The following is an Expert from the April-27-Commissioner-Eblast.pdf

Ask a Commissioner:

Q. Help. Scouting is taking over my life. I’m spending 20 hours a week, minimum, leading my unit. This isn’t sustainable. If I don’t get some help, I’m going to have to quit and I’ll feel guilty because my unit will die and the Scouts will suffer. How can I get parents to help me?

A. Getting more parents involved usually comes down to making things feel simple, meaningful, manageable, AND fun. Most parents are not unwilling to help. They are often unsure what is expected, worried about the time commitment, or hesitant because they lack experience. The goal is to remove those concerns and make participation feel approachable.

One of the most effective shifts is changing how you ask. Broad requests like “we need volunteers” tend to get ignored because no one feels personally responsible, or they think someone else better qualified or more experienced will answer the call for help. Instead, approach parents individually with a specific role that matches something they are already good at. For example, asking someone who is organized to help coordinate a single event feels far more natural and harder to decline than a vague group request.

It also helps to break responsibilities into smaller pieces. Many parents assume volunteering means taking on a large, ongoing role, which can feel overwhelming. When tasks are divided into clearly defined, bite-sized tasks, more people are willing to step in. Something as simple as managing one outing, tracking advancement for a month, cooking extra crispy bacon, or helping with transportation can make a big difference without feeling like a burden.

Clear time boundaries are just as important. Parents are much more likely to say yes when they know exactly how long they are committing. Open-ended roles can feel intimidating and a trap, but short-term commitments such as helping for a single campout or a few weeks make the decision easier and lower the perceived risk.

Creating an easy entry point is another key factor. Many parents hesitate because they feel unqualified. Offering simple, low-pressure ways to get involved and pairing new volunteers with experienced leaders helps build confidence. Once someone has a positive first experience, they are far more likely to stay involved.

It is also important to clearly connect volunteering to their child’s experience. Parents are more motivated when they understand that their involvement directly improves the program. More help means better activities, smoother events, and more opportunities for their child to grow and succeed.

Over time, building a culture where participation is expected can make a big difference. When families see that everyone contributes in some way, even in small ways, it becomes the norm rather than the exception. Setting that expectation early with new families helps establish this mindset without pressure.

I know I mention this a lot, but recognition plays a powerful role in keeping people engaged. A simple thank you, especially when done publicly, reinforces that their effort matters. When parents feel appreciated, they are much more likely to volunteer again and encourage others to do the same.

Finally, using structured sign-ups instead of open-ended requests makes it easier for parents to commit. When they can choose from a list of specific tasks or time slots, the decision becomes straightforward (they are many online tools that make this simple). Pairing this with a friendly, social environment where parents feel connected to each other can naturally increase participation and make volunteering feel like part of a shared experience rather than an obligation.

Thank you for serving. Reach out to your commissioner if you need support in asking others to help you provide a quality, life-changing program to the youth in your community. What you do as a unit leader matters, and commissioners are ready to help.