Cub Scout Planning Guide

Pack Program Objective

Throughout the program planning process, leaders should remember that their prime Objective is to deliver a high quality Cub Scout program to each boy.

A high quality program has two elements. It must be fun and exciting for boys and it must achieve the purpose of Cub Scouting. To make sure that all leaders are familiar with the purposes, it would be a good idea to review them at your annual program planning conference.

Veteran Cub Scout leaders often use the word “KISMIF” to remind themselves to put fun into the program. KISMIF stands for “Keep it simple, make it fun.” Simple does not, however, mean simple minded. Most Cub Scout age boys are quite willing and eager to tackle fairly big projects, if they anticipate fun and satisfaction from them.

Three other factors should be considered in your program planning. 1) The need to make sure that each boy has opportunities for advancement. 2) Summer programs; do not drop Cub Scouting in the summer when the boys have the most time for it. 3) The need to orient parents to Cub Scouting, so that they know how it works and what they must do to make it work for their sons. When the boy joins, the Cubmaster, assistant Cubmaster, or a Pack Committee member should meet with the parents to brief them on the program. To make sure that your Pack is meeting its program objectives, have periodic evaluation sessions by the adult leaders. These evaluations could be held at a monthly Pack Leaders meeting every third or fourth month. The agenda for the evaluation could be the list of Cub Scout purposes. Are you still meeting each one?

Cub Scout Program Planning

There are five steps recommended for preparing a well-planned program for your Pack.

STEP 1: Do Your Homework

• Consider what you want to accomplish with your Cubs.
• Using the Cubmaster’s personal calendar, fill in the calendar considerations.
• Determine your chartered organization’s and personal dates on your own.
• Study the suggested program features for each month. Consider how they may be adapted to your Pack goals.
• Discuss tentative program activities with your Pack committee. Check the committee’s preference of dates for Pack committee meetings and progress reviews.
• Discuss ideas about the coming year with the Den Leaders and Den Chiefs.

STEP 2: Find Out What Your Cub Scouts Want

• At a Pack meeting, two or three weeks before the planning conference, get your Cub Scouts into the planning process. Ask the boys whether they want to repeat any program features. Point out that giving their ideas to their representative is a democratic way of developing the Pack’s long term plan.

STEP 3: Hold Den Leader’s Planning Conference

• This is the heart of Pack planning. Study the Pack Planning Worksheet marked with dates to be considered, including Council and District activities. Consider first your Pack’s participation in these events. Choose the monthly program features that will prepare your Pack for these events.

STEP 4: Get Pack Committee Support

• At the next Pack Committee meeting, request support for the plan developed at the planning conference. Ask the chairman to assign responsibilities to committee members for program facilities, transportation, leadership and finances. Although final assignments may be withheld until a month before each program feature is scheduled, a general commitment of support for the program is helpful before the new period begins.
• With the Pack Committee, develop a Parent’s Night agenda to inform parents about the program.

STEP 5: Pass The Word

• Hold the Parents’ Night early in the new program period. Give all parents a copy of the program.
• Present the schedule to your Scouting Coordinator and head of the Chartered Organization.

National Summertime Pack Award

The objective of the Summertime Pack Award program is to conduct a quality program during the summer months. There are other benefits that will result from the program: Continued parent interest, year round leadership, and most important, the Cub Scout’s eagerness to remain in the Pack. The minimum requirements to earn the Summertime Pack Award is to conduct a Pack activity during the months of June, July and August. Activities can range from family picnics to field trips, baseball games, etc. The Council offers opportunities such as Cub Scout Day Camp or Webelos Weekend. By having a monthly Pack activity in June, July and August the Pack receives an attractive streamer for the Pack flag. Each Den that has 50% or more of its boys participating in each of the three activities may be awarded a Den ribbon. Each boy who takes part in all three summer activities may be awarded a pin, to be purchased by the Pack. Having a summer program keeps a Pack healthy, parents interested, and Cub Scouts eager for the fall Scouting Program.

Cub Scout Day Camps

There will be 14 different Buckskin Council Day Camps this year. We will be featuring many different program areas including: BB ranges, archery, sports, fishing and much more. Keep your ears and eyes open this spring for literature including the dates, times and information for Day Camp in your area. See you there, register early. A T-shirt, patch, and totem will be provided with each boys' registration fee.

June 9-13 Pioneer Day Camp
June 23-27 Pioneer Day Camp
July 21-25 Pioneer Day Camp
June 30-Ju;y 4 Mt. Dominion Day Camp
July 28-Aug. 1 Mt. Dominion Day Camp
June 9-13 Mountain Rifle Day Camp
June 18-20 Mountain Rifle Tiger Prowl
July 7-11 Mountain Rifle Day Camp
June 9-13 Seneca Day Camp
July 28-Aug. 1 Seneca Day Camp
July 14-18 Chief Cornstalk Day Camp
June 23-27 Wilderness Day Camp
July 7-11 Wilderness Day Camp
July 21-25 Wilderness Day Camp

Webelos Weekend

Buckskin Scout Reservation

Webelos Weekend is for any 3rd grade Bear or current 4th grade Webelos along with a parent or guardian. Some of the activities that will be offered include: Archery, hiking, boating, swimming, BB ranges, fishing, scout skills, and nature.

Mark your calendars NOW! Additional information along with registration materials will be available in the spring. Promote the Webelos Weekend in your Pack this fall. Space is limited and this event has historically filled quickly.

Page revised 04/09/2008