The Blue and Gold Banquet, the birthday dinner for the Cub Scout Program, is held during February, the anniversary month for the Boy Scouts of America.  The Boy Scouts of America was organized in February 1910, and the Cub Scout program was organized 20 years later, in 1930.  February is also the birth month of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting.  The pack’s big celebration gets its name from the Cub Scout colors.  Blue and Gold banquets are held throughout the month of February by packs all across the country. 

NOTE TO “OLD” LEADERS:  Be sure that the “first year” pack leaders know just what a Blue and Gold Banquet is and what “traditions” your pack follows.

Some packs make the dinner a potluck affair with each family bringing a covered dish; other packs prefer having the dinner catered; and some packs choose to buy the food and have it prepared by a committee, and then divide the cost amongst those attending the dinner.  The plan of feeding is not important; it is the Cub Scouting that takes place during the preparation and at the dinner that really counts.

Dens should sit together.  Guests may be invited and are seated either at a head table or with the dens.

Decorations may be as elaborate or as simple as you wish.  Attractive menu cards or dinner programs can be made, place cards, centerpieces, place mats, nut cups, and favors are all suggested things that might be used at the banquet.

Cub Scouts should take part in making decorations; however, please be sure that what the boys do are boy-type activities.

The dinner program should be entertainment from wither within the pack, or from the outside.  And don’t forget the importance of recognizing the advancement of the boys.