A "how to" guide for new Den Leaders on navigating the critical first month of cub Scouting
Welcome “More About Den Meetings” for specific den information.
You know how important first impressions are and Cub Scouting is no different. Boys join Cub Scouting for excitement, to be with friends, and to have fun. Fun den meetings will help ensure that good first impression. By following the plans outlined in this kit, you will be able to conduct fun and exciting den meetings and your scouts will come back for more! The first thing you should know is that you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of adults have preceded you in the Cub Scouting organization. Their experience and wisdom are available to you through a number of resources that will be discussed in the following pages. You won’t have to “re-invent the wheel” as you plan and prepare for your meetings. To ensure that you get off to a great start, you should attend a Cub Scout leader training course as soon as possible. The first step in the training process is viewing the Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Video. This video is available through your Cub Scout Pack or you can check it out from the Middle Tennessee Council’s Library. You can also view it on the Internet by going to the council’s website at www.mtcbsa.org and clicking on training. This video will help you to better understand your duties and responsibilities as a new adult leader. After viewing the Fast Start Video, you’ll want to attend a Cub Scout New Leader Essentials course and the Cub Scout Leader Job Specific Training course. These trainings will give you further insight into the wonderful world of Cub Scouting.
<< Click for the Trial of Tears Training Site
Thanks again for your time and commitment to the youth in your community. We know that you will find Cub Scouting to be a rewarding and positive experience for you and your Scouts. Remember that you are not alone and the staff and volunteers of the Indian Nations Council are ready to assist you in any way that we can. The Trail of Tears District Committee There are 3 primary steps that will help you be successful in your first month as a den leader: Step 1. Gather important information Complete the Important Information Sheet on the next page answering the questions below.
Important Information About My Den and Pack (Keep this information posted for easy access)
Step 2. Prepare your 1st Den Meeting How does a Den work? A den meets weekly and you will need to determine when and where you will meet. Den meetings should occur consistently on the same day, same time, and same location of each week every month. Your den may meet at a parent’s home, school, church, or community organization building. The den meetings are planned around a monthly theme set by your Pack. Meetings consist of activities, projects, and business items. The following will help you prepare for your first den meeting:
Step 3. Learn more about additional resources available The Essentials There are many Cub Scouting resources available which can make your volunteer role easier and more enjoyable. These may be in printed form, video form, or human form. You’ll find out more about them when you attend training. In the meantime, there are a couple of essential items you will want to buy or borrow as soon as you can. You’ll need them to plan meetings beyond this first month. Your first month den meetings have been included in the back of this packet. Website Resources Trail of Tears District website -
www.totscouting.org
|
|
|
The Cub Scout Leader Book, No. 33221, is a guide for all Cub Scout leaders. It contains the basic information needed to operate and support Cub Scouting, such as information on Cub Scout policies, leadership duties, program planning, and youth protection guidelines. |
|
|
The Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, No. 33832, includes a broad assortment of time-tested program activities for Cub Scout dens and packs. By using these activities, leaders not only help strengthen family relationships but provide opportunities for boys to have fun while they are advancing in rank. |
|
|
The Webelos Leader Guide, No. 33853, includes information a Webelos leader needs for meeting preparation. It contains information formerly provided in Webelos Den Activities, the Webelos Planning Guide, and Webelos Program Helps. |
The Basics - Must Haves
Every Den Leader should have the Cub Scout Leader Book and the How-To Book along with the appropriate Scout Book for their Den. Webelos Leaders should also have the Webelos Leader Guide. These items are available at the Council’s Scout Shop.
Cub Scout Leader Book - No.
33221
Cub Scout Leader How-To Book - No. 33832
Webelos Leader Guide - No. 33853A
Youth Handbooks:
Tiger Cub Handbook - No. 34713
Bear Cub Scout Book - No. 33451
Wolf Cub Scout Book - No. 33450
Webelos Scout Book - No. 33452
Program Support - Additional Resources
Den Chief Handbook - No.
33211A
Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs - No. 33212B
Group Meeting Sparklers - No. 33122
Cub Scout Fun Book - No. 33213
Cub Scout Magic - No. 33210
Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Guidebook - No. 33721
National Summertime Pack Award Planning Guide - No. 33748
Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet - No.
34282A
Cub Scout Program Helps annual - No. 34304C
Academic and Sports Program Book - No. 34299
Training Resources
Fast Start Training
Fast Start training provides immediate help for the new leader by providing information and examples for planning and conducting the first meeting. These video programs are available through your Cub Scout Pack or you can check them out through the Indian Nations Council’s library. You can also view them on the Internet by going to the council website at www.mtcbsa.org and clicking on training.
Youth Protection Training
This training covers the subject of child abuse. It will provide you information and guidance in the policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America in recognizing, preventing and reporting abuse. This training is also online at the council website www.mtcbsa.org and go to training.
Basic Leader Training:
Cub Scout Leader Program Training
These classes will get you off to the right start and make your den meetings much easier to plan. There are classes for Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos leaders as well as Cubmasters and Committee Members. Parents are encouraged to attend the training to learn more about how the Cub Scout program works.
-
New Leader Essentials: (for all leaders in Cub Scouting (take it once and you're good all the way through Pack, Troop, and Venturing programs)
-
Leader Job Specific Training: by Scouting position.
-
In Cub Scouting, specific training is offered for Cubmasters, pack committee members, Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, and Webelos den leaders. (as your move to the next leader position, you must take the next appropriate class)
-
-
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO):
-
This training is for leaders who may be responsible for a pack overnight campout. BALOO will help you to properly understand the importance of program intent, youth protection guidelines, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities and sufficient adult participation.
-
-
WLOE Webelos Leader Outdoor Experience for Webelos Leaders: (Current Bear leaders are encouraged to take this course in November to get a jump on next year)
-
WLOE Training provides specialized training for Webelos leaders in outdoor skills and programs.
-
National Awards
National Den Award
Cub Scouting happens in the den. The National Den Award will create an incentive for a year-around fun, quality program in the den. The National Den Award may be earned only once in any 12 month period. Requirements may be found in the Cub Scout Leader Book.
Religious Awards ad Emblems
Many religious-faith groups have programs of instruction for religious education for individual Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts. Religious emblems are designed to recognize boys who demonstrate faith, observe the creeds or principles of the faith, and give service. Religious emblems are not Scouting awards; they are presented by religious groups to boys who earn them.
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts may earn an emblem whether or not they are members of a pack operated by a religious organization. The intent of the program is to encourage each boy to work directly with his own religious leader or, in some cases, a layperson designated by that religious leader.
The religious body determines requirements for each religious emblem. Student and counselor manuals are available at the Indian Nations Council.
Camping Opportunities for Cub Scouts and their Families
Cub Scouting’s camping and outdoor activities fulfill Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts dreams of fun, excitement, and adventure. They provide a natural setting for quality time with family and friends.
Cub Scout Day Camp
Day Camp is an accredited, organized, one to five day program for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts under certified leadership at an approved site, and is usually held during daylight or early evening hours, but not overnight. Ask your Cubmaster when and where your district day camp will occur.
Webelos Resident Camp
Webelos Camp is geared specifically for Webelos Scouts. It is a three-day and two-night camp conducted at the John Zink Ranch near Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Activities are age appropriate. To learn more about Webelos Camp, go to the council’s website, www.mtcbsa.org , or the Trail of Tears District website at www.totscouting.org.
Cub Scout Pack Family Overnighters
Cub Scouting packs are encouraged to provide their youth members with positive outdoor experiences. The format under which an entire pack can camp is a pack-organized camping activity.
-
Pack-organized family camping must be held in council-approved camping facilities that meet certain standards.
-
Contact your local council for availability and approval.
-
In most cases, the youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. At least one adult or youth member of the family must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
-
Non-members brothers and sisters may participate if the event is specifically structured to accommodate them.
-
The pack leaders in charge of the overnighter must complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation BALOO training prior to the pack overnighter.
This is a brief overview of the many exciting programs and activities of Cub Scouting. As a new leader we want to make sure that you get off to a great start.
Thanks again for your support of the youth in your community.
