Indian Waters Council, Scouting America

Indian Waters Council, Scouting America Working hard to turn the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Indian Waters Council of Scouting America serves over 5,000 youth and more than 2,000 adult volunteers in the 19 counties of the Midlands, P*e Dee, and Grand Strand.

08/21/2026

Service to the community is an important part of the Scouting program. Learn from Dallas DJ Hawkeye (Mark Rybczyk) about this great service project, and how your pack can get involved.

Our volunteers are the heart of Scouting, and it’s time to recognize those who go above and beyond! We are asking every ...
08/20/2026

Our volunteers are the heart of Scouting, and it’s time to recognize those who go above and beyond! We are asking every unit or committee to nominate a deserving leader or supporter for our Volunteer Spotlight for the Indian Waters Council.

This recognition is meant to highlight volunteers who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law through exceptional service, leadership, mentorship, and dedication to youth. Nominations are quick and can be submitted by unit leaders, committee members, or chartered organizations.

Please take a moment to nominate someone from your unit and help us celebrate the outstanding volunteers who make Scouting possible! Visit the Indian Waters Council Membership Center and submit your nomination now! https://indianwaters-org.us.stackstaging.com/membership-center/

Monday Membership Motivation Moment #20📲 Track & Respond to Online InquiriesSomeone is already interested in Scouting. ...
08/17/2026

Monday Membership Motivation Moment #20

📲 Track & Respond to Online Inquiries

Someone is already interested in Scouting. Don’t make them wait!

When a family submits an online inquiry through my.Scouting.org, they’ve taken an important first step. They’re telling us, “I want to learn more.”

What happens next can make all the difference.

Unit leaders should regularly check their online inquiries and make sure every prospective family receives a timely, personal response.

🎯 Make It a Habit

✅ Check regularly — Don't let inquiries sit unanswered.

📞 Respond personally — A phone call or personal text can be much more effective than a generic message.

📅 Give them a next step — Invite them to your next meeting, activity, or recruiting event.

👋 Make introductions — Connect the family with the appropriate leader who can answer their questions.

📝 Track the follow-up — Know who has been contacted, who needs another follow-up, and who has joined.

🔄 Follow up again — If they don't respond the first time, don't assume they're no longer interested. Families get busy!

💡 Remember:

An online inquiry isn't just a notification. It's an opportunity.

Every inquiry represents someone who has taken the time to raise their hand and say they're interested in Scouting. Our job is to make sure that interest turns into a conversation—and hopefully, an invitation to join the adventure.

🚀 This Week's Challenge

Check your unit's online inquiries today.

Is anyone waiting for a response?

If so, reach out today!

Don't let a potential Scout become a missed opportunity simply because we didn't respond.

Track it. Respond to it. Follow up. Welcome them to Scouting.

08/14/2026

Once you have signed up a new leader, how do you ensure that he or she will succeed at the job? This episode will feature a discussion of an on-boarding process that is designed to help the new leader enjoy the role and carry it out successfully.

Monday Membership Motivation Moment #19Topic: Build a New Member Onboarding PlanA Scout who feels welcome is a Scout wh...
08/10/2026

Monday Membership Motivation Moment #19
Topic: Build a New Member Onboarding Plan

A Scout who feels welcome is a Scout who stays.

Recruitment doesn't end when a family fills out an application—it begins! The first 30 days are the most important time to create excitement, answer questions, and help new families feel like they belong. A thoughtful onboarding plan can dramatically improve retention and build stronger, more engaged units.

This Week's Membership Tip:

Create a simple onboarding process that every new family experiences.

Your onboarding plan should include:

👋 A personal welcome call or text within 24–48 hours of joining.
📧 A welcome email with meeting information, calendar, uniform guide, and key contacts.
🤝 Assign a "Scout Buddy" or family mentor to answer questions and introduce them to others.
🎒 Explain what to expect during the first few meetings and upcoming activities.
📅 Invite them to the next campout, hike, or service project as soon as possible.
⭐ Celebrate their first achievements and recognize them early.

Families who quickly make friends, understand the program, and get involved are far more likely to stay in Scouting for years to come.

🎯 Membership Challenge

Review your unit's onboarding process this week. If a new family joined tomorrow, would they know exactly what to do, who to contact, and how to get involved?

Don't just recruit new Scouts—welcome them into your Scouting family. Great onboarding builds lasting membership! 🌟

ATTENTION PACK LEADERS!Looking for an easy way to have parents sign up to help lead meetings? Look no further! The den...
08/08/2026

ATTENTION PACK LEADERS!
Looking for an easy way to have parents sign up to help lead meetings? Look no further! The den host sign up sheets are perfect for you to use during your kickoff meeting!

There is one for each rank - set up for required adventures and elective adventures!
Check them out at the link below!
https://onscouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/den-host-signup-sheets.pdf

08/07/2026

Everything you wanted to know about welcoming new families into your Cub Scout Pack! EVP Membership Engagement Sean Magennis shares best practices and insight on helping new families feel connected, engaged, and ready for adventure.

Have you had a chance to check out the August 2026 edition of the Scout Shorts Newsletter yet?This month's issue is pack...
08/07/2026

Have you had a chance to check out the August 2026 edition of the Scout Shorts Newsletter yet?

This month's issue is packed with important updates, upcoming events, membership resources, training opportunities, and other information to help your Scouting program succeed this fall.

If you haven't read it yet—or want to go back and catch something you missed—you can view it here:
https://conta.cc/3S3OYhi

What article or update stood out to you the most? Let us know in the comments!

Address

715 Betsy Drive
Columbia, SC
29210

Telephone

+18037509868

Website

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