How Fun Are Your Pack Meetings?
Posted on: Wed, 04/02/2008 - 18:19
How Fun Are Your Pack Meetings?
As a new Cubmaster, I am looking to pump up the fun in the Pack Meetings. I am looking for some ideas beyond those in the planning book. The rub seems to be getting all the Den Leaders on board with getting Scout participation. Please share some traditions and ideas that are fun and easy. Once everyone starts having quick fun, I think they will be motivated to put more effort into Pack Meeting prep.
Thank you in advance.
I've observed a couple of packs with fun meetings. What they seem to have in common are:
1) Action, Action, Action
2) Let the boys show off their stuff
3) Competition
4) Planning by the leaders
A pre-meeting gathering activity like a game or a craft keeps the boys busy while the meeting is being set up. Simple competition like a rope ring toss, or ping pong balls in a cup. Let the boys make up their own rules, then play by them. Following the month or meeting theme helps capture their active imaginations.
* Boys do the opening ceremony (show off).
* Do the awards and recognitions - they're busting for these.
* Boys do a skit or show off what they've done (the operative word is show off)
* Game or craft activity (action, competition)
Make use of all your resources. Invite a guest to present something like archery, bugs and reptiles, OA Indian dance team, etc. Contact or ask for a Unit Commissioner to help you with more detailed plans. Invite den leaders to attend round table breakouts, leader training, etc.
Your leaders may just not know what is expected or how to accomplish something. Part of the Cubmaster job is to develop your den leaders and to help them succeed. Meet with them on the side, help them develop a plan, then let them do it and shine.
Cub Scouts Do Fun Stuff.
Perhaps one suggestion would be a review of the talents, likes and dislikes of the members of the pack.
Following the monthly themes are only a suggestion. You don't necessarily have to stick to the theme if you have something else that would be more popular. Take a survey of the members of the pack and find out what they do for a living, what their hobbies are, what they like to do. This also works for a scout troop.
Then get a few of the parents to participate in the planning sessions. When only a few people plan the activities it's always possible that only a few (the same few) will participate.
One final suggestion. Assign a couple of the parents or committee members to visit other packs and see what they're doing. Don't go in uniform. Just go as a casual visitor and take it all in. When you see a pack meeting from the outside, and not as a participant, you tend to get a good idea of what's going on and what works and what does not.