Blue & Gold Ceremony-It's Not Too Early to Start Thinking about How to Make it Special!

Blue & Gold Ceremony-It's Not Too Early to Start Thinking about How to Make It Special!

Blue & Gold....such a magical and sometimes bittersweet time for Scouting leaders and parents.  Scout are used to their Pack meetings every month and they love those and think and they are fun, but when they earn their next rank, Arrow of Light, or when they are crossing over into a Troop, their Blue & Gold Ceremony needs to stand out!

For me, I want these Scouts to walk into where they are having this important ceremony and stop dead in their tracks!  I want surprise, awe, and for them to suck in a deep breath and hold it!  THAT is when you know that you have created something magical and that's EXACTLY the feelings that I feel Blue & Gold should evoke!

Yes, I realize that it's only November, BUT such an important celebration requires planning! (No, not the kind of planning that you did in college the night before your exam!)

First, your Pack Committee needs to decide on a budget.  This is great that you are doing this now, because if this really isn't in the budget, you can still schedule some fundraisers to help you out! (I mean it SHOULD be in the budget already-ideally, but things happen)

 Next, you are going to need a theme.  Now it would be SO easy for parents and leaders to just go ahead and pick a theme based on the pounds of leftover birthday party decorations that you CAN'T WAIT to get out of your house, however, this isn't YOUR ceremony. Why not come up with several themes and have your Scouts choose? (This way you know that they are appropriate and you can find stuff that goes with the theme, PLUS it makes them feel important and part of it because THEY chose it!) Is there anywhere that you can save money?   Is there anyone in your Unit that is wicked creative and crafty?  I am SURE that someone in your Unit is on Pinterest and just itching to help! (Time to pull out your Family Talent Surveys) Find some crafts that go along with whatever theme the Scouts decide and choose a craft that the Scouts can complete as gathering activity or during a Den Meeting! 

Now, what about food?  Potlucks are fun, especially if the food is centered around the theme, and with all families participating, could greatly reduce costs (just inform everyone of any allergies) What about asking if there is anyone in your unit that works/owns a restaurant or catering business that would be willing to help? (Could be a tax write-off for a donation to a non-profit, BUT make sure to have them check with their tax preparer to ensure that they receive the correct information.

Last year in my unit, we chose the "Passport to Adventure" Theme.  It was amazing!  We had each Den choose a different country.  They had to research Scouting in that country and see if it is different in any ways from Scouting in the United States.  Then, they created a display board-like the ones for science fairs- to show what they had learned!  Next, with the help of their parents of course, they chose to bring a dish to share that is native to their Den's country!  We had Thailand, Japan, Guatemala, and France!  HOW MUCH FUN IS THAT?  The decorations were incorporated from the Countries that they chose, along with other fun traditions from different states in the United States, such as Marti Gras in New Orleans, LA, and New York City.  We made a garland incorporating the different Flags from different Countries and one Den even had t-shirts from the World Jamboree 2015 when it was held in the Country that they chose!

Whatever your Unit does to honor these Scouts for their hard work and dedication, START PLANNING EARLY!  Give them the WOW! Factor that they deserve!  Make it stand out from regular Pack meetings and GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TOO! 

Showing that you care and want to make this special for THEM, is also a great incentive for these Scouts to work hard and really understand the notable meaning behind this distinct ceremony!

   What are some ways/ideas that you have celebrated Blue & Gold in YOUR Unit?  I would love you hear about and even see some ideas!  Don’t forget to include your Name/Unit, especially if you send pictures, so I can make sure to give you kudos!

Here are some fun pics from last year’s celebration!