1st Quarter: Jun. – Aug. – ‘SADDLE UP’ — Kick off the AMBUCS membership year with energy and excitement! This quarter focuses on recruiting new members, especially former members and retirees. To celebrate your efforts, every AMBUCS member who recruits a new member during this period will earn a special ‘saddle’ pin.
2nd Quarter: Sept. – Nov. – ‘FALL BRANDING’ — As the seasons change, AMBUCS chapters ramp up their programs and social activities. This is the perfect time to welcome new members and connect them to the energy of your chapter.
Chapters with a net gain of five members between September 1 and November 30 earn the title of Top Spread Chapter. The president of each Top Spread Chapter becomes a Trail Boss and receives a certificate.
Every member who recruits, or ‘brands,’ a new member during this period earns a spur pin. The rewards grow with your efforts: two brandings earn two spurs; three brandings earn two spurs and a branding iron pin. For more than three brandings, members earn an additional spur for each one, and every third branding earns a branding iron instead of a spur. For example, branding six new members earns four spurs and two branding irons.
New members branded during Fall Branding also count toward Big Hat credit. Big Hatters receive a star pin for each new member branded.
3rd Quarter: Dec. – Feb. – ‘TRAIL RIDE’ — As the year turns, we keep the momentum going! During this quarter, members who recruit new members will receive a horseshoe pin; a symbol of good luck for the year ahead. Winter is the perfect time to try fresh, non-traditional activities that bring energy and warmth to your chapter and brighten the cold months.
4th Quarter: March – May – ‘SPRING ROUND UP’ — As spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to gather new members and grow your chapter. Chapters with a net gain of five members between March 1 and May 31 earn the title of #1 Cowpoke, and their president receives a certificate.
Every member who recruits, or ‘rounds up,’ a new member during this period earns a boot pin. Two round-ups earn two boots; three round-ups earn two boots and a lasso pin. For more than three round-ups, members earn an additional boot for each one, and every third round-up earns a lasso instead of a boot. For example, rounding up six new members earns four boots and two lassos.