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Lead the Way: Counselor Recruitment

by Russ Roozeboom, Marketing and Promotions

The Calvinist Cadet Corps is a ministry that thrives on the dedication and spiritual leadership of its counselors. These men are more than volunteers – they are mentors, role models, and examples of Christlike leadership to boys seeking to grow in faith. But how do we find the next generation of Cadet counselors?

If your club is struggling to find men to step into these important roles, you’re not alone. Recruiting counselors takes intentionality, prayer, and a little creativity. Here are seven ideas to help you identify and invite new counselors into Cadeting:

Start with Personal Invitations

The most effective recruitment tool is a personal ask. Announcements in the bulletin or church newsletter are good reminders, but a face-to-face conversation is far more powerful. When you personally invite someone, it shows that you see their potential and believe they would be a good fit for the role.

Tip: Don’t just ask, “Would you consider being a Cadet counselor?” Instead, say, “I’ve seen how you connect with kids – I think you’d make a great Cadet counselor. Would you pray about it?”

Share the Stories

People are drawn to purpose. Share the stories of transformation happening in your Cadet club – how boys are growing in their faith, developing skills, and forming strong relationships with godly men. When others see the impact of the ministry, they may be more inspired to get involved.

Use platforms like your church bulletin, social media, or a Sunday morning spotlight to tell these stories.

Invite Men to Visit a Meeting

Sometimes men hesitate to volunteer because they don’t know what’s involved. Invite them to come to a Cadet meeting – not to commit, but just to observe. Let them see the fun, the structure, and the spiritual opportunities firsthand. It’s often the spark they need to consider stepping in.

Focus on Team, Not Just Teaching

Some men think they’re not qualified because they can’t teach a Bible lesson or don’t know how to tie knots. Reassure them that Cadeting is a team effort. Not every counselor needs to lead every part of a meeting. There’s room for guys who are handy, outdoorsy, organized, or simply faithful and willing to help.

Ask Former Cadets

Young men who went through Cadets themselves already know what it’s about – and they may be eager to give back. Encourage high school seniors or college-age young men to consider mentoring the next generation. Pairing them with experienced counselors can help build their confidence and leadership skills.

Highlight the Benefits

Yes, being a counselor takes time and energy, but it also brings joy and spiritual growth. Many counselors say they grow just as much as the boys. Emphasize the blessings of Christian brotherhood, meaningful conversations, and the privilege of pointing young hearts toward Christ.

Pray and Trust God’s Provision

Ultimately, this is God’s ministry. Pray regularly for new counselors. Ask others to join you in that prayer. Trust that God will provide the right men in His timing, and be ready to follow His lead when He nudges someone to say “yes.”

The Right Man Might Just Be Waiting for the Ask

Recruiting new counselors isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. The seeds planted in the lives of boys through Cadets will bear fruit for generations to come. So be bold, be prayerful, and don’t underestimate the power of a personal invitation.

Got a recruitment tip that worked well for your club? Share it with us – we’d love to hear your story!

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Russ Writes

Lead the Way with Club Promotions

by Russ Roozeboom, Marketing and Promotions

Here are a few ideas and materials that might help you “lead the way” in promoting Cadets in your club, church, and community.

Within the Club

  • Write personalized notes to cadets and counselors, and include a theme bookmark (product #3909) with your note
  • Display your theme poster (from your start-up packet) on the Cadet bulletin board, and/or purchase the large version of the poster (#3985) to display in your meeting area
  • Spruce up your meeting area with landmark-related posters (#3512 or #3513)

Within the Church

  • Postcards (#3530) or personal invite in mailboxes at church to incoming cadets/counselors (think about including this year’s theme bookmark (#3909))
  • Bulletin board – hopefully your church has one where you can post Cadet-related things
  • Bulletin/Newsletter – to communicate with the congregation and Cadets’ parents
  • Social media – church’s and club’s (if applicable)
  • “What it means to be a counselor” recruitment booklet (#3352) can help bring in new counselors

Within the Community

  • Hand out postcards (#3530) or flyers (#3610, #3611) at community events/parades/etc.
    (remember – Spanish versions are now available!)
  • Go door-to-door with flyers in your church neighborhood
  • Facebook ads or similar

Additional Ideas

  • Pick one or more badges related to the theme that your cadre can work on (check out the “Cadet Counselor Quick Tips” sheet for a list of badges)
  • Find a service project you can do with your cadre or club (again, see the “Cadet Counselor Quick Tips” sheet for theme-related service projects)
  • See if there is a community parade or festival where you can represent Cadets and your club either by participating or volunteering to help
  • Find ways to tie the “LEAD THE WAY” theme into your club’s fundraising
  • Determine some craft projects your cadre can do that can be tied into the theme (see the counselor website for lots of craft project ideas)

I encourage you to “lead the way” in promoting your Cadet club. Take a few minutes to think strategically about how you can reach more cadets, counselors, church members, and community residents, and remember that the Calvinist Cadet Corps has many tools and materials to support you, including a staff that is eager to help. We want to help you grow and strengthen your club. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help you lead the way!