Den Chief TrainingAndy Brennan

Dawn GentJohn McNamara

November 7, 2010

9:00 – Greetings 9:05 – Schedule Review 9:15 – Cub Scouting – Brush up 9:40 – Role of Den Chief 10:30 – Break 10:40 – Understanding Cubs 11:10 - Den Meetings 11:45 – Leading Activities 11:50 – Closing and Cleanup 12:00 – Done!

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Class Schedule

The role of the Den Chief Aims, Purposes, Methods of Cub Scouts How to work with Cub and Webelos Scouts

and the den leaders Abilities and character of Cub Scouts All about the Den Meeting and your role How to lead activities

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What will we learn today?

Plan on staying to the end of the session It’s okay to ask questions Stay in the building A Scout is courteous Please help clean-up after the session

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Reminders

Cub Scouting Brush-up Or

“I forget…”

3 Aims of Cub Scouts1. Character

Development2. Good Citizenship3. Physical, Mental, and

Moral fitness.

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Aims of Scouting

3 Aims Boy Scouts1. Character Development2. Good Citizenship3. Physical, Mental, and

Moral fitness.

Cub Scouts1. Living the Ideals2. Belonging to a Den3. Advancement4. Family Involvement5. Activities6. Home and Neighborhood

and Community7. Wearing the Uniform8. Making Character

Connections

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Methods of Scouting

Boy Scouts1. Ideals2. Patrols3. Advancement4. Adult Association5. Outdoor Programs6. Personal Growth7. Uniform8. Leadership

Development

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Cub Scout - Ideals

Cub Scout PromiseI, (say your name), promiseto DO MY BESTTo do my DUTY to GODAnd my CountryTo HELP other people, andTo OBEY the LAW of the Pack

Law of the PackThe Cub Scout follows Akela.The Cub Scout helps the pack go.The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

Cub Scout MottoDO YOUR BEST

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Cub Scout - Symbols

WEBELOS = “WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts”

Cub Scouting Programs Tiger Cubs

◦ 1st grade◦ Parent Partners

Cub Scouts (Wolf & Bear)◦ 2nd & 3rd grade◦ Den Leaders◦ Less parental involvement

Webelos Scouts◦ 4th & 5th grade◦ Webelos Leaders◦ Beginning Patrol’s

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Purposes of Cub Scouts

Character __________ _____________ growth Good _________________ Sportsmanship and _____________ ____________ understanding Respectful _________________ _______________ achievement Friendly ___________________ ______ and ____________________ Preparation for _____ ____________

DevelopmentSpiritual

CitizenshipFitness

FamilyRelationships

PersonalService

Fun AdventureBoy Scouts

The Role of the Den Chief

Or“What in the world did I get myself into,

anyway?”

The Den Chief – (One Scouters Opinion)

One of the Toughest Leadership Roles1. SPL2. Den Chief3. Patrol Leader4. Troop Guide

One of the Most Rewarding Leadership Roles.1. A chance to be a mentor2. An opportunity to influence young scouts3. A chance to foster adult association

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A junior leader that helps fill an important role in the Cub Scout pack

Assists the den leader with the meeting

Helps lead (and sometimes plan) activities, games, ceremonies

Sets good examples

Helps Cubs to learn to be good leaders

Encourage Cubs to be Webelos

Encourage Webelos to be Boy Scouts

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What is a Den Chief?

Characteristics of a GOOD DC A Good Den Chief …

◦ Remembers who he is serving as a DC◦ Practices compassion & understanding◦ Is an excellent listener◦ Is a friend to ALL scouts◦ Promotes Cub Scouting◦ Is an advertisement for Boy Scouts◦ Practice Patience to the EXTREME◦ Stays Calm and Speaks with Authority◦ Models appropriate behavior◦ Wears his uniform properly and proudly◦ Keeps in mind the Scout Oath and Law

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A Den Chief is NOT…

the primary planner of the den meeting

in charge of correcting behavior

a substitute for an adult leader

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Know the purposes of Cub Scouting

Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting

Be the activities assistant in the den meeting

Set a good example by attitude and uniforming

Take part in weekly meetings

Assist the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting program

Be a friend to the boys in the den

Know the importance of the monthly theme

Meet as needed with the adult leaders of the den, pack and troop

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Responsibilities of the Den Chief

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The role of the Den Chief helps fulfill a leadership position for rank advancement in Boy Scouting.

Adult leaders in the pack are there to help you to become a successful and effective leader.

List some ideas on how den chiefs and pack leaders can work together:

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Keys to Success

Understanding CubsOr

“Mommy, Did I really act that way at that age?”

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Are Cubs and Webelos really that different?

DEFINITELY!

Boys have different “characteristics” depending on age

Dealing with boys from first thru fifth grade

Each are at a different level of maturity

All have different backgrounds, hobbies, likes and dislikes

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“Ages and Stages”

Behaviors 1st & 2nd Grade

Begin to reason and concentrate. Worry, are self-critical, and may express a lack of

confidence. Demand more of their teacher's time. Dislike being singled out, even for praise.

Wants to be the "best" and "first." Has boundless energy. May be oppositional, silly, brash, and critical. Cries easily; shows a variety of tension-releasing

behavior. Is attached to the teacher. Has difficulty being flexible. Often considers fantasy real.

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Behaviors 3rd through 5th Grade

Possesses a “know-it-all” attitude Is able to assume some responsibility for her actions. Actively seeks praise. May undertake more than she can handle successfully. Is self-critical. Recognizes the needs of others.

Wants to put some distance between themselves and adults. May rebel against authority. Need to be part of a group. Seek independence. Possess a high activity level. Can express a wide range of emotions and verbalize easily. Can empathize. Can think independently and critically, but are tied to peer standards. Begin to increase their sense of truthfulness. Are typically not self-confident. Tends to be obedient, good natured, and fun. Possesses a surprising scope of interests. Is becoming more truthful and dependable. Tends to be improving her self-concept and acceptance of others. Forms good personal relationships with teachers and counselors.

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Den Chief – Key Considerations

What does a boy need?• Define a need

What is a boy able to do?• Identify an ability

C______________ U______________ B______________ S______________ C______________ O______________ U______________ T______________

W_____________ E______________ B______________ E______________ L______________ O______________ S______________

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Brainstorm!

Every boy is different Each has their own needs and

characteristics Differences can be cultural, ethnic, religious

or educational A good leader accepts each boy for who

they are Be a friend!

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Summary

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He is just a Cub Scout.

He has many, many characteristics:

He is energetic, curious, noisy, silly, eager and silly,

But he is full of Cub Scout spirit.

He is that little boy in my den.

He is tomorrow.

He is the future.

And I am his den chief.

The Den MeetingOr

“Organized Chaos” (with a lot of fun!)

So, What is a Den?

A group of boys, usually six to eight

All about the same age or grade

Typically meets once a week Den meetings generally last

60 to 90 minutes Several dens make the

larger pack

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Den Leader/Webelos Leader:◦ An adult in charge of the den, and plans the meeting

activities Assistant Den Leader:

◦ An adult who helps the Den Leader and assists in planning

Denner or Assistant Denner: ◦ Members of the den who have been elected to carry out

assigned duties Den Chief:

◦ A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Venturer who helps the Den Leader conduct the den meeting, leads and helps plan activities with the Den Leader

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Who’s in Charge?

You NEED a copy of the latest handbook.

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Keep an Eye on the Goal

The programs have probably changed since you were a Cub.READ THE MATERIAL!

Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide◦ New “Delivery Method” for

2010 Detailed syllabus

◦ Rank specific◦ Week specific◦ Intended to be done in

order Review regularly with

your Den Leader

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Deciding What to Do.

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The Meeting Plan

Den Meeting Plans:• Meeting Week Number• Topic being covered• Requirements or Electives

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The Meeting Plan

Requirements / Electives:• Do: Activities to be done during Den Meetings.• Home Assignments: Done with a scouts parents

at home.• Verify: Confirmation at the Den Meeting that

Homework has been completed.

Do…

Home…

Before the meeting Gathering Opening Business Activities Closing After the Meeting

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Parts of the Den Meeting?

Before you Begin ◦ READ THE MATERIAL!

Review the Lesson Plan Review the Handbook

Brush up on any skills involved or material you don’t recall.

◦ Decide who will bring materials needed.

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The Den Meeting - Preparation

Not everyone arrives at the same time◦ Not social time with the Cubs.◦ Keep the Cubs productively busy.

A non-physical game Scout skill practice A puzzle related to the evenings topic.

◦ An unoccupied Cub will get into mischief◦ Gives the Den Leader time with parents and last

minute preparation

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The Den Meeting - Gathering

It’s a sign◦ Lets Cubs know the Meeting is Starting◦ A chance for everyone to get focused

Reminder of a Scout’s Duty

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The Den Meeting - Opening

Meeting Mechanics◦ The time to review schedules◦ Check Home Activity ◦ Practice a Skit / Song for the Pack Meeting◦ Time to advertise upcoming events

Pack / Den special events Blue & Gold / Pinewood Derby / Service project

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The Den Meeting - Business

The ‘Meat’ of the meeting◦ A time to teach◦ A time to listen & observe◦ A time to offer compliments◦ A time to play games◦ Make it FUN

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The Den Meeting - Activities

Wrap it up◦ Recognize achievements◦ Celebrate Den successes◦ Meaningful closing Ceremony◦ Give out Home Assignments◦ Last minute reminders and hand-outs

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The Den Meeting - Closing

The Den Meeting - Recap

Help Clean up◦ Don’t be the first scout out of the room◦ Now is the time to socialize with Cubs◦ Keep control of unstructured time after meetings

Your Den Leader is Responsible for the program’s execution.◦ Stop / Start / Continue

Review plans for next week with your Den leader after every meeting.◦ Agree together what YOUR responsibility will be for

the next weeks program.

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Den Meeting – Reflects on YOU

You don’t go to a Patrol meeting unprepared.

Don’t go to a Den Meeting unprepared

Know your material

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So…who does what?

Most any division of labor is ok. Potential Den Chief Roles.

◦ Set up the Den Meeting space◦ Bring the gathering activity◦ Make sure all equipment is

available for the activity◦ Do a demonstration.◦ Coordinate a den skit◦ Teach a Song◦ Practice using EDGE with a skill

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So…who does what?

◦ Be a mentor to your Denner◦ Help clean up after a meeting.◦ Make copies of handouts◦ Help track advancement◦ Encourage camping◦ Help Maintain control before/

during and after meetings◦ Talk about your scouting days

Cubs LOVE stories

◦ SET THE EXAMPLE.

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Webelos need to participate in an overnight campout

Den Chiefs can help the boys make a list of items needed for their campout, as well as help them pack

Webelos also need to demonstrate an activity badge at a pack meeting

Den Chiefs can also help the boys practice for their demonstration

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Special Activities for Webelos

What sorts of situations might I encounter? Examples:

◦ You see a Den Leader not following the Program Guide. What will you do? Should you do anything?

◦ A Cub in your den tells you that a fellow Cub was rude to a parent. What will you do? Should you do anything?

◦ You’ve been working with a den for weeks but your Den Leader doesn’t seem to know what to have you do. What will you do? Should you do anything?

Team Exercises

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Den Issues - Real World

How to Lead Skits and Activities

Or“Go big…or GO HOME!”

Ceremonies◦ Flag Ceremonies

Activities◦ Gathering◦ Skill Based

Games◦ Indoor/outdoor, fitness, quiet

Stunts and skits Songs Sports

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What kind of activities?

The obvious…◦ http://www.scoutorama.com◦ http://www.boyscouttrail.com/

Den Chief Handbook Boy’s Life Magazine Tiger/Wolf/Bear Scout Handbooks Boy Scout Handbook Cub Scout Leader How-to Book Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs Cub Scout Leader Book Webelos Leaders Guide Cub Scout Songbook Group Meeting Sparklers 50

Resources

We’re here to have FUN so “Go Big or…”

Know the song and the words, and practice first

Teach new songs a little bit at a time

Think about the type of games and the space available before you play

Explain the rules of the game and stress fairness

Use games that help in advancement

For sports, make sure you understand the sport and know the rules

Coach players, and don’t play with them

Always watch for fairness, especially when choosing sides

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Tips on Leading Activities

We’re here to have FUN so “Go Big or…”

Rope Ball of string or twine Craft sticks or tongue depressors Ping-pong balls Bandanas Large washers Beans (pinto or lima) Craft feathers Straws Chopsticks Old (clean) socks Den Chief Handbook Carry it all in a plastic box

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Build yourself a “KITS” kit(Karry It To Scouts)

“Ready” is being prepared “Set” is knowing the instructions and rules “Go Lead” is overseeing the activity,

maintaining control, and discussing how it went afterwards

Don’t forget to practice!

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Ready, Set, Go Lead!

ClosingOr

“Final Thoughts!”

You are not alone! Meet with your Scout Leaders regularly. Meet with your den leaders to help plan

your part in the den meeting program Wear your uniform Do something different each week Be an example Tell about your experiences as a Boy Scout The Den Leader is the one most

responsible for the den because they are an adult leader

Your participation will encourage these boys to be the next Webelos and Boy Scouts

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Things to remember…

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Den Chiefs Oath

I promise to help the boys in my den to the best of my ability; to encourage, guide, and protect them in all den and pack activities; and to show them by my examplewhat Boy Scouts of America stands for.

I will strive to be prompt and dependable, and to cooperate with the leaders in carrying out the den program.

As each boy becomes eligible to move along the Cub Scouting trail (earning the Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos badge, or the Arrow of Light) I will encourage him and do all in my power to interest him in someday becoming a Boy Scout.

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Now go be a leader!