NEW DEN LEADER TRAINING

Check out the new Den Leader Resources here!

I Signed Up, What’s Next?

Now that you are registered as a Cub Scout den leader, you will receive Scouting magazine, which includes great ideas and other information to assist you as a leader. These steps will get you started:

Complete Youth Protection Training; this is mandatory training for all Scouting Volunteers to take to explain the measures we take to keep you and the youth safe. This can be found at my.scouting.org.
Complete the online Den Leader Training on my.scouting.org; this training will walk you through the basics on being a Den Leader and how to get started. This will give you the foundation you need to become an effective and successful leader. Every Scout deserves a trained and qualified leader.
Begin reading the Den Leader Guide. (To start right away, you may need to borrow a copy briefly; until you can get your own.) This book not only describes your role as a den leader but also mirrors the youth handbook so that all the information for each adventure is together and will even plan out your Den Meetings for you.
Get acquainted with your Cubmaster and pack trainer. These leaders will see that you have the information and material you need to get started off on the right foot.
Plan your first month’s den meetings. This is much easier with the help of the pack trainer, assistant den leader, and the Den Leader Guide. The key to success is KISMIF (Keep It Simple, Make It Fun.)
Get acquainted with the families of the Scouts in your den. Hold a family orientation meeting. The Cub Scout Leader Book has a recommended agenda. You will be needing the family’s help, so get to know them early.
Get acquainted with the Scouts 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.
Ask your Cubmaster to help you secure a den chief (an older Scouts BSA or Venturer). Give your den chief meaningful responsibilities right away.
Obtain and begin wearing the Cub Scout leader uniform as soon as possible. It is attractive, comfortable, and suitable for all Cub Scout meetings and activities. Wearing the uniform properly is important in setting a good example for the Scouts. You can obtain the uniform from the local Council Scout Shop.
Attend the monthly pack planning meetings held by your pack. These meetings are led by the pack committee chair and the Cubmaster and are where pack plans are made.
Attend the monthly district Cub Scout leader’s roundtable. You will receive many good program ideas based on the monthly theme, and become acquainted with leaders from other packs, who will share ideas and experiences with you. Your Cubmaster can tell you when and where the roundtable meets.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many people who want to help you provide the finest possible Cub Scout experience for the Scouts 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 youth. 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 Scouts.
Help orient the den chief and guide him to work with the Cub Scouts.
Use Scouting and Boy’s Life Magazine, Cub Scout Program Helps, and other Cub Scouting literature as sources of program ideas.
Collect dues and turn them into the pack secretary/treasurer.
Encourage boys to earn advancement awards. Keep accurate records, and see that they receive recognition for their achievement.
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 leader’s planning meetings.
Follow the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Cub Scout Den Meeting

Den meetings are usually held in the afternoon, after school, or in the evening, once each week, in a home, church, or school. The 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). The den meeting program includes the following:

Before the meeting. The den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief make final preparations while the den leader helps set up the meeting place.
While Cub Scouts gather. The den chief or den leader could teach a stunt, trick, or game as the Scouts arrive, while the den leader and assistant den leader collect dues and check achievements and electives.
Opening. Have a simple opening ceremony such as a song, yell, pledge to the flag, or uniform inspection.
Business Items. Discuss den activities and plans and make announcements. Refreshments may be served at this time.
Activities. Have games, tricks, handicrafts, or other activities related to the monthly theme. Prepare for the den’s part in the pack meeting.
Closing. Give reminders, the den leader’s closing thought, and a brief inspirational closing ceremony.
After the Meeting. The den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief discuss plans for next week’s meeting, while the den leader puts the room back to order.

What Do You Invest in Cub Scouting?

One afternoon 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 native Americans, knights, the circus, or whatever the next monthly theme will be
Cost of the Cub Scout leader uniform
The registration fee

This 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 afternoon or evening each week when you have the good fortune to view the world through the eyes of children
An evening each month of fun and fellowship with pack families, sharing their pride in their child’s accomplishments
The 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 youth
A chance to read about subjects that you haven’t taken time for in years, and the opportunity to put your ideas into action at den meetings
The privilege of getting to know youth in your neighborhood a little better and watching them all grow strong in mind and body
The opportunity to help Scouts learn good citizenship and to help shape them into adults who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others
The knowledge that all youth are alike in many ways, and yet each one is a very special, unique individual
A chance to help stimulate the Scout’s imaginations and to help them learn to do their best
The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and pride in being publicly identified 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 effective 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 Scouts. What happens in the life of each Scout during the formative years will determine to a great extent the kind of adult they will become. What a tremendous opportunity and challenge for you, the den leader!