The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track.

Pack 83 has a pinewood derby every year. It is run indoors during our March Pack Meeting. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.

Cub Scout Pack 83 celebrates Scouting Anniversary Week in February with a "birthday party" called the Blue and Gold banquet. As in nearly all packs, the Blue and Gold banquet is the highlight of our year. It brings families together for an evening of fun and cheer. It's the pack meeting for February.

The purpose of the Blue and Gold banquet is to celebrate the Pack 83's anniversary, the birthday of Scouting, thank pack leaders and other adults who have helped the pack, and inspire the leaders, Scouts, and parents. Pack 83 often invites former members and other Scouting or community leaders to take part in their Blue and Gold banquet.

The banquet can be like a regular pack meeting, with songs, skits, stunts, and awards. Or it can be something different and a little more special.

A good banquet needs lots of planning. We are looking for volunteers this fall to start planning for another successful Blue and Gold banquet for our Scouts and their families.