Special Pack Events
Experience the adrenaline of the Pinewood Derby, sail to victory at the Rain Gutter Regatta, and celebrate achievements at the Blue and Gold Banquet. Witness rocket launches, participate in food drives, and proudly carry the U.S. Flag in the downtown Novato Parade.
Pinewood Derby
Partnered with a parent or guardian, Cub Scouts work together, strengthening bonds and building confidence – and their own custom race cars! They begin with an official Pinewood Derby Race Car kit, then create a design, then carve it from the wood block provided in the kit, and detail it with paint, decals and other accessories, and perfect strategies to compete in their pack’s own Pinewood Derby. It’s s a wonderful learning experience centered on teamwork, ingenuity and sportsmanship – all for the thrill of the race and a lifetime of great memories to share with fellow racers young and old.
Blue and Gold Banquet
Blue and Gold Banquets are a tradition in Cub Scout packs. They are a celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the BSA on February 8, 1910, and therefore usually take the place of the February pack meeting. Often, badges of rank are awarded. The Arrow of Light ceremony may even be included as the 5th graders cross over to a troop. Sometimes community leaders or special guests are invited to attend. The meal can be a pot-luck dinner or other arrangements can be made – whatever suits your pack.
Raingutter Regatta
The Rain Gutter Regatta gives Cub Scouts a chance to make a model sail boat and race it with others. Traditionally, rain gutters were closed on each end and filled with water to serve as the race course. Today, options include plastic and inflatable courses.
Service Projects
Doing service projects together is one way that Cub Scouts keep their promise “to help other people.” While a Scout should do their best to help other people every day, a group service project is a bigger way to help people. While you’re giving service, you’re learning to work together with others to do something that’s good for your community.
Service projects may help the natural world, the community, or the chartered organization. Make sure to review the Guide to Safe Scouting to ensure Cub Scouts are doing age appropriate activities. Some service projects fulfill requirements for adventures in the Cub Scout handbooks.
Safe Scouting
The Guide to Safe Scouting gives all the details on how to conduct events and activities. Leaders should bookmark this site and refer to it often.
Age Appropriate Guidelines for Camping give a quick glance at what type of camping activities are approved, based on the age of the scout.
Hazardous Weather Training is required training for adult leaders and is recommended for all adults.
Events that are offered by the council either directly or through the district are conducted in accordance with National Camp Accreditation Standards. For Cub Scouts these events are Council Organized Family Camp, Cub Scout Day Camp, and Cub Scout Resident Camp.