Blue & Gold Banquet
The pack’s largest annual celebration, marking the anniversary of Cub Scouting’s founding (February 8, 1910). Recognizes Scout accomplishments, honors leaders, and brings the entire pack family together for food, activities, and fun.
Overview
A festive, full-pack celebration featuring themed activities, food, advancement ceremony, and recognition of Scout achievements. Typically draws 40+ Scouts and 100—125 total attendees including families.
Timeline / Checklist
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| December | Book venue and set date; select theme |
| January | Finalize food, entertainment, program, and invitations |
| January | Plan themed activities and decorations; arrange rentals if needed |
| February | Create Sign-Up Genius for volunteers and food |
| February | Advancement Chair prepares all rank badges and certificates |
| Event day | Setup, execute program, advancement ceremony, cleanup |
Event Details
Typical Program Structure
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:30pm | Setup begins (tables, decorations, food prep, activity stations) |
| 1:00—2:30pm | Arrivals, activities, games |
| 5:00pm | Meal service |
| 6:00pm+ | Opening flag ceremony, advancement awards, leader recognition, closing |
Volunteer Needs
| Role | People Needed |
|---|---|
| Setup (tables, decorations, stations) | 6—8 |
| Cooking (grill/Blackstone) | 2—3 |
| Game runners (2 per game) | 10 |
| Cleanup | 6—8 |
| MC / Sound system | 1—2 |
Use Sign-Up Genius for volunteer and food contribution coordination.
Supplies Checklist
- Extension cords, 5-gallon coolers, Blackstone/grill, serving trays
- Bluetooth speaker, PA system
- Hula-hoops, 100’ tape measure, tug-of-war rope, bandanas, parachute, pool noodles
- Crafting supplies (theme-dependent)
- Decorations, tablecloths, centerpieces
- Food: hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, sides, desserts, drinks (bug juice, lemonade, punch, water)
Backup Plans
Rain activities (if outdoor venue): Minute to Win It games, Card Ninja (flicking cards into watermelon), indoor craft stations.
Recent History
| Year | Date | Venue | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 8 | a local park | STEM / Nova Awards |
| 2024 | June 22 | Henry Hudson Park Pavilion | Field Day Games |
| 2023 | June 24 | McGuire Residence, Feura Bush | Hot Air Balloon Rides |
2025 Highlights: SUNY Albany robotics demo, Pipette Rockets, Paper Airplane Design, Paper Lanterns. Activities tied to Cub Scout Nova Award requirements (Tech Talk, Science Everywhere, Out of This World, Fearful Symmetry). Class B uniform, 1:00—4:00pm.
2024 Highlights: Henry Hudson Park Pavilion, 2:30pm—6pm+. Field day games: three-legged race, long jump, pass the hoop, limbo relay, ping-pong/spoon race, tug-of-war, crazy relay race. Campfire program with songs. Hot dogs/burgers cooked on Blackstone.
2023 Highlights: Tethered hot air balloon rides (50—100 feet, via Above All Balloon Rides). Helium balloon-building stations. Campfire program.
Coordination
- The Blue & Gold Coordinator leads overall event planning, theme direction, and logistics
- The Committee Chair handles venue booking, budget approval, and pack communication
- The Program Chair coordinates with the pack calendar and activity planning
- The Advancement Chair prepares rank badges, certificates, and awards for the ceremony
- The Cubmaster emcees the ceremony, leads opening/closing, and recognizes leaders and Scouts
Roles Involved
- Blue & Gold Coordinator — overall event lead, theme direction, and logistics
- Committee Chair — venue booking, budget approval, pack communication
- Program Chair — coordinates with pack calendar and activity planning
- Advancement Chair — prepares rank badges, certificates, and awards for ceremony
- Cubmaster — emcees ceremony, leads opening/closing, recognizes leaders and Scouts