What Every Unit Needs to Know About Friends of Scouting
The Family FOS Campaign is organized to encourage all parents or guardians of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and unit volunteers to enroll. This is a voluntary enrollment and is not be a condition of membership in Scouting. However, parents should be aware the council’s budget and be asked to share in their youth members' program costs.
Six Easy Steps for a Successful Unit Family Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign
1. Appoint a Unit Friends of Scouting (FOS) Representative: Your unit FOS representative ensures each family in the pack, troop or crew has been asked to participate in the annual FOS campaign. This person will work with the unit committee to schedule an FOS presentation and coordinate with the district’s Family Friends of Scouting Chair or District Executive. Schedule a Unit FOS Presentation
2. Schedule a Unit FOS Presentation: Units plan to conduct an FOS presentation prior to March 31st. The unit presentation will last no more than 10-15 minutes and should be scheduled for a meeting you expect to have most parents and families attend (for packs it may be the Blue & Gold Banquet or Pinewood Derby, for a Troop a Court of Honor is best).
3. Set a Goal: Each unit has an FOS Goal. Units that achieve their FOS Goal will receive their FOS goal will receive special recognition and incentives. Unit participation in FOS will also help to qualify your Scouts for the new Team Player Discount for Boy Scout Summer Camp this summer. Work with the district’s Family Friends of Scouting Chair or District Executive to establish your unit goal.
4. Send a Letter—Inform the Parents: One to two weeks prior to the unit FOS presentation the unit FOS representative or another unit leader should send a letter, email or both, to all the families. The letter should explain what FOS is and let families know that at the upcoming meeting you will be having a presentation. Your District FOS Team can help you with letters and templates to use.
5. The Presentation: A volunteer representing the district will be happy to come and conduct your scheduled presentation. Your unit FOS representative should be there to assist. 100% family participation is very important.
6. Follow-up: There will be some families that will miss your presentation. After the presentation the unit FOS representative should call each family that was unable to attend and give them the opportunity to support FOS. All cards, even for those that do not give a gift, need to be turned in to your district’s Family Friends of Scouting Chair or District Executive.