Earn the National Summertime Pack Award This Summer!
Dan Beard Council challenges EVERY Cub Scout Pack to schedule fun activities throughout the summer and to earn the National Summertime Pack Award! Cub Scout Packs are getting outside as the daylight hours grow longer. In May, June and throughout the summer, take advantage of the weather and ability to get together and have some FUN that your Scouts (AND families) really need!
Packs who host one summer activity each month during June, July, and August would qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award. Packs who qualify for the award can submit the form to the Scout Achievement Center, and will receive a Pack certificate, Pack flag streamer, and Den streamers for those Dens who meet participation requirements. The form and other information about the Summertime Pack award can be found at www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/national-summertime/.
How does the National Summertime Pack Award Work?
Summertime activities should focus on fun and camaraderie. Packs should avoid scheduling summertime Pack meetings that solely focus on awards and business. Make sure that your summertime activities provide your Scouts an opportunity to get outdoors and active.
Some possible summertime activities are listed below.
Requires Some Prep Work | Ready-Made (Mostly) |
Summer Camp | Fishing Day |
Pack Cookout/Picnic | Scout vs. Parent Game (kickball, wiffleball or other athletic activity) |
Zoo / Museum Visit | Nature Hike |
Water Bottle Rocket Build & Launch Day | Astronomy Night |
Rain Gutter Regatta | Bicycle Ride |
Bird House, Toolbox Kit Build Day | Campfire |
Space Derby | Outdoor Movie Night |
Scavenger Hunt | Bowling |
Ice Cream Social |
Benefits of the Earning the National Summertime Pack Award
- Volunteer Prospecting: Get to know Pack families (especially parents who are potential volunteers) in an informal relaxed environment
- Recruiting Opportunity: Scouts can invite a friend to participate
- Retention: Families see communications and events on their calendar that keep Cub Scouting on their mind and calendar forming a bridge from spring to fall
- Advancements: Many awards have outdoor components that are more difficult to accomplish in winter months, but could be nearly effortlessly added to a summer activity
- Fall Fundraising can kick-off with returning Scouts earlier than beginning of the school year–before parents are burned out from other fundraisers, or scouts are taking hiatus for fall sports
- Fellowship: Scouts get a chance to socialize with other Scouts in/outside of their dens, when it’s not disruptive to formal pack meeting programs
- FUN: Swimming, hiking, picnics, ice cream socials, S’mores nights–they are all FUN for Scouts and their families!
Questions? Please contact your District Professional by clicking here for the Staff Directory.