The Science of Scouting program can be used as either a single, stand-alone event, or as part of a broader recruiting effort. For example, the program could be promoted at back-to-school nights or other similar presentations to incentivize families to join Scouting. Or you could plan to host this as an open community event and be prepared to recruit and provide a science related giveaway at the event itself. Promoting the event at presentations beforehand while still having additional science giveaways available at the event is also an option.

Once you have committed to hosting a Science of Scouting event, budget the appropriate funds needed for any giveaway items along with all of the supplies you’ll need for each experiment (some councils have been successful securing donations to help cover these expenses). The number of stations you provide is flexible based on how you structure your event. We have included a sample material list and instructions for conducting each experiment under Additional Resources at the bottom of the page. Other costs to consider include event venue, food & drink, and other miscellaneous event costs.

This activity could be done indoors or outdoors so the time of year can vary depending on other recruiting efforts. Remember, however, many families have busy weeknights filled with extra curricular activities, so try to schedule the event on a night when regular pack meetings are held to help set the right expectation. Specify a beginning and ending time but advertise the event as an “open time” for when families can show up and participate.

Select a family friendly location to host the event. Tonight is about SCIENCE so try and set the stage with your location. You could contact the local Jr. High or High School and see if lab access is available. Maybe meet at the local church, but bring plenty of sheets to make each table feels like a special lab. There are lots of options, just make sure it’s easy to find and easy to access. Be sure to reserve the venue several months in advance.

A shopping list of materials is available in the additional resources section. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to order certain items to ensure you have everything needed prior to the event.

Plan to have a meal service run throughout the event and a designated meal time. Keep in mind that if you host the event on a weeknight, families may choose to have family dinner at the event so they may want to eat before the experiments begin. This might be a good time to explain to everyone the agenda for the night. In the end, however, be flexible. Choose something simple such as hotdogs and snacks.

Like most things in Scouting, this event will only work with the help of our dedicated volunteers and professional staff. This is a great opportunity for parents, alumni, and donors to get involved. Below are suggested staffing needs with recommended numbers of people. Be aware that your staffing needs will vary depending on how many people show up to the event.

Be sure your current parents and volunteers are aware of the event and are invited to participate. This is a recruiting event, and our best recruiters are those who are currently in love with our programs. A Scout family that brings their friends to an event is one of the most powerful recruiting tools we have. Inviting current members may help keep members who are on the fence about staying with Scouting.

Be sure to promote the event on your council’s social media channels. Encourage parents and adults to share photos from the event on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Often, any local businesses you partner with will be willing to share the event with their online communities as well.

Reach out to your network digitally by sending them an email that promotes the event and includes links to learn more about Scouting in their community.

Fliers, posters, yard signs, etc. are great ways to drive awareness and promote the event in your local area. Professionally designed assets have been created for you to leverage during your recruiting efforts.

School outreach is a great opportunity to promote your Science of Scouting event. Back to School recruiting nights provide an opportunity to invite new Scouts to the event and allow boys who are not signed up yet to see Scouting in action. Daily morning announcements, take home mail, and weekly emails to parents are also great options to explore.

Reach out to your local newspapers and news stations and invite them to attend the event and do a story. Local news organizations usually appreciate advanced notice so be sure to let them know at least a week or two in advance. Additionally, consider inviting a local blogger as well.

Work with local businesses to have them provide prizes for the kids. Partner with churches and other local nonprofits (such as a science center or kids club) and invite them to participate as well. In addition to taking flyers to community centers, make sure it ends up on their online calendars.

This experiment is all about physics. Participants will learn about how different surfaces cause different soap bubbles to form. Plan on seeing bubbles. Lots and LOTS of BUBBLES! Each lab will contain enough supplies for all lab members to participate. Older boys (ages 11-13) will have fun building a variety of wireframes while younger boys (ages 7-11) will enjoy seeing all the different bubbles being formed. Click here for a list of materials and instructions.

In this experiment, participants will learn about the role of chemistry. By combining a few simple home ingredients, scouts will watch as a major foam reaction occurs, perhaps reminding them of a giant tube of toothpaste. The experiment is quick, easy and great for all ages. Click here for a list of materials and instructions.

The purpose of this experiment is to show that chemistry isn’t just important, it’s fun! Each lab will go through a series of measured steps in the process of creating homemade SLIME! Participants will be left with a better understanding of the role chemistry plays in their lives while also leaving them with a fun take home gift. This event is for all ages and will be fun for anyone. Click here for a list of materials and instructions.

Demonstrating a steady hand will be key when performing this fun activity. Everyone in the lab will take turns weaving together popsicle sticks into a long chain that takes the shape of a snake. After the puzzle has been completed, it’s time to watch your creation come to life! Click here for a list of materials and instructions.

Scouts will get an opportunity for a hands-on engineering lesson with this experiment. Each participant will get their own wood kit to construct a working catapult that they will put to use. Put Newton’s first law to work and watch it throw! Click here for a list of materials and instructions.