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!

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?

July 20 is Moon Day. It commemorates the day the first man walked on the lunar surface. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Michael Collins, the pilot for the mission, stayed in the command module.

July 24 is Tall an Old Joke Day. Bear Cub Scouts can work on their Roaring Laughter adventure, and all Scouts can incorporate some laughs into their program.

On World Scout Scarf Day, all former Scouts and current Scouts are asked to wear their neckerchief (scarf) to promote the Spirit of Scouting. August 1 was the date of the very first Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907.

August 6 is Wiggle Your Toes Day. Go barefoot. Put those toes in the pool. Wiggle those toes. Here are some suggestions for your Scouting program:

Observe National Lazy Day by taking it easy. Sleep in. Rest up. Watch a movie. Read a book. Or take your Nap on Safely training.

International Left Handers Day recognizes the uniqueness of all of the left handed people in the world. This is a good day for Scouts to appreciate the unique characteristics of all people. And to remember that the Scout handshake is a lefthanded handshake.

August 15 is National Relaxation Day. So do something fun and relaxing for your Scouting program. Here are some ideas, What are your ideas for relaxing in the Scouting program?

August 23 is National Ride the Wind Day. This day celebrates human powered flight. So it is a good day to think about flight and the science that makes it possible.

International Strange Music Day is a day to listen to new types of music. We all have our favorite music, but this day encourages us to listen to a new genre and appreciate different types of music. Here are some ways to celebrate this day with your Scouting program.

August 25 is the birthday of the National Park Service. It was created in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. Admission to national parks is free on this day!

August 27 is Just Because Day. It is a day to do something for no reason. Scouts could do their Good Turn for the day by doing a random act of kindness.

August 31 is Trail Mix Day. So mix up a batch of trail mix with your Scouts. What do you like to put in your trail mix?

International Bacon Day is observed on the Saturday before Labor day. It is a celebration of crispy bacon. What are your favorite camp recipes containing bacon? Send them to me and I will post them.

Star Trek Day is September 8 of every year. This day celebrates the first airing of the Star Trek series on September 8, 1966. Here are some things you can do on Star Trek Day.

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day. On this day, all are encouraged to remember that washing hands with soap is a good way to prevent diseases. Another goal is to increase the awareness of the importance of the availability of hand washing facilities

Veterans Day is held on November 11 of each day. This is a day to honor all who have served in our military forces. How does your Scouting unit honor veterans? Add your comments .

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. This date encourages everyone to educate about and participate in recycling. How do your Scouts recycle?

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.

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 11 is Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day. This would be fun for any Scout. Wolf Cub Scouts could work on their Code of the Wolf adventure. Scouts BSA could start on the requirements for the Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge. Any Scout or Scouter could try to earn the Morse Code Interpreter strip.

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.

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