P_Swigs

Our council just completed day camps in all of it's districts with the theme "Scouting Around the World". Each group traveling from site to site was a country and our event sites were "worldly" by name. Example: Pond Study became "Ocean Study", the nature hike became "Hike Around the World", leather craft was "The Shoe Leather Express", etc. - you see where I'm going. There are imaginations that are more creative than mine, but tying into the theme and building upon it was lots of fun. You're fortunate that you have swimming available because we didn't. When our weather got real hot, we eliminated one activity and switched it to sponge water wars so we could get the Scouts wet. The event staff organized a bunch of games where the boys would get splashed and wet and cooled off. It was a hit. Rope making and plaster of Paris animal tracks were fun. The animal tracks do go fast so you will want something extra to fill the time at this event site. We used the time to have each group make flags of their country. At the closing ceremonies, we had a Parade of Nations where the flags were diplayed in a procession around the campfire area. Another thing you might consider is bringing in a Native American to lead an activity and share some Native American games the Scouts can try. Lacrosse is a fun game and the boys enjoyed trying it. Good luck with your camp. It's very rewarding.

Mike is right on the money! I've taken canoe trips into Canada's Quetico Provincial Park eight times with gear in a backpack. It only took one trip to realize the importance of dry clothes, sleeping bag, etc. I coined a phrase that is good in four seasons: "Wet is cold. Dry is warm". True, especially in winter, but summer too. Especially when it comes to sleeping bags!!

Our council just started a Cub Scout day camp in which the camp "comes to the boys". They're held at parks, fairgrounds, etc., anywhere there is enough room, and they run three days, but could run for five. The boys arrive in the morning and go home every night. They are organized and run by volunteer Scouters with Boy Scouts assisting. The council, along with the camp and program directors of each district, get together nearly a year in advance and come up with a theme, then each district plans their own camp (with some council-wide consistency). What each camp does for activities is up to them, but the Cub Scouts really enjoy it. The sky (and imagination) are the only limits on FUN!

We have a Pack of 85 Tigers, Cub Scouts and Webelos that is very active, and with 11 dens and excellent leaders, there are usually lots of awards earned. The challenge I have is the planning of Pack meetings. Our Pack meetings are organized and enjoyable with awards ceremonies, a song or skit (or two), and announcements, but I'm looking for ideas and options for future Pack meetings for a group our size. With family members and some siblings, our Pack meetings have nearly 150 people in attendance.

The size of your group has a little to do with how you handle discipline, but generally you handle it the same way...plan your meetings, keep them well organized and moving along. There will always be a time when the boys get loud or a bit unruly. If it's a Pack meeting, insist that the boys (and siblings) sit with their parents. That's a huge help. If it's a den meeting with active boys and no other parents, be creative with active activities first, letting them burn off some energy, but then be organized with your meeting, be hands-on active, and keep it moving. Make sure the boys know what the raised Cub Scout sign means and utilize it when needed. Don't say anything or shout "sign's up". Just wait for them. They will eventually get the picture. And as far as the quarter jar, whatever's in there, give to charity, then throw away the jar.