Pack Meetings with Pizzazz!

Presented by Bill Bates

Cubmaster, Pack 374 – Santa Clara County Council

Who am I? (Okay, a bit of a brag page)

Involved in BSA for almost 25 years (Eagle Scout)Involved in BSA for almost 25 years (Eagle Scout)44thth Year as Cubmaster of Pack 374 – Sana Clara Year as Cubmaster of Pack 374 – Sana Clara County CouncilCounty CouncilCub Scout Roundtable CommissionerCub Scout Roundtable CommissionerHave planned 47 Pack meetings (been at 57, as an Have planned 47 Pack meetings (been at 57, as an adult more as a scout)adult more as a scout)Dad of a Webelos II and Dad of a Webelos II and Bear Scout Bear Scout

What this presentation is not…

ShortShortThe “right way” to run pack meetingsThe “right way” to run pack meetingsA cure for behavior problemsA cure for behavior problemsThe presentation of your dreams! (Well, I The presentation of your dreams! (Well, I guess maybe…)guess maybe…)

What this presentation is…

Ideas for jazzing up pack meetingsIdeas for jazzing up pack meetingsExamples of ideas that worked for my packExamples of ideas that worked for my packA pointer to good online resourcesA pointer to good online resourcesHopefully, a time where we can share ideasHopefully, a time where we can share ideas

AgendaIntroIntroWhat is a Pack Meeting?What is a Pack Meeting?The Pack Meeting Plan The Pack Meeting Plan (Agenda)(Agenda)Den Duties (Assignments)Den Duties (Assignments)Using Leaders & AdultsUsing Leaders & AdultsGatheringGatheringPrayerPrayerThe Welcome!!!The Welcome!!!SongsSongs

SkitsSkitsRun-onsRun-onsSpotlight DensSpotlight DensRank AdvancementRank AdvancementAwardsAwardsMonthly ActivityMonthly ActivityLeader RecognitionLeader Recognition AnnouncementsAnnouncements

What is a Pack Meeting?(Oh my, soooo many words….)

The monthly pack meeting brings together The monthly pack meeting brings together boys from every den, their leaders, and their boys from every den, their leaders, and their families, to participate in a large-scale event families, to participate in a large-scale event that serves as a showcase for everything the that serves as a showcase for everything the boys have learned and done in their individual boys have learned and done in their individual den meetings. den meetings. The pack meeting gives the boys a larger The pack meeting gives the boys a larger experience beyond their own den, and helps experience beyond their own den, and helps them to connect their individual activities to them to connect their individual activities to the entire Cub Scouting program.the entire Cub Scouting program.

What is a Pack Meeting really?A monthly show for your pack families!!!A monthly show for your pack families!!!

There should be:There should be:SongsSongsSkitsSkitsJokesJokesAwardsAwardsRank advancementRank advancementShort announcements (use a newsletter)Short announcements (use a newsletter)FUN!!!!!FUN!!!!!

Mix it up! Some families have been there for years!Mix it up! Some families have been there for years!

(Remember: Get every den involved!)

Coming Up With the Plan!

You NEED an agenda!!!Consistency is good; but change is also okay (find a Consistency is good; but change is also okay (find a balance)balance)

Keep it simpleKeep it simple

Keep it as short as possible (90 min in my world 70 boys Keep it as short as possible (90 min in my world 70 boys and 9 dens – soon to be 10)and 9 dens – soon to be 10)

Be flexible!Be flexible!

Have a copy on handHave a copy on hand• Get every den involvedGet every den involved• Get parents and leaders involvedGet parents and leaders involved• Cubmaster is the Ringmaster Cubmaster is the Ringmaster not the starnot the star of the show! of the show!

Den Duties (Assignments)• This is what I use:This is what I use:

– Gathering & SetupGathering & Setup– OpeningOpening– PrayerPrayer– SongSong– SkitSkit– Spotlight DenSpotlight Den– Den Choice (Song, Skit, Cheer)Den Choice (Song, Skit, Cheer)– Jokes or Run-onsJokes or Run-ons– Closing & CleanupClosing & Cleanup

Monthly Den Duties• Publish the duties ahead of timePublish the duties ahead of time• Remind leaders at your leader meetingRemind leaders at your leader meeting• Come up with an easy rotationCome up with an easy rotation• Send email reminders!Send email reminders!• Be ready to fill/change as neededBe ready to fill/change as needed• I give my dens 5 minutes each (they can use less)I give my dens 5 minutes each (they can use less)• Get every den involved!!Get every den involved!!

– Public speaking is an important life skill!Public speaking is an important life skill!• Keep what works, change what doesn’t!Keep what works, change what doesn’t!

Keep the kids occupied!Gathering & Setup

Gathering & Setup

Setup (same for cleanup)Setup (same for cleanup)– Give the boys a jobGive the boys a job– Train parents to helpTrain parents to help

GatheringGathering– Assign to a leader, parent or denAssign to a leader, parent or den– Keep it simpleKeep it simple– Plan for siblingsPlan for siblings– Easy clean-upEasy clean-up

Keep the boys involved!Opening & Closing

Opening & Closing• Rotate!Rotate!• A Flag ceremony is preferred (but not required)A Flag ceremony is preferred (but not required)

– Every rank has a flag ceremony requirement or Every rank has a flag ceremony requirement or electiveelective

• Let dens be creative!Let dens be creative!– Don’t let them go on too long (5 min is good)Don’t let them go on too long (5 min is good)– Folks are ready to go home by the closing!Folks are ready to go home by the closing!

• Use the time before “Pack Dismissed” for final Use the time before “Pack Dismissed” for final reminders (cleanup or after meeting activities)reminders (cleanup or after meeting activities)

The Prayer• A Scout is Reverent!A Scout is Reverent!• Let the boys do it!Let the boys do it!• Not required, but I think it is a good idea to Not required, but I think it is a good idea to

start each meeting with a prayerstart each meeting with a prayer• Opportunity to use prayers from different Opportunity to use prayers from different

faiths and belief systems (for example, lots of faiths and belief systems (for example, lots of great Native American Prayers)great Native American Prayers)

• Know your audience!Know your audience!

Do NOT miss this important part of the meeting!

The Welcome!

The Welcome• Welcome scouts, parents, leaders and other special Welcome scouts, parents, leaders and other special

guestsguests• Welcome new or potential scouts (gift?)Welcome new or potential scouts (gift?)• Set expectations:Set expectations:

• BehaviorBehavior• Stage AreaStage Area• Scout Sign for family, siblings and guestsScout Sign for family, siblings and guests

• Applause of the Night (This can make the meeting!)Applause of the Night (This can make the meeting!)• Theme of the Month (or similar)Theme of the Month (or similar)• Remind pack of any little touches (“Stand up…”)Remind pack of any little touches (“Stand up…”)

Cub Scouts and families NEED to sing!

Songs

Songs• Try having a Cubmaster song as well as a den Try having a Cubmaster song as well as a den

songsong• You don’t need to be good, jut loud and full of You don’t need to be good, jut loud and full of

energy!energy!• Use leaders and other adults!Use leaders and other adults!• Try to mix it up, but using the same songs Try to mix it up, but using the same songs

over time also works wellover time also works well

Kid’s Music vs. Children’s Music• Children’s Music: Perfect, happy, sometimes Children’s Music: Perfect, happy, sometimes

fun for Tigers and lowerfun for Tigers and lower• Kid’s Music: Edgy, sometimes borderline Kid’s Music: Edgy, sometimes borderline

inappropriate (in their minds), fun for allinappropriate (in their minds), fun for all

Song Tips for Cubmaster• Give the audience something to doGive the audience something to do

– Hand motions, dancing, their own part, and so Hand motions, dancing, their own part, and so onon

• DO NOT PASS OUT SONG SHEETS!DO NOT PASS OUT SONG SHEETS!• Change songs to fit theme:Change songs to fit theme:

– Hole in the ground (Coffin in the ground)Hole in the ground (Coffin in the ground)– Tarzan of the Apes – Monster Style!Tarzan of the Apes – Monster Style!

• If the Cubmaster does not like to sing, find If the Cubmaster does not like to sing, find someone who does!someone who does!

Songs for Dens to Perform• Most important to get the scouts involvedMost important to get the scouts involved• Keep it simple and easy to learnKeep it simple and easy to learn• Song sheets for the den are okay (sometimes)Song sheets for the den are okay (sometimes)

Some of my Favorite Skits• Cheese Moose (think Lion/Bear Hunt)Cheese Moose (think Lion/Bear Hunt)• Frosty Jamaican StyleFrosty Jamaican Style• Billy the Cub ScoutBilly the Cub Scout• Beaver Song/CheerBeaver Song/Cheer• The Birdie SongThe Birdie Song• I Met a BearI Met a Bear• Flea Fly (and all of the variations)Flea Fly (and all of the variations)

Everyone gets a part!

Skits

Skits• A skit by leaders or other adults can be lots of fun!A skit by leaders or other adults can be lots of fun!• Remember skits can be edgy and “inappropriate” Remember skits can be edgy and “inappropriate”

just like songsjust like songs• Keep them short and sweetKeep them short and sweet• Get every scout in the den involvedGet every scout in the den involved• Do you have a microphone?Do you have a microphone?• Know your audienceKnow your audience• Don’t Offend (that changes over time)Don’t Offend (that changes over time)• Repetition sometimes works very well!Repetition sometimes works very well!

Some of my Favorite Skits• Invisible benchInvisible bench• Scout Leader Emergency Broadcast SystemScout Leader Emergency Broadcast System• BaloneyBaloney• Ugliest Man in the World (or Bravest Scout)Ugliest Man in the World (or Bravest Scout)• Hot LunchHot Lunch• ……

Don’t miss out on the fun and laughs!Jokes & Run-Ons

Assign Jokes and/or Run-Ons to Dens

• Each scout in the den gets to tell a jokeEach scout in the den gets to tell a joke• Knock-Knock jokes are classicKnock-Knock jokes are classic• Groaners are preferred! Groaners are preferred! • Easy to fit into a pack meeting themeEasy to fit into a pack meeting theme• Keep them short (no long stories)Keep them short (no long stories)

A Run-On?• A mini-skit that lasts a minute or so (did A mini-skit that lasts a minute or so (did

anyone watch Laugh-In?)anyone watch Laugh-In?)• Usually involves two peopleUsually involves two people• Sometimes they build on each otherSometimes they build on each other• Don’t worry about scheduling them in the Don’t worry about scheduling them in the

program, just let them happenprogram, just let them happen• Run-ons by adults and leaders are great!Run-ons by adults and leaders are great!• Memorization is good, but not necessaryMemorization is good, but not necessary

This has made a difference in our pack!Spotlight Den

What is a Spotlight Den?• A den who’s job is to introduce themselves, their A den who’s job is to introduce themselves, their

grade level, rank level and leaders to the packgrade level, rank level and leaders to the pack• A den may have something to showA den may have something to show• A den may talk about some interesting things they A den may talk about some interesting things they

did that monthdid that month• A den may find an interesting way to introduce A den may find an interesting way to introduce

themselvesthemselves• Could answer a question:Could answer a question:

– ““What is in your pocket?”What is in your pocket?”– ““What do you like best about summer?”What do you like best about summer?”– ““What is your favorite…?”What is your favorite…?”

How has the Spotlight Den Helped?

• Leaders are more easily recognized by the pack Leaders are more easily recognized by the pack familiesfamilies

• Pack families know the age groups and dens betterPack families know the age groups and dens better• Scouts don’t always have to perform (a break from Scouts don’t always have to perform (a break from

songs and skits)songs and skits)• Gives the den leader a break (easier to prepare)Gives the den leader a break (easier to prepare)• Gets every scout in the den to talk in front of the Gets every scout in the den to talk in front of the

packpack• Dens can show off what they have doneDens can show off what they have done

Are you having fun with this?Rank Advancement

Overly complex or too Simple?• Rank advancement should be fun, interesting and Rank advancement should be fun, interesting and

different each monthdifferent each month• Don’t hand out rank with other awards (make it Don’t hand out rank with other awards (make it

special)special)• Sometimes same can be good, but your audience Sometimes same can be good, but your audience

needs you to mix it upneeds you to mix it up• It does not need to be over the top or complex (too It does not need to be over the top or complex (too

hard to keep up with that)hard to keep up with that)• Get other adults and leaders involvedGet other adults and leaders involved• Let folks take pictures!Let folks take pictures!

Advancement Ideas• Use a themeUse a theme• Let parents/adult partner present badgeLet parents/adult partner present badge• Plan ahead (especially if you need supplies)Plan ahead (especially if you need supplies)• Some ceremonies that worked for me:Some ceremonies that worked for me:

Don’t let them bring your meeting to a crawl!

Awards

Presenting Awards• Make it interesting and fun (as much as Make it interesting and fun (as much as

possible) possible) • Small packs have an advantageSmall packs have an advantage• Try not be a “baggie pack”Try not be a “baggie pack”• Individual recognition is needed (even if it is in Individual recognition is needed (even if it is in

a smaller group)a smaller group)• Is it hard to keep everyone interested? Quiet?Is it hard to keep everyone interested? Quiet?• Large packs can spend 30-40 minutes handing Large packs can spend 30-40 minutes handing

out awards (not counting rank advancement)out awards (not counting rank advancement)

Award Board• My pack is trying this out (I have 70 boys)My pack is trying this out (I have 70 boys)• All awards are on a giant board (will make it more All awards are on a giant board (will make it more

fancy if it works out)fancy if it works out)• I talk about the awards for 5-10 minutes, I talk about the awards for 5-10 minutes,

highlighting special achievementshighlighting special achievements• I explain what some awards entailI explain what some awards entail• Leaders gather dens at the end of the meeting Leaders gather dens at the end of the meeting

(before the closing) and hand out individual (before the closing) and hand out individual awardsawards

• Major awards are still given individually (rank, Major awards are still given individually (rank, religious knots and such)religious knots and such)

Award Board Feedback• Meeting runs betterMeeting runs better• More time for “the show” aspect and dens to More time for “the show” aspect and dens to

become involved in itbecome involved in it• Scouts still get individual recognitionScouts still get individual recognition• Pack families understand and appreciate the Pack families understand and appreciate the

awards betterawards better• Pack pays more attention to the awardsPack pays more attention to the awards• It has all been positive (even from the It has all been positive (even from the

skeptics)skeptics)

Traditions or keep it fresh?Pack Monthly Activity

Pack Monthly Activity• Do you have one?Do you have one?• It can make the meeting feel more specialIt can make the meeting feel more special• Not needed every monthNot needed every month• Traditions can be good (but not EVERYTHING Traditions can be good (but not EVERYTHING

needs to be a tradition)needs to be a tradition)• Keep it freshKeep it fresh

Pack Meeting Activity Ideas• Cookie DecoratingCookie Decorating• SundaesSundaes• Uniform InspectionUniform Inspection• GamesGames• Scout Skill StationsScout Skill Stations• Graduation/Bridging Graduation/Bridging

CeremoniesCeremonies• CraftsCrafts

Your leaders are scouts too!Leader Recognition

Leader Recognition• Leader achievements need to be recognized in Leader achievements need to be recognized in

front of the packfront of the pack• Can be very simpleCan be very simple• Can make it fun!Can make it fun!• Make sure leaders wear Make sure leaders wear

a uniform!!! a uniform!!!

Isn’t there a song…Announcements

Announcements• These need to happen, but KEEP THEM These need to happen, but KEEP THEM

SHORT!SHORT!• Use a newsletter (printed or emailed)Use a newsletter (printed or emailed)• An online calendar does wonders!An online calendar does wonders!• The Announcement Song can be cute, but The Announcement Song can be cute, but

don’t let it get out of handdon’t let it get out of hand

Everyone needs help and ideas!Great Resources!

Great online Resources• Pack Meeting Info from BSA: Pack Meeting Info from BSA:

– http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Activities/pack.aspxhttp://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Activities/pack.aspx

– Simple Pack Meeting Planning Document:Simple Pack Meeting Planning Document:• http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34-37.pdfhttp://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34-37.pdf

– My University of Scouting Website:My University of Scouting Website:• http://batescentral.com/cubmaster/http://batescentral.com/cubmaster/

– My website for Pack 374 Leaders:My website for Pack 374 Leaders:• http://leaders.cubpack374.org/ http://leaders.cubpack374.org/

Major Helps• Baloo’s Bugle (my secret sauce)Baloo’s Bugle (my secret sauce)

– http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle.asp http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle.asp • Cubmaster Resources from the BSACubmaster Resources from the BSA

– http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/Cubmaster%20Resources.aspxhttp://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/Cubmaster%20Resources.aspx

– Den and Pack Meeting Resource GuidesDen and Pack Meeting Resource Guides– http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/

DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspxDenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspx

• MacScouterMacScouter– http://www.macscouter.com/ http://www.macscouter.com/

• The Virtual Cub Scout Leader’s Handbook The Virtual Cub Scout Leader’s Handbook – http://webspace.webring.com/people/wu/um_10831/home.htmlhttp://webspace.webring.com/people/wu/um_10831/home.html

Thank You!cubmaster@batescentral.com