Backup Plan

[ManyHats]

Do you typically have a backup plan for outdoor Pack events? We're pretty worried about this weekend. Right now there's a 40% chance of thunderstorms during the hours we plan to take them to a water park. Since they have picnic areas we didn't want to fork over $80 to $150 for a shelter house. Now we're worried about lightning and being able to grill. Would you wait it out and see what the weather will do, start coming up with an indoor event or other?

[John-in-KC]

Always have a Plan B

 

It's that simple.

 

Sounds like your leaders don't. Sounds like you can make this point during Roses and Thorns at the next Committee meeting.

[ManyHats]

Typically there would be a reschedule date. Problem is we need a July event to qualify for the national summertime award. There is an indoor fun place, but with rain in the forcast it will be packed plus we will have food we won't be able to grill there. We could fork out the $ for a shelter house, but what if no one shows or if we're stuck in there for several hours... not much fun.

[John-in-KC]

Board Games afternoon at your local city park shelter?

 

Plan B should be identified at the time you schedule Plan A. It should be something you can easily flesh out on 48 hours notice. Something simple...like a board game afternoon or a movie afternoon.

[dg98adams]

All you need is a park with a creek and a shelter house.

this should be listed on the Trip report as well so you are covered no matter what. Probably something close to the the wtare park. Maybe a museum, or indoor activity.

[Pack212Scouter]

Depends on the event...For campouts and similar activities, it's rain or shine, unless severe weather. If severe weather is predicted, we try to reschedule.

[Hal_Crawford]

I'm not sure where you live but in the DC area a 30%-40% chance of Thundershowers is the default forecast for summer afternoons. That leaves a 60-70% chance that the weather will be just fine. Is there a place at the water park where the cubs can safely take shelter should a storm materialize? They should have a plan. Most thunderstorms pass quickly (at least in our area) so it might not be for all that long. What is the water parks emergency procedure in case of T-storms?

 

Plan B might be to take shelter while the storm passes and then resume plan A. As long as there is a place to keep everyone safe while the storm passes it should be fine. If the storm hangs around for too long than dash for the cars and call it a day. You have done your best to have an activity so you would still qualify for the summertime award. This is not an ideal plan B but it might be a better idea than dropping $80-150 for a backup location.

 

It is always a good idea to have some songs and stories ready to go to pass the time. One thing I have learned about cubs and younger scouts is that they are far more resilient when it comes to weather than adults. Years ago, I took two dens of Webelos to summer camp. It rained most of the week. I recall that swim check was the only time the scouts got in the water. A river formed in the middle of our camp site (running under the den chief's tent plat). Wood was too wet to start a campfire. Miserable week, right? No! The kids had a blast splashing in puddles while the adults huddled under the fly. Instead of campfires, everyone huddled around a lantern under the fly and sang songs and told stories. Some activities happened, some didn't but the boys had a great time. Go figure.

 

Worse comes to worse, if the weather forecast goes south and it is going to rain all day or there just isn't a way to be safe, cancel. A year from now, is anyone really going to remember or care that your pack did not get the Summertime award?

 

Best of luck.

Hal

 

 

 

[ManyHats]

Lightning was seen all morning, so we resorted to Plan B. We took them to see G-Force. Small turn out, but better safe than sorry.