Communication Tools for Units

Units in the James River District use a variety of tools to communicate with families. This page identifies the most common ones. Guidance on how to use each effectively is being added as it is developed.

Platforms

• Scoutbook — the official Scouting America platform for advancement tracking and unit communication. If your unit is doing one thing consistently, it should be this.
• Band — A group communication app used by many packs and troops for announcements, event coordination, and photo sharing.
• GroupMe — a group messaging app some units use as a lighter-weight alternative to email lists. Using 
• Spond — a group management and scheduling app with event RSVPs and attendance tracking built in.
• WhatsApp — available as group chats for smaller leadership teams or as Communities for larger unit-wide communication.
• Email — still the most reliable way to reach parents who are not checking an app.

The question worth asking

Whatever tools your unit uses, the one worth answering before fall is whether your newest families know which one to watch. Experienced families figured it out. New families usually did not get told.