Den Leader Training

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Den Leader Training
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Objectives

• To discuss the purposes of the program
• To learn what a den leader does
• To plan and conduct a den meeting
• To plan a field trip (Go See It for Tiger Cubs)
• To learn about advancement and record keeping
• To discuss behavior issues
• To have fun

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Purpose of the Program

• Beginning and continuing steps in Cub Scouting
• Age-based activities
• Family-centered activities
• Den-centered leadership
• Introduction to and developing with the fun of
  Scouting
• Higher level of self-reliance (for Webelos
  Scouts)
• Getting ready for Boy Scouts (for Webelos Scouts)

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The Den Leader

• Gives leadership to den program planning
• Works with adult partners (Tiger Cubs) or an
  assistant and den chief
• Helps or makes sure that the boys advance
• Maintains den records
• Works with other pack leaders
• Participates in pack program planning
• Attends monthly roundtables
• Approves advancement (Webelos)

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The Assistant Den Leader

• Provides support to the den leader
• Serves as a backup leader
• Attends pack meetings
• Assists in program planning

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Leadership Skills

• Shared leadership
• Teamwork
• Cooperation
• Communication
• Working with boys
• Attitude
• Setting the example

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Uniforming

• Sense of belonging
• Attention
• Identification with Scouting
• Webelos Scouts may wear the blueor tan uniform.

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Summary

• Grade-based and progressive
• Adult partners are the key.
• Leaders support it.
• Leaders set uniforming example.
• Adults assist as activity badge counselors
  (Webelos).

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Planning for the Pack and Den

• Annual program planning conference
• Monthly pack leaders meeting
• Den meeting planning and preparation
• Plan in small segments to be successful.

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Nine Elements of Planning

• 1. Objective
• 2. Fun
• 3. Variety
• 4. Action
• 5. Boy Appeal
• 6. Family Appeal
• 7. Achievement
• 8. Resources
• 9. Flexibility

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Program Planning Steps

• 1. Annual pack program planning conference
• 2. Monthly pack leaders planning meetings

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Annual Pack Program Planning Conference

• Led by the pack chair.
• Supported by the pack committee and Cubmaster.
• Den leaders and interested parents attend and
  participate.

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Monthly Pack Planning Meeting

• Led by the pack chair.
• Supported by the pack committee and Cubmaster.
• Den leaders and interested parents attend and
  participate.
• Follows a regular order
• Part 1 Evaluating the previous month
• Part 2 Finalizing the current month
• Part 3 Planning ahead
• Part 4 Unit Leadership Enhancements
• Part 5 Social time and fellowship

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The Scouting Month

• Two or more den meetings with leaders and/or
  adult partners
• One outing, activity, or camping experience (or
  Go See It for Tiger Cubs)
• Participation in the pack meeting

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Den Pack Meeting Resource Guide

• Most important resource for den leaders
• One-stop shop for planning den meetings
• Introduction to Cub Scouting and den leader
  responsibilities
• Den meeting plans for all ranks
• Pack meeting plans
• References and resources

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Using the Den Plans

• Two types of den meeting plans are provided.
• A school years worth of plans
• Focused on path to advancement.
• Should be followed in order.
• Assumes a September start and May transition with
  continued summer activities.
• Assumes two den meetings are held per month.
• Additional for dens needing more meetings
• Used in any order.
• Focused on electives.

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Den Meetings

• Before the Meeting
• Gathering
• Opening
• Business Items
• Activities
• Closing
• After the Meeting

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Before the Meeting

• Review and make final preparations.
• Consult the Den Pack Meeting Resource Guide.
• Review materials and preparation needed early
  and often.

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Gathering

• Have something for them to do
• Game
• Puzzle
• Magic
• Outdoor activity
• Supervision is important!

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Opening

• Opening ceremony of some type
• Flag ceremony (always)
• Cub Scout motto
• Song
• Den yell
• Prayer

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Business Items

• Character Connection for monthly Core Values
• Pack meeting preparation
• Prepare for special den activities
• Verify home assignment completion

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Activities

• Advancement and electives
• Defined in the Den Pack Meeting Resource Guide.

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Closing

• Awards and recognition
• Reminders (upcoming events and home assignments)
• Den leaders minute
• Brief closing ceremony
• Cleanup

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After the Meeting

• Review this meeting.
• Plan/review the next meeting.
• Clean up.
• Relax.

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Great Den Meetings . . .

• Are planned well in advance
• Operate with shared leadership
• Use the boys handbooks and Den Pack Meeting
  Resource Guide as the primary guides
• Follow the den meeting plans from the Den Pack
  Meeting Resource Guide
• Anticipate any behavior problems
• Are FUN!

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The Wolf and Bear Den
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Lets Plan a Wolf and Bear Den Meeting

• Be guided by the Den Pack Meeting Resource
  Guide.
• Cover all parts of the meeting.
• Focus on how the advancement activities will be
  handled.
• Are no more than one hour long.

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Cub Scouts Are Boys

• Second- and third-grader (ages 8 and 9)
  behavior.
• Boys are inquisitive and growing.
• Some are new in Cub Scouting and some were Tiger
  Cubs.
• Parent involvement is essential.
• Follow the code of conduct in meetings and other
  locations.
• Teach individual responsibility.

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Cub Scout Advancement

• Standard is to Do your best.
• Encouragement and recognition of achievement are
  key.
• Activities are age-appropriate.
• Adult partners acknowledge completion of
  home-based advancement activities.
• Den leaders verify completion of all
  advancement activities.

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Cub Scout Advancement

• Bobcat rank
• Wolf and Bear achievements
• Wolf and Bear electives

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Wolf Badge

• Second grade
• Parent Guide
• Wolf Trail 12 achievements
• Electives
• 23 different areas
• 10 electives Gold Arrow Point
• Each 10 additional electives Silver Arrow Point

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Bear Badge

• Third grade
• Parent Guide
• Bear Trail 12 of 24 achievements (from four
  categories)
• Electives
• 25 different areas
• 10 electives Gold Arrow Point
• Each 10 additional electives Silver Arrow Point
• Achievements may be used for electives

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Achievement Recognition

• Immediate
• Progress Toward Ranks emblem
• Three achievements one yellow (Wolf) or red
  (Bear) bead
• Wolf or Bear badge is awarded at pack meeting
• Cub Scout Academics and Sports belt loops and
  pins

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The Field Trip

• A monthly field trip
• Opportunity for boys to discover new things
• Will be related to handbook advancement or the
  monthly Core Value
• In the immediate locale
• Remember the age group (8- to 9-year-olds)
• Have fun!

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Planning Wolf and Bear Cub Scout Field Trips

• Prior planning is a must.
• Share the planning and execution.
• Involve your field trip location contact.
• Use a Tour Planning Checklist

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Record Keeping
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Other Cub Scout Activities

• Field trips and outings
• Camping!
• Pack overnighters
• Day camps
• Resident camp
• Family camping
• Good Turn for America
• Derbies and regattas
• Awards
• World Conservation Award
• Leave No Trace Awareness Award
• Outdoor Activity Award

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The Denner and Assistant Denner

• Boy leadership
• Help the den leader
• May lead activities
• Rotate jobs
• Teaches responsibility

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The Den Chief

• Boy Scout or Venturer leadership position
• Older boy influence
• Helps the den leader
• Leads activities
• Positive attitude
• Leads by example

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Six Great Cub Scout Den Leader Secrets

• Adults are encouraged to come to all meetings.
• Boys need a fast-moving program.
• Alternate energetic activities with quiet ones.
• Hands-on activities are better than lectures.
• Boys will learn self-control when given
  guidelines.
• Codes of conduct work when used consistently.

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Cub Scout Den Leader Recognition

• Tenure
• Complete one year as a registered Cub Scout den
  leader.
• Training
• Complete Cub Scout Den Leader Fast Start
  training, Youth Protection training, Cub Scout
  Den Leader Position-Specific Training, and This
  Is Scouting.
• Attend one pow wow or University of Scouting, or
  at least four roundtables.

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Review and Questions
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Congratulations!