Unit's BeAScout Pin, including screenshots and instructions.
One Small Update. One Big Opportunity.
Your next new Scout may already be looking for you...Make sure they can find you.
Pin First. Adventure Next!
Silver Comet District Commissioner Team
Atlanta Area Council, Scouting America
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