Want to tie your program to some calendar dates? Check out these ideas for advancement and fun by holidays – some popular and some obscure!
Thursday, August 13
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. Here are a couple of ways to celebrate International Lefthanders Day with Scouts.
Saturday, August 15
August 15 is National Relaxation Day. So do something fun and relaxing for your Scouting program. Here are some idea.
Sunday, August 23
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. Here are some ways to celebrate the wind with your Scouts.
Monday, August 24
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.
Tuesday, August 25
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!
Thursday, August 27
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. Or try something new. Or have breakfast for dinner.
Monday, August 31
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? Send me your favorite recipe and I'll post it.
Saturday, September 5
International Bacon Day is observed on the Saturday before Labor day. It is a celebration of crispy bacon. So make a camp recipe with bacon or play Steal the Bacon. What are your favorite camp recipes containing bacon? Send them to me and I will post them.
Thursday, October 15
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. Cub Scouts can work on their hygiene requirements. Scouts BSA and Venturers might want to learn about water challenges in some regions and think about how conservation efforts might help.
Saturday, October 31
Add some pizazz to your October program with some Halloween themed ideas. Find recipes, games, songs, and activities for your Halloween Scout program here.
Sunday, November 15
This date encourages everyone to educate about and participate in recycling. Protecting the environment is a big part of Scouting.
Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving is a good opportunity for Scouts to thing about gratitude and good manners. Here are some songs and activities for your Thanksgiving Scout meeting.
Thursday, December 24
The Thursday before Christmas is national Re-gifting Day. This would be a fun day to play Rob Your Neighbor 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 less than $5. We had some crazy regifts and it was a lot of fun
Friday, December 25
If your unit celebrates Christmas, here are a few ideas for gifts, activities, games, and songs for you.
Friday, January 1
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.
Saturday, January 2
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.
Monday, January 4
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.
Tuesday, January 5
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.
Saturday, January 9
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.
Sunday, January 10
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
Monday, January 11
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.
Tuesday, January 19
January 19 is Popcorn Day. Many Scouts sell popcorn to earn money for their units. Scouts BSA who sell popcorn can work on the Salesmanship merit badge. This is also a good day to make some popcorn. Tigers and their adult partners might want to cook up a batch for the Tiger Bites adventure.
Wednesday, January 20
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.
Sunday, January 24
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.
Friday, January 29
January 29 is National Puzzle Day. So tease your brain with a crossword puzzle or a riddle or a jigsaw puzzle. Anything which needs to be solved can be a puzzle!
Tuesday, February 2
February 2 is World Wetlands Day every year. This is a day to raise awareness of the importance of preserving wetlands. This day is an opportunity to encourage Scouts to participate in conservation efforts.
Sunday, February 7
The development of the periodic table helps scientists understand the relationships between various elements and to understand their properties. It is especially important in the study of chemistry and nuclear physics. Consider promoting the Chemistry and Nuclear Science merit badges or the related Supernova Awards on this day .
Thursday, February 11
February 11 is National Inventors Day. This day was chosen because it is the birthday of Thomas Edison, who was born in 1847. There are a lot of Scouting activities related to inventing.
Wednesday, February 17
February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. A Scout is Kind! Encourage your Scouts to go out of their way to be kind today. Maybe do more than just one Good Turn. 🙂 This is also a good day to review the Scout Law and talk about what it means to act on it rather than just say it.
Friday, February 19
February 19 of each year is International Tug of War Day. Tug of war is a fun way to have a little competition. Tug of war was played in ancient Greece, Egypt, and China. It is easy to set up and play. To be fair, ensure that the teams are set up so the weight of the players on each side is approximately the same.
Tuesday, March 2
Dr. Seuss Day is a day to celebrate the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, the wonderful books he wrote, and reading in general.
Wednesday, March 3
World Wildlife Day is held on March 3 of every year. It's purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the world's plant and animal life and to celebrate the natural diversity found on our planet.
Friday, March 5
The first Friday in March is the National Day of Unplugging. So encourage Scouts to turn off those devices and go outside! Can you completely go unplugged for 24 hours? This might be a little easier for Scouts, especially if they are camping.
Sunday, March 14
Some Scouts might ask "Why do we want to save a spider?" I have to admit. Spiders creep me out. Too many legs! But they are very beneficial. For example, they eat insects, including those pesky mosquitoes which drive us crazy at camp. So instead of killing those spiders, try to relocate them if possible.
Wednesday, March 17
St. Patrick's Day is March 17 every year. On this one day of the year, everyone is at least a wee bit Irish! Channel your inner leprechaun with these ideas.
Thursday, April 1
Celebrate April Fool's Day with a fun trick or joke! Just make sure the joke is fun for everyone involved. A Scout is kind!
Sunday, April 4
Here are a couple of ideas for Easter (and springtime in general). First of all, those Peeps are available in stores. So purchase them and then make some Toasted Peeps. If your Scouts are getting together with their families, make some Good Manners napkins.
Sunday, April 4
The first Sunday in April is Geologist Day. This is day to learn about the field of geology and its impact on society and our daily lives. There are several Scouting achievements and activities related to geology. Dig in with these ideas.
Thursday, May 6
National Nurses Day is held annually on May 6. This is a day to celebrate nurses and to raise awareness of their contributions and commitment to society. There are many ways Scouts can celebrate this day.
Saturday, July 24
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.
Past dates
Thursday, March 12
With warmer weather approaching most of us are looking forward to spring flowers. So get started by planting a seed. Check your area's zone to find out if you should start your seed indoors or outdoors. There are several Scouting achievements related to gardening. And watching something grow is fun too!
Thursday, March 19
Let's Laugh Day is held every year on March 19. Don't forget that your Scouting program should be fun! Laughing helps everyone relax and it can be contagious.
Saturday, March 21
March 21 has been declared the International Day of Forests by the United Nations. It is a day to appreciate our forests. Forests are an essential part of ecosystems and support a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects. Deforestation is an important global issue and this day is meant to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the world's forests.
Wednesday, April 22
Earth Day celebrates our care of our environment. This fits in well with so many Scouting activities. Here are some ideas for your Scouting unit to celebrate Earth Day.
Monday, May 4
“May the fourth be with you!” Happy Star Wars Day. Engage your Scouts with these Star Wars and space related ideas:
Sunday, May 10
I'd like to wish all of the Scouter Mom's out there a Happy Mother's Day. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of our youth
Monday, May 25
On Memorial Day we remember those in the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our independence and liberty. Freedom isn't free. So go decorate some graves or thank somebody whose loved one has passed away while serving in our United States armed forces.
Monday, July 20
July 20 is Moon Day. It commemorates the day the first man walked on the lunar surface. Celebrate Moon Day with some fun space themed activities.
Saturday, August 1
On World Scout Scarf Day, all former Scouts and current Scouts are asked to wear their neckerchief (scarf) to promote the Spirit of Scouting. So wear your neckerchief proudly and do a good turn on Aug 1!
Thursday, August 6
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: Scouts of all ages can have fun playing Sharks and Minnows. Tigers can take their shoes off for their one foot hike in My Tiger Jungle or while swimming in Floats and Boats. Wolves can have some pool fun in Spirit of the Water. Bears can do their Salmon Run adventure. Webelos can work on Aquanaut. Scouts BSA have the Swimming merit badge.
Monday, August 10
Observe National Lazy Day by taking it easy. Sleep in. Rest up. Watch a movie. Read a book. I have only one suggestion for this day. Take your Nap On Safely training. 🙂
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