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| A 68-YEAR OLD TRADITION TO CELEBRATE 91 YEARS OF SCOUTING In 1933 "Cub Leaders' Round Table" suggested Parent / Cub dinners. Soon thereafter, Pack 1 of Michigan City started a tradition of pot-lucks where the dads were to bring utensils made of wood; whittled by the Cub with his dad. In the 1930s father / son 'bean dinners' and 'Cub family dinners' began to become commonplace. Finally, in 1943 the name "Blue and Gold Banquet" first appeared in BSA literature, and became synonymous with "celebrating the birthday of Scouting." Today, the Blue and Gold banquet is one of the highlights of the program year. It brings together your Pack's families for a dinner and an evening of fun. The meal is important, but even more important is the warm, congenial atmosphere created as families enjoy each other's company. |
| Some Planning Help for Future Banquets |
| BANQUET COMMITTEE ROLES Set Date and Time Select the date and time of the banquet if this has not been decided. In most packs, the banquet takes the place of the February pack meeting, although it is not necessarily held on the regular pack meeting night. 1. Ask about rental fee. This might determine which facility you use. 2. Check seating capacity and number of tables available. 3. Be sure there is adequate parking space, a coatroom, and rest room facilities. 4. Inquire about kitchen availability, if needed for preparation of the meal. 5. Secure permission to use special items-public address system, speaker's stand, etc. 6. Confirm reservations at least a month in advance. Develop A Meal Serving Plan Decide how dinner will be served. Possibilities are: ? Potluck: Each family brings a dish to share either with the whole pack or with the den group. Families furnish their own plates, utensils, serving dishes. Food is pooled and served buffet style. The pack might furnish the drinks. Or ? Food Committee: The pack can buy the meat, bread, beverages, plates, utensils, cups, and napkins, and ask pack families to bring salads, side dishes, and desserts. The cost can be prorated among those attending. Some packs purchase all the food and have a parent' food committee prepare the entire dinner. Or ? Catered: A caterer can bring the food in already prepared, or the pack can go to a restaurant or cafeteria for the banquet, In these cases, the food is already prepared so there is nothing for the pack to do but decorate the room and tables. Each family pays for the cost of their own meal. Arrange The Facility Secure a suitable facility at least eight weeks in advance. The type of serving arrangement used and the number of people attending needed, will determine the space. It could be the regular pack meeting place, a school cafeteria, church meeting room, civic center, town hall, restaurant, etc. Consider these things: ? Rental fee, if any. ? Seating capacity and number of tables available. ? Kitchen availability, if needed. ? Adequate parking space. ? Convenient rest rooms. ? Special Equipment. Secure any special equipment required such as - public address system and/or other required audio/visual equipment, speaker's stand, etc. ? Confirm reservations. Do this at least a month in advance. The program team 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. 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. OTHER PROGRAM PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Besides developing the actual 'agenda' for the evening, (as described above) the following important items should also be considered 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 whom helped. Invitations Invitations are usually sent to every Pack family and to special guests. Boys can make invitations in den meetings for their own families. The "Program Team" can mail invitations to special guests and their spouses. RSVP - Répondez S'il Vous Plait! When preparing your 'invitation lists’ don’t forget special guests like: ? The head of your Pack's chartered organization ? Scouting Coordinator ? Unit Commissioner ? District Scout Executive ? Church Minister or Rabbi ? Scoutmasters of nearby troops ? Former Cubmaster and spouse ? Pack alumni ? School Principal ? Roundtable Commissioner ? Other District personnel who have been helpful to the Pack. ? ...and, of course, this is the perfect opportunity to invite your Tiger Cubs and their partners. If there is no head table, or if there are too many special guests to be seated at a head table, seat them with various dens. Let the den leaders know in advance how many guests to expect. BANQUET DECORATIONS The program team can add a festive note by decorating the room with balloons, streamers, pennants, and a photo display of pack activities. Lively recorded music will add to the gala atmosphere. SOUVENIR PROGRAM A souvenir program is a token of remembrance of this pleasant evening. The cover can be a simple decoration related to the banquet theme. Inside, list the program, menu, and names of pack leaders and special guests. A few facts about pack accomplishments or activities during the past year can be included. Physical Arrangements This very important team from the Blue and Gold Committee is responsible for all aspects of seating, decorations, and clean-up of the facility where the banquet will be held. Develop a Seating Plan Den families should sit together. The arrangement will be determined by the size and shape of room. Where will head table be located? Will tables be arranged in U-shape, square, parallel, fan-shape? Will everyone be able to see and hear? ? Plan for exhibit space. ? Coordinate with Dinner Committee. Work with dinner committee on serving plan and allow plenty of room for serving lines. ? Facility Availability and Access. Make arrangements to get into the building early on the day of the banquet to set up. Check restroom and coatroom facilities. ? Set-up Planning. Plan to arrive early to set up tables, chairs, and exhibit areas. Have signs showing location of restrooms and coatroom. Decorate the Facility At the Blue and Gold Committee level, a decision should be made as to the extent and theme of decorations for the banquet. Some of the things that should be considered are: ? General Decorations: Purchase and install streamers, banners, and signs. ? Coordinate with Den Leaders: Inform dens what time they may arrive to decorate their tables. Allow time for people to go home to dress for banquet. Facility Clean-Up Recruit an adult cleanup committee. It is very important to have these individuals identified before the event. With an adequate number of helpers, clean-up can be a simple and quick task. Make sure to have trash bags available, and identify where bagged refuse should deposited. Leave your facility cleaner than you found it. Remember, the people that use the facility after you will know that the Cub Scouts were here last! BLUE AND GOLD MINTS For those of you that have read this far down the page, we have a special reward! Make Blue and Gold mints for your banquet! To make them, you need: 6 tablespoons margarine or butter 2 teaspoons peppermint 3 pounds powdered sugar 7 tablespoons water (color half with blue and the other half with yellow food coloring) Dash of salt 1. Cream margarine or butter. Add flavoring and salt. 2. Divide into two batches. Add colored water to each batch. 3. Add I pound powdered sugar to each batch. Blend with mixer, then knead in another 1/2-pound of sugar. 4. Press into molds or roll out to desired thickness and cut or shape mints. Let dry on cookie sheet in refrigerator. 5. When mints are dry, store in covered tin or air tight box to prevent hardening. A CUB SCOUT PARENT'S PRAYER Look down upon my son, Dear Lord, This smiling Cub of mine. Please take his hand along the way So he may never stray. Bless my son tonight, Dear Lord, And help him walk with Thee. Give him comfort, warmth, and love; He's all the world to me. Bless his daily efforts, And make him strong and true; For life's a heavy burden, And we're all in need of YOU. SPIRIT OF BADEN-POWELL (A Skit) Characters: Seven uniformed Cub Scouts, carrying props described below. The narrator is in Scout uniform and wears a campaign hat. Setting: Narrator stands in front of stage. Cub Scouts enter one at a time and speak their lines. NARRATOR: I represent the spirit of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. I am also the spirit of Scouting past and present. Here is our future ... the Cub Scouts of today who will be the men of tomorrow. FIRST CUB SCOUT: (Enters carrying a replica of a church or carrying a Bible): I like to wear my uniform to church on Scout Sunday or Sabbath in February. Many Cub Scout packs in the United States are chartered to religious organizations. SECOND CUB SCOUT: (Enters): The two colors of the Cub Scout uniform have special meaning. The blue stands for truth and loyalty; the gold represents good cheer and happiness. THIRD CUB SCOUT: (Enters carrying the wolf Cub Scout Book and Kipling's Jungle Book): When Cub Scouting began in England, it was based on Kipling's jungle tales. When Cub Scouting began in the United States in 1930, indian themes were used. FOURTH CUB SCOUT: (Enters carrying woodcraft project): Cub Scouting means fun, and we have lots of fun. I like making things that are useful, or that match our monthly theme. FIFTH CUB SCOUT: (Enters carrying nature collection): I like to go on hikes and collect things for my nature collection. Cub Scout outdoor activities are fun! We learn about the things that live and grow in our area. SIXTH CUB SCOUT: (Enters carrying tin-can stove): I like to cook outdoors. ALL Cub Scouts like to eat! This is a cook stove we made as a Den project. SEVENTH CUB SCOUT: (Enters carrying U.S. flag): I am proud to be an American, and I am proud of our flag. I also like our Pack flag because it reminds me that I am part of 69 years of Cub Scoouting. NARRATOR: Yes, I represent the past and the present, but these boys - the future of our country - prove that things will be in good hands. HISTORY OF SCOUTING (A Skit) NARRATOR: It's a foggy night in London. The year is 1910. Mr. William D. Boyce, an American publisher and businessman is lost. (As the curtain opens Boyce is on stage, dressed in top coat, carrying brief case and umbrella. He wanders around the stage as if looking for a house number. He comes to a street light and peers at a piece of paper in his hand.) BOYCE: I don't think I can find my way in this fog. (A Scout comes on stage dressed in an old-style uniform.) SCOUT: May I help you sir? BOYCE: I am looking for this address. Can you tell me where to find it? (He shows him the sheet of paper.) SCOUT: Yes, I can take you there. (They walk to the other side of the stage.) SCOUT: (pointing) There you are, sir. BOYCE: Thank you very much (and pretends to hand him some money) for helping me. SCOUT: Thank you sir, but I can't accept money. I am a Scout, and this is my good turn. (The Scout waves and walks across the stage to exit. Boyce exits on the other side.) NARRATOR: Mr. Boyce was so impressed with this Scout that he found out more about the Scouting movement in England. He brought back to America a suitcase full of ideas and information. He incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8th, 1910. The Boy Scouts of America grew by leaps and bounds. A Federal Charter was granted by Congress in 1916, an honor granted to only a few organizations. Today, Scouting is a world brotherhood, bound together by common ideals and a common oath or promise. Would you please stand with me and repeat the Cub Scout Promise? CUB SCOUT STEW (A Skit) Characters: Boy in chefs hat, any number of uniformed Cub Scouts, Den Leader. Setting: On stage is a large kettle made form a cardboard carton. There is a short stepladder at each side for the boys to climb up to get into the kettle. Put an air mattress or other pad in the bottom of the kettle for boys to land on. As curtain opens, a boy wearing a chefs hat is standing on one of the stepladders stirring the pot with a broomstick. He holds a large piece of paper on which the word "Recipe" is written in large letters. DEN LEADER: (entering) What are you making? CHEF: This is a Cub Scout stew. Would you like to watch? DEN LEADER: Yes, I would. What goes in it? CHEF (pretends to read recipe): First, add any number of Cub Scouts who do their best. (Uniformed Cub Scouts come on stage and climb into kettle.) Then add a sense of humor. (Grinning Cub Scout wearing sign, "Humor," climbs into kettle.) Next, add a pinch of service to others. (Cub Scout wearing "Service" sign climbs into kettle.) Then add a dash of mischief. (Cub Scout wearing "Mischief" sign climbs into kettle.) And a big helping of sunshine. (Cub Scout wearing "Sunshine" sign climbs into kettle.) And last, add a ton of energy! (Cub Scout wearing "Energy" sign climbs into kettle.) CHEF (pretends to stir): Stir well, and you have a Cub Scout stew. (Pretends to take a taste and offers a taste to den leader) DEN LEADER: That's delicious! I'd like your recipe. See the "Skits and Costumes" and the "Songs, Stunts, and Stories" sections of the Cub Scout Leader How-To book for more ideas. |
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| Blue and Gold 2003 Chairman - Randy Johnston, Pack Committee Chairman Co-Chairman - Chris Schott, Cubmaster Our 2003 B & G Bamquet will be held on February 23rd at 1400 at the Vogelweh Elementary School Cafeteria. |