Re: I forgot to say no...
Beth Guth (bethguth@ENTER.NET)
Fri, 12 Dec 1997 09:08:16 -0500
><<WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 THINGS A SCOUT TROOP SHOULD DO TO RETAIN WEBELOS? My
>first challenge is crossover. Retention last year was 85%.
>
>First -- if you are getting 85% retention as a district, you should bottle it
>and sell it. That is a great record.
It seems our bottle has a hole in it. We did 85% last spring (1997)and it
has hovered in the low 80's for many years. BUT (here's the hole in the
bottle) they lose 50% the next year, 50% of what's left the following year
and then it gets worse (don't think we are too unusual).
I would like to see a retention of 1st year SCOUTS (big wink and grin to
Bruce Major who reminded me we don't retain Webelos). Let's say a 50%
increase, so that would be 75% retention after year 1.
It sounds like my work begins NOW, not on Webelos II's and crossover in
1998 but with Webelos I's and crossover 1999. Concerned if this is my job
however? Is this commissioner stuff. Is this that muddy water/gray area
of recruitment vs. retention?
I am a businesswoman and I work so hard to get new clients, I would rather
take care of what I have than go out and look for more to replace ones I
lose. Scouting isn't any different. Its all in prospecting and the
servicing after the sale (and oh those sweet referrels from satisfied
clients)!
"Imagination is more powerful than knowledge." Albert Einstein
Beth Guth
Assistant Cub Master
District Vice Chairman of Membership
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
