by James Tonin, Clubspaces Editorial Team
Usually, Scout packs meet at a designated meeting hall, or at a place reserved by the organization. But the key to keeping Scout meetings interesting for the kids is to switch things up – and sometimes, that means switching up the location.
Tip # 1. First, take care of the practical details. Take stock of how many people usually attend your den or pack meetings and plan accordingly. Allow ample space in case attendance is unexpectedly high, and take advantage of nature’s unlimited seating by keeping locations in the great outdoors in mind.
Tip # 2. If you’re thinking of holding a meeting in a public park or campground, check with your local Parks and Recreation Department or campground management. Some restrictions may be in place that limit, regulate or forbid activities like building open fires. Get creative and plan games for the kids that involve applying their Scout skills but stay within the park’s rules.
Tip # 3. You can add a homey feel to your Scout meeting by holding it…well, at someone’s home. Chances are that one of the parents or leaders involved in the pack or den has a back yard or recreation room that can accommodate a Scout meeting. The advantage of holding a meeting at one of the members’ homes is that it can really help foster and build a strong sense of community. It’s a lot less formal and a lot more personal than holding a meeting in the same old sterile hall, and can work wonders for lightening things up in the den.
Tip # 4. In and around your town, there are many opportunities to educate your pack members by visiting sites of historical or cultural interest. Try taking your pack on a museum tour, on a visit to the college campus or on a walking tour of your town so kids can learn about local landmarks and your town’s history. Be practical, but keep things fun – the kids won’t even realize they’re learning!
Fresh ideas for meeting places also come f
rom fresh ideas for the meetings themselves. Get creative and change the format of the meeting for more ways to add fun and adventure to Scout pack or den gatherings. Consider a pajama party or sleepover, going mini golfing or taking a nature hike. Create games suited to the age level of your Scouts – spy and war-themed games are popular with boys, guessing and cooperation games are good for girls – and watch fresh ideas for meeting places grow before your eyes!
