2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000,
1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1990
WHERE DO I BEGIN? That's the number one top question all new leaders ask.
There are many ways to be a leader, there is no "right way." Don't be afraid to try something different. The best thing to do is to use your common sense and relax. Being a leader should be fun for you and the Scouts. Think of yourself as an adult friend to the boys, instead of a parent. HAVE FUN EXPLORING THEIR WORLD!
ASK FOR HELP There are a number of people and informational books to help get you started with the den.
The first source is the boys. The program is for them, so find out what they are interested in learning more about. They will cooperate more if they have some input in the planning of activities. Of course you will want to decide what kind of decisions they can make according to their age.
The next source is the "experienced" leaders. They have been in the same place you are and are more than willing to help with suggestions on what worked and didn't work for them. Remember, each group of boys is different, so what works for one den might not work for another den. It will take some trial and error to find the right mix.
THEN THERE IS TRAINING The Pack will start you off with basic information on the program and how to set up your den. The Pack Trainer should help you plan out your first meetings with the boys and parents.
This will get you started until you can attend the council's Basic Leader Training. Along with basic training, the Council offers additional training. This training is in the form of OWL training and Pow Wows. Check with the Pack Committe on what is available.
PROGRAM MATERIALS Last, but certainly not least, are the program materials available through the Pack or the Council. Check with the Pack first to see if they have these resources available for you.:
Cub Scout Leader book
How-To book
Cub Scout Fun book
Cub Scout Song book
Cub Scout Activities book
Program Help booklet
Age-level Boy's Handbooks
Webelos Leader Guide
Sports and Academic Belt Loops book
Scouting magazine
Boy's Life magazine
Always remember KISMIF
Keep It Simple, Make It Fun!!!!!!
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THE RUNNING OF THE PACK
The Pack consists of Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos Scouts, and the leaders and parents. The Pack holds monthly Pack meetings which all Scouts, leaders, and family members attend.
These meetings are planned around different activities to showcase what the dens are doing and have some FUN! The Scouts recieve recognition of accomplishments at these meetings. Some activities are outdoors, while others may center around feats of skills.
The Pack meetings are planned out by the Pack Committee at monthly meetings. Please have a representative from each den at these meetings to keep informed as to what the Pack is doing. This is a wonderful place to discuss questions and concerns you may have. We are all here to help one another.
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SETTING UP THE DEN
Now that you have an idea of what to do with the boys, you need to set up the den.
First you need to decide where, when, and how often the den will meet. Most dens meet right in the early evening.
The meetings should last for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Snacks depend on the time and length of the meeting. Parents can take turns providing snacks.
Den dues are up to the leaders. If dues are collected, make sure to keep an accurate accounting of how they are spent in case anyone questions the use of the dues.
Once these items are set, you will need to let all the parents know the details. Sending home notes about meeting dates and activities is best. The boys aren't usually very good at conveying verbal messages. Open communications are vital to a smooth running den.
It's a good idea to conduct a parents meeting right away to introduce yourself and get to know everyone. At this meeting, point out what you want to accomplish during the year, rules that will be set up for the den, and what areas the parents need to help with. Getting this straightened out from the beginning will save headaches later.
Plan out the year in two parts - September through December and January through May. This will give you a set program to follow to keep the boys interested. But BE FLEXIBLE! Things can come up that cause changes to occur, so stay flexible in the planning.
Field trips are an important thing to include in your planning. Boys like to get out and see how things work. It peaks their curiousity and changes the pace of meetings. Guest speakers are another good element to include in meetings. Parents can be a great resource for this.
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RECORDS TO KEEP
Following is a list of forms that you, as a den leader, will need to keep current. These will help keep track of the Scouts' progress through the levels of Cub Scouting.
Den Records & Dues sheet
Individual Record sheet (for each boy)
Special Achievements sheet
Weekly Planner (optional, but helpful)
Poster of Progress Towards Ranks (lets the boys see their progress)
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SUPPLIES TO HAVE
Each den needs to have a Den First Aid Kit. The different levels have achievements that can be completed by compiling a kit. Let the boys help supply the kit for the den.
The den will also need to have supplies to work with. Parents can help supply these items or use den dues to purchase them. Pencils, pens, glue, scissors, paper, markers, etc. should always be on hand for use.
Another good idea to have on hand is supplies for games. These can be used to fill out meetings when the planned activities are finished faster than expected.
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WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A DEN MEETING
Be Prepared. Have everything ready and set up before the Scouts arrive.
Gathering Time. Have a quiet activity available for the Scouts to work on until the meeting begins.
Opening. have a simple opening ceremony such as a song, pledge to the flag, or Cub Scout Promise.
Activities. Projects or activities based on achievements the Scouts are working towards.
Closing. Reminders of activities and a closing thought or ceremony.
Snacks.
Clean Up. The Scouts can help clean up the meeting place and learn responsibilities doing this.
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TIPS FOR A GOOD DEN MEETING
Always plan the den meetings in advance
Never discipline under the influence of anger
Don't create impossible goals for your Cub Scouts - keep the activities suited to their age level
Use the Golden Rule to teach the boys self-respect and respect for others
Insist on attention while you're talking, use the Cub Scout sign for quiet
Praise in public, criticize in private
Keep den meetings fast paced, alternate active and quiet times
Give the boys responsibilities and expect them to meet them.
Put yourself in the boys's position-would you be able to sit quietly through a long talk after a day in school?
Get everyone in uniform to promote discipline and pride
Be fair and consistent with discipline, especially with your own son
Always mean what you say and say what you mean
Get to know each boy and how he reacts in the group
Be firm in a friendly way- you are a friend, not their parents
KISMIF Keep It Simple, Make It Fun!
