"Back to the Pack" – Jump Start Your Fall Program

If your Cub Scout pack is like most, during the summer months things slow down.   To help get things started for the fall, many packs plan a “Back to the Pack” activity in either late July or early August.  This is a great way to set the stage for upcoming activities.  “Back to the Pack” is meant to be a simple, fun event designed to bring Cub Scouts and their families together for an evening or weekend afternoon.  It is a way for Cub Scouts to spend some time with friends that they may not have seen through the summer and a chance touch base with families before things get busy with the start of school.  Packs have planned everything from swim parties to ice cream socials for their “Back to the Pack” programs.  The key is to keep it simple, yet fun and allow everyone to relax and get reacquainted. This also is an activity that can help you qualify for the Summertime Pack Award.

There are several good reasons for holding a “Back to the Pack” activity in late summer and before the start of school. It is an opportunity for the pack leadership to share their fall program plans. Families will know dates early and put Scouting on their calendars first.  You will learn who is returning, who has moved, and who may need a follow up call to encourage their participation.  You may also use this as an opportunity to recruit new leaders and committee members before the fall calendar is filled with all the other activities that come with the start of the school year.  Also holding a “Back to the Pack” event several weeks before your pack fall program gets into full swing helps to that you will kick-off things off with a bang in late August or September.

“Back to the Pack” is a fun, yet simple way to keep Cub Scout packs active during the summer and to set the stage for the fall. It is a tool that will help you communicate upcoming plans with families and enlist their help so that you can provide the best program possible.