Reaching Boys as Summer Ends: Outreach Ideas for a Strong Fall Start

August 1, 2025

As summer winds down and families start preparing for the school year, it’s the perfect time to engage new boys and reconnect with those we haven’t seen in a while. Kids and families are resetting their routines and looking for connections. Transitions between summer and back-to-school season is a prime time for a Royal Rangers outreach, which can create natural openings to introduce your outpost to new boys and families as well as get your regulars back in the swing of attending Rangers. We need to be intentional in how we use this transitional time. 

Here are a few outreach ideas your outpost can use as summer wraps up and fall kicks off. You don’t need to do all of them. Pray about them and choose one or two that fit your context. Then, go for it.

Back-to-School Bash

Host a fun event with food, games, and giveaways—something simple but high energy. Use this as a low-pressure chance for boys to invite friends and for parents to get a glimpse of what Royal Rangers is about. Throw in a quick devotion or challenge to keep the focus on Christ. A great place to learn how to do this is the Royal Rangers National Elementary Education Conference (NEEC) available near you.

Campfire Night

A one-night version of a campout—bonfire, s’mores, and stories. It’s low commitment for visitors but gives them a taste of the Royal Rangers experience. Consider sending each guest home with a small “survival pack” (mini flashlight, invite card, whistle, compass, etc.).

School Supply Giveaway & Prayer Station

Team up with your church or do it as an outpost. Give away supplies to families in need and offer prayer for kids heading back to school. This kind of practical outreach speaks volumes, and it gives Royal Rangers the opportunity to serve others.

Skills Night: Bring-a-Friend Challenge

Pick a night, pack it with hands-on skills (archery, knots, fire-building, etc.) and encourage your boys to bring friends. Give out small prizes and end the night with a short devotion about how God has given each of us skills for a purpose.

Dad & Son Adventure Day

Invite dads or father figures and their boys to spend a Saturday outdoors together doing what works for your area—canoeing, hiking, fishing, etc. It’s a great bridge-builder for unchurched families. Include a time for a testimony or devotion for a spiritual focus.

Parking Lot Nerf Battle or Soda Shootout

Sometimes simple is best. Set up Nerf targets or soda-can knockdown stations and let boys go wild. Make it fun, fast-paced, and safe. Great for inviting guests and showing that Royal Rangers is both exciting and meaningful.

Ranger Round-Up Kickoff

Plan an open house or orientation night for families. Demo what Royal Rangers is about, give out snacks, and let parents meet the leaders. Boys can earn a small patch or prize for attending. Keep it welcoming and vision-driven.

Share Your Story on Socials

Equip boys and parents to post pictures and stories about what Royal Rangers means to them. Keep it short and personal with meeting info included on each post. You never know who’s watching and who needs an invitation.

Serve Together Saturday

Find a need in your community and meet it. Park clean-up, helping a local school, or assisting a family in need are a few options. Find something that fits your town. Let your boys experience what it means to live out servant leadership and invite friends to join in.

Whether you choose one of these events or choose something completely different, the goal isn’t to put on a perfect event; it’s to be intentional about reaching boys. God has placed your outpost in your community for such a time as this. As families are settling back into their routines for the school year and determining what will be part of that, let’s step into the opportunity, love boys where they are, and lead them toward Jesus.

Thank you for your heart to reach boys and mentor them into Christlike men. Remember, what you do makes a difference. Let’s go reach some boys.