Deliver the Promise Immediately

Tom Smotherman Scout executive Pony Express Council

Hiking, fishing, archery, air rifles, building race (pinewood derby(R)) cars, and racing in a Cubmobile are some of the promises we make every fall in our "Boy Talks" to youth in classrooms across our council. Wow! What potential new Cub Scout wouldn't get excited about these promises?

Unfortunately, little does the new Cub Scout know he may have to wait many months to experience the adventure promised to him in August and September.

So, in 2005, the Pony Express Council began "Super Saturday at Camp Geiger" to fulfill the promises within days of making them.

Super Saturday is the fourth Saturday in September at our Scout camp. Each new Cub Scout, and his entire family, is invited to attend the free, drop-in event that runs from 9 A.M. until 2 P.M. Activities include all we promise, a hot dog roast for lunch, and much more.

The annual event attracts up to 75 percent of newly recruited Cub Scouts and is an instant hit with Cub Scouts, families, and units. Families leave the event excited about Scouting and looking forward to day camps, resident camps, and other activities promoted at various activity stations.

In fact, "Super Saturday" proved so successful that in 2006 we established an event for newly recruited Tiger Cubs using the same format. The "Spring Tiger Trek" is held the third Saturday in May.

Cub Scout leaders have pointed to both events as big reasons for increased retention in our council.

The Merits of Marketing (marketing.scouting.org) is a resource for local councils, developed by the Marketing & Communications Division of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.