Poles Apart ~ Great Salt Lake - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans - Winter Wonderland

Poles Apart was the official Cub Scout theme in January 2007.  The following information is from the 2006-07 Great Salt Lake Utah Council PowWow book.  This is a great theme, and many of the ideas that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF for this theme, CLICK HERE

Some of the things you will find in this PDF are:

• Scout Law:
• Perseverance
• BSA Family Program
• Gathering & Pre-Openers
• Printable - How many words can you find that you can spell out of the word... Antartica?
• Opening & Closing Flag Ceremonies
• Eskimo Pie - Opening Ceremony
• USS Nautilus - Flag Ceremony
• Polar Express - Closing Ceremony
• Advancement Ceremonies
• Four Corners of the Earth
• Skits & Story Telling
• Skit - Happiness Is - Misery Is
• Run-Ons
• Black & White and Red all Over
• Knock Knock Wanda
• Songs
• I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing
• The Scout's Winter Song
• Cheers
• Frozen Cub Scout Cheer
• Seal Cheer
• Wolf Cheer
• Games
• You Did It!
• Polar Bears Fly
• Penguin Tag
• Cubs in the Kitchen
• Oreo Penguin Snack
• Polar Bear Pops
• Polar Ice Cap Drink
• Theme Crafts
• Compass Slide
• Penguins and Polar Bears
• Crafts on a Shoestring
• Geodesic Dome (Igloo)
• Icicle Ornaments
• Theme Midway
• Did you Know?  Facts about the South Pole and the North Pole

To see more Theme Ideas, and other PowWow books go to this page CLICK HERE

Den Doodle ~ Great Salt Lake - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans

This information for having a Den Doodle was in the 2006 Utah Great Salt Lake Council PowWow book.  This is a great idea, and many of the things that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF  to print this page,  CLICK HERE

DEN DOODLES
Den doodles are a fantastic way to generate enthusiasm for attendance, wearing a uniform, participating in den meetings, and reaching achievement milestones. When used with the Instant Recognition Beads, it can be a way to motivate underachievers, and reward overachievers at the same time. Remember to bring your den doodles to Pack Meetings to show off your Cubs’ progress to their parents and family.
Den doodles can be in almost any shape and size. The only limitations are your imagination and portability. Most den doodles have strings or plastic lace attached to it. When your Cub does something worth rewarding, you put a bead or trinket on the string. Plastic pony beads come in different sizes and every shade in the rainbow (and then some). Assign a colored bead for attendance, one for bringing a book, one for wearing a uniform, etc. Special beads like plastic claws, fancy buttons, or something that stands out can be used to recognize achieving rank.

This example allows you to personalize the den doodle with the Cub’s name, then add a bead for
Coming to den meeting, Coming in Uniform, Bringing the Book.
Use the three holes in the bottom for string or plastic lace, and the two holes in the top to mount it on a board with doodles for the entire den.

Use your creativity and imagination with your den doodles. Make them colorful, interesting, and let your Cubs help design them. Don’t be afraid to change your den doodles from time to time to keep things fresh. The Scout Shops have large stickers with the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos rank patches. Those can be a great start for you. For Webelos dens, you are allowed to chose a patrol name for your den. Incorporate that patrol animal or “critter” in your den doodle.
A quick trip to the craft section at Wal-Mart, or better
yet, an excursion to a large craft store like Michaels,
Roberts, Zim’s, etc. will open your eyes with the availability and variety of inexpensive but impressive beads that are available. There are glow-in-the-dark beads the Cubs go crazy for. There are patriotic beads, hearts, stars, squares, etc. in a fantastic array of colors and sizes. There are literally hundreds of commercial web sites that sell beads in more varieties than the local stores can possibly carry.
Also, check out the larger craft stores for small wooden shapes, or “Woodsies.” These come in a large array of shapes and sizes. They will require a bit of paint, but they can be used to “dress up” a den doodle in fun and interesting ways. Don’t limit yourself, or your Cub’s imagination. You will be impressed with the ideas your Cubs will come up with for their den doodle.

Pinewood Derby ~ Great Salt Lake - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans

This information for holding a Pinewood Derby was in the 2006 Utah Great Salt Lake Council PowWow book.  This is a great idea, and many of the things that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF  to print this page,  CLICK HERE

PINEWOOD DERBY
History: The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 by Cub Scout Pack 280 of Manhattan Beach, California. Don Murphy was the Cubmaster of that pack and he came up with the concept and rules for the father-son project. He says, “I wanted to devise a wholesome constructive activity that would forge a closer father-son relationship and promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition.” When the race began, Pack280 had seven dens and totaled 55 Cub Scouts. In October 1954, Boys’ Life publicized the event and offered plans for the track and car, which featured “four wheels, four nails, and three blocks of wood.” Little has changed in the Pinewood Derby car race since 1953. Since that time an estimated 43 million sons and fathers (mostly) have participated. Every year more than a million boys and parents team up to carve, decorate, weigh, adjust, fret over, and finally race a Pinewood Derby Car. Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby Racing has been adopted by the Girl Scouts, Awana Grand Prix, Royal Rangers, Kub Kar Rally, Shape N Race Derby, and most recently WIRL (Woodcar Independent Racing League).
Purpose: The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn good sportsmanship, and to have FUN!
Planning: When planning a Pinewood Derby, be sure to start in advance and consider using a committee. They can help make the event successful and take a lot of weight off the Cubmaster and the Pack Committee Chair. Here is a list of some individuals who could serve on that committee.

• Chairman: This person is responsible for the committee. They need to be organized and motivated.
  They should hold two or three meetings in the months prior to the race.
  
• Master of Ceremonies: This person could be the Cubmaster but needs to be the “announcer” of the
  Pinewood Derby.
  
• Rules Team: This group creates, approves, and distributes the rules of car construction and race
  procedures.
  
• Sponsors Team: These people find local businesses who might donate prize “giveaways” and raffle
  goodies as well as decorations, etc.
  
• Construction Clinics Team: Some packs offer a night when people can come and work on their cars.
  This team would be over that clinic.
  
• Pit Crew Team: They work on cars the night of the race to make sure that they stay in good repair.
  
• Track Setup Team: Like it says, they help set up and take down the track.
  
• Registration Team: Cars are usually turned in previous to the night of the race. This team weighs in
  the cars and takes care of them until race day.
  
• Starter: Someone to start the cars on the day of the race.
  
• Decoration Team: These people decorate the building you are using on race day.
  
• Finishers: Someone to watch the end of the race and may involve judging the car finish order.
  
• Refreshments Team: This team makes sure there are refreshments for the Cubs and their families.
  
• Results Chart Team: This team keeps track of the races and who wins.
  
• Awards Team: These people are responsible for developing an
  award program for the races. They purchase trophies and medals,
  coordinate the making of certificates, etc.
  
• Cleanup Team: Make sure that the building is cleaned after the race.
  

Cub Scout Stars ~ Great Salt Lake - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans ~ Christmas Ideas ~ Space Derby

Cub Scout Stars was the official Cub Scout theme in December 2006.  The following information is from the 2006-07 Great Salt Lake Utah Council PowWow book.  This is a great theme, and many of the ideas that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF for this theme, CLICK HERE

Some of the things you will find in this PDF are:

• Scout Law:
• Positive Attitude
• BSA Family Program
• Gathering & Pre-Openers
• Match the Constellation with it's proper name - Printable
• Opening & Closing Flag Ceremonies
• Out in Space
• The Flag on the Moon
• Toy Story
• Advancement Ceremonies
• Pack Walk of Fame (Hollywood Stars)
• Skits & Story Telling
• A Christmas Story - Audience Participation
• Water Skit
• Songs
• The Noble Captain Kirk
• Bring Back My Spaceship to Me
• Cheers
• Martian Cheer
• Rocket Cheer
• Games
• Space Ball
• Rocket Race to Mars
• Star Wars
• Cubs in the Kitchen
• Constellation Cake
• Glazed Brownie Stars
• Theme Crafts
• Wire Stars
• Star Neckerchief Slide
• Crafts on a Shoestring
• Tin Punch Ornament
• Theme Midway
• Astronomy Information
• Beam Me Aboard Skit
• Run-on Shooting Star
• Meteor Shower Cheer
• Online Resources

To see more Theme Ideas, and other PowWow books go to this page CLICK HERE

Blue & Gold Banquet ~ Utah National Parks Council - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans

This information for holding a Blue & Gold Banquet was in the 2008-2009 Utah National Parks Council PowWow book.  This is a great idea, and many of the things that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF  to print this page,  CLICK HERE

Blue & Gold Banquets

Everyone likes to celebrate their birthday, and Cub Scouting is no exception. A Blue and Gold banquet is a birthday dinner for Cub Scouting, usually held in February. Why February? Well, that’s the anniversary month of the Boy Scouts of America (organized in February 1910) and also the birthday of Scouting’s founder, Lord Baden-Powell (February 22). The celebration is called the Blue and Gold in honor of the Cub Scout colors.

PLAN your Blue and Gold banquet as early as possible to avoid conflicting with other
events. Start planning at your annual
program planning
conference and follow
up at your monthly pack
leaders meeting. A good
time to hold your banquet is
on your regular pack meet-
ing night. If this is not possible, then have calendars available from schools and other organizations affecting the members (such as your chartering organization) so that the Blue and Gold is not planned on the same night as other functions.
A CHAIRPERSON AND COMMITTEES
involve more people and make less work. Ask parents face-to-face and one-on-one to do a definite job. Let them know exactly what you want them to do and how much time their involvement will take. You can also ask people in your chartering organization for help, and even friends and neighbors. Don’t forget to say thank you.

What kind of committees do you need? You could have a committee for:
PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENTS: Where will we hold the event, how many tables and chairs, do we need special equipment? 
DECORATIONS: What is the theme, how can we decorate for that theme?
INVITATIONS: Who do we invite, what should we use for invitations?
FOOD: What shall we eat, how should it be
financed, how should it be served?
PROGRAM: What entertainment should
we have?
INVITATIONS
should be boy-made
if possible. Nothing brings a smile to an
adult as quickly as receiving an invitation made by a
boy. Remember to put all five “W’s” on the invitations: who, what, when, where and why.
Cub Scouts can make and deliver invitations to their own families with an R.S.V.P. They can invite moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends.
Invitations to special guests should be mailed well in advance and contain an R.S.V.P. Who are these special guests? They can include, but are not limited to, the head of the chartering organization, the chartered organization representative, the district executive, the unit com- missioner, Scoutmaster, former unit leaders, and anyone who has made a contribution or an impact upon your pack. Boys who will joining your pack in the upcoming year should also be specially invited guests.

DINNER – Everyone wants to know what’s to eat. Try to center the menu around your theme and make the menu boy-friendly. Decide who will cook the meal and how it will be served. What you serve and how you serve it will be determined by your budget and what your pack prefers to eat. You can try:
CATERED: Meals are prepared through local restaurants or catering services. This is the most expensive form, and may require fundraisers or financing by charging per plate. SEMI-CATERED: Prepared food can be purchased in large quantities. Pack leaders could serve the food buffet style. Some packs pro- vide the main dish such as fried chicken, lasagna, meat for tacos, etc. and then ask families to contribute the remainder of the meal. POTLUCK: To arrange a “potluck” meal, each family is asked to provide certain foods, usually one meat dish plus one other (salad, vegetable, dessert, etc.) for the size of their family plus two more people. This type of meal would be served buffet style. If you are relying on people to bring food, remind them plenty of times beforehand (try notes, phone calls, e-mails) so they don’t forget.
ONE POT MEAL: Try a pack chili feed. Each family is asked to bring enough chili for their own family and it is all poured into a large pot. Each family brings a salad or dessert and the pack provides crackers, cheese, etc. from the pack budget.
DO IT YOURSELF: The pack can purchase and cook the main dish and ask each family to bring side dishes.
CAKE AND ICE CREAM: Skip the meal and hold a true birthday party with cake and ice cream. Ask each family to bring a certain item, such as cake, ice cream, sundae toppings, whipped cream, etc. Or, ask each family to bring ingredients for homemade ice cream and mix it up in a ice cream freezer. The pack can provide drinks and paper products.

PROGRAM – Your Blue and Gold should follow a program similar to your normal pack meeting program. Parts may need to be shortened to allow for time to eat.
GATHERING PERIOD: Have displays and exhibits. Also have games and something to keep the younger children busy until the meal is served.
OPENING CEREMONY: The American flag should be used in at least one part of the opening. The opening should introduce the theme and the program and set the mood for the banquet. It should remind Cubs and par- ents of the purposes and ideals of Scouting. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: Welcome guest and Scouts and their families to the banquet. Attention is usually a little better before dinner, an ideal time for introductions of guests and leaders. Introduce last the person giving the invocation (a smooth transition to the next part of the program.)
INVOCATION: A pack leader, a Cub Scout, a parent or a religious leader may give the invocation. Ask the person in advance so there will be no embarrassment.
DINNER: YUM!
ENTERTAINMENT: This is a good time for your Cubs to shine. Let each den perform a skit or puppet show, or tell jokes or do some run-ons. Outside entertainment can also be used. Try to keep the entertainment short and sweet and interesting.
RECOGNITION: Spend most of the program time here. Recognition is the most important features of the event because recognition of efforts, large and small, is important to boys as well as leaders. Cub Scouts, adult leaders and parents should be recognized by receiving badges, arrow points, certificates, small gifts and warm applause. Remember those who helped drive, assist leaders or go the extra mile. Awards are important to the Cubs and the Cubs are what the program is all about.

Make the ceremonies extra special, a real night to remember. Use your imagination and adapt ceremonies to suit the theme or situation. 
CLOSING: If the banquet follows the normal course, it will run a little longer than expected. Keep the closing short. At this point in the pro- gram, the “tone” of the meeting should become more serious. Close with something inspirational or patriotic.
HELPFUL HINTS:
Include activities for all ages of children. Don’t make any one segment too long or your audience will get restless.
Don’t start late, children usually eat early. Avoid speeches.
Have fun, start on time, have a program. Recognize guests and honor leaders.
Make award ceremonies memorable for the boys.
Don’t forget applauses, run-ons and songs. Keep things moving-start on time and end on time.
Be sure to finish before bedtime for the younger ones.
KEEP IT SIMPLE, MAKE IT FUN.

THEMES
February is assigned a theme, just like every month. This year’s “Chinese New Year” theme has tons of possibilities along with lots of great ideas in the February craft section of this book for banquet decorations. But this theme does not have to be the theme of your Blue and Gold. Pick something your boys like, then plan your banquet around that theme. Here are some theme ideas. Use your imagination and resources to think of more!
Happy Birthday to Us Scouting through the Years Hawaiian Luau
Wild West
Cars, Trucks and Airplanes
(all together or separate) The Great Outdoors
Around the World
Our Favorite Vacations
A Trip to the Zoo
Families
Rivers, Lakes, and Streams
Star Trek or Star Wars
Cub Scout Picnic
Ghosts and Other Scary Stuff Cartoons
Around the Campfire
Chefs are Cooking up a Good Time Our Home State
911 - Police and Fireman Cubstruction
Turn Back the Clock
Magic
Our Favorite Films
Here Comes the Circus
Under the Sea
Sports
Inside Out and Backwards
Boats and Ships
Jungle of Fun

tender. Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours stirring occasionally. Makes 40- 1 1/2 cup servings.
CROWD CHICKEN CASSEROLE
10 cups diced cooked chicken
10 cups chopped celery
2 bunches green onions with tops, chopped 2 cans (4 oz each) chopped green chilies
1 can (5 3/4 oz) black olives, drained &
sliced
2 cups slivered almonds
5 cups (20 oz) shredded cheese, divided
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
5 cups crushed potato chips
Combine the first six ingredients. Add 2 cups
cheese. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream; add to chicken mixture and toss. Spoon into two greased 13” x 9” x 2” baking dishes. Sprinkle with chips. Top with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 24 servings. From Taste of Home Magazine.
BAKED BEANS
1 1/2 #10 cans pork and beans 3 chopped onions
about 28 oz ketchup
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/8 cup dry mustard
Mix and bake at least one hour. Makes 50 servings.

MACARONI SALAD FOR 100
5 to 6 pounds cooked ham, cubed
5 to 6 pounds macaroni, cooked and drained 3 pounds shredded cheddar cheese
2 bags (20 oz each) frozen peas, thawed
2 bunches celery, chopped (about 12 cups) 2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cans pitted black olives, drained and sliced
Dressing –
2 quarts mayonnaise
1 bottle (8 oz) French salad dressing 1/4 cup vinegar
1 cup light cream
1 1/2 tsp onion salt
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Combine first seven ingredients. Combine all dressing ingredients; pour over the ham mixture and toss. Refrigerate. Serves 100. From Taste of Home Magazine.
BLUE AND GOLD MINTS
6 Tbls. margarine or butter
2 tsp. peppermint or spearmint flavoring 3 pounds powdered sugar
7 Tbls. water, colored with food coloring dash of salt
Cream margarine. Add flavoring, salt and water. Combine with 2 pounds of powdered sugar. Blend with mixer, then knead in remain- ing sugar. Cut and shape mints. Spread on cookie sheet and refrigerate When mints are dry, store in covered canister in refrigerator.

FOOD
Rolls Bread
Butter Mayonnaise Mixed Filling for
sandwiches
Jams and Preserves Crackers
Cheese (2 oz serving) Soup
Salad Dressing
MEAT,
POULTRY OR FISH: Wieners (Beef) Hamburger
Turkey or chicken Fish fillets or steaks
SALADS, CASSEROLES, VEGETABLES: Potato Salad Scalloped Potatoes Mashed Potatoes Spaghetti
Baked Beans
Jello Salad
Canned Vegetables
FRESH VEGETABLES:
Lettuce (for salads) Carrots
Tomatoes
DESSERTS:
Cake
Ice Cream- Brick
Bulk

25 SERVINGS
4 dozen
50 slices or
3 1-lb. loaves 1/2 pound
1 cup
1 1/2 quarts 1 1/2 pounds 1 1/2 pounds 3 pounds
1 1/2 gallons 1 pint
6 1/2 pounds 9 pounds
13 pounds
7 1/2 pounds
4 1/4 quarts 4 1/4 quarts 9 pounds
1 1/4 gallons 3/4 gallons 3/4 gallons
1 #10 can
4 heads
6 1/4 pounds 3-5 pounds
1- 10”x12” sheet cake 1 1/2- 10” layer cakes
3 1/4 quarts 2 1/4 quarts

50 SERVINGS
8 dozen
100 slices or
6 1-lb. loaves 1 pound
2-3 cups
3 quarts
3 pounds 3 pounds 6 pounds 3 gallons 2 1/2 pints
13 pounds
18 pounds 25-35 pounds 15 pounds
2 1/4 gallons
8 1/2 quarts 18-20 pounds 2 1/2 gallons
1 1/4 gallons
1 1/4 gallons
2 1/2 #10 cans
8 heads
12 1/2 pounds 7-10 pounds
1- 12”x20” sheet cake 3- 10” layer cakes
6 1/2 quarts 4 1/2 quarts

100 SERVINGS
16 dozen 200 slices or
12 1-lb. loaves 2 pounds
4-6 cups
5-6 quarts 6 pounds 6 pounds 12 pounds 6 gallons 5 pints
26 pounds
36 pounds 50-75 pounds 30 pounds
4 1/2 gallons 17 quarts 25-35 pounds 5 gallons
2 1/2 gallons 2 1/2 gallons 4 #10 cans
16 heads
25 pounds 14-20 pounds
2- 10”x12” sheet cakes 6- 10” layer cakes
12 1/2 quarts 9 quarts

A Century of Scouting - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans ~ Jungle Themed Run-Ons

A Century of Scouting was the official Cub Scout theme in August 2007.  The following information is from the 2006-07 Utah Great Salt Lake Council PowWow book.  This is a great theme, and many of the ideas that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF for this theme, CLICK HERE

Some of the things you will find in this PDF are:

• Scout Law:
• Courage
• BSA Family Program
• Gathering & Pre-Openers
• What do you know about the following Scouting items?
• Opening & Closing Flag Ceremonies
• How Scouting all Began
• Candle Opening Flag Ceremony
• Advancement Ceremonies
• Origin of Scouting
• Run Ons
• Elephants, Giraffe, Lion, & Tarzan Themed
• Songs
• Cub Scout Spirit
• Cheers
• British Rank Cheer
• Be Prepared Skit
• Games
• A Cub Scout's Nose
• Cub Scout Spelling Bee
• Cub Scout Scavenger unt
• Cubs in the Kitchen
• Lord Baden Powell Biscuits
• Homemade Butter
• Cheese Straws
• Theme Crafts
• Small Scrapbook to Celebrate Cub Scouting
• Toilet Paper Roll Stand-Up Figures
• A Century of Scouting Section
• American Origins
• Table with years & what happened during that year

To see more Theme Ideas, and other PowWow books with more ideas go to this page CLICK HERE

Wheel Into Summer ~ Great Salt Lake - Cub Scout Themes - PowWow Books - Pack Meeting Plans

Wheel Into Summer was the official Cub Scout theme in June 2007.  The following information is from the 2006-07 Great Salt Lake Utah Council PowWow book.  This is a great theme, and many of the ideas that were used back then can still be used today.

To open the PDF for this theme, CLICK HERE

Some of the things you will find in this PDF are:

• Scout Law:
• Health & Fitness
• BSA Family Program
• Gathering & Pre-Openers
• Find People who have done things on this list dealing with things that have wheels (printable)
• Opening & Closing Flag Ceremonies
• Echo - Opening Ceremony
• America - Flag Ceremony
• Vision - Closing Ceremony
• Advancement Ceremonies
• Wheel of Memory
• Checkered Flag (This ceremony goes well with Cub Annapolis or Pinewood Derby)
• Skits & Story Telling
• Bragging Fishermen Skit
• Run-Ons
• Bonfire skit
• Bit by Rattlesnake
• Stickin Around
• Songs
• C' C' C' Campfire
• Cheers 
• Motorcycle Cheer
• Games
• Red Light Green Light
• Bicycle Trip
• Hula Wheel Game
• Cubs in the Kitchen
• Tortilla Wheels
• Cheese Stick Truck
• Rolling Tin Can Ice Cream
• Theme Crafts
• Button Toy
• Match Box Car Neckerchief Slide
• Crafts on a Shoestring
• Genius Kit
• Loony Pontoony
• Wind Racer
• Theme Midway
• Let's Have a Wheely Good Time!
• Some Fun Things With Wheels
• Other Kinds of Wheels
• Some Ground Transportation Devices Without Wheels

To see more Theme Ideas, and other PowWow books go to this page CLICK HERE