The Scout Fair is the annual trade show of Scouting in San Diego County that is attended by over 10,000 people. Scouts and their families enjoy a fun-filled day of exhibits, competitions, skits, and displays. Some popular events from recent years include Dutch-oven cooking demonstrations, Merit Badge Midway, obstacle courses, and water rocket launches.
Once again this year Troop 301 participated by running the Basketball Belt Loop station where Cub Scouts could earn their belt loop. It all started the night before when Mr Stachwick drove down a basketball hoop. At that point none of the stations had been marked. So we put it up near the same area we were before. When we got there the next morning, we found our spot a few stations away and began to set up. Turns out the organizers liked it where we had the first time, so had to move it back again.
Once the fair opened our boys put up a sign up sheet so cubs would not have to wait in line. It worked out pretty well. We allowed drop ins, when those that signed up didn’t make it back for what ever reason. We ran clinics every 30 minutes and nearly 100 cubs got belt loops.
The Scouts started each session by running the Cubs through the rules for 5 minutes, then they broke the Cubs into pairs and had them practice drills like dribbling, passing and shooting. They then completed the session by playing a quick game. When there was an odd number of Cubs a Scout would join in the game. It sure must have been hard to pass of to a covered Cub, when that short 8 foot basket was calling out to be dunked on.
When Scouts were not helping Cubs, many checked out the sites at the fair and some earned a merit badge.
Of course the adults just kind of hung around all day being HIP (Hands In Pockets) or making sure the Scouts were well hydrated and feed. Special thanks to Dr Bryon for bringing drinks, chips, cookies all kept nice in cool in a well stocked ice chest.