As a comment on Fred's email about the annual program, is it a must that all of the council and district activities end up on the pack's calendar? I understand that school activities and holidays can take up dates on anyone's calendar, however I think if you allow every council and district event to play into your calendar, there will be few dates left for pure pack or den activities.

In our pack, we make a point to schedule and plan pack activities while considering what council and district events the boys would want to do and what will fit in with our themes. We generally participate in the "big" council/district events — ones the boys ask to do each year (Fall Cub-O-Ree campout, Spook-O-Ree Halloween event, Snow Tubing and 1-2 others).

Our council is large enough that there is some type of activity going on at least 2-3 weekends or other days/dates in the month. Many of the events are communicated to the families if they wish to participate individually, but the activities are not necessarily "pack sponsored" events; meaning events that make it to the pack calendar. I know Scouting is and needs to be flexible with activities to provide the as much opportunity as possible and the boys are not required to attend everything. It would require a fair number of people to commit to coordinate and attend as "leader" all of the events if were "official" pack activities.

I guess my point is schedule what you think the boys will enjoy the most and the parents/leaders can commit to being present at, have a balance of council, district and pack level activities and try not to worry about offering everything.

As far as parents or families that may grouse about the calendar and/or dates for the activities, my philosophy is that a calendar of events is developed based on the schedules of those making up the calendar or those who will "lead" the activity. If someone doesn’t like it, has “better” suggestions, or wants to do other things, I always have a blank adult application and open committee position for anyone who wants to be part of the solution rather than the complaint.