“Here Comes the S.U.N.”
S.U.N. = Sign Up Night,
the sunrise of the Scouting experience
Sign Up Night Plan
What is a Sign-Up Night?
Sign Up Nights should be simple, fun, interactive, informative, organized and effective. Effective means families 1) join Scouting 2) feel welcome and 3) are connected to something organized and worthwhile. A Sign-Up Night is a Council activity, in which volunteers and staff work together to create a fantastic customer service experience for new families.
Where are Sign-Up Nights?
Sign Up Nights are to be hosted at the location in which the youth were recruited. Examples: a school classroom visit from staff is followed by a Sign-Up Night in that school’s cafeteria, or a presentation at church on Sunday is followed by a Sign-Up Night at that church’s fellowship hall. This ensures a level of comfort for new families and reinforces the implied endorsement from the school or church. Alternative locations, such as charter partners, public spaces (parks, community centers, libraries) & a virtual sign up night can be utilized if school access is not granted, however turnout is typically reduced.
When are Sign Up Nights?
Sign Up Nights take place in evening hours on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays. Volunteers arrive 30-minutes prior to the start time (which is typically 6:30pm). The presentation should last no longer than 30 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes to answer questions and work with parents to complete the registration process. Event arrival to departure should take no longer than 2 hours.
Scheduling Sign Up Nights
Staff, in consultation with District Sign Up Night Chairs, set the calendar for Sign-Up Nights. Staff drafts a calendar in May and works together with volunteers in June and July to set 100% of available schools for fall visits. It is imperative staff are involved in leading this part of the process because 1) School District Superintendents expect us to have one point of contact and 2) staff must manage their time to ensure proper service at all schools and for all Packs and Troops.
Items Needed from Each Unit Prior to Sign Up Night
Request Your Ask-A-Friend campaign cards here
Tools to Prepare for Sign Up Night Season
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