Pack 323 Annual Plan — 2026–2027¶
Baltimore Area Council | National Pike District | Charter Org: St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Catholic Church
Program year: September 2026 – August 2027 Plan coverage: August 2026 pre-season runway through July 2027. August opens each plan as the next year's launch runway rather than closing it — so August 2027's launch events live in the 2027-2028 plan, and the school-year program runs Sept–May with a June–July summer block. Last updated: June 2026
Leadership Transition Year — New Cubmaster and Committee Chair stepping in after outgoing AOL-den leadership. Den leader assignments TBD. Priorities: stabilize structure, onboard new den leaders, maintain program quality, grow recruiting.
Event Type Legend¶
| Tag | Type |
|---|---|
| PACK | Pack Meeting (3rd Wednesday) |
| CAMP | Campout (weekend) |
| FIELD | Field Trip / Cultural Event |
| DISTRICT | District / Council Event |
| SERVICE | Community Service |
| RECRUIT | Recruiting / Membership Event |
| COMMITTEE | Committee / Planning Meeting (4th Wednesday) |
| DEN | Den Meeting (suggested theme) |
Pre-Season — August 2026¶
Launch runway for the 2026-2027 program year. These district and recruiting events happen before the school-year program begins; they were moved here from the 2025-2026 plan because they serve the incoming year. Each year's trailing-August launch events hand forward to the next year's plan in the same way.
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10 (Mon) | National Pike Fall Kickoff (NPD Program Launch & Roundtable) | DISTRICT | Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 4795 Ilchester Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043; 7:15–9:15 PM; district season opener that introduces the 2026-2027 program year; critical for all den leaders |
| Aug (TBD Sat) | Waverly Elementary Blacktop Party | RECRUIT | Welcoming, not sales-y; have flyers available |
| Aug 19 (Wed) | Church Meeting | PACK | TBD |
| Aug 26 (Wed) | Parent Info Night | RECRUIT | For new and returning families; overview of Cub Scouting, pack structure, and annual plan; held at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Catholic Church |
| Aug 27 (Thu) | New Parent Virtual Q&A | RECRUIT | Online session to answer questions about joining Pack 323; via Zoom; link provided upon RSVP |
| Jul or Aug (TBD, 1–2 nights) | Summer Pack Campout | CAMP | Bonus summer camping trip carried over from the 2025-2026 summer block; site, dates, and length (1 or 2 nights) TBD |
| Aug (TBD weekend) | Pack Hike | FIELD | Casual family hike; final summer activity before the school-year program begins |
Fall Block — September through November¶
September 2026¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Welcome-Back Hike at Howard County Conservancy | DEN | Mt. Pleasant Farm, Woodstock; soft recruiting opportunity — have Pack flyers on hand, keep vibe social |
| Sep 9 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Campout Prep — Skit & Song Practice | DEN | Prepare campfire skit and song for Fall Family Campout |
| Sep 14 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM — first roundtable of the year; all den leaders should attend |
| Sep 16 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Rockets & Camp Prep | PACK | Active: Scout Law relay race / Learning: Rocket kit assembly & Camping 101; distribute rocket engines to parents; sample tent & sleeping bag on display; collect medical forms |
| Sep 23 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Fall campout final logistics, popcorn kickoff, YPT status check; call Maryland Science Center today to register for spring Camp-In |
| Sep 24 (Thu) | Wood Badge 12-220-26-2 | DISTRICT | Schapiro Scout Service Center, Baltimore — optional adult leader training; first session of multi-weekend course; register at scoutingevent.com/220-wb262 |
| Sep 25–27 (Fri–Sun) | Fall Family Campout | CAMP | Patapsco Valley State Park, Hilton Area, Site Banneker (Youth Group); check-in Fri 3 PM, check-out Sun 1 PM; hiking, skills stations, campfire program; new leader orientation opportunity |
| Sep 30 (Wed) | (5th Wednesday — flex or skip) | Optional: campout debrief / rank catch-up at den leader discretion |
October 2026¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Nature & Hiking | DEN | Trail rules, plant & animal ID; reinforce Leave No Trace from campout |
| Oct 9-11 (Fri-Sun) | Webelos-O-Ree | DISTRICT | Camp Saffran, Whiteford, MD — register at scoutingevent.com/220-107527 |
| Oct 9 (Fri) | Wood Badge 12-220-26-2 | DISTRICT | Camp Spencer, Street, MD — optional adult leader training; second session; ⚠️ same weekend as Webelos-O-Ree |
| Oct 12 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Oct 14 (Wed) | Den Meeting: First Aid & Safety | DEN | Roleplay injuries, buddy system |
| Oct 21 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Rocket Launch! | PACK | Active: Countdown, launches, field retrieval race / Learning: Newton's 3rd Law debrief; another activity? |
| Oct 28 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Popcorn sale review, Pinewood Derby car kit ordering, Blue & Gold venue/caterer brainstorm |
| Oct (TBD) | Waverly Elementary Blacktop Party | RECRUIT | Final summer push before school year; welcoming, not sales-y; have flyers available |
November 2026¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Citizenship & Flag Etiquette | DEN | Prep for Veterans Day activities; practice flag folding |
| Nov 7 (Sat) | Wood Badge 12-220-26-2 | DISTRICT | Camp Spencer, Street, MD — optional adult leader training; third/final session; register at scoutingevent.com/220-wb262 |
| Nov 8 (Sat) | Leaf Raking at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez | SERVICE | Charter org; work clothes, gloves, closed-toe shoes; ~2 hours |
| Nov 9 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Nov 11 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Service Project Prep | DEN | ⚠️ Veterans Day (federal holiday) — confirm school schedule; make cards for veterans; prep food drive boxes |
| Nov 11 (Wed) | Veterans Day Parade | SERVICE | Full Class A uniform required; confirm parade route & assembly time — may conflict with den meeting; coordinate with den leaders |
| Nov 14 (Sat) | NPD Volunteer Training Summit | DISTRICT | Archbishop Curley High School, [7:30 PM] |
| Nov 18 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Gratitude Night | PACK | Active: Gratitude scavenger hunt / Learning: Scout-led flag folding demo |
| Nov 20–21 (Fri–Sat) | NPD BALOO Training (Fall 2026) | DISTRICT | Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation — Scouting America-required for an adult to run Cub Scout pack campouts; Poplar Springs Community Association / Scout Hall, Mt. Airy; virtual pre-meeting Sun Nov 15, 7:00 PM; valuable for new den leaders this transition year; register at scoutingevent.com/220-fall26npdbaloo |
| Nov 23 (Mon) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | ⚠️ Day before Thanksgiving — expect low attendance; consider moving to 3rd Wednesday or holding a short virtual check-in instead. Agenda: Recharter prep, dues collection, Blue & Gold planning kickoff |
Winter Block — December through February¶
December 2026¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Open | DEN | Den leader choice |
| Dec 7 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Dec 9 (Wed) | Den Meeting: PWD Car Design Brainstorm & Tool Safety Intro | DEN | Sketch car designs; review tool safety rules |
| Dec 12 (Sat, approx) | Holiday Caroling at ACTS Fairhaven | SERVICE | Elderly residents; full uniform or festive attire; confirm date & logistics with venue; prepare 3–5 songs |
| Dec 16 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Holiday Service & PWD Car Distribution | PACK | Active: Adopt-A-Family gift sorting / Learning: PWD physics — weight, wheels, aerodynamics; distribute PWD car kits |
| Dec 23 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | ⚠️ 2 days before Christmas — expect very low attendance; strongly consider canceling or rescheduling to Dec 16 as a brief post-Pack-meeting huddle. Agenda: Recharter submission, spring recruiting strategy, PWD track setup plan |
| Dec 30 (Wed) | (5th Wednesday — skip) | Between Christmas and New Year's; no meeting |
January 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Build It / Physics | DEN | Paper airplanes, balloon rockets; connect to STEM Carnival Night |
| Jan 11 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Jan 13 (Wed) | Den Meeting: PWD Workshop | DEN | Cutting, painting, sanding; tool safety; bring car kits |
| Jan 20 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: STEM Carnival Night | PACK | Stations: Card tower engineering challenge, balloon rocket race, static electricity demo, polymer science, bridge load testing |
| Jan 27 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Blue & Gold catering confirmed, advancement audit, Klondike Derby logistics & gear reminder |
February 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 3 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Klondike Derby Prep | DEN | Layering for cold weather, cold-weather gear review, trail safety; gear reminder: no sneakers, full layers, gloves, hats |
| Feb 8 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Feb 10 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Catch-up / Rank Review | DEN | Handbooks out; leaders sign completions |
| Feb 17 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Pinewood Derby | PACK | Racing heats + car gallery with Scout-voted design awards between heats |
| Feb 19 (Fri) | Pinewood Derby Weigh-In | PACK | TBD |
| Feb 20 (Sat, approx) | NPD Klondike Derby | DISTRICT | McKeldin Area, Patapsco Valley State Park; Cubs start 8:30 AM; full layers required, no sneakers; carpooling: 4+ per vehicle; ⚠️ Exact date TBD — confirm when 2026-2027 NPD calendar publishes |
| Feb 24 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Spring campout planning, Scouting for Food sign-up logistics, crossover planning start |
Spring Block — March through May¶
March 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 3 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Electives (Performance) | DEN | Skit or song practice for Blue & Gold |
| Mar 6–7 (Sat–Sun, approx) | Scouting for Food — Doorhanger Distribution | SERVICE | Register via scoutingforfoodnpd@gmail.com; ⚠️ Exact dates TBD — confirm with NPD |
| Mar 8 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Mar 10 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Electives (Science) | DEN | Seed planting or constellation study |
| Mar 13–14 (Sat–Sun, approx) | Scouting for Food — Collection | SERVICE | Return to collect donated food; ⚠️ Exact dates TBD |
| Mar 17 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Blue & Gold Birthday Banquet | PACK | ⚠️ St. Patrick's Day — some families may have plans; den skits, mixer game opener, year-in-review highlights; catering confirmed by Jan committee meeting |
| Mar 24 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Spring campout final logistics, crossover planning, Camden Yards ticket push |
| Mar 31 (Wed) | (5th Wednesday — flex or skip) | Optional: outdoor skills preview / rank catch-up | |
| Late March | Camden Yards Ticket Sales Deadline | FIELD | ⚠️ Confirm exact deadline when BAC publishes 2026-2027 Scout Day date — purchase via baltimorescouting.org |
April 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 4–5 (Sat–Sun, approx) | Scout Day at Camden Yards | FIELD | Baltimore Orioles; full uniform; tickets via BAC; ⚠️ Exact date TBD — confirm when BAC publishes |
| Apr 7 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Coins & Codes | DEN | Coin values or invisible ink messages |
| Apr 12 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| Apr 14 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Outdoors Skills | DEN | Compass & map skills, scavenger hunt — prep for spring campout |
| Apr 19 (Sat, approx) | Maryland Science Center Camp-In | FIELD | Overnight at museum; ⚠️ Confirm theme & exact date when registering in September; register via mdsci.org |
| Apr 21 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: Cub Olympics Field Day | PACK | Option A: Olympic station rotations + sportsmanship discussion / Option B: Raingutter Regatta |
| Apr 28 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Crossover final run-of-show, advancement audit, summer camp registration deadline check |
| Apr 30–May 2 (Fri–Sun) | Spring Family Campout | CAMP | Patapsco Valley State Park, McKeldin Area, Site YG1 (Youth Group); check-in Fri 3 PM, check-out Sun 1 PM; capacity 40; hiking, outdoor cooking, campfire program — dens perform skits & songs |
May 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Catch-up & Retrospective | DEN | Low-key; handbooks out; leaders signing completions |
| May 10 (Mon) | NPD Roundtable | DISTRICT | Hammond High School, 7:30 PM |
| May 12 (Wed) | Den Meeting: Catch-up & Retrospective | DEN | Same as above |
| May 19 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: [Spring theme — TBD] | PACK | Regular Pack meeting; ⚠️ theme TBD. End-of-year rank advancement is celebrated at the June 2 Ice Cream Social, not here. (AOL crossover to Scouts BSA already occurred at the March Blue & Gold Banquet.) |
| May 26 (Wed) | Committee Meeting | COMMITTEE | Agenda: Year-end review, leader appreciation, summer activity planning, incoming family outreach |
| May 28–29 (Fri–Sat) | NPD "We Remember" — Flag Placement | SERVICE | Baltimore National Cemetery & Loudon Park National Cemetery; full uniform; solemn ceremony |
Summer Block — June through July¶
June 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2 (Wed) | Pack Meeting: End-of-Year Ice Cream Social, Neckerchief Toss & Rank Advancement | PACK | The Pack's end-of-year "graduation" — rank advancement awards presented here (moved from May); neckerchief ceremony & toss; Pack tradition; celebrate the year; incoming Lions and new families welcome. No den meetings in June. |
| Jun 21–25 (Mon–Fri) | Camp Linstead Cub Scout Day Camp — Theme: "Dinotopia" | DISTRICT | Full week; Scouts attend daily, go home each night. ⚠️ Camp classifies Scouts by their fall rank — see note below |
| Jun (TBD Sat) | Waverly Elementary Blacktop Party | RECRUIT | Welcoming, not sales-y; have flyers available; coordinate with school |
| Jun (TBD weekend) | Pack Hike #1 | FIELD | Casual family hike; open to prospective families |
Camp Linstead — rank & Tiger Days note: Camp Linstead classifies Cubs by the rank they'll hold in the fall after camp. Our rising Wolves, Bears, Webelos, and AOL attend the full Jun 21–25 week. Our youngest — graduating Lions (rising Tigers) — attend as Tigers, who are limited to Tiger Days (Wed/Thurs, Jun 23–24) and must have an adult partner (parent, aunt/uncle, grandparent, or other trusted adult) in camp all day. Details: camplinstead.com.
July 2027¶
| Date | Event | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul (TBD Sat, mid-July) | NPD Fishing Derby | DISTRICT | Lake Elkhorn Park, Columbia; 8:30 AM–1:00 PM; $10–15 advance registration; ⚠️ Exact date TBD — typically mid-July |
| Jul (TBD Sat) | Waverly Elementary Blacktop Party | RECRUIT | Welcoming, not sales-y; have flyers available |
| Jul (TBD weekend) | Pack Hike #2 | FIELD | Casual family hike |
August 2027 is the pre-season runway for the 2027-2028 program year (NPD Program Launch & Roundtable, fall recruiting, Broad Creek summer camp, parent info nights). Those events will be generated into the Pre-Season — August 2027 section at the top of the 2027-2028 plan when that year is scaffolded.
Appendix: Optional & Occasional Events¶
Events the Pack has done before but are not annual commitments. Full logistics retained for when the Pack decides to include them.
| Event | Typical Timing | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEM Day at Aberdeen Proving Ground | Last Saturday of September | ~$10–15 | 30+ exhibits; check APG website for Scout days |
| BAC Fall Cub Family Weekend at Broad Creek | Late October / early November | ~$45/youth, $30/adult | Sells out fast; register as soon as it opens |
| River Hawk Spook-O-Ree | Mid-October | $50/unit minimum | Camp Saffran; Halloween theme; good for Tigers and up |
| Flag Retirement Ceremony | Near Veterans Day or June 14 | Free | Respectfully retire worn US flags; coordinate with charter org or NPD |
| Historic Ships Overnight | March / April | TBD | USS Constellation or USCGC Taney, Baltimore Inner Harbor; 6 PM–9 AM; book 3–6 months in advance |
| Scout Day at Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | Fall–Spring (varies) | Group discount | BAC coordinates; contact council for group booking |
| Scout Sunday at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez | February | Free | Scouts attend Mass in full uniform; coordinate with charter org |
| National Pike Bike Rodeo | May | Free | TBD |
| Zoo Snooze Overnights at Maryland Zoo | Various | $100 | https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/zoo-snooze-overnights/scout-group-overnights/ |
Committee Meeting Agenda Topics Reference¶
| Month | Key Agenda Items |
|---|---|
| August (pre-season) | Den assignments finalized; new leader orientation; 2026-2027 program-year launch — hand new den leaders their playbooks; pre-season calendar confirmed |
| September | Fall campout final logistics; popcorn kickoff; YPT status check; call MSC to register for Camp-In |
| October | Popcorn sale review; PWD car kit ordering; Blue & Gold venue/caterer brainstorm |
| November | Recharter prep; dues collection; Blue & Gold planning kickoff; caroling confirmation; ⚠️ consider rescheduling (day before Thanksgiving) |
| December | Recharter submission; spring recruiting strategy; PWD track setup plan; ⚠️ consider canceling or rescheduling (near Christmas) |
| January | Blue & Gold catering confirmed; advancement audit; Klondike Derby logistics; gear reminder issued |
| February | Spring campout planning; Scouting for Food sign-up; crossover planning start |
| March | Spring campout final logistics; crossover planning; Camden Yards ticket push |
| April | Crossover final run-of-show; advancement audit; summer camp registration deadline check |
| May | Year-end review; leader appreciation; summer activity planning; incoming family outreach |
| June | Summer hike schedule; recruiting event logistics; incoming Lion/Tiger outreach; den leader check-in |
| July | Fall campout site reservation; next-year program theme kickoff; new leader recruitment |
Scheduling Notes & Flags¶
⚠️ Conflicts to Watch¶
| Month | Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 25 | Committee Meeting falls day before Thanksgiving | Move to 3rd Wednesday post-Pack-meeting huddle, or hold virtual |
| Nov 11 | Veterans Day parade may conflict with 2nd Wednesday den meeting | Coordinate with den leaders; treat parade as optional den substitute |
| Dec 23 | Committee Meeting 2 days before Christmas | Cancel or fold into a brief Dec 16 post-meeting huddle |
| Mar 17 | Blue & Gold on St. Patrick's Day | Keep the date; flag to families early; expect modest attendance dip |
| Apr density | Camden Yards + MSC Camp-In + Spring Campout all in April | Ensure Camp-In weekend ≠ Campout weekend; confirm dates early (Sep committee meeting) |
| Mar density | Scouting for Food (2 weekends) + Blue & Gold in same month | Manageable; Scouting for Food is early-March, Blue & Gold is mid-March |
📌 Placeholder Dates (Confirm When NPD/BAC Publishes 2026-2027 Calendar)¶
- Klondike Derby date (~Feb 20) and registration deadline
- Scouting for Food weekend dates
- BAC Cub Adventure Camp at Broad Creek dates
- Scout Day at Camden Yards date & ticket sales deadline
- NPD Fishing Derby date
- Maryland Science Center Camp-In date & theme
🔑 Leadership Transition Reminders¶
- Den leader assignments to be finalized at tonight's planning session (April 11, 2026)
- New den leaders will need YPT, den leader training, and Scoutbook access before September
- September roundtable (Sep 14) is the first one — all new den leaders should attend
- Build extra support structure into Fall: buddy system between new and returning leaders
🚨 Recruiting Strategy — Critical Priority for 2026-2027¶
Situation: As of spring 2026, there is only one active rising Tiger Scout and one active rising Wolf Scout, and neither family is positioned to take on a den leader role. The three most junior dens (Lions, Tigers, Wolves) all have open den leader slots. Recruiting is therefore doubly critical this year: we need new Scouts and we need enough new families at those den levels to find a willing parent-leader in each den.
Goal: Identify den leader candidates for Lions, Tigers, and Wolves before September — ideally by July/August after families sign up through summer recruiting events. A Scout who joins in September is too late to produce a den leader by the first den meeting.
Recruiting Channels to Activate
| Channel | When | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome-Back Hike at Conservancy | Sep 2 | Den leaders | Already on calendar; keep vibe social, have flyers ready |
| Waverly Elementary Blacktop Parties (x3) | Jun, Jul, Aug | Recruitment Chair | Already on calendar; primary summer pipeline |
| Waverly Wire email newsletter | May–Aug | Recruitment Chair / Secretary | Submit Pack blurb + join link before each issue; ask school office for submission deadline |
| Flyers at Waverly Elementary | May, Aug | Recruitment Chair | Post at school entrance/pickup area; time around end-of-year and back-to-school |
| St. Alphonsus bulletin & social | May–Aug | COR | Charter org can help promote; ask for a mention in weekly bulletin and parish Facebook |
| Personal outreach | Ongoing | All leaders | Ask every current Scout family to think of one neighbor or classmate who might be a fit |
| Nextdoor / neighborhood groups | May–Aug | Recruitment Chair | Post in Columbia/Ellicott City Nextdoor groups near Waverly feeder area |
| Back to School Night table | Late Aug | Recruitment Chair | Waverly Elementary; have a sign-up sheet, candy, and something visual for kids |
Recruiting Pitch for Den Leader Role To lower the barrier to entry, the Pack is developing per-rank Den Leader Playbooks (see Planning Initiatives section below) — a full Sep–May guide a new leader can follow with minimal prior experience. When recruiting, lead with: "You don't have to figure it out alone — we'll hand you a complete guide and support you every step of the way."
Planning Initiatives for 2026-2027¶
📋 Den Leader Playbooks¶
What: A rank-specific, full-year planning guide for each den level (Lions through AOL), covering every den meeting from September through May. Each playbook provides a tentative plan for all ~18 den meetings, with adventure objectives, activity ideas, materials lists, and Pack-meeting tie-ins — so a new or first-time den leader can follow it as-is or adapt it to their style. The goal is that a Scout who regularly attends meetings will reach rank by year-end.
Why this matters for 2026-2027: Three of our six den leader slots are open (Lions, Tigers, Wolves) and we're actively recruiting parents from new families. A playbook makes the role feel manageable rather than overwhelming for a first-time volunteer.
What we already have:
- reference/rank-summary.md — all required and elective adventures per rank, with Scouting America links
- reference/activity-library.md — Pack meeting activity ideas (partial; needs expansion for den-level use)
- reference/campout-activity-library.md — campout activity options
- plans/2026-2027/annual-plan.md — Pack calendar with suggested den meeting themes
What we still need (inputs to gather):
| Missing Input | Source | Where to Put It |
|---|---|---|
| Scouting America Den Meeting Activity Guides (per rank) | Scouting America publishes official Den Leader Activity Guides for each rank — these include step-by-step activity scripts, supply lists, and timing for every adventure. Find at scouting.org or request from district. | inputs/bsa/program-resources/den-activity-guide-[rank].md |
| Den meeting structure template | Pack convention / best practice — standard 60-minute meeting format (opening, activity, closing). Cubmaster or experienced den leader can draft. | templates/den-meeting-template.md |
| Adventure-to-meeting mapping | Judgment call per rank — some adventures fit in 1 meeting, some need 2. Needs a leader with rank experience to estimate. | Embedded in each playbook |
| Materials & supply lists | Derived from Scouting America activity guides once imported | Embedded in each playbook |
How to generate the playbooks (once inputs are ready):
1. For each rank, paste the Scouting America Den Leader Activity Guide into inputs/bsa/program-resources/
2. Create templates/den-meeting-template.md with the standard meeting structure
3. Ask Claude to generate plans/2026-2027/den-playbooks/[rank]-playbook.md, which will:
- Map all 6 required adventures + 2 elective adventures across ~18 den meetings (Sep–May)
- Sequence logically (Bobcat first; outdoor adventures before Fall Campout; PWD car adventures before December kit distribution; etc.)
- Align den meeting themes with Pack calendar events (campout prep, Blue & Gold skit practice, etc.)
- Include a materials list and a "Pack tie-in" note for each meeting
- Flag meetings that could double as elective adventures (fishing, nature walks, etc.)
Timeline:
- [ ] Now (April 2026 planning session): Identify whether any of the three open den leader slots has even a provisional volunteer — anyone to aim the playbook at
- [ ] May–June 2026: Cubmaster/experienced den leaders draft templates/den-meeting-template.md and note adventure timing estimates from their own experience
- [ ] July 2026: Locate and import Scouting America Den Leader Activity Guides for Lions, Tigers, and Wolves into inputs/bsa/program-resources/
- [ ] August 2026 (before Program Launch Roundtable): Generate draft playbooks for all three open ranks; have them ready to hand to new den leaders at onboarding
- [ ] August 2026 (after Program Launch): Update playbooks with any new program-year guidance from NPD/BAC
Changelog¶
Substantive changes to this plan, newest first.
2026-06-30¶
- Moved the end-of-year rank-advancement "graduation" from the May Pack meeting to the June 2 Ice Cream Social (matches 2025-2026 practice). May 19 is now a regular Pack meeting; AOL crossover remains at the March Blue & Gold. No den meetings in June.
- Added NPD BALOO Training (Fall 2026) (Nov 20–21; virtual pre-meeting Nov 15) — required outdoor training for adults to run Cub pack campouts.
- Confirmed Camp Linstead Cub Scout Day Camp dates (Jun 21–25, 2027) and theme ("Dinotopia"); removed the placeholder date.
- Added a Camp Linstead rank & Tiger Days note: camp classifies Scouts by their fall rank, so graduating Lions attend as rising Tigers, limited to Tiger Days (Wed/Thurs, Jun 23–24) with a required adult partner.