2021 Summer Meeting Ideas

It’s been a different sort of Cadet season. Chances are good that your meetings have looked a little different from your “business as usual” model. Now that the weather is getting milder in many places, it might be time to consider options for Cadet meetings and activities this summer. We encourage you to follow your local guidelines with regards to social distancing and masking, but we also encourage you to find ways to connect with your Cadets and club this summer.

Here are just a few ideas:

Summer Campout

This classic Cadet activity can be combined with a little (or a lot) of badgework (Camping, Axemanship, Camp Cooking, Fire Building, First Aid, Knots & Lashing, Map Reading) and other outdoor activities (Hiking, Canoeing, Geocaching, etc.).

Service Projects (Church and Community)

Find service projects that your cadets can work on this summer. Maybe you’ve seen a need in your church family or church neighborhood. Check with your deacons to find out about doing chores for shut-ins, community gardening, or other ways your club can help your church and community.

Cadet Cookout (Fundraiser?)

Summertime is a great time to have a cookout with your cadets, whether or not you incorporate badgework (Camp Cooking, Dutch Oven Cooking, etc.) or not. A cookout can even be scaled up into a fundraising event.

Chuck Wagon Derby

Maybe you didn’t get the chance to do a snow derby this season. Adapt Snow Derby activities to use a “chuck wagon” rather than a toboggan, and you can have a derby during the summer.

Model Car Derby

Another derby you may have missed this season is your model car derby. Gravity works outside, too, so think about having an outdoor derby this summer.

Rocket Launch Party

This can be part of the Model Rocketry merit badge, but it doesn’t have to be. Be sure to have plenty of rockets and engines on hand, and get new batteries for your launcher.

Fishing (Tournament?)

Take your club or cadre fishing – incorporating the Fishing badge is up to you. You can make it into a tournament, with prizes for the largest or most fish caught. If you’re in the West Michigan area, consider being a part of our Annual Cadet Fishing Tournament on June 5!

Gun Range/Sporting Clays

For the right cadre, a trip to the gun range or a round on a sporting clay course can be a great time. The Marksmanship or Clay Target Shooting badges are easily incorporated, too. Are you in the West Michigan area? Join us for our Annual Cadet Sporting Clay Shoot on August 21!

Canoeing/Geocaching/Archery/Etc.

ANY great summertime activity that gets your Cadets outdoors and active could be an option for your club this summer. There are plenty of badges that focus on all sorts of outdoor interests. As always, the important thing is cultivating relationships with the boys to help them grow more Christlike in all areas of life.