Every year, we treat crossover season like it’s the finish line for troop membership recruiting. But it shouldn't be. It’s just the halfway mark.

If your troop is looking at smaller-than-expected new scout numbers this spring, there’s still a huge opportunity sitting right in front of you: 5th graders who were never Cub Scouts.

And here’s the key detail too many troops overlook:
👉 As of March 1st, any 5th grader can join a Scout troop — even if they’ve never been in Cub Scouts.
That means right now—between now and the end of the school year—you’ve got a narrow window where families are:

• Thinking about summer plans
• Open to new activities and friends
• Looking for something different
  
  

If you wait until fall, you’ve already lost most of them.
Let’s be honest—some families didn’t choose Cub Scouts because:

• They didn’t know about it
• It didn’t fit the parent's schedule
• Their child wasn’t interested then
  
  

But 5th grade - heading off to Middle School - is different.

Kids are wanting to be more independent and want to develop friend groups. Parents are looking for something that builds confidence, leadership, and gets them outside more. --- That’s exactly what Scouts BSA offers. But if they don’t see it, they won’t choose it.


Simple Ways to Reach 5th Graders Right Now
Here are a few high-impact, low-effort ways to get in front of families before school ends:

1) Send Flyers Home Through Schools - This is still one of the most effective tools.

• Call or email the school front office
• Ask about sending a flyer home specifically to 5th graders
• Keep it simple:
  • “Join Scouts BSA — Adventure Starts Now”
  • Include a QR code to your troop page or interest form
  • Promote a specific upcoming event (campout, open house, hike)

Schools are more receptive when you position this as a youth development opportunity, not just recruitment.

2) Show Up at PTA Meetings - PTAs are always looking for positive youth opportunities.

• Ask for 5 minutes on the agenda
• Bring one or two scouts in uniform
• Keep the message tight:
  • What Scouts do (camping, leadership, adventure)
  • Who can join (any 5th grader, now)
  • How to get started (next event)

Parents trust what they see in person far more than a flyer.

3) Be Present at Field Days / End-of-Year Events - Schools are full of energy this time of year—use it.

• Ask if your troop can set up a small table or booth
• Bring:
  • A tent or camping gear for visual interest
  • A simple activity (knot tying, mini challenge, etc.)
  • A sign-up sheet or QR code

This isn’t about a hard sell—it’s about planting the seed.

4) Use Peer-to-Peer Invite Cards - This one is wildly underused.
Give your current scouts a stack of simple invite cards:

• “Come camp with my troop!”
• Include date, contact info, and QR code

Tell them: 👉 “Give these to your friends at school.”
Kids recruit better than adults. Every time.

5) Invite Them to Something Real - Don’t invite new families to sit in a room. Invite them to:

• A campout
• A hike
• A skills night with fire-building or cooking

Let them experience scouting—not hear about it.


The Mindset Shift
Too many troops rely entirely on Cub Scout crossover to sustain their numbers.
Strong troops do both:

• Welcome crossovers
• Actively recruit new-to-scouting youth

Because the truth is:  Some of your best future scouts have never worn a blue uniform. They’re sitting in a 5th grade classroom right now.

But, you’ve got about 6 weeks before the school year ends. That’s it.

A few phone calls, a simple flyer, and one good event could bring in an entire patrol of new scouts.

Don’t wait for them to find you.
​
Go find them.

Across our district—and across Scouting America—we’re seeing a trend that deserves our attention: fewer Arrow of Light Scouts are making the transition from Cub Scouts into Scouts BSA. More families are choosing to end their Scouting journey at the end of 5th grade.

As a District Commissioner, I don’t share this to criticize. I share it because I believe we can change it.

​And the solution is closer—and earlier—than we think.

The Transition Isn’t Automatic AnymoreThere was a time when moving from blue to khaki felt like the obvious next step. Today, for many families, it feels optional. Sometimes even intimidating.

We hear things like:

• “We loved Cub Scouts, but we’re ready to move on.”
• “The troop program seems like a big jump.”
• “My child is busy with other activities.”
• “They’ve just kind of lost interest.”
  
  

That last one should get our attention.
When a 10-year-old “loses interest,” it’s rarely because they’ve suddenly outgrown adventure, challenge, or belonging. More often, it’s because Scouting has unintentionally become a series of predictable meetings instead of an active, exciting program. When the adventure fades, other activities rush in to fill the space.

If Scouting feels like something you attend instead of something you experience, it becomes easier to walk away from.


What’s Driving the Drop-Off?

1). Less Exposure to Older Scouts - If a 10-year-old rarely interacts with a 14- or 16-year-old Scout, then Scouts BSA feels distant and abstract.

When Cub Scouts:

• Don’t see youth leaders running meetings,
• Don’t camp alongside a troop,
• Don’t have Den Chiefs mentoring them,
• Don’t watch older Scouts lead campfires or teach skills,

…then the troop program feels unfamiliar. And unfamiliar things create uncertainty.

2). Less Camping—and Less Outdoor Confidence - It’s true: many families today don’t camp regularly. For some, Scouting may be their first real exposure to tents, campfires, and the outdoors. That’s not a problem. That’s an opportunity.

Part of Scouting—at both the pack and troop level—should be building a comfort level with nature, no matter where a family starts. The goal isn’t to assume everyone arrives “outdoorsy.” The goal is to help them become comfortable.

If families aren’t gradually introduced to camping and outdoor skills by 3rd and 4th grade, then a Scouts BSA troop—where camping is central—can feel like too big of a leap.

Camping shouldn’t feel like a dramatic escalation at crossover. It should feel like the natural next chapter of something already familiar and fun.
When outdoor confidence is built early, retention later follows.

3). Growing Anxiety About “The Next Level” - Parents and Scouts alike may worry:

• “Is the troop program too intense?”
• “Will they fit in socially?”
• “Is youth-led too chaotic?”
• “What if they’re not ready?”

Those concerns shrink dramatically when Scouts already have relationships with troop members and understand how the program works.



Earlier Is Better

One practical point worth clarifying: as of March 1st of their 5th grade year, any Scout who is 10 years old can join a Scouts BSA troop—regardless of where they are in completing the Arrow of Light requirements.
That flexibility exists for a reason.

The earlier a 5th grader begins attending troop meetings, the better chance they have to:

• Build friendships,
• Learn troop routines,
• Understand the patrol method,
• Feel comfortable before spring campouts and summer adventures begin.

Data consistently shows that Scouts who cross over in the first three months of the year:

• Advance faster,
• Feel more connected,
• And report a stronger sense of belonging

…than those who wait until late spring or fall.

This isn’t about rushing anyone. It’s about giving them runway.



If They Can’t See It, They Won’t Become It

Here’s the heart of the issue.

If a Cub Scout cannot clearly picture themselves as a confident older Scout—leading a patrol, teaching a skill, cooking on a campout—they are far less likely to aspire to that role.

If they can’t see it, they won’t become it. That’s why pack–troop interaction matters so much.

We should be asking:

• Do our 3rd and 4th graders know teenage Scouts by name?
• Have they camped with a troop before AOL?
• Do they see youth leadership in action?
• Do they understand what comes next?

If the answer is “not really,” then we have an opportunity.



A Call to Action for Packs and Troops

This is something we can fix together.

1). Make Scouting Active and Adventurous
If we hear that Scouts are “too busy” or have “lost interest,” that’s a signal. Meetings should lead to movement. Skills should lead to experiences. Advancement should lead to adventure.

Build meetings around:

• Hands-on activities,
• Outdoor preparation,
• Real challenges,
• Visible next steps.

Excitement retains. Routine repels.


2). Strengthen Pack–Troop Partnerships

• Schedule joint campouts.
• Invite troops to pack meetings and Blue & Gold banquets.
• Encourage Den Chiefs in every Webelos and AOL den.
• Have youth leaders—not just adults—share their experiences.

3). Start Earlier Than Webelos
Exposure shouldn’t begin in 5th grade. It should begin in 3rd and 4th.

Let younger Cubs:

• Attend a troop campfire.
• Visit a troop meeting.
• Meet older Scouts regularly.
• See the fun, watch the leadership, and anticipate the adventure.

4). Build Outdoor Comfort Intentionally
Meet families where they are. Some will arrive with camping experience. Many will not.
Scouting’s role is to build confidence gradually:

• A simple overnight.
• A short hike.
• Cooking together outdoors.
• Learning to be comfortable in nature.
  ​

When that comfort grows early, the move to a troop feels exciting—not intimidating. Moving from blue to khaki should feel like a proud step forward—not a leap into the unknown.


If we give Cub Scouts visible role models…
If we keep the program active and adventurous…
If we intentionally build outdoor confidence…
If we connect packs and troops early and often…
Then the transition becomes the beginning of the years where confidence grows, leadership takes shape, and young people discover what they’re capable of becoming.


​

Jason Norred
District Commissioner

One Theme. Every Rank. All Advancing.

One of the best parts of the new Cub Scout Advancement program is how much simpler it is to see the big picture.

The updated Adventure structure makes it easier than ever for packs and dens to move together around shared monthly themes — while still delivering age-appropriate advancement for every rank.

If you haven’t browsed them yet, every Cub Scout Adventure by rank is available online here:
👉 https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/adventures/

​
Spend 15 minutes looking through them. You’ll notice something important.
Across Lion through Arrow of Light, the Adventures align around common focus areas:

• Personal Safety
• Citizenship
• Outdoors
• Personal Fitness
• Family & Reverence

The topics are shared. The expectations are age-appropriate. The structure is clear.
That’s not an accident. That’s smart program design.


A Better Way to Plan Your Year

Here’s a simple approach I’d encourage every pack to consider:
The Cubmaster, with input from Den Leaders, sets a monthly theme for the pack.

For example:
September – Personal Safety
October – Outdoors
November – Citizenship
January – Personal Fitness
February – Family & Reverence

Once the theme is selected, each Den Leader looks at their rank’s Adventure tied to that topic and plans their meetings around the required activities in that Adventure.

That’s it. No guessing. No scrambling for filler. No wondering if you’re “covering enough.”
The Adventure guide already gives you: Required activities, Suggested meeting outlines, Age-appropriate expectations, Built-in fun!

If you build your den meetings around the Adventure as written, you will:

• Stay on track with advancement
• Deliver consistent program quality
• Make pack meetings feel coordinated and purposeful
• Reduce leader stress

Same Theme. Different Depth.
Here’s the beauty of the new structure.
When the pack focuses on Citizenship, for example:

Younger Scouts may learn about their flag and community helpers.
Older Scouts may visit a local government meeting or lead a service project.
Arrow of Light Scouts may discuss rights and responsibilities at a deeper level.

Everyone is working in the same direction — just at their own developmental level.

That creates:
Shared language across the pack, Easier pack meeting program planning, A stronger sense of unity... And it reinforces the idea that Scouting builds over time.

Structured Fun Beats Random Activity
One of the most common struggles in Cub Scouting is this:
Meetings drift into “busy time.”
Crafts without connection. Games without purpose. Activities that are fun — but disconnected.

Using the Adventure model fixes that.

When you use the Adventure as your meeting backbone, everything you do moves the Scout forward. And remember: Scouting is fun with a purpose.
The purpose is growth. The fun is how we get there.

A Challenge to Cubmasters
At your next Pack Leaders’ Meeting, try this:

Pull up the Adventure pages online.
Identify the five shared topic areas.
Map them to your remaining program months.
Ask each Den Leader to commit to completing the related Adventure during that theme month.

You’ll create:

• Clear direction
• Predictable progress
• Confident leaders
• Scouts who advance naturally

The new Cub Scout Advancement program is actually beautifully simple.
One theme.
Every rank.
All advancing.
And a whole lot of fun along the way.

Jason Norred
District Commissioner

Pinewood Derbys are for the Scouts: A Guide for Scout Leaders
​
Hello, fellow Scout leaders! Today, we delve into a topic close to many of our hearts - the Pinewood Derby. This event is a staple in Scouting, celebrated not just for the thrill of the race, but for the invaluable lessons it imparts to our young Scouts. However, it's crucial to remember that this beloved tradition is more than a competition; it's a hands-on learning experience, a creative outlet, and a unique opportunity for family bonding.

I. The True Spirit of the Pinewood Derby
The essence of the Derby lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings to Scouts. It offers them a chance to explore creativity, learn basic craftsmanship, and experience the excitement of friendly competition. More importantly, it's about the journey - transforming a block of wood into a racing car and developing a sense of ownership for their work. After all, everything in Scouting should be FUN... with a purpose. The Pinewood Derby is about building character, not unbeatable cars.

II. The Pitfalls of Adult Over-Involvement
In our quest for engineering perfection and fair competition, we sometimes overlook this primary goal. I've seen derby organizers so focused on eliminating the risk of something going wrong that they almost entirely remove the kids from the race. For instance, when adults take over moving cars to and from the track, we inadvertently rob Scouts of valuable learning experiences. This over-involvement can lead to a scenario where the competition becomes more about adult engineering skills rather than Scout creativity and effort.

III. Empowering Scouts Through Simplicity and Involvement
One of the most memorable Derbies I've witnessed flipped the traditional approach on its head. Scouts only received their kits on the day of the race at the venue. There was no time for elaborate power tools and CAD blueprints. These were simple blocks of wood with basic axles, decorated with markers and craft paints. The beauty of this approach was the focus on immediate, hands-on involvement. Scouts were deeply engaged in every step, from hammering in the axles to decorating and racing their cars. It was about their ideas, their work, and their fun. When race time came, the cars all went down the track. There were still winners and losers like any other race, but each scout was invested in their journey.

IV. Tips for a Scout-Centric Pinewood Derby
To keep the Derby Scout-centric and enjoyable:

• Encourage Simplicity and Creativity: Consider handing out basic kits and building and racing the same day. This approach fosters creativity and ensures every Scout is equally involved in the building process.
• Celebrate Effort and Participation: Include awards that recognize creativity, effort, and sportsmanship. Every Scout should feel proud of their work, regardless of where they finish in the race.
• Parents - Hands Off: Beyond safety items, don't let adults perform tasks that a youth should be doing, to maximize their character-building opportunities.
  ​

As leaders, our role is to manufacture opportunity for learning and growth, and the Pinewood Derby is a perfect chance to do this. By focusing on the Scouts' involvement and creativity, we can ensure this event remains fun, educational, and memorable.

I encourage you to reflect on your approach to the Pinewood Derby. Let's make it a fun and enriching experience for every Scout involved. Share your Derby stories and strategies for keeping the event Scout-focused and fun in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and keep this wonderful tradition alive in the spirit it was intended!

Understanding the Journey to Excellence (JTE) Scorecard
The JTE scorecard is essentially a benchmarking tool designed by the Boy Scouts of America. It helps units evaluate their performance against key standards of excellence. Think of it as a comprehensive checklist that covers various aspects of scouting, from leadership and planning to adventure and community service. If you have ever wondered "what does good and great look like for a scouting unit?", the JTE scorecard breaks that down for you in ~10 simple measures.

Contrary to popular belief, JTE isn't just for reflecting on the past year. It's a proactive instrument that, when used effectively, can shape your unit's journey throughout the year.


Utilizing JTE as a Planning Tool
As we start the new year, it's the perfect time to bring out the JTE scorecard. Use it to set a clear, strategic direction for your unit. Analyze each criterion to understand where your unit currently stands and what you aspire to achieve this year. Did you rank "Bronze" in a particular category last year, and want to try for "Silver" this year?

Based on the JTE criteria in the current year's scorecard, set realistic, measurable goals. For example, if community service is an area of focus, set a target for the number of service projects or hours. These goals should align with Scouting’s core values and your unit's unique vision. 


Assigning JTE Measures to Unit Leaders
A practical approach to managing JTE goals is to assign each measure to a different leader in your unit. This "champion" is then responsible for overseeing and reporting on that specific area. 

This not only distributes the workload, allows leaders to develop expertise in specific areas, and invests your leaders in specific elements of unit success. Providing leadership in meeting a JTE measure is one of the requirements for earning the “Scouter Training Award,” adding an extra incentive for leaders.