Den Leader Getting Started Guide

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<big><center>The [[Den Leader Getting Started Guide]] has what [[Tiger Den Leaders|Tiger]], [[Cub Scout Den Leader|Wolf & Bear]] and [[Webelos Den Leader]]s need to get started today!</center></big><br>
<big><center>The [[Den Leader Getting Started Guide]] has what [[Tiger Den Leaders|Tiger]], [[Cub Scout Den Leader|Wolf & Bear]] and [[Webelos Den Leader]]s need to get started today!</center></big><br>
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{{Shortcut|[[DL Start]]}}
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{{Checklist|
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[[Media:Den Leader Getting Started Guide.pdf|Den Leader Getting Started Guide]] [[:Image:Den Leader Getting Started Guide.pdf|-]] {{PDF}} This entire article prints on the front and back of one page!<br>
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[[Media:144-Fun-Cub-Scout-Activities.pdf|144 Fun Activities]] [[:Image:144-Fun-Cub-Scout-Activities.pdf|-]] {{PDF}} Most are based on requirements or electives! All on one page!<br>
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[[Media:Cub Scout Planning Calendar.pdf|Cub Scout Planning Calendar]] [[:Image:Cub Scout Planning Calendar.pdf|-]] {{PDF}} A simple one-page chart to plan your entire year.}}<br>
First of all, Welcome! Thank you for being a [[Den Leader]].
First of all, Welcome! Thank you for being a [[Den Leader]].
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Your son, nephew, or grandson may be one of the boys in your den. What fun! These are the "good old days" you will always remember. As he grows up, his friends may change. But some day if they work hard, they can be [[Eagle Scout]]s! The friends with him that day might very well be these buddies from your Cub Scout Den.
+
You may have a boy in your den. What fun! These are the "good old days!" As they grow up, their friends may change. Some day if they work hard, they can be [[Eagle Scout]]s! Their friends that day might very well be these buddies from your [[Den]].
-
Here are the three most important things: Keep It Simple, Make it Fun, and Keep Them Safe.
+
You have a [[Den Meeting]] coming up, so let's get started. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. [[MeritBadge.Org]] already has the resources you need! Here are the three most important things:
 +
* Keep It Simple.
 +
* Make it Fun.
 +
* Keep Them Safe.
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You have a [[Den Meeting]] coming up, so let's get started! Don't try to reinvent the wheel. [[MeritBadge.Org]] already has the resources you need!
+
'''[[Adult Application|Application]]s & Roster.''' Make sure that your [[Pack]] has turned in your [[Adult Application]] and has each boy registered in your [[Den]]. Share a roster with each family's names, address, phone, and names, cell numbers, and email. Include [[Cubmaster]] and [[Assistant Cubmaster]]s' names and numbers. If your Pack uses a program like PackMaster, this is easy to do.
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'''Applications & Roster.''' Make sure that your [[Pack]] has turned in your [[Adult Application]] and has each boy registered in your den. Share a roster of the boy's names, addresses, home numbers, and names, cell numbers, and emails for their parents or [[adult partners]]. Include your [[Cubmaster]] and [[Assistant Cubmasters' names and phone numbers on the roster information.
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'''[[New Leader Training|Online training]].''' Your Cub Scout Leader online training is good and you can have it done today:
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* [[Fast Start Training]] has info and examples for planning and conducting FUN meetings.
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* [[This Is Scouting]] highlights the values, aims, history, and methods of Scouting.
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* [[Youth Protection Training]] helps keep them safe.
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'''Online training.''' Your online training is really good and you can have it done today.
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'''[[Leader Specific Training]].''' The last part of your [[New Leader Training]] is [[Leader Specific Training]] through your [[local council]] or district. You will learn a lot and make good contacts.
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* Take [[Fast Start Training]] first for information and examples for planning and conducting the first meeting.
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* [[This Is Scouting]] comes next highlighting the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.
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* [[Youth Protection Training]] will help provide additional security.
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'''Leader Specific Training.''' The last part of your [[New Leader Training]] is [[Leader Specific Training]] through your [[local council]] or district. A class should be coming up that will be designed specifically for your level: [[Tiger]], [[Wolf]] & [[Bear]], or [[Webelos]]. You will learn a lot and make great contacts.
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'''[[Den Leader]] Resources.''' Your [[Cubmaster]] will host monthly Den Leader Meetings to review upcoming events and share ideas. Your Cubmaster should provide a list of the other [[Tiger]], [[Wolf]] & [[Bear]], or [[Webelos]] Leaders' names, positions, and phone numbers. Call with any questions! Ask about [[Uniforms]] and [[Roundtable]] meetings where area Cub leaders share ideas. Your pack should give you a [[Bookshelf#Cub_Scout_Resources handbook|handbook]], [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/SearchPage.aspx?page=LIST&free_text=34299* Belt Loop & Pin Book #34299], [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/SearchPage.aspx?page=LIST&free_text=34409* Program Helps #34409], and [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/SearchPage.aspx?page=LIST&free_text=33221* Cub Scout Leader Book #33221].
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'''Den Leader Meetings.''' Each month your [[Cubmaster]] will host your Den Leader Meeting. You will review previous and upcoming events. Your Cubmaster should provide a list to you of all of the other leaders' names, position, and phone numbers. Do not hesitate to call with any questions! Find out about [[Uniforms]] and monthly [[Roundtable]] meetings for Cub leaders from your whole area share ideas. Your pack should provide you with a handbook, [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/SearchPage.aspx?page=LIST&free_text=34299* Belt Loop & Pin Book],
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'''[[Den Meetings]].''' Work with your families to set up a weekly hour-long Den Meeting time. You might meet at your [[Chartered Organization]], a church, school, or boy's home. The location must be safe and have plenty of room for projects and games. The [http://old.scouting.org/cubscouts/resources/13-231.pdf Welcome New Den Leader] will help you.
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'''Den Meetings.''' Work with the parents or adult partners to set up a weekly hour-long Den Meeting time and location. You might meet at your [[Chartered Organization]], a church, school, or boy's home. The location must be safe and have plenty of room for workspace and games. The [http://old.scouting.org/cubscouts/resources/13-231.pdf Welcome New Den Leader] has great ideas. Also, make sure everyone knows dates and times for your [[Pack Meeting]]s and activities.
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'''[[Pack Meetings]].''' Each den has a job at the monthly [[Pack Meetings]] such as Setup, [[Opening]], [[Skits]], [[Songs]], [[Cheers]], [[Closing]], and Cleanup. Events include [[Pinewood Derby]], [[Blue & Gold]], & [[Roundup]].
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'''Fast Tracks.''' Wouldn't it be great if a past den leader left you their notes? They did! They are called [[Fast Tracks]]. [[Fast Tracks]] are great lesson plans and ideas for to help you with your ''first 16 den meetings'' each year. New Cub Scouts always earn [[Bobcat]] first. You can cover Bobcat in two meetings using the [[Fast Tracks for Tiger Cub Scouts]].
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'''[[Fast Tracks]].''' Would you like a great set of notes from past den leaders? [[Fast Tracks]] are official lesson plans and ideas to help you with your first 16 den meetings each year. All new Cub Scouts earn [[Bobcat]] first. You can cover [[Bobcat]] in two meetings using the [[Fast Tracks for Tiger Cub Scouts|Tiger Fast Tracks]].
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'''Belt Loops.''' Your rank requirements and electives often they lead right into [[Belt Loops]]!
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'''Belt Loops.''' Your rank requirements and electives often lead right into [[Belt Loops]]!
*'''[[Tiger]]''' & ''[[TBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]'' - '''[[Tiger Cub Electives|Electives]]''' & ''[[TEBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]
*'''[[Tiger]]''' & ''[[TBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]'' - '''[[Tiger Cub Electives|Electives]]''' & ''[[TEBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]
*'''[[Wolf]]''' & ''[[WBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]'' - '''[[Wolf Electives|Electives]]''' & ''[[WEBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]
*'''[[Wolf]]''' & ''[[WBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]'' - '''[[Wolf Electives|Electives]]''' & ''[[WEBL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]
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*'''[[Webelos Badge]]''' & ''[[WABL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]'' - '''[[Webelos Activity Badges|Activity Badges]]''' & [[Webelos Activity Badge Worksheets|(Worksheets)]]
*'''[[Webelos Badge]]''' & ''[[WABL|Belt Loop tie-ins]]'' - '''[[Webelos Activity Badges|Activity Badges]]''' & [[Webelos Activity Badge Worksheets|(Worksheets)]]
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The Belt Loops are a part of the [[Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program]]. Each belt loop has a [[Cub Scout Worksheets|Worksheet]] with whatever diagrams, charts, maps, and other resources you need. The [[Cub Scout Academics|Academics Belt Loops]] tend to be indoor activities and the [[Cub Scout Sports|Sports Belt Loops]] outdoors. For instance, [[Cub Scout Collecting]] makes for a great Show & Tell night.
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Each Belt Loop has a [[Cub Scout Worksheets|Worksheet]] with the maps, diagrams, and other resources you need. The [[Cub Scout Academics|Academics Belt Loops]] tend to be indoor activities while the [[Cub Scout Sports|Sports Belt Loops]] outdoors. For instance, [[Cub Scout Collecting]] makes a great Show & Tell night. [[Cub Scout Flag Football|Flag Football]] and [[Cub Scout Ultimate|Frisbee Golf]] are fun outdoors.
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'''Awards.''' There are also a list of other [[Cub Scout Awards]] including the [[Outdoor Activity Award]], [[National Summertime Award]], [[Leave No Trace Award (Cub Scouts)|Leave No Trace Award]], and more.
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'''[[Cub Scout Awards]]''' include the [[Outdoor Activity Award|Outdoor Activity]], [[National Summertime Award|National Summertime]], [[Leave No Trace Award (Cub Scouts)|Leave No Trace]], etc.
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'''Parents.''' Involve your families right from the start. While [[Tiger Cub Scouts]] must have an [[adult partner]] with them at all times, it is important that parents be involved at every level. "Drive-by" or "Drop and Dash' parents will drain your resources and their boys are often the one who drop out. It is hard to convince a boy that something is important if the parents show each week how unimportant it is.
+
'''Parents.''' While [[Tiger Cub Scouts]] must have an [[adult partner]] with them, it is important to involve parents at every level. "Drop and Dash" families will drain your resources and their boys are often the ones who drop out. It is hard to convince a boy that something is important if his family shows it's not..
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'''Denners.''' Ask families to look at the list of meeting topics and [[Fast Tracks]] and divide up who will coordinate each one. If you need a trip to the fire station, does anyone have a contact at the fire department? Police department? Local park? Each meeting his family coordinates, let the boy get to be the [[Denner]]! The Denner get to help lead Pledge of Allegiance. The Denner gets to pick the treats he will bring that night (typically something easy and cheap like granola bars and water or juice boxes). The Denner and his adult partner also are in charge of setup and cleanup.
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'''[[Denners]].''' Ask adult partners to take turns coordinating the meetings. Ask who has contacts with the fire or police departments, local parks, etc. When a family coordinates a meeting, their boy gets to be [[Denner]]! The Denner gets [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&item=003SC gold cords] and to help lead the Pledge of Allegiance and brings the treats, typically something easy and cheap like granola bars and juice. The Denner and his adult partner are in charge of setup and cleanup. Have a Denner and Assistant Denner for each meeting.
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If each boy and his family have important jobs coming up, they stay in Scouting. No boy will drop out if he knows he is going to get to be Denner! And you will not end doing everything yourself.
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Boy's who get to be Denner don't drop out! ''And you will not end doing everything by yourself.
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'''Assistant Den Leader.''' It is just as important to share the load with your [[Assistant Den Leader]]. Some [[Packs]] register Assistant Den Leaders as Den Leaders with all of the same training. This way you can both earn your [[Cub Scout Leader Awards]]. Make sure you have someone who will help share the load.
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'''[[Assistant Den Leader]].''' Share the load with your [[Assistant Den Leader]]. Your [[Pack]] may register Assistant Den Leaders as Den Leaders so that you can both get all of the same training and each earn your [[Cub Scout Leader Awards]].
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'''Fun Nights.''' Have at least one Fun Night each year. Ask each family bring their favorite board games and soft drinks. Order pizza and you have a party! Fun Nights are also a chance to help boys catch up who have missed meetings. Consider doing a fun Belt Loop.
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'''Fun Night.''' Have at least one Fun Night each year. Ask each family to bring their favorite board games and soft drinks. Order pizza & you have a party! Fun Nights are also a chance to help boys who have missed meetings catch up.
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'''Belt Loop Day.''' Also consider having at least one Belt Loop Day each year. Your den can do your own but it can be more fun if other dens or the whole pack is involved. See the [[National Summertime Award#Activity Ideas|National Summertime Award]] for a list of great activity ideas. In one day, your Cubs could have a hike or bike ride, a picnic lunch, and earn fun Belt Loops!
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'''Belt Loop Day.''' Have at least one Belt Loop Day each year. Your den can do your own but it can be more fun if other dens or the whole pack is involved. Your council may also host one. See the [[National Summertime Award#Activity Ideas|National Summertime Award]] for a list of great activity ideas. In one day, your Cubs could have a hike or bike ride, a picnic lunch, and earn fun Belt Loops!
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'''Take it one day at a time.''' You just need to be one meeting ahead in your handbook. Get every family and boy involved. Ask for help. Get trained. And never forget KISMIF: Keep It Simple! Make it FUN! (And always keep them safe.)
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'''Take it one day at a time.''' Keep one meeting ahead in your [[Bookshelf#Cub_Scout_Resources handbook]]. Get every family and boy involved. Ask for help. Get trained. Each month get the new Theme, Program Helps, and other materials from [[CS|MeritBadge.Org]]. It's KISMIF: Keep It Simple. Make It FUN. (Keep them safe.)
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That is a lot of information! And this is just the beginning of the resources. There is information on [[Day Camp]], [[Cub Scout Resident Camp|Resident Camp]], [[Scout Skits|Skits]], [[Scout Songs|Songs]], [[Scout Cheers|Cheers]], [[Pinewood Derby]], [[Blue & Gold]], and [[Roundup]]s. And as you might guess from the name, ''([[MeritBadge.Org]])'', there are just as many resources for Boy Scout Leaders. But that's another day...
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That is a lot of information! And this is just the beginning of the resources. MeritBadge.Org has info on [[Day Camp]], [[Cub Scout Resident Camp|Resident Camp]], [[Roundup]]s, and more.
Go have FUN! Did they tell you? ''"It Is Just an Hour A Week!"'' ☺
Go have FUN! Did they tell you? ''"It Is Just an Hour A Week!"'' ☺
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==See also==
==See also==
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{{The Building Blocks of New Leader Training}}{{Cub Scout Leader See Also}} {{Cub Scout Leader portal}}
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{{The Building Blocks of New Leader Training}}{{Cub Scout Leader See Also}}
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{{Cub Scout Leader portal}}
{{Cub Scout Leader Resources}}
{{Cub Scout Leader Resources}}

Current revision

The Den Leader Getting Started Guide has what Tiger, Wolf & Bear and Webelos Den Leaders need to get started today!

Shortcut:
DL Start
Den Leader Getting Started Guide - Adobe Acrobat PDF This entire article prints on the front and back of one page!

144 Fun Activities - Adobe Acrobat PDF Most are based on requirements or electives! All on one page!
Cub Scout Planning Calendar - Adobe Acrobat PDF A simple one-page chart to plan your entire year.


First of all, Welcome! Thank you for being a Den Leader.

You may have a boy in your den. What fun! These are the "good old days!" As they grow up, their friends may change. Some day if they work hard, they can be Eagle Scouts! Their friends that day might very well be these buddies from your Den.

You have a Den Meeting coming up, so let's get started. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. MeritBadge.Org already has the resources you need! Here are the three most important things:

  • Keep It Simple.
  • Make it Fun.
  • Keep Them Safe.

Applications & Roster. Make sure that your Pack has turned in your Adult Application and has each boy registered in your Den. Share a roster with each family's names, address, phone, and names, cell numbers, and email. Include Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmasters' names and numbers. If your Pack uses a program like PackMaster, this is easy to do.

Online training. Your Cub Scout Leader online training is good and you can have it done today:

Leader Specific Training. The last part of your New Leader Training is Leader Specific Training through your local council or district. You will learn a lot and make good contacts.

Den Leader Resources. Your Cubmaster will host monthly Den Leader Meetings to review upcoming events and share ideas. Your Cubmaster should provide a list of the other Tiger, Wolf & Bear, or Webelos Leaders' names, positions, and phone numbers. Call with any questions! Ask about Uniforms and Roundtable meetings where area Cub leaders share ideas. Your pack should give you a handbook, Belt Loop & Pin Book #34299, Program Helps #34409, and Cub Scout Leader Book #33221.

Den Meetings. Work with your families to set up a weekly hour-long Den Meeting time. You might meet at your Chartered Organization, a church, school, or boy's home. The location must be safe and have plenty of room for projects and games. The Welcome New Den Leader will help you.

Pack Meetings. Each den has a job at the monthly Pack Meetings such as Setup, Opening, Skits, Songs, Cheers, Closing, and Cleanup. Events include Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold, & Roundup.

Fast Tracks. Would you like a great set of notes from past den leaders? Fast Tracks are official lesson plans and ideas to help you with your first 16 den meetings each year. All new Cub Scouts earn Bobcat first. You can cover Bobcat in two meetings using the Tiger Fast Tracks.

Belt Loops. Your rank requirements and electives often lead right into Belt Loops!

Each Belt Loop has a Worksheet with the maps, diagrams, and other resources you need. The Academics Belt Loops tend to be indoor activities while the Sports Belt Loops outdoors. For instance, Cub Scout Collecting makes a great Show & Tell night. Flag Football and Frisbee Golf are fun outdoors.

Cub Scout Awards include the Outdoor Activity, National Summertime, Leave No Trace, etc.

Parents. While Tiger Cub Scouts must have an adult partner with them, it is important to involve parents at every level. "Drop and Dash" families will drain your resources and their boys are often the ones who drop out. It is hard to convince a boy that something is important if his family shows it's not..

Denners. Ask adult partners to take turns coordinating the meetings. Ask who has contacts with the fire or police departments, local parks, etc. When a family coordinates a meeting, their boy gets to be Denner! The Denner gets gold cords and to help lead the Pledge of Allegiance and brings the treats, typically something easy and cheap like granola bars and juice. The Denner and his adult partner are in charge of setup and cleanup. Have a Denner and Assistant Denner for each meeting.

Boy's who get to be Denner don't drop out! And you will not end doing everything by yourself.

Assistant Den Leader. Share the load with your Assistant Den Leader. Your Pack may register Assistant Den Leaders as Den Leaders so that you can both get all of the same training and each earn your Cub Scout Leader Awards.

Fun Night. Have at least one Fun Night each year. Ask each family to bring their favorite board games and soft drinks. Order pizza & you have a party! Fun Nights are also a chance to help boys who have missed meetings catch up.

Belt Loop Day. Have at least one Belt Loop Day each year. Your den can do your own but it can be more fun if other dens or the whole pack is involved. Your council may also host one. See the National Summertime Award for a list of great activity ideas. In one day, your Cubs could have a hike or bike ride, a picnic lunch, and earn fun Belt Loops!

Take it one day at a time. Keep one meeting ahead in your Bookshelf#Cub_Scout_Resources handbook. Get every family and boy involved. Ask for help. Get trained. Each month get the new Theme, Program Helps, and other materials from MeritBadge.Org. It's KISMIF: Keep It Simple. Make It FUN. (Keep them safe.)

That is a lot of information! And this is just the beginning of the resources. MeritBadge.Org has info on Day Camp, Resident Camp, Roundups, and more.

Go have FUN! Did they tell you? "It Is Just an Hour A Week!" ☺


See also

The Building Blocks of New Leader Training
 
  Trained Patch jpg
After completion a leader is Trained
  Leader Specific Training
Completed as soon as possible (within 3 months) 		Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Required for Troop, Team, & some Crew* leaders
  Fast Start
Training
Taken Immediately
Youth
protection
training
Prior to submitting Application
<--- Basic Leader Training --->
"Leader Specific Training"
Online, or
Classroom 		Online, or
Classroom 		Online, or
Classroom 		Classroom &
outdoors only
*Some councils require Crews with Outdoor emphasis to take IOLS, other councils require all Crew leaders to take IOLS, the flyer on scouting.org[1] does not include IOLS for Venture leaders.
MeritBadge.Org is your online Scouting University with everything from Getting Started to Bridging:
  • Nameplates - Official BSA Name plates for your uniforms.

See the Cub Scout Leader Resources for the Pack Organization Chart and much more.


Cub Scout Leader portal


Cub Scout Resources
New Leader Brochures: Tiger Wolf/Bear Webelos Cubmaster
Applications & Reports: Youth Application Adult Leader Application Advancement Report Uniform
Online Training: New Leader Youth Protection Training Safe Swim Defense Safety Afloat
Safety Guides: Guide to Safe Scouting Safe Swim Defense Safety Afloat Climb On Safely
Other: Permission Slip Local Tour Permit National Tour Permit Fundraising
Medical Exam Forms: Annual Health and Medical Record 34605 Age-Appropriate Guidelines More forms…
Retrieved from "http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Den_Leader_Getting_Started_Guide"
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