Summertime Pack Events 2011

This is our third year since I have taken over as Cubmaster in 2009 that we have put forth a Summertime Pack Event program.  In 2009 we did a Ivy Pull at Tryon Creek State Park, a Sleepover at the Portland Beavers Baseball Game and a Bike ride that the City of Portland put on.  In 2010, we held a Raingutter Regatta, another Sleepover at the Portland Beavers (their final since they moved) and a marched in a Parade in Portland.  This year, we are holding a Bike Rodeo, a Disc Golf Clinc and again walking in the parade.  The one thing different we are doing is also incorporating hikes as well.  This was based upon a comment at a Parent Meeting of “We cannot make everything, but want to”.  Which stems from the fact that there are things that the Pack does that can be used for advancement but we only did it once and on a specific date that might not work for all.  So, taking that into account, I thought let’s have one main event but also another one.  For me, the easiest to do was HIKING.  It’s SUMMER and nice out.  With that, I found that Cascade Pacific Council within their Segment Program has a segment for those who go to Pioneer Woman’s Grave on the Barlow Trail.  I have already talked to a few of the Tiger Den Leaders and they are keen on it.  It’s a nice hike on Mt Hood, and we can venture around the area after we are done. I am still working on the other two hikes, but I am really going to leave that up to others within the Pack to decide and carry out.

Is your Pack doing something? Is it fun? Is it different?  What I find is that the more different you make it from the normal meetings the better.  I like starting off with a Rodeo or Raingutter Regatta cause it’s easy.  Then branch out.  You cannot use Summercamp as part of the Summertime Pack Events, because that’s really cheating.

The one thing that I did not put down as part of the Summertime Event things is a Ranger Quest that Council is putting on for the Venturing section of Scouting.  I need to and I will, but I think I will reserve it for the boys and families already in the Pack.  Now, if there are boys who want to join and come, fine.  But this is a high-level thing within the Council.  I got wind of this on our final day of Wood Badge.  The two people who are heading this up came and spoke to us about it.  After they were done, I asked if I could use the general public part as a Summertime Pack Event.  The lady I spoke to whole hearted agreed that it would be.  She took my name and email and we have been in contact since then.  I just need to get a headcount to her sooner than later.

So, my challenge to you in Packs…GO DO SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING!  Oh, and Cubmasters…this is one thing you need for your Cubmaster Knot.  If you are doing Summertime Pack Award, you are doing your job, your providing fun and recruiting and doing it right.  That is one thing that I like about Knots.  If you do what the requirments state, everyone wins.  I got mine, but I am still doing it because it is now a tradition. Next year, I am going to have a the Den Leaders/Committee work on this since they need to learn how to do it.  Hopefully, I will have a replacement.  aaahhh one thing at a time.

(Updated 6/2/11: finished the Summer Flyer-2011v4.)

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