Fifty Great States Theme (Citizenship)

BSA has a Cub Scout pack meeting plan called Fifty Great States related to citizenship. The Fifty Great States  meeting plan features games, group activities, songs, and more to help Cub Scouts become good citizens in their Packs and communities.

Here is how the BSA plan suggests tying together this theme with the value of Citizenship:

“Fifty Great States” reminds us that we are to contribute our service and show responsibility to local, state, and national communities. Cub Scouts develop good citizenship skills when they learn about respecting the flag and providing service to the community.

Cub Scout Pack Meeting Plan for November: Fifty Great States (Citizenship)

This Cub Scout pack meeting plan includes the following – all within a citizenship theme. See the meeting plan for details.

• Gathering activity – State Name and Motto Matching Game
• Opening ceremony – State Shout Out and Recipe for a Flag Opening
• A prayer about remembering the sacrifices and citizenship
• Welcomes and Introductions – Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Welcome
• Cheer – Red, White, and Blue Cheer
• Song – America (My Country ’Tis of Thee)
• Activity – Den Demonstrations
• Freedome to Be a Scout Advancement Ceremony
• “With freedom comes responsibility” Cubmaster Minute

More ideas for the Fifty Great States theme:

A Simple Flag Retirement Ceremony

When retiring a United Stated flag, some people will say that you must do it this way or that way, but according to the Flag Code, it just needs to be done with dignity.

Simple Indoor Opening Flag Ceremony

Many of our kids have not been exposed to flag etiquette before their first flag ceremony, so take the time to give them some basic instruction. This is a very simple flag ceremony for Cub Scouts to use at Den and Pack meetings.

Raising and Lowering the US Flag

These are some basic rules for raising and lowering the US flag. The most important rule to remember is to always treat the US flag with dignity and respect. It is the symbol of the United States of America. Remember that many men and women have given their lives defending the liberty and freedom it represents.

Simple Indoor Closing Flag Ceremony

Basic instructions for a very simple closing flag ceremony. This simple closing flag ceremony is appropriate for a den, pack, or other meeting.

State Capitals Bingo Cards

One theme for teaching citizenship is the Fifty Great States theme. State capitals bingo would be a fun game or gathering activity to go with this theme. You can play this game with states or capitals on the bingo cards or the call cards. You can choose which combination of bingo cards and call cards you would like to use.

Displaying the US Flag with Other Flags

The US Flag is the symbol of our country. Scouts should know how to fold it, fly it, and handle it. Flag etiquette is part of many of the Scout requirements. In many cases, the rules are pretty straightforward. But in other cases, you just need to know the rules. For example, it gets more complicated when you are flying the US flag with flags from other nations. Here are the basics.

How to Fold the US Flag

The US flag is the symbol of our country and every Scout should know how to handle it. One thing I emphasize when working with Scouts on flag etiquette is that the most important thing is respect. Scouts are going to make mistakes from time to time, but they should always do their best to be respectful.

Citizenship Football Game

The purpose of the game is to reinforce the ideas which are discussed in the Webelos Citizen activity badge.

History of the United States Flag Cootie Catcher

Barb sent in this template and instructions for making a cootie catcher to help Cub Scouts learn the history of the US flag. A cootie catcher, also called a fortune teller, is an orgami construct which can be used to ask and answer questions.

Flag Retirement and Grommets

A reader asks about what to do with the grommets after a flag retirement ceremony. What are your opinions?