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What Is a Pack Meeting?

A pack meeting is when all of the Cub Scouts in a pack come together. This includes all dens, leaders, and families. It is usually held once a month.

It is a time to recognize Cub Scouts for their achievements. They might receive adventure loops, ranks, or other awards. Recognition helps keep Scouts motivated and excited.

A pack meeting also helps build the Scouting community. Scouts see that they are part of something bigger than just their den. They meet Scouts from other dens and different age groups. This makes them feel like they belong.

The pack meeting is a chance to have fun together. It might include games, skits, songs, or activities. Sometimes it has a theme, like space, camping, or teamwork.

It does not have to be a traditional “meeting” where everyone sits and listens. A pack gathering could be a hike, a bike rodeo, or a campfire. It could even be a service project or a picnic.

The Cubmaster usually leads the pack meeting, but other leaders and parents can help. Planning ahead makes the meeting run smoothly.

A good pack gathering is fun, engaging, and welcoming. It should leave Scouts excited for the next adventure.

Pack Meetings vs. Pack Activities: What’s the Difference?

A pack meeting is a planned gathering for the whole pack. It brings all Cub Scouts, leaders, and families together. It usually includes awards, activities, and fun.

Pack activities are events for the whole pack, but they may not follow the same structure as a pack meeting. These could include camping trips, hikes, service projects, or special outings.

Some events, like the pinewood derby or a holiday party, might take the place of a meeting for the month. They bring everyone together and include fun and recognition.

Other activities, like a pack service project or a parade, may not work as a pack meeting. If they do not include recognition or a program, the pack might still want to hold a separate meeting.

Each pack decides what works best. Some packs replace the pack meeting with a big event that month. Others keep both and let families choose what to attend.

If leadership is limited, combining a meeting with an event can help. A campfire program at a family campout could include awards and announcements, making it the pack meeting for the month.

The goal is to keep Cub Scouts engaged and families involved. Whether it is a meeting or an activity, the most important thing is that Scouts are learning, growing, and having fun.

Deciding What Works for Your Pack

Every pack is different. What works for one pack may not work for another. The pack committee should decide what is best based on leadership, resources, and family needs.

Some packs have a set pack meeting every month, no matter what. This helps families plan ahead. They always know when the meeting will be.

Other packs are more flexible. If there is a big event like the pinewood derby or a campout, they might not have a separate pack meeting that month. The event becomes the main gathering.

Consistency is important. Families are busy. If the meeting dates keep changing, families may get confused and not show up. A regular schedule helps with attendance.

Leadership also matters. If the Cubmaster and leaders are stretched thin, combining a pack meeting with an event can help. But if there are enough volunteers, keeping both can give families more options.

Some families want lots of activities. Others can only attend a few. Having both a pack meeting and extra events lets families choose what works for them.

The most important thing is to keep Cub Scouts engaged. Whether it’s a pack meeting or an activity, the goal is to bring Scouts and families together for fun and learning.

Leadership and Planning

The Cubmaster and pack committee decide how and when to hold the pack meeting. They look at the needs of the pack and what works best for families.

The Cubmaster usually runs the meeting. But they don’t have to do everything alone. Other leaders and parents can help plan and lead activities.

Volunteer help is important. If there are many active volunteers, the pack can have more events. If only a few people are doing all the work, it may be best to combine the pack meeting with a big event.

Too many activities can overwhelm families. Some parents may feel pressure to attend everything. The committee should find a good balance.

One way to manage this is to plan ahead. Setting a clear schedule at the beginning of the year helps families know what to expect.

Another way is to share the work. Den leaders, parents, and older Scouts can help with planning and running parts of the pack meeting.

Every pack is different. The best plan is the one that keeps Cub Scouts excited and leaders from burning out.

Flexibility and Family Engagement

Every family is different. Some families can attend every event. Others have busy schedules and can only make it to a few. That is okay.

A pack meeting should be welcoming for all families. Some may come every month, while others may only come when they can. The goal is to keep them involved in some way.

Offering a mix of meetings and activities helps. Some families may prefer a traditional pack meeting. Others may enjoy outdoor events, service projects, or special outings.

Not every family will attend every event. That should not be a problem. If a Scout misses a pack meeting, they can still be recognized later.

Good communication helps families stay connected. A clear schedule and reminders make it easier for families to plan. Sharing photos or updates from events helps keep everyone engaged.

The pack should encourage participation but not pressure families. Scouting should be fun, not stressful. Families should feel welcome whether they come to one event or all of them.

A flexible approach helps keep Cub Scouts involved. The goal is to make sure every Scout has a chance to learn, grow, and have fun.

Resources

Cub Scout Program Themes

Cub Scout themes help make meetings fun and engaging. Each month can have a theme like nature, science, or teamwork. These themes give meetings structure and help Scouts learn in an exciting way. Activities, games, and crafts can all match the theme, making it easier for leaders to plan and keeping Scouts interested.

Using themes also helps families get involved. Parents can share ideas or bring materials that fit the theme. Themes encourage creativity and teamwork while making Scouting more memorable. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure or a hero-themed meeting, a good theme adds energy and fun to the Cub Scout program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pack meeting?

It is a gathering for all Cub Scouts, leaders, and families. It usually happens once a month. Scouts are recognized for their achievements, and there are fun activities.

Do pack meetings have to be a sit-down meeting?

No. A it can be a hike, a campfire, a bike rodeo, or a fun activity. It does not have to be a formal meeting.

Can a big event like the pinewood derby replace the pack meeting?

Yes. Some packs use big events as their pack meeting for the month. Others have both a meeting and the event. It depends on what works best for the pack.

Should we cancel the pack meeting if we have a weekend campout?

It depends on your pack. Some packs replace the meeting with the campout. Others keep both and let families decide what to attend.

How do we decide what works best for our pack?

The pack committee and Cubmaster should look at leadership, family schedules, and resources. Some packs like to keep a set pack meeting each month. Others are more flexible.

What if some families cannot attend every event?

That is okay. Families should come when they can. Scouts can still be recognized at a later pack meeting if they miss one.

How can we make sure families know the schedule?

Plan ahead and communicate clearly. A yearly calendar, email reminders, and social media updates help families stay informed.

What if we don’t have enough volunteers to run both a pack meeting and extra events?

If leadership is limited, it may help to combine a meeting with an event. A campfire program at a campout can include awards and announcements, making it the meeting for that month.

Do all packs do things the same way?

No. Each pack decides what works best. Some have a set pack meeting every month. Others adjust based on activities and family needs. The most important thing is to keep Scouts engaged and having fun.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Every pack is different, and that is okay. Some packs have a set pack meeting each month. Others mix it up and use big events as their main gathering. The important thing is to bring Scouts and families together in a way that works for everyone.

A pack meeting does not have to be a formal sit-down event. It can be a fun activity, a campfire, or a special event. What matters most is that Scouts feel included, recognized, and excited about Scouting.

Planning ahead helps families know what to expect. Some will come to everything, and others will only make it to a few events. That is fine. Scouting should fit into family life, not make it harder.

Leaders and volunteers should find a balance that works. If there are enough helpers, a pack can have both meetings and events. If leadership is stretched thin, combining the pack meeting with an activity may be the best choice.

In the end, the goal is simple. Keep it fun. Keep it welcoming. Keep Scouts excited to come back for the next adventure.

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Comments

4 responses to “What Is a Pack Meeting? Engaging Cub Scouts with Creative Ideas in 2025”

  1. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    Our pack plans a family event every month and a pack meeting each month during the school year. We have 75-90 boys most years, but only about 2/3 are attending at any given activity (except Blue and Gold and Pinewood Derby–almost everyone goes to them).

    For family events, we encourage siblings to attend and each child is under their parents’ supervision while there. Family events include campouts, service projects, bike rodeo, swim party at the community pool, attending a hockey or baseball game. Family events are generally coordinated by a parent or member of the committee.

    Pack meetings generally take place at our CO building, are more focused on the boys and their ages, and sit in the room as dens. Pack meetings are run by the Cubmaster, although program activities are often done by committee members. We do awards at almost every pack meeting, except Christmas (when we go caroling) and Pinewood Derby

  2. Ellen K Avatar
    Ellen K

    My husband was CM, and I was CC (seperatly) over an 8 year stint in CS. We didn’t expect dens to have a weekly meeting during the Pack Mtg week. A pinewood derby or blue & gold was the “monthly pack meeting” even if it wasn’t’ the regularly scheduled week. Summer didn’t included PM’s but a family camp was an occasion to give awards before campfire, or in Sept. and new Scout event could showcase or Summer activities for new families, but don’t drag it out, so that they are overwhelmed, and new boys feel left out. The Nat’l Summertime award, asks for one vent per month for a “pack activity” so tickets to a local AAA baseball would be a Pack Event,in August, but no one expected awards to happen. Committee and CM should work together to not offer double events per month. Most families have other commitments, and it can be overwhelming..

  3. Blair Counts Avatar
    Blair Counts

    During the school year, our Pack has regular pack meetings every month where boys are given awards, new boys recieve their Bobcat award, we make announcements for Pack activites, and each den perfoms a skit. During the summer, we offer 2 Pack activities per month so that those that are unable to make one activity can attend another and still meet the requirements for their Outdoor activity award and the Summertime Pack award.

  4. Brian Avatar
    Brian

    I agree, every Pack is different and you have to do what’s best for you. I like to ensure that some things are consistent… all of our meetings are at the same place, same day and same time – Pack Committee meeting is the first Tuesday of the month, Pack meeting is the second Tuesday and Den meetings are the third and fourth Tuesdays. If there is a fifth week, we’ve traditionally left that up to the Den leader and depending on the time of year they may use that week to get caught up on various achievements or use it to get ahead.

    We also try to have at least one activity a month, whether that’s a sporting event, Scouting For Food, Pinewood Derby, etc. I agree, sometimes we “cheat” and have the Blue & Gold in place of the Pack meeting. However, basically it’s run the same as a Pack meeting… brief announcements, awards and then food! This is partly to ensure higher attendance because families are busy w/ school and extra curricular activities.

    Using the Journey to Excellence score sheet is also helpful as a reference point if you’re trying to meet a certain goal.

    You may have to feel out the scouts and parents in the Pack. If attendance is low, find out why? Is it the activity? Was there lack of communication? Was there too much going on that month?

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