Cub Scout Activities

This is the time to read the den meeting plan, the adventure in the handbook, and secure the materials needed to run the meeting.

As the Cub Scouts begin to arrive, they join in an informal activity or game, often conducted by the den chief to keep everyone interested and active until the entire group has arrived. The gathering activity should be completed prior to the formal start of the meeting as it encourages everyone to arrive on time so the meeting can start on time. A gathering activity is optional.

The Opening is the official start of the den meeting. It consists of a formal ceremony, usually including a flag ceremony, and a group recertation of the Scout Oath and Law.

This is where the business items of the den take place. Business items can include dues, recording advancement, notification of upcoming events, introducing a new adventure or a new Scout to the den. Talk Time should be brief so the den can get right to the fun of the meeting.

The Activities part of the meeting is focused on the activities related to the adventure the den is working on.

The Closing draws the meeting to an end. It’s usually serious and quiet. Den leaders could present a thought for the day or give reminders about coming events.

The den leader reviews the events of the meeting, finalizes plans for the next den meeting, and reviews upcoming plans pack events or activities.

Every July our pack has a family overnight camping adventure. Our pack overnight camp-out is a great way to get to know the families in the pack and to work on outdoor adventures. The location is a site that is approved by the local council. In order for us to conduct a pack overnight camp-out, at least one registered adult leader who is attending the camp-out must complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training.

Cub Scout families may participate in Council Organized Family Camp. These events may be called something less formal such as Parent and Pal or Cub Family Camp. The program is provided by the local council and the event may last two nights.

Offered as a three or five day event day camp provides opportunities to make new friends, earn new adventures, and participate in special activities.

Partnered with a parent or guardian, Cub Scouts work together, strengthening bonds and building confidence – and their own custom race cars! They begin with an official Pinewood Derby Race Car kit, then create a design, then carve it from the wood block provided in the kit, and detail it with paint, decals and other accessories, and perfect strategies to compete in their pack’s own Pinewood Derby. It’s s a wonderful learning experience centered on teamwork, ingenuity and sportsmanship – all for the thrill of the race and a lifetime of great memories to share with fellow racers young and old.

The winter activity is usually coordinated with the pack Boy Scouts and planned by the pack committee. Usually no more than 3-4 hours, we try to get the scouts out to enjoy the outdoors. This year we took the scouts up to Hyalite Reservoir for ice fishing and sledding. We had chili, hot chocolate and s’mores to keep everyone’s belly’s full.

Blue and Gold Banquets are a tradition in Cub Scout packs. They are a celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the BSA on February 8, 1910, and therefore usually take the place of the February pack meeting. Often, badges of rank are awarded. The Arrow of Light ceremony may even be included as the 5th graders cross over to a troop. Sometimes community leaders or special guests are invited to attend. The meal can be a pot-luck dinner or other arrangements can be made – whatever suits your pack.

Doing service projects together is one way that Cub Scouts keep their promise “to help other people.” While a Scout should do their best to help other people every day, a group service project is a bigger way to help people. While you’re giving service, you’re learning to work together with others to do something that’s good for your community.

Service projects may help the natural world, the community, or the chartered organization. Make sure to review the Guide to Safe Scouting to ensure Cub Scouts are doing age appropriate activities. Some service projects fulfill requirements for adventures in the Cub Scout handbooks.