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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Cubbing 101: The Den Leader

I know there were a lot of different adults involved in my scouting life, but none that I remember the same way I remember my Den Leader.  While the Den Leader may be the "bottom rung" on the Scout Committee food chain, it is still a vital ole.  They are the people volunteering their time, their home, and in many cases their pocket books to your son's every week.  Many new Den Leaders find it overwhelming at first, but the new Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide makes that very easy.  It's far more structural and advancement oriented than it's predecessor, Cub Scout Program Helps, and mirrors something that have been around informally, Cub Scout Fast Tracks.  To help get you started here is a short job description of the Den Leader.

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Should be interested in and enjoy working with boys and be able to work with adults. May be a parent or guardian of a boy in the den. Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with parents and guardians of the Cub Scouts involved, and approved by the pack committee and chartered organization. Registered as an adult leader of the BSA.
Responsibilities: The Cub Scout den leader's responsibilities are to
  • Give leadership in carrying out the pack program in the den.
  • Complete Cub Scout den leader Fast Start Training and position-specific Basic Leader Training. Attend monthly roundtables.
  • Lead the den in its participation at pack meetings. Serve as �den host or hostess for den family members at pack meetings.
  • Work in harmony with other den and pack leaders.
  • Help the Cubmaster (or assistant Cubmaster) and pack committee recruit new boys throughout the year.
  • Help train the den chief and guide him in working with Cub Scouts. See that he receives recognition for his efforts at den and pack meetings.
  • Attend the monthly den chief planning meeting for den leaders, assistant den leaders, and den chiefs.
  • With the assistant den leader, meet with the den chief and let him help plan den meetings and den activities; allow him to serve as den activities assistant.
  • Provide meaningful jobs for the denner and assistant denner so that they can learn responsibility and gain satisfaction from their efforts.
  • Use Boys' Life and Scouting magazines, Cub Scout Program Helps, the boys' handbooks, and other Cub Scouting literature as sources for program ideas.
  • Collect weekly den dues and turn them in to the pack treasurer at the monthly pack leaders' meetings. Keep accurate records of den dues and attendance.
  • Maintain a friendly relationship with Cub Scouts; encourage them to earn advancement awards. Keep accurate advancement records and see that boys receive recognition for their achievements.
  • Stimulate the Cub Scouts' imaginations on the program theme for the month and help the den prepare its stunts and exhibits for the pack meeting.
  • Promote the religious emblems program.
  • Help the den and pack earn the National Summertime Pack Award.
  • Help establish a close working relationship with the assistant den leader and den chief, functioning as a den leadership team.
  • Develop and maintain a good working relationship and open communication with den families. Use their talents to help enrich the den program. Hold den adults' meetings as often as needed to get acquainted with family members and strengthen den operation.
  • Involve den fathers, uncles, and grandfathers in outings and other den activities so that boys will have additional male role models.
  • See that a leader is available for all den meetings and activities. Call on the assistant den leader to fill in when necessary.
  • Take part in the annual pack program planning conference and pack leaders' meetings.
  • Help set a good example for the boys through behavior, attitude, and proper uniforming.
  • Support the policies of the BSA.
For more info Click here to download the "So You're a New Den Leader Brochure"