So

Youre
a
New
Den
Leader
I Signed Up; Whats Next?
Now that you are registered as a Cub Scout den leader,
you will receive Scouting magazine, which includes
information to assist you as a leader. Ask your Cubmaster
to furnish you a copy of the current Den & Pack Meeting
Resource Guide to use. Tese steps will get you started:
1. Complete Fast Start training for Cub Scout den
leaders. You can complete the training online at
[Link] Youth Protection training for
all Scouting volunteers is also available at this website.
Efective June 1, 2010, Youth Protection training is
required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless
of their position(s).
2. Begin reading the Cub Scout Leader Book. (To
start right away, you may need to borrow a copy
until you can get your own.) Tis book describes
your role as a den leader and will give more
information on the following steps.
3. Get acquainted with your Cubmaster and pack trainer. Tese leaders will see that
you have the information and material you need to get started of on the right foot.
4. Plan your frst months den meetings. Tis is much easier with the help of the
pack trainer, assistant den leader, den chief (an older Boy Scout or Venturer
helper), and the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Te key to success is
KISMIF (Keep It Simple, Make It Fun.
5. Get acquainted with the families of the boys in your den. Hold a family
orientation meeting. Te Cub Scout Leader Book has a recommended agenda. You
will be needing the families help, so get to know them early.
6. Get acquainted with the boys in your den. Establish a den code of conduct so that
they will know what you expect of them. See the Cub Scout Leader Book for details.
7. Ask your Cubmaster to help you secure a den chief. Give your den chief
meaningful responsibilities right away.
8. Obtain and begin wearing the Cub Scout leader uniform as soon as possible.
It is comfortable and suitable for all Cub Scout meetings and activities. Wearing
the uniform properly is important in setting a good example for the boys. Your
Cubmaster or pack trainer can tell you where to obtain the uniform and insignia.
9. Attend the monthly planning meetings held by your pack. Tese meetings are led
by the pack committee chair and the Cubmaster, and are where pack plans are made.
10. Attend the monthly district Cub Scout leaders roundtable. You will receive many
good program ideas based on the monthly core value, and become acquainted with
leaders from other packs. Tey will share ideas and experiences with you. Your
Cubmaster or pack trainer can tell you when and where the roundtable meets.
11. Attend Cub Scout leader basic training as soon as possible. Tere are two
components to this trainingDen Leader Specifc Training, a specialized
session to help you successfully plan a fun and exciting den program, and Tis Is
Scouting, which is attended by leaders in all program areas. Tese will give you
the foundation you need to become an efective and successful leader. Every boy
deserves a trained and qualifed leader. Your Cubmaster or pack trainer can give
you information about training sessions. Tese training sessions can all be taken
online at [Link]
Dont hesitate to ask for help. Tere are many people who want to help you provide
the fnest possible Cub Scout experience for the boys in your den.
By the time you have completed these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming
a successful den leader.
You, The Den Leader
You were selected as a den leader and approved by the pack committee because of your
interest in helping boys. By making the commitment to serve as a den leader, you have
accepted the following responsibilities.
Give leadership to carrying out the pack program in the den.
Lead the den in its participation at the monthly pack meetings.
Work in harmony with the other den and pack leaders.
Cooperate with the Cubmaster and pack committee in recruiting new boys.
Help orient the den chief and guide him to work with the Cub Scouts.
Use Scouting and Boys Life magazines, the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide,
and other Cub Scouting literature as sources of program ideas.
Collect dues and turn them in to the pack secretary/treasurer.
Encourage boys to earn the advancement awards. Keep accurate records, and see
that they receive recognition for their achievement.
Help the den earn the National Den Award.
Establish good working relationships with den families, taking advantage of their
skills and talents.
Take part in the annual pack planning conferences and the monthly pack leaders
planning meetings.
Follow the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
Your Cubmaster or pack trainer will be glad to explain any of these responsibilities that
you do not understand.
The Cub Scout Den Meeting
Den meetings are usually held in the afernoon, afer school, or in the evening, once each
week, in a home, at a place of worship, or school. Te meeting day, time, and location
are set by the den leader and should be the same each week to prevent confusion. Den
meetings last approximately one hour. Leadership responsibilities are shared by the den
leader, assistant den leader, den chief, and denner (a selected member of your den).
Te den meeting program includes the following:
1. Before the meeting. Te den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief make fnal
preparations while the denner helps set up the meeting place.
2. While Cub Scouts gather. Te den chief or denner could teach a stunt, trick, or
game as the boys arrive, while the den leader and assistant den leader collect dues
and check achievements and electives.
3. Opening. Have a simple opening ceremony such as a song, yell, pledge to the fag,
or uniform inspection.
4. Business Items. Discuss den activities and plans and make announcements.
Refreshments may be served at this time.
5. Activities. Have games, tricks, handicrafs, or other activities related to the
monthly theme. Prepare for the dens part in the pack meeting.
6. Closing. Give reminders, the den leaders closing thought, and a brief
inspirational closing ceremony.
7. Afer the Meeting. Te den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief discuss
plans for next weeks meeting, while the denner puts the room back to order.
What Do You Invest in Cub Scouting?
One afernoon or evening each week for a den meeting
One evening each month for the pack meeting
One evening each month for the Cub Scout roundtable
One evening each month for a planning meeting with other pack leaders
Time spent in research and planning each month on such interesting subjects as
American Indian lore, outdoor adventures, build a model, or whatever the next
monthly activity will be
Time spent in Cub Scout leader basic training
Cost of the Cub Scout leader uniform
Te registration fee
Tis adds up to a small investment, compared to the
dividends you will receive. And of course, the more you
invest, the more you can expect to receive in return.
What Do You Receive in Return?
One lively, never-dull afernoon or evening each
week when you have the good fortune to view the
world through the eyes of boys
An evening each month of fun and fellowship
with pack families, sharing their pride in their
sons accomplishments
Te privilege of helping to enrich and
strengthen families
A sense of pride as you watch the Cub Scouts
receive recognition for their accomplishments
An opportunity to share your ideas and
experiences with other adults who share your
interest in and concern for boys
A chance to read about subjects that you
havent taken time for in years, and the
opportunity to put your ideas into action
at den meetings
Te privilege of getting to know boys in
your neighborhood a little better and
watching them all grow strong in mind
and body
Te opportunity to help boys learn good
citizenship and to help shape them into
young men who have strength of character
and are sensitive to the needs of others
Te knowledge that all boys are alike in many ways,
and yet each one is a very special, unique individual
A chance to help stimulate boys imaginations and
to help them learn to do their best
Te satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide
movement, and pride in being publicly identifed as
a part of this organization by wearing the uniform,
which is a visible means of showing that you believe
in and stand for its ideals and objectives
You will discover many other dividends that will
enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talent, and
enthusiasm to Cub Scouting.
All leaders bring to Cub Scouting their own talents and
skills, their own backgrounds and interests. Your key to
becoming an efective leader is to use your own abilities
and interests, along with what you learn about Cub
Scouting to plan and conduct the best possible program
for the boys. What happens in the life of each boy during
the formative years will determine to a great extent
the kind of man he will become. What a tremendous
opportunity and challenge for you, the den leader!
510-239
2011 Printing
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079
[Link]