Program Ideas by Date

Want to tie your program to some calendar dates? Check out these ideas for advancement and fun by holidays – some popular and some obscure!

The Thursday before Christmas is national Re-gifting Day. This would be a fun day to have a White Elephant gift exchange with your Scouts. When we have played it at troop or crew meetings we have had the rule that the gift must be a re-gift or something from their homes. Nobody was supposed to spend money. We had some crazy regifts and it was a lot of fun.

Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world. Here are some ideas to incorporate Christmas into your Scouting program. How do your Scouts celebrate Christmas?

On New Year's Day we remember the past year and look to the future. You probably aren't meeting on New Year's Day, but if you are meeting near this date you can add some time related activities for fun with these ideas.

Open Book With Launching Rocket science fiction

January 2 is Science Fiction Day. This day encourages everyone to pick up a science fiction book and immerse themselves in a new reality. Science fiction encourages us to consider that the world can be different than it is now - better or worse - and our actions will make an impact on the future. So read a book, sing a song or play a game saluting Star Wars or Star Trek. Some books, songs, and games are suggested in this article.

January 4 is National Trivia Day. It celebrates all of those little bits of knowledge. This can be a fun one to celebrate with Scouts of all ages. Here are some ideas.

January 5 of every year is National Bird Day. This is day to appreciate our feathered friends. So do some bird watching or learn something about birds. There are several Scouting activities which go well with this day.

January 9 is National Static Electricity Day. When two objects have different positive and negative charges – zap! – static electricity. The Bear Super Science elective encourages Cub Scouts to experiment with static electricity.

January 10 is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. This is a day for Scouts to think about how they can conserve energy in their homes. Scouts can work on conservation related achievements

January 19 is Popcorn Day. What are your ideas for Scouts and Popcorn Day? Here are a few things you can do.

January 20 is Cheese Lover’s Day. Enjoy a slice of cheese or include some cheese in a recipe. Scouts can work on their nutrition related achievements on this day.

January 24 is National Compliment Day. Do a good turn today by offering somebody a compliment. This could also lead Scouts into a conversation about etiquette and good manners.

On Memorial Day we remember those in the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our independence and liberty. What does your unit do to observe Memorial Day?

Past dates

Puzzle Day

Friday, January 29

World Wetlands Day

Tuesday, February 2

National Periodic Table Day

Sunday, February 7

Inventors’ Day

Thursday, February 11

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Wednesday, February 17

International Tug Of War Day