| |
Click here for
Pack 5 Home Page
[link] |
|
Pack 5 How-To
Program Planning
Program Planning is the joint
responsibility of the Committee Chair and Cubmaster,
although they should be working closely with all Pack 5
Adult Leadership in coming up with new ideas, delegating
responsibilities, and implementation.
- Pack Committee:
Decision-Making
[link]
Timeline
The annual Program Planning
cycle should begin during the summer. Start with the past
twelve months: What worked and didn't work? Do we need to
change coordinators, budget considerations, or other related
support for any activities going forward? Should anything be
dropped? if so, why? What are the "untouchables," events
that are signature to Pack 5, must run?
In July, open discussion up
to the entire Pack, asking parents not just for ideas (often
the easiest part), but for inventories of their skill sets
and willingness to lead activities. Or serve in support
roles.
A major, adults-only Annual
Program Planning Meeting should be set for mid-August. All
responsibilities and dates for the next twelve months should
be nailed down (subject to minor revisions due to school
calendar considerations, which often cannot be addressed
until as late as October). Update the Pack Calendar (Home
Page on this Website). Don't forget about bi-annual events,
such as the Air Zoo and USS Silversides overnighters;
in fact, a rolling 24-month Calendar should be the goal
here.
Remember: Boys (and
their families) join and stay involved with Pack 5 because
of the program we offer. Advanced notice better allows for
planning, attendance — and building anticipation!
Pack 5 revisits its Calendar
in a March / April timeframe, mostly to ensure that the
bases are covered for Summertime Pack activities (and award
potential).
Resources
-
"Annual Program Planning," 2008
University of Scouting presentation summary and LINKs,
Course CS-014 (Dell Deaton)
[link]
-
"Planning Your 'Ideal Year of Cub Scouting'
Program Budget: A Cub Scout Pack's Annual
Budge Plan"
[link]
-
Form: BSA Consent Form
[link]
-
Form: BSA Medical Form
-
Form: "Talent Survey" (asks
about parents' interests, skills)
[link]
-
"Guide to Safe Scouting"
[link]
-
"Program
Helps," 2008-2009
[link]
-
"Leave No Trace" principles,
per Boy Scouts of America National Council
-
Summertime Pack Award
[link]
-
Pack Meeting agendas
(archived)
[link]
-
Order of the Arrow
-
Past Pack 5 events
Advice
Program Planning requires a careful balance of input and
implementation. While it is important to allow for and
validate new voices and ideas, the risk here is that the
basics of the recurring schedule will either be overlooked —
or left to "the same people who've always done it."
Before adding anything, ask yourself: Are all job functions
covered for the annual Pancake Supper fundraiser? Who will
be responsible for refreshments at the close of each Pack
Meeting? Do we have enough BALOO-Trained adults to accompany
our Cubs on the Spring Cabin Campout?
In
other words, make sure the existing Calendar is covered.
[link]
In an "ideal world," the Cubmaster and Den Leaders will not
be responsible for arranging or organizing any special event
on the schedule. |
|