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> | ||
| + | {{Shortcut|[[DL Start]]}} | ||
| + | {{Checklist| | ||
| + | [[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> | ||
| + | [[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> | ||
| + | [[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]]. | ||
| - | + | 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 | + | 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. | ||
| - | + | '''[[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. | |
| - | ''' | + | '''[[New Leader Training|Online training]].''' Your Cub Scout Leader online training is good and you can have it done today: |
| + | * [[Fast Start Training]] has info and examples for planning and conducting FUN meetings. | ||
| + | * [[This Is Scouting]] highlights the values, aims, history, and methods of Scouting. | ||
| + | * [[Youth Protection Training]] helps keep them safe. | ||
| - | ''' | + | '''[[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. |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | '''Leader | + | '''[[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]. |
| - | '''Den | + | '''[[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. |
| - | ''' | + | '''[[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.''' | + | '''[[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]]. |
| - | '''Belt Loops.''' Your rank requirements and electives often | + | '''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]] | ||
| Line 30: | Line 38: | ||
*'''[[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)]] | ||
| - | + | 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. | |
| - | ''' | + | '''[[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. |
| - | '''Parents.''' | + | '''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 | + | '''[[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. |
| - | + | Boy's who get to be Denner don't drop out! ''And you will not end doing everything by yourself. | |
| - | '''Assistant Den Leader.''' | + | '''[[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 | + | '''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.''' | + | '''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! |
| - | '''Take it one day at a time.''' | + | '''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.) |
| - | That is a lot of information! And this is just the beginning of the resources. | + | 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!"'' ☺ | ||
| + | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| - | {{The Building Blocks of New Leader Training}}{{Cub Scout Leader See Also}} {{Cub Scout Leader portal}} | + | {{The Building Blocks of New Leader Training}}{{Cub Scout Leader See Also}} |
| + | |||
| + | {{Cub Scout Leader portal}} | ||
{{Cub Scout Leader Resources}} | {{Cub Scout Leader Resources}} | ||
Revision as of 13:35, May 14, 2009
| Den Leader Getting Started Guide -  This entire article prints on the front and back of one page!144 Fun Activities - |
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:
- Fast Start Training has info and examples for planning and conducting FUN meetings.
- This Is Scouting highlights the values, aims, history, and methods of Scouting.
- Youth Protection Training helps keep them safe.
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!
- Tiger & Belt Loop tie-ins - Electives & Belt Loop tie-ins
- Wolf & Belt Loop tie-ins - Electives & Belt Loop tie-ins
- Bear & Belt Loop tie-ins - Electives & Belt Loop tie-ins
- Webelos Badge & Belt Loop tie-ins - Activity Badges & (Worksheets)
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Protection Training Prior to submitting Application | Capstone for Pack Trainers, Scoutmasters, and Chartered Org Reps |  After completion a leader is Trained | ||
| Before the First Meeting Taken Immediately | First 30 Days Completed as soon as possible | Position Trained Taken when familiar with position | ||
- Den Meeting Plans: Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos Program: Webelos I, Webelos II
- Leader Awards: Cub Scout Den Leader Award (Tiger/Wolf/Bear/Webelos), Scouter's Training Award (basically all adult leaders but Den Leaders), Scouter's Key (Cubmaster)
- Program Helps: Recruiting, & CubTrax Spreadsheets
- Activities: Day Camp, Resident Camp, Whittling Chip, Guide to Safe Scouting
- Fundraising, Popcorn, and the importance of Individual Youth Accounts
- 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… | |
