Current Strategic Position: Synopsis of 9 Different Groups Inputs on
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
SWOT Summary Internal Analysis: Strengths
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Well recognized and respected brand
Extremely effective and proven leadership development model
Large alumni of former members and volunteers
Two camp facilities to provide differentiated programming across a wide area
Strong balance sheet with little debt and good financial stewardship
Long term volunteers with extensive knowledge and experience available to train and mentor new
leaders
Outstanding resident camp programs with high percentage of Boy Scout Troops attending
Long term relationship with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for support of the camp facility and
Scouting programs in North West Kansas
Availability of support materials online
Scouting is affordable
Unique market position in providing values based programming and character education
Number of Unit Serving Executives relative to total available youth is one of the best in the country
One of the highest per Scout product sales in the Country provides significant funding to units and our
Council
SWOT Summary Internal Analysis: Weaknesses
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Vast geography that makes communication and coordination a challenge
Poor database software and management of records overtime
Camp properties are underutilized and have high vacancy rates
No national advertising campaigns
Retention of Scouts and duration of time in the program are issues
Turnover of volunteers in Cub Scout Packs
Small percentage of participating families support the annual Friends of Scouting Campaign
General public has a lack of awareness of Scouting’s need for funding
Turnover in volunteers and lack of succession planning loses institutional knowledge in local units
The website and online materials are difficult to navigate and overwhelming for some new leaders and
parents
Many Scout units do not have a well planned calendar and the meetings are viewed as disorganized by
families
Timing of the popcorn sale leaves a significant piece of revenue unknown until the fourth quarter with
little time to react the results
SWOT Summary External Analysis: Opportunities
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Technology to improve communication to widely dispersed populations
Growth in the number families in Riley and Geary County
National issues of environmental education and childhood obesity match some of Scouting’s aims
Regional institutions available for partnership on programming and recruitment of volunteers
o Universities, trade schools, other non profits, conservation and recreation groups
Numerous faith based organizations willing to charter local Scouting units
Career exploration is desired by students and school systems
School budgets are strained on supporting extracurricular activities and they are looking for outside
providers
Local media is easy to work with and desirous of local community stories
Numerous long time donors and volunteers are in a position to evaluate their estate plans and make a
provision for Scouting
Using existing members and volunteers to more actively promote Scouting and the brand
Ft. Riley is seeing the return of many families as the troop levels are reduced over seas
SWOT Summary External Analysis: Threats
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Competition for youth time is fierce and continues to grow
The Boy Scouts of America is an unpopular and uncool brand for older youth
Constraints on parents time makes it difficult to obtain enough volunteers
National media coverage often portrays Scouting in a negative way
Increases in divorced families and single parent household makes traditional family participation model
in Scouting challenging
Continued uncertainty about the economy and financial stability
Scouting’s access to discuss our programs with youth at school facilities is limited in some areas and the
trend will likely continue
One significant incident regarding the health and safety of youth members can negatively impact the
organization significantly
A significant portion of the operating budget is sourced from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation
Online sales of Scouting supply items will continue to encroach on the financial viability of our retail
operation
Risk management efforts and increased safety measures increase the burden on volunteer program
leaders in trying to provide dynamic programming