Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and earning awards! For Cub Scouts, the summertime offers a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors and achieve new milestones. While there isn't a specific, officially named "Summertime Pack Award" from the Boy Scouts of America, packs often create their own awards to celebrate summer achievements. This guide will help you understand how to create and implement a successful summertime pack award program.
Designing Your Pack's Summertime Award
The key to a successful summertime award is making it relevant, achievable, and fun for all Scouts. Consider these factors when designing your award:
1. Define the Goals:
- Focus on Summer Activities: Tie the award requirements to activities that are naturally suited to the summer months. Think camping, swimming, hiking, nature exploration, community service projects relating to summer events, etc.
- Age Appropriateness: Ensure the requirements are tailored to the different age groups within your pack (Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos). Younger Scouts will need simpler tasks than older Scouts.
- Variety of Activities: Offer a range of activities to appeal to different interests and skill levels. This ensures inclusivity and maximizes participation.
2. Establish Requirements:
- Specific and Measurable: Instead of vague goals like "go camping," specify the type of camping (tent camping, cabin camping), duration, and any necessary skills (setting up a tent, building a campfire – always under adult supervision).
- Achievable but Challenging: The requirements should push Scouts to try new things and develop new skills, but they shouldn't be overly difficult or discouraging.
- Documented Progress: Establish a clear system for tracking progress. This could be a checklist, a logbook, or a digital tracker. Parents can help with the record-keeping.
3. Create an Engaging Award:
- Thematic Design: Choose a design that reflects the summer theme. Consider incorporating images of summer activities, nature scenes, or pack-specific elements.
- Meaningful Recognition: The award should be something Scouts will be proud to display. A patch, certificate, or other physical token is a great way to commemorate their achievements.
- Presentation Ceremony: Hold a special ceremony to present the awards. This adds a sense of accomplishment and celebrates the Scouts' hard work.
Sample Summertime Award Requirements (Adaptable by Age Group):
Here are some example requirements you can adapt and expand upon for your pack's specific needs and resources. Remember to always prioritize safety and adult supervision for all activities.
Beginner Level (Lions, younger Tigers):
- Attend 3 pack meetings.
- Participate in one pack outing (e.g., picnic, park visit).
- Complete a nature scavenger hunt.
- Read one summer-themed book.
Intermediate Level (Older Tigers, Wolves):
- Attend 4 pack meetings.
- Participate in two pack outings (e.g., hike, camping trip).
- Complete a nature project (e.g., birdhouse building, plant identification).
- Earn a swimming merit badge (if applicable and appropriate).
- Participate in a community service project (e.g., park cleanup).
Advanced Level (Bears, Webelos):
- Attend 5 pack meetings.
- Participate in three pack outings (e.g., longer camping trip, overnight hike).
- Complete a more advanced nature project (e.g., wilderness first aid training, advanced knot tying).
- Lead a group activity during a pack outing.
- Complete a significant community service project.
Promoting and Managing the Award Program:
- Announce the Award Early: Let Scouts and parents know about the award well in advance so they can plan accordingly.
- Provide Regular Updates: Keep Scouts informed of their progress and any upcoming events related to the award.
- Offer Support and Guidance: Be available to answer questions and offer assistance to Scouts and parents.
- Celebrate Successes: Publicly acknowledge and celebrate the Scouts who earn the award.
By following these guidelines, you can create a rewarding and memorable summertime award program that enhances the Cub Scout experience and fosters a love for the outdoors. Remember to always consult your chartered organization and follow BSA guidelines and safety procedures.
