Open House

Open House Planning & Setup

An Open House is one of the most important tools you have to welcome new families into your Pack or Troop. It's your unit’s chance to make a strong first impression, showcase your program, and walk families through the process of joining in a friendly, organized, and welcoming environment.

An effective Open House should last about 15–20 minutes per family and follow a simple five-station format. This model ensures every parent has a chance to learn about Scouting, ask questions, meet your leadership team, and register, without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

In addition to these stations, be sure to include a kid-friendly activity to help engage potential Scouts while parents move through the information. This could be a coloring station, a quick hands-on activity, or even a game led by current Scouts.

Open House Station Overview

Station 1: Welcome and Sign-In

Greet every family with a warm welcome and have them sign in on your contact sheet. Offer them a simple map or flyer explaining the stations and process. This is your first impression, so keep it cheerful and helpful! Consider assigning a youth or uniformed Scout to hold the door or pass out handouts.

 

Station 2: What is Scouting?

This is your main informational station and one of the most important stops. Here, you’ll explain:

  • The difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, including structure and age range:

    • Cub Scouts: K–5th grade (ages 5–10)

    • Scouts BSA: 6th–12th grade (ages 11–17)

  • The types of activities your unit participates in: camping, Pinewood Derby, service projects, summer camp, high-adventure outings, etc.

  • MOST IMPORTANT: Display a copy of your unit’s Yearly Calendar so families know what to expect throughout the year.

Station 3: Registration and Financial Assistance

This station is where families officially sign up for your unit, either with paper forms or digitally. Walk them through the registration steps, answer any questions, and make sure they understand what’s next.

Also, provide information about financial support options, including:

  • Peach State Health Plan

  • Amerigroup

  • Any council-level or unit-level assistance programs

Make sure someone knowledgeable is staffing this station to address payment concerns and keep the process smooth.

Station 4: Meet the Leaders and Adult Sign-Up

Introduce your Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Den Leaders, Committee Members, and other key adults. This is your chance to build trust and show parents the people who will be working with their children.

Encourage new parents to get involved by inviting them to sign up for short-term or long-term roles. Have a list of available positions and time commitments ready. For tips on how to encourage adult engagement, direct them to the Adult Leader Recruitment tab.

Station 5: Thank You and Check-Out

Thank families for attending and provide:

  • Printed info on the next meeting or event

  • Leader contact info

  • Any welcome gift, incentive, or Scout-themed giveaway if your unit is offering one (popular options include snacks, Scout-branded items, or activity books)

  • An opportunity to make any final payments in person, if needed

This is a great time to reconfirm their interest and enthusiasm. Leave them with a smile and a reminder that they’re joining something meaningful and fun.

Bonus Tip: Youth Engagement During the Open House

Having a simple activity for prospective Scouts helps keep kids engaged while their parents move through the stations. Great options include:

  • A coloring station with Scout-themed pages

  • Pinewood Derby car displays and test track runs

  • Simple Scout skill demos (e.g., knot tying or mini compass games)

  • A buddy system where current Scouts walk visitors through the stations

 

With this five-station setup, your Open House will feel structured, welcoming, and efficient, giving every family a clear picture of what Scouting is all about and how they can be part of the adventure. Please refer to the images below of a bare-bones setup for an open house, and make it unique to your unit. If you need assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with our District Executive, Nicholas Koenig, for further information.