Download - Den Chief Training
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!