History

In 1933 "Cub Leaders' Round Table" suggested Parent / Cub dinners. Soon thereafter, Pack 1 of Michigan City started a tradition
of pot-lucks where the dads were to bring utensils made of wood; whittled by the Cub with his dad. In the 1930s father / son 'bean dinners' and 'Cub family dinners' began to become commonplace. Finally, in 1943 the name "Blue and Gold Banquet" first appeared
in BSA literature, and became synonymous with "celebrating the birthday of Scouting."

Today, the Blue and Gold banquet is one of the highlights of the
program . It brings together your Pack's families for a dinner and an evening of fun. The meal is important, but even more important is the warm, congenial atmosphere created as families enjoy each other's company.

Traditions

The purpose of the blue and gold banquet is to celebrate the pack's anniversary, recognize pack leaders and other adults who have been instrumental in the pack's success, and inspire the leaders, Scouts, and parents. Packs often like to invite former members and other Scouting or community leaders to take part in the annual blue and gold banquet.

The banquet program must appeal to boys as well as adults. The evening can be conducted as a regular pack meeting (with songs, skits, stunts, and awards), or it can be something different and a little more special. Your pack may choose to bring in outside entertainment, such as a magician or storyteller, or have a video or slide presentation of the activities the pack participated in over the previous year. Choose a master of ceremonies who will keep the evening moving and enjoyable for all.

Careful planning is necessary for the banquet to be successful. Most packs begin planning at least two months in advance. The pack committee should recruit a banquet chair, who in turn may select others to carry out the responsibilities of the program, such as making physical arrangements, handling invitations, choosing a theme, etc. Try to involve as many people as possible, but avoid giving den leaders too many additional responsibilities because it may distract them from their duties to their dens.

A detailed plan for the blue and gold banquet, including a planning calendar, sample agenda, and suggested program activities, is available in the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book.

Our Pack Holds the Annual Dinner either in February or March.



This annual event is a family favorite where we gather for dinner, the scouts receive awards and the highlight is dessert provided from the Dad & Lad Cake Decorating Contest! The scouts from each den also perform skits, songs, it is very entertaining!

Our pack holds the annual Dad and Lad Cake Decorating contest each year at the Blue and Gold Dinner

Rules:

1. Everything must be edible
2. It will be served as dessert (please make sure your scout understands this)
3. Bring the cake decorated on a rigid surface (such as cardboard).
4. Identify each cake with Title, Scout’s name and rank (on cake or separate index card)
5. Cakes need to be there by 5:30 for judging
6. Have FUN when preparing the cake.

Cakes will be judged in the following categories - each cake can only win one prize

1. Best Scout Theme
2. Most Patriotism
3. Best Nature Theme
4. Most Original Design
5. Most Suitably Named
6. Most Colorful Design

Here are the cakes from our 2009 Dad and Lad Cake Decorating Contest!