Rotating Annual Events: How To

There is a constant question we ask as scout leaders, “Do I repeat what worked last year, or do we try something new?” I am going to suggest something a little easier, which is rotating through a set of scouting events in different years.

Making Models

For younger guides, learning to make a model car, boat or house is a classic scouting skill. Often those boats or cars then partiicpate in a race. While some groups may want to do both in a single year, we have found that rotating between the two is better. The events feel more fresh and interesting, if we don’t do the same one each year.

So, in year A we have an event with all ages of guides making wooden cars. We then have a contest where they roll them down a ramp and see which ones go furthest. We also give awards for paint jobs, creativity and more. Beyond that, we do a weigh in with kitchen scales and discuss the physics of weight compared to how far the car rolled. We don’t have rules about weight, so this physics lesson can be more interesting.

In year B, we switch to a boat event. It is a classic scout activity to make race tracks from rain gutters, but you can be creative about the use of kiddie pools, or other water. The boats are generally sail boats and guides have to propel them along with their own breath. Some years, our guides have made their boats at home, and others we have purchased kits and made them at meetings. I do recommend if they make their boats at home, have a table with pool noodles, duct tape and other items that can be used to repair or re-work boats that sink. Learning to try again is much more important for kids to learn than showing up ready to “win.”  While our group does have races at this event, we do not give out awards based on winning those races. It is a day of having fun and playing in water.

Badge Events

There are two other events we have on rotation in our group. The first, is that we rent a pool lane or two every couple of years, and take our pathfinders and timberwolves to go do a swim test for the swimming badge. I realize if your group is swimming often, this might need to be an annual event, but our group doesn’t do a lot of swimming. This is a neat event, because the strong swimmers in your group can earn the badge in one meeting. Last time we did this event, we doubled up and had some pathfinders who were working on First Class, prove their swimming skills for that award.

We also rotate in having a Bike Rodeo every few years. This is a great chance for Timberwolves and Pathfinders to again, finish a badge in a day. We borrow a commuter lot that is empty on the weekends, though a school or church may also have a parking lot you could use. We bring cones and assorted things to make obstacle courses, do slow races, and other games. We also have leaders teaching bike repairs and road safety.

Both of those events are not annual, because once the whole group has earned the badges related to them, they aren’t as exciting. Rotating them to be every 2-3 years means kids have moved up to new age groups and the event is new to them at this level. It also keeps them fresh and exciting and gives leaders time to forget the challenges of the event and be willing to do it again.

There are several other activities you could choose to have be part of your regular rotation of activities. You can alternate between kayaking and canoeing, or rotate between the police station, fire station and other civics field trips. Figure out what works for your group.

Community Service

We also rotate community service projects. We try hard to have a 2-3 year rotation with those also. There are so many wonderful ways to do community service, we want our guides to learn there are many ways to give back. For us, this means rotating through performing at a nursing home for seniors, doing food drives, helping the local animal shelter, participating in litter clean ups, and making items to donate. Our guides have made fleece blankets for Project Linus and in a different year, made blankets to donate to refugees.

GSM: Decision Time

Is your group new, or hasn’t had a chance to try out some of these events and you are wondering where to start? My advice is to talk to your leaders and your guides. See what they think sounds exciting. The best events happen when your leaders and scouts are excited to participate. It is also important to check what skills your leaders bring to the table. Can they demonstrate a bike repair or do you need to find a community volunteer to help?