Develop a banquet program that includes all of the regular pack meeting activities, such as songs, skits, stunts, awards, and ceremonies. Something different and special can be added. Most packs prefer to use entertainment from within their own group. The entertainment may include den skits and stunts, a short slide presentation of pack activities during the past year, or den chiefs and leaders performing songs, skits or stunts, as a change from the usual. Avoid long speeches.

 

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THE BANQUET PROGRAM The Cubmaster should be involved in planning the banquet program. It is the Cubmaster's responsibility to lead it, unless the pack decides to use a master of ceremonies. Select a theme for the banquet. This can be the regular monthly theme or another. The theme is important, since the decorations and program will be planned around it. Some Packs have visiting entertainers - magicians, clowns, puppet shows, or singing groups are frequently used. Working with the Cubmaster, plan a program and recruit a person to handle each item on the agenda. The following is a suggested agenda for the banquet program. It can be adjusted to fit your Pack's needs. Try to limit the total program time to a maximum of 1-1/2 hours (not including meal). Keep the program moving and interesting. Gathering Period Have a welcoming committee to greet people as they arrive, give them nametags, and direct them to their tables. Have displays and exhibits. Also have games or some activity to keep the younger children occupied until the meal is served. Opening Ceremony This should be short and simple. A flag ceremony is always good. If the flags are not brought in during an opening ceremony, be sure they are posted in the room. Invocation This may be given by a pack leader or clergyman and should be non-sectarian. Dinner Welcome and Introductions Recognize pack leaders and special guests. Be sure to recognize the Tiger Cub group if they are in attendance. Keep the comments short, with plenty of applause. Greeting from Head of Chartered Organization Songs Use song sheets or have songs printed in souvenir program so everyone will join in. Include "Happy Birthday to Cub Scouting." Skits, Stunts, Entertainment Webelos Demonstration Advancement Awards Ceremony Recognition of Leaders Present certificates of appreciation to leaders, den chiefs, and parents who have helped during the past year. Webelos Graduation Ceremony Involve the Scoutmaster and boy leaders of the troop or troops into which the Webelos Scouts are graduating. Announcements and Thanks Closing Ceremony At this point in the program, the "tone" should be more serious. Close with something inspirational or patriotic.   RESOURCES FOR BANQUET PROGRAM IDEAS Program ideas suitable for the Blue and Gold Banquet can be found in Cub Scout Program Helps, Group Meeting Sparklers, Cub Scout Songbook, The Cub Scout Leader's HOW-TO Book, and Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies, as well as at Cub Scout leaders' roundtable and the Pow Wow.   OTHER PROGRAM PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Besides developing the actual 'agenda' for the evening, (as described above) the following important items should also be coinsidered by the "Program Team:" Work with the "Physical Arrangements Team" to plan general room decoration and head table decoration. Consider having a souvenir program printed. Send written invitations to special guests. Ask for RSVP. These guests could include a. Head of chartered organization b. Chartered organization representative c. Minister, rabbi, or other religious leader d. Scoutmaster(s) e. Pack alumni f. School principal g. Council or District Scouters h. The Unit Commissioner Note: Some of the special guests might have a part on the program. Be sure each den has a part in the program. This works much better than outside entertainment. The total program time, not including dinner, should be no longer than an hour and a half. Be sure that Tiger Cubs and their families are invited, either in writing by phone. Appoint a welcoming committee to greet people as they arrive and help them find their seats. This could be a group of uniformed Cub Scouts. Plan to arrive early to help decorate. Send thank-you notes afterward to all who helped. Back to the TOP

 

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