ScoutParents

Scouting has always depended on volunteer registered adult leaders, primarily parents of Scouts, to lead packs, troops, and crews.  It is also part of Scouting’s tradition that most parents who are not registered leaders pitch in from time to time to help out.  To encourage involvement and more engagement of volunteers at all levels, the Boy Scouts of America has developed the National Parent Initiative.

The National Parent Initiative is a unique opportunity to engage more parents in Scouting.  The emphasis is on capturing a parent’s interest and support in becoming more involved and committed in the success of their child’s Scouting experience.  It will enhance youth and adult enthusiasm, recruitment, retention, achievement, and the family FUN of Scouting.

The position of ScoutParents Unit Coordinator is a committee position whose duties include:

• Assigning parents to help with at least one specific task, assignment, or project annually.
• Providing an orientation for all parents about how the unit works and the benefits to their family.
• Keeping parents updated on the unit’s program and their child’s involvement.

ScoutParent Job Descriptions

ScoutParent Coordinator

1. Assign parents to help with at least one specific task, assignment, or project annually
2. Provide an orientation for all parents about how the unit works and the benefits to their family
3. Keep parents updated on the unit’s program and their child’s involvement

Each ScoutParent is encouraged to

1. Influence their child to join Scouting
2. Participate with their child
3. Go to and observe Scout meetings
4. Be a part of the unit’s program
5. Support the program financially
6. Coach their child’s advancement and the earning of recognition awards
7. Serve in one support role during the year

Fast Start Training is available for this new position by going to www.ScoutParents.org.  The position code for this new position is “PC”.  Fees for this position are the same as any other registered position ($10/year).

In addition, each parent while signing his/her son up for Scouting is asked to become a “Committed ScoutParent” by becoming involved in the following easy ways:

• Performing an occasional task to assist the unit’s program.
• Participating directly with their Scout.
• Going to and observing Scout meetings.
• Assisting with outings.
• Supporting the program financially.
• Coaching their Scout’s advancement and earning of recognitions.
• Influencing your Scout’s continued participation.

A position code “PS” has been assigned for anyone who checks the “ScoutParents” box on the new youth application.  There is no fee for this position.

I would encourage your unit to select and register a ScoutParent Unit Coordinator and encourage parents to register as ScoutParents.  This program is had remarkable success in test councils, increasing parent participation, retention of youth and leaders, and recruitment.  I would also invite you to visit www.ScoutParents.organd the resources available to your unit through it to help promote Scouting and parent participation.

Stay tuned for more information.  Hope you have an enjoyable and safe summer!

Sincerely,
Tom Nash

ScoutParent Coordinator
Great Lakes Council
Boy Scouts of America