Pack 703 has events throughout the year. However, our scouting year begins in September at our 1st Pack meeting. Each month between September and May the Pack will hold a Pack meeting and/or a Pack event. Additionally, each Den will hold a monthly meeting during this time as well. During the summer, we do not have Den or Pack Meetings, but we have an optional activity each month.
ANNUAL ACTIVITIES
The following events (Pack and Council/District) are typically scheduled in the following order, but may vary. Check the Pack Calendar for exact dates.
SEPTEMBER
Scout Day at Mizzou Football Game Mizzou Athletics extends a special discounted ticket offer for all scouts in the state of Missouri! Scouts, Leaders, and can join us at a discounted price point
OCTOBER
Scout-O-Rama is a camporee type event hosted by the Kinderhook District BSA, where packs from across the council gather at LOTOSR for a weekend (Fri-Sun) of camping and fun. Each year a theme is selected and the program revolves around the selected theme. We usually attend this event as a Pack, but registration, fees, meal cost and transportation will not be provided by the Pack. Optional/Non-Pack Event
Fall Cub Rally is a council event held outside of the Columbia Bass Pro Shop store. A two hour rotation, that the scout must preregister for, throughout the afternoon often includes archery, bb guns, fishing, leatherwork, woodworking, and water bottle rockets.
Many of our Dens attend this event as a Den, but registration, fees, and transportation will not be provided by the Pack. Optional/Non-Pack Event
Chili Cookoff and Movie Night Fundraiser – Weather permitting, the Pack hosts a chili cookoff and movie night fundraiser on GRC Council property near Stephens Lake Park. Typically the Den Leaders each bring a pot of chili and the Cubmasters bring a dessert. Attendees can purchase samples and pick a winner. Following the chili cookoff, we relax, watch an age appropriate movie, enjoy a fall evening and visit the Pack concession stand.
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) – Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) . JOTA/JOTI is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. JOTI uses internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Last year, JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in more than 160 countries. This jamboree requires no travel. Visit here to learn more. Optional/Non-Pack Event
Fall Pack Family Campout – Each fall the Pack schedules a Saturday afternoon – Sunday morning campout in the Columbia vicinity. During the day the Pack schedules some program time, goes on hikes, and provides some times for Dens to prepare skits for the evening campfire. During the evening campfire each Den preforms a skit and we retire an American flag with a Flag Retirement Ceremony. On Sunday morning we have breakfast and a Scouts Own service and then depart.
NOVEMBER
Raingutter Regatta – is a boat race that is designed to be a child only project. Please feel free to give guidance and minimal assistance to your Scout as they build their Raingutter Regatta boat, appropriate to their age. Our Pack races by Den. Prizes are given for speed and design. The top three scouts in each den for both speed and design advance to the Boonslick District competition.
DECEMBER
Winter Pool Party – We usually skip our December Pack meeting to have some fun at the ARC pool. You will also receive your Pinewood Derby Car kit at this event.
JANUARY
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby partners a scout with a parent or guardian to work together, strengthening bonds and building confidence – and their own custom race cars! They begin with an official Pinewood Derby Race Car kit, then create a design, then carve it from the wood block provided in the kit, and detail it with paint, decals and other accessories, and perfect strategies to compete in their pack’s own Pinewood Derby. It’s s a wonderful learning experience centered on teamwork, ingenuity and sportsmanship – all for the thrill of the race and a lifetime of great memories to share with fellow racers young and old. Our Pack races by Den and keeps the fastest times to crown a grand champion. Prizes are given for speed and design. The top three scouts in each den for both speed and design advance to the Boonslick District competition.
FEBRUARY
Crossover & Blue and Gold Banquet – Blue and Golf banquets are a tradition in Cub Scout packs. They are a celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the BSA on February 8, 1910, and therefore usually take place in February. Pack 703 conducts our Arrow of Light crossover ceremony which is where the 5th graders cross over to a troop.
Cub Polar Outing is an optional Boonslick District event held each February. Typically this is an afternoon event where each group will visit 6 stations lasting 20-minute each, staying at the event for a total of two hours. Activities will include leather stamping, backyard bass fishing, hot chocolate station, relay races and more.
Optional/Non-Pack Event
APRIL
Spring Pack Family Campout – Each spring the Pack schedules a Saturday afternoon – Sunday morning campout in the Columbia vicinity. During the day the Pack schedules some program time, goes on hikes, and provides some times for Dens to prepare skits for the evening campfire. During the evening campfire each Den preforms a skit and we retire an American flag with a Flag Retirement Ceremony. On Sunday morning we have breakfast and a Scouts Own service and then depart.
MAY
Scouts Trash the Trash Day is an international Messengers of Peace project for Scouts around the world, where each Scout is challenged to bring a friend or family member along and pick up at least one Kilo (2.2 pounds) of trash each on the first Saturday in May. Scouts Trash the Trash Day is about more than just cleaning our planet, it is a day to show the world what Scouting is about, educate individuals about Scouting and recruit new boys, girls and adults into the Scouting movement. Visit here to learn more.
Optional/Non-Pack Event
JUNE
Boonslick District Day Camp – provide scouts with positive and fun experiences that build character, new friendships and a sense of belonging that will last beyond the summer. Sessions are led by experienced and nationally trained staff. We also partner with local community organizations to bring additional program opportunities to your child. Visit here to learn more.
Pack Geocaching & Jamboree of the Trail (“JOTT) – The Pack participates in JOTT by having an afternoon geocaching adventure. JOTT is an annual day for the World Scout Movement to hike together. All Scouts, whatever their age and wherever they may be in the world, are invited to participate in whatever way they can. Cubs and younger Scouting sections could visit a local nature trail as part of a weekend camp. A Scout Troop might check out a hiking trail while working on advancement requirements. In their own way, everyone will be hiking the same direction: towards a better future through Scouting. JOTT is held on the second Saturday of May each year. Visit here to learn more.
JULY
Cub Scout Summer Camp includes various lengths of stay to fit into your schedule. Regardless of the “camp” you register for, we camp as a pack. Can you feel it? Cub Scouts camping, having fun, learning new skills, and making new friends! Summer is coming, faster than we realize. Before we know it, Summer Camp will be upon us. We will be at camp, swimming, boating, shooting, climbing, playing games, hiking, fishing, and enjoying all the grand adventures that summer camp brings. The Camp Staff is being formed, the programs are being prepared and the facilities readied for your arrival. We are excited, are you?
Mystery Event – The Pack holds an afternoon event in July where the scouts have no idea what they will be doing. In 2023 we did a photo scavenger hunt combined with the Amazing Race and ending in a swimming hole. Who knows what we will come up with for next year…
AUGUST
Summer Water Event – to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the scouting year we gather to have some fun in the sun and water. Bring a friend who may be interested in joining the Pack!
Cub Scout Pack 703 - Columbia, Missouri 