Details For Den Leaders (New AND Experienced)

DEAR DEN LEADERS,

By now you (should) have watched the Fast Start video and attended Cub Scout Leader Basic Training. (If you haven’t, then be sure to ask the Cub master, or the Pack Committee Chair when you can get your training.)  You also own a Cub Scout Leader Book (Right!). You are loaded with all kinds of knowledge and ideas! But, maybe, just maybe, you still have few discussion items. Then, hopefully, information in this letter will help you. First...

AS A DEN LEADER
When a Cub Scout makes his promise to "Do His Best" the den leader says; "I will do my best to see that this young boy receives the finest possible experience from the Cub Scout program." All leaders bring to Cub Scouting their own talents and skills, their own background and interests. The way to becoming an effective leader is to use one's own abilities and interests to plan the best possible program for the boys. Yes! The boys! When the boys are first and planning is foremost, all the rest just falls into place.

Den leaders need to believe certain things about boys in general. To sum them all up: leaders should have a basic respect for boys.... a feeling that the worth of a boy lies in the fact that he is a unique, complex, growing individual, regardless of his ability, appearance, race, religion, social background or behavior.

Effective den leaders are people who have

- integrity
- a knack for working with boys
- qualities such as patience, a sense of humor, diplomacy, flexibility, and the ability to listen with understanding
- a true interest in the Cub Scout program and stay informed of new developments
- an inner quality that makes them able to guide and direct boys without doing the work for the boys!!

Some of you may be thinking, "I'm not like that at all." Well, take a second look. Most people have a wealth of untapped resources. Everyone is a lot more resourceful than they think. Have confidence in personal abilities-and in the abilities of the boys! Most people have good ideas to contribute to Cub Scouting. Everyone should do their best to develop personal potential and the potential of the boys. The boys will benefit greatly, and so will those who lead them. Some of you may be thinking, "I don't have time to do all those things." Be assured there is time. It is the "busy" people who get things done; who make their time count. Time is important in the lives of boys. They are boys for such a short time, and then they are men. What happens in the life of each boy during his formative years will determine, to a great extent, the kind of man he ultimately becomes. What a tremendous, exciting opportunity and challenge for a den leader!

ROUNDTABLE or WHERE CAN I GET IDEAS FOR MY DEN?
0h, good and wonderful den leaders! Please look up the time, date and place for your district Cub Scout Leader Roundtable. Yes indeed, every district holds a monthly meeting just for leaders to gather and share. Your district Roundtable Commissioner will have ideas for games, cheers, stunts, skits, crafts, and/or ceremonies for the following month's theme. This meeting is so wonderful! And it is a great chance to get to know other leaders, talk about problems, share successful methods, and learn more of what is happening in Cub Scouts in your district and council. Check it out!

MY DEN
The den is where it happens in Cub Scouts. For the boy, his den is what Scouting is all about. This is the way it is meant to be. The Cub Scout Leader book defines the den as "a neighborhood group of 6-8 Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts who usually meet once a week."

Is this a good definition for your den"? If not, wouldn't your job be a lot easier if this definition described your den? Work with your pack committee and committee chair to design the dens within the guidelines of the Cub Scout purposes and methods. They are tried, true and proven to work!

HOW LONG SHOULD A DEN MEETING LAST?
There is no exact right answer to this one, as with many Cub Scout questions. It depends on a lot of different things: how many boys are in the den? What are their ages? When does your den meet? For Cub Scout age dens, working on Wolf or Bear, usually second and third graders-den meetings are usually 45 minutes to one hour. For Webelos age boys-usually fourth and fifth graders-meetings can be a little longer. An hour to an hour and a half is usually required. A lot depends upon what needs to be accomplished.

DO I HAVE TO HOLD THE DEN MEETING IN MY HOME?
You can hold it anywhere that works for your den. There are, however, advantages to holding it at the home of a leader. Boys will quickly become comfortable if they have a place they can call their own. Consistency is a key to den discipline, (see the Cub Scout Leader book for information on a den code of conduct). If you have to hold the den meeting somewhere else, make sure the area you use is for your exclusive use during the time of your meeting.   You can use the church basement, but be sure to call a week ahead to reserve the spot and see if it will be open at the time.  Key to the church are in extremely short supply.  If you need to borrow one tlak with either the Cub master or other den leaders to find someone who might lend you theirs.

READY FOR THE MEETING?
Let's say you have 8 boys in your den. At the end of every meeting you are exhausted and you never seem to have enough time to get everything ready for the meeting. Oh, den leader! This is a classic case of a den leader without an assistant. No one person can (or should be expected to) do it all alone. Seek the assistance of your pack committee and committee chair to recruit at least one assistant den leader and feel free to call upon the parents of your den members for assistance. And look into getting a Den Chief!    

WHAT IS A DEN CHIEF?
A Den Chief is a Boy Scout who helps den leaders at den and pack meetings. He is not an assistant den leader! That is someone 18 years or older who must be able to fill in for the den leader in case of emergency. This is too big of a responsibility for a young Boy Scout.

One of the duties for your Den Chief is to serve as the activity assistant at den meetings. He can keep activities going while a leader signs handbooks and takes care of administrative duties. It is important that your Den Chief be given specific responsibilities. Don't depend on his to teach a game on the spot. You need time to prepare and so does he.

This position is an opportunity for the Boy Scout to learn leadership first hand! Be sure to read about Den Chiefs in chapter 4 of the Cub Scout Leader Book and look through a Den Chief handbook.

 

WHERE CAN I GET HELP PLANNING MY DEN MEETINGS?
What a great idea! PLAN AHEAD! One of the secrets of success for a great den is planning! Be prepared - plan in advance - be sure to have all materials ready and waiting for the boys - always have an extra song and/or game ready when things finish sooner than expected.

Planning will maintain order in your meetings. If you are not ready for the boys they will find something to do while you are still preparing. But! If you are ready for them, if you have something for the boys to do every minute the boy will be excited to be at their den meetings. The boys will want to return. They will want to belong to Cub Scouting!

Prepare a list of questions and answers for each project. Write down your answers, do not rely on your good memory. Here are some questions to get you started:
1. When and how long will the project last?
2. Do I need materials and if so, what and how much?
3. What is the expected cost?
4. Do I have trip permission slips from the parents?
5. Do I need advance arrangements or reservations?
6. Do I need transportation?
7. Did I send in the BSA Tour Permit application?
8. Did I send a thank you note?
9. Will the parents assist?

Number 9 is a very important question to answer. Involve the parents. Do not shoulder the total responsibility yourself. With several people doing the various tasks, the activity becomes a great experience for both the Cub Scouts and the adults. Recruit help to make reservations, provide material, and provide transportation as well as assisting in den activities.

BSA offers 90+ years of resources. It is very important to keep den activities geared for the boys' appropriate age level and ability. Here are some of the resources:
1. Wolf, Bear or Webelos handbooks. These are your first most important resources for den activities. Some may look simple to you, but you are not 7 years old. And, remember your den meetings are only 45 to 60 minutes long.
2. The Cub Scout Leader Book. This has sections on Cub Scout and Webelos Scout activities as well as on Program Planning. This resource also tells you what needs to go on in a den meeting.
3. Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Program Helps. This is an essential resource for every leader. It comes with ready-made plans for your weekly den meetings following every monthly theme. There are instructions for crafts, ceremonies, games, stunts, and more. It comes free in two-month installments in the center of the Scouting magazine, (another great resource); or, you can purchase a complete one year booklet at the service center trading post.
4. The Cub Scout How-To Book. This book contains hundreds of ideas for den leaders! You need to have access to this valuable publication: either your own copy or from your pack library.
5. The Cub Scout Song Book, The Sparkler Book, Cub Scout Magic Book. All three offer great ways to add 5 to 10 minutes of fun in a den meeting.
6. Roundtable. You have read about this meeting earlier. Guess it must be pretty important to mention it again! In your district this is held monthly to offer ideas that you can use for the next month' s theme. The only way to take full advantage of this opportunity is to personally attend! The date and location is always on the Trail of Tears web site main page. Usually it is the first Thursday of each month, but there are exceptions around the holiday season.
7. Pow Wow. Attend Cub Scout Leaders Pow Wow every year! When you attend you select classes that pertain to your needs. Plus, you can get a great resource book called the Pow Wow book. And, you will get to meet and share with other leaders from throughout your council. It is a fun resourceful day! Plan on it!

DEN EXPENSES
As the den leader you are not expected to fund the expenses of the den alone.  Find out from the Pack Treasurer what level of reimbursement is available for various activities and use it.  Tell the parents of the costs for the various projects and ask for contributions.

DOES MY DEN LIKE SNACKS?
Whether or not you have snacks is really up to you and the parents of the boys in your den. Discuss this at a den parent meeting early on. If the decision is to have snacks, decide what they will consist of. There may be a physiological need of a boy to consider, as well as food allergies. Be sure you, the den leader, are not always providing the snack.

What if a boy forgets to bring the snack? First, all the other boys will be upset! Be prepared for this. Helping boys to understand others is one of the purposes of Cub Scouting. Then, always have a supply of popcorn on hand. And, try to avoid the problem: let parents know when their son is to bring the snack; send a reminder home the week before. Suggestion: use a "snack can". Have the den decorate it. This container goes home with the boy who is to bring the next snack.

DO WE DO ALL THE ACTIVITIES IN THE WOLF (Bear) BOOK IN THE DEN MEETINGS?
Definitely not. In fact, review the parents' guide in the handbook to make sure you fully understand the advancement program. It IS NOT the responsibility of the den leader to ensure that the boys in the den complete the achievements necessary for the Wolf or Bear badge; or the electives for gold and silver arrow points have been completed. The book asks for AKELA's signature that the activity was completed. It is the den leader's job to record the completion of the activity so that the boy can be properly recognized when all requirements have been completed. Akela is most often a parent of the Cub Scout. Akela signs the book, certifying that the Cub Scout has done his best on this requirement. Don't worry if every boy doesn't complete the requirement at the same time. It's supposed to work that way!

SHOULD I TEST THE BOYS IN MY DEN BEFORE THEY GET THEIR RANK BADGE?
Absolutely not! If Akela has signed the boy's book indicating that he has completed the requirement, then it has been completed and no further review is necessary.

I CAN'T GET ANY PARENTS TO HELP ME? HELP!
1. Sometimes just asking for volunteers will get you the help you need, but usually that won't be enough. You need to communicate two things to den parents.
2. Communicate to parents the specific need you have. It is a lot easier to say "yes" when you know exactly what is expected of you. The best way to communicate a specific need is in person: for example, you might say, "Mr. Jones, our den needs help building bird houses next month. Could you help us for one hour on the 15th and 22nd from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.? All the wood will be cut out ahead of time and the boys need some help with the assembly. Here is a copy of the instructions we will be using. Can you help us?" If the answer is no (probably for a very good reason) then accept the answer but leave the door open for the future. "Okay, we understand you can't help this time. Feel free to stop in at our den meeting any time. We can always use an extra hand. I am sure that we will need your assistance at another time."

UNIFORMING

WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO G0 ON THE BOY'S RIGHT POCKET?
The right pocket is known as the temporary patch area. Cub Scouts may wear the temporary patch of their choice on the pocket. Examples: day camp or resident camp patches, World Conservation Award, district or council event patches (ex: Cub Olympics). Temporary patches may be changed as often or left in one place as long as the owner wishes.

WHAT IS THE SMALL ROUND PURPLE PATCH SOME SCOUTS AND LEADERS WEAR?
This is known as the "World Crest." Originally it was an earned award. A few years ago this was changed. Now the crest is worn by all registered members of BSA, both boys and adults, as a symbol of world brotherhood. Ten cents of the purchase price goes to the World Friendship Fund and helps spread Scouting throughout the world. The crest is worn centered over the left pocket and centered between pocket and shoulder seam.

HOW ARE SERVICE STARS AWARDED AND HOW ARE THEY WORN?
Service stars can be given to any Cub Scout, Webelos Scout, or adult leader. The pack committee decides when they are earned. Most packs give a service star at the end of every school year. Stars are given once a year. They are centered 3/8" above the left pocket seam. Usually a single star is worn, with a number on it indicating the number of years of service. Cub Scout stars have a gold backing, while leader's stars have a blue backing.

The stars should be presented at a pack meeting. Cub Scouts who were Tiger Cubs may also wear their orange-backed Tiger Cub star next to the Cub Scout star. Male leaders who were in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Explorers as youth may wear the appropriate stars to show those years of service. If more than one star is worn, they are placed in a line 1/4" apart.

PLEASE EXPLAIN THE RELIGIOUS EMBLEM
Who may earn a Religious Emblem? Any Cub Scout or Webelos Scout.

How is it earned? Scouts work with a parent and religious advisor to complete the requirements in a religious emblem's workbook.

How many times may it be earned? This varies with the denomination. Some religious bodies offer different emblem programs for Cub Scouts or Webelos age boys. A few even offer a program for Tiger Cubs. In such cases, the Scout would earn more than one emblem.

What is the recognition item and where is at worn? After completing the emblem program, a certificate is mailed away and the scout receives a medal. This is pinned directly above the left pocket seam and is only worn on special occasions. He may also wear a purple and silver square knot centered directly over the left pocket seam, with a tiny gold Cub Scout "device" pin attached to show that he earned the award as a Cub Scout. (if he earns another religious emblem later, as a Boy Scout, a Boy Scout device pin will be added to the same square knot, showing that he'd earned it again as a Boy Scout). The knot stays on the uniform and is worn at all times.

Where is it presented? The religious advisor, usually during a service, presents the medal. The knot should be presented at a pack meeting with parents present.

PLEASE NOTE: The religious emblems program is not a program of Boy Scouts of America. It is sponsored by P.R.A.Y. Therefore, the medal is not presented by BSA, but the square knot is given to honor the boy's accomplishment. The same purple and silver knot may be worn on the adult uniform by leaders who earned their religious emblem as youths in Scouting.

 

TIPS FOR DEN LEADERS
1. Always plan the den meeting in advance.
2. Never discipline under the influence of anger. If you do, you will tend to inflict more punishment than discipline.
3. Do not create impossible goals for your Cub Scouts. A boy's spirit must never be crushed in the event of failure.
4. Teach the boys self-respect and respect for others. Acquaint them with the meaning of the Golden Rule.
5. Insist on attention while you are talking. Use the Cub Scout sign.
6. Praise in public; criticize in private.
7. Keep den meetings going at a fast pace - alternate active and quiet.
8. Give boys responsibility and expect them to meet it. Troublemakers are often motivated by a need for attention.
9. Get everyone into uniform. A uniformed den and den leader have much better discipline and pride.
10. Put yourself in the position of the boys. Would you be able to pay attention to a lengthy lecture after a day at school?
11. Be fair and consistent with discipline, especially with your own son. Don't permit one boy to do something you would discipline another boy for doing.
12. Always mean what you say.
13. Get to know each boy. Problem situations often stem from home situations.
14. Don't feel you're copping out if you use the Cub Scout Program Helps for games and projects. BSA has a lot of experience in creating age appropriate activities. These 'helps' are produced to make planning easier for you!
15. As soon as the meeting opens, collect the dues, make announcements, and explain the day's project. You're not likely to get their undivided attention again!
16. Cub Scouts have little enthusiasm for the more worthless things in life and may refuse to waste their time on such stuff as table centerpieces, artificial flowers or crepe paper things that can't be played with later.
17. Cub Scouts love to hammer, but you should have most of the sawing done in advance. Remember to be patient. Keep 1-inch bandages on hand for wood projects. Decide ahead of time what you will do about unsavory words that may follow after the boys bang their fingers with a hammer a few times.
18. Cub Scouts love to wait their turn to use supplies or tools, it gives them time to explore your closets, test each other's endurance for punches and pokes and leaves time for races and shouting contests! To avoid this, make up a den box. It should contain all those things nobody cares to own ten of.
19. Always make it clear that everyone left in your house after the meeting must take a hot bath and then clean out your garage. This spurs the boys to have the ride pick them up right after the meetings and saves you from driving them home.
20. Den leaders gain very useful knowledge other parents do not. They learn their son is quite typical and normal. He even behaves better than some other boys do!

Well! I hope this letter is helpful! I still have a few more things I want to share with you. Earlier, when describing the importance of planning, two activities were mentioned that you should always have extra, just in case you need "Plan B".

These two activities are crafts and games. What follows are general tips to have a quick game or craft on the spur of the moment, not specific ones to use. Keep these tips handy; not tucked neatly in this book.

 

CRAFTS

There is a definite purpose and plan for crafts in Cub Scouting. They offer boys training to use their hands. But they also stimulate self-expression, imagination and opportunities to dream and create. Crafts easily focus on the purposes of Cub Scouting. During crafts boys learn to clean up and put away materials teaching them responsibility. By emphasizing rules of conduct, a boy learns respect and obedience. Sloppy work is not acceptable in Cub Scouting, so a boy learns to do his best, thus living up to his Cub Scout motto.

PAINTING is fun! Make den sign, pack sign, "welcome" signs for homes, anything! Boys love to paint! Have Dad's old T-shirt to cover uniforms! A few hints follow from here.

PAINT: Recommend liquid tempera for one-time use signs. Easy for leader preparation, washes out of floor, cement, and uniforms! Make sure any other paint used is water clean-up.

FINGER PAINT #1: Add 1/2 cup liquid starch to 1 quart boiling water. Stir over heat until thick. Add 1/2 cup liquid detergent. Stir well. Divide into small jars. Color with tempera or food coloring. Keep in refrigerator.

FINGER PAINT #2: Mix 3 tablespoons sugar with 1/2 cup cornstarch. Add 2 cups cold water. Mix well. Cook over low flame, stirring constantly until thick. Divide into small jars. Color with food coloring, tempera or poster paint.

PAINT BRUSH SUBSTITUTES: Sponges of different sizes and textures. Q-tips for small painting. Spray bottles for mass painting (dilute paint).

SECRET INK: Dip clean pen into juice of a lemon then write your message. To make it appear, heat paper slowly over hot light bulb.

COFFEE GRINDS: mixed with white glue to "paint" furry animal, beards or eyebrows.

CLAY MODELING: Sometimes you may have a project for the boys to actually try to create. Sometimes it is just great to let the boys have fun making their dough then creating what they'd like! Free modeling and sculpting can really be a fun hobby.

SALT-FLOUR MODELING DOUGH: Combine 1/2 cup salt and 1 cup flour. Put food coloring into water. Add enough water to make a stiff dough. Mix with hands until stiff dough forms. Store in plastic bag in refrigerator. Makes very solid figures. Takes long time to air dry on cake racks.

CLAY-DOUGH #1:> Combine in saucepan 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 2 tablespoons oil, I teaspoon food coloring, 2 cups water. Stir constantly over medium heat until dough leaves sides of pan. Remove from pan. Knead for a few minutes. Store in zip-lock plastic bags or tightly closed plastic container. Makes a very smooth, pliable clay. Storage can last for weeks. Air dry molded shapes takes overnight.

CLAY-DOUGH #2: Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch with 2 cups baking soda in large saucepan. Add 1 1/4 cups water and tempera or food coloring. Mix until smooth and soupy. Bring to boil, stirring constantly! It thickens to consistency of mashed potatoes in about 3 minutes. Store in plastic bag and refrigerate. This dough dries out very quickly. Good for projects to send home the same day. They will still need to finish drying at home, but they will be well on the way on the outer layer of drying.

CLAY-DOUGH #3: Simmer in saucepan 1 cup salt, 1/2 cup water for 2 minutes, stirring. Remove from stove. Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Add coloring if desired. Add cornstarch mix to salt mixture. Mix together as hard as you can. When it cools, knead thoroughly. You can add coloring, now, as you knead the dough. This way you can divide dough into several pieces and get several colors. Dries easily. Test some pieces.

OOBLECK: This is not really a clay. But, if you want something fun on the spur of the moment this is it! Dissolve 3 drops food coloring into 1 1/4 cups water. Pour colored water into a bowl with 1 full box of cornstarch (16 oz.). Mix well with your hands! Play with it! It oozes and can be hit hard like a brick. It's fun!

CARVING COMPOUND: Mix together 4 parts vermiculite, 1 part cement and 1 part sand. Add enough water to make a heavy paste'. Pour into a mold: aluminum pan, plastic container, milk carton sprayed with Pam. Blocks can be cut and carved with a pocket knife.

POTTERY MAKING TECHNIQUES 3 Types:
1. Pinch-pinch pots are fun to make. Work the thumb of the right hand into the center of a dough ball until it is depressed to within 1/4" of the bottom. Turn the ball round and round, cupped in your left hand, as you pinch and mold the sides with the thumb and fingers of the right hand. Smooth the opening. Dry. Paint.
2. Coil roll pieces of clay into long "worms". Begin stacking them on top each other in circular fashion to form a bowl.
3. Slab roll out a ball of clay as you would pie crust. Form slab into bowl shapes

WOOD: Boys just love to hammer! They do not have accurate hammering form for intricate carpentry. Make sure projects you select have large hammering to do. As for having a quick activity with wood always have old 2x4 pieces handy, 5 nails per boy, and at least two hammers. Have hammering contests. See who can get 5 nails hammered in first. This truly is something your boys will have fun doing several times during the year!

NECKERCHIEF SLIDES: You will find tens and hundreds of ideas to make tie slides with from pine cones and rocks, modeling clay, feathers and beads, to those whittled by experts in the Boy Scouts. But how do you attach the slide back itself?
1. Hot glue a 1/2" length of 3/4" PVC pipe.
2. Thumbtack a vinyl strip formed into a circle.
3. Use chenille pipe cleaners. These are very easy for the boys to apply and to use.
4. Hot glue the ring from under a plastic bottle's cap.

 

GAMES

Games are the sunny side of Cub Scouting. Run-jump-climb-balance-creep-crawl-yell all are food for the muscles of growing Cub Scouts. But games should not be used as "fillers" or "just for something fun to do". Games teach the Cub Scout to follow the rules, wait his turn, respect the rights of others, give and take, to play fair. These lessons follow many of the purposes of Cub Scouting. The games you choose should reflect these purposes. Cub Scouting itself is a type of "game": a game with a purpose-to Do Your Best.

Prepared in this section are ideas to help you when you need a game on the spur of the moment. But, the best way to have a great game is to plan it ahead. Use the BSA resources and other resources, to find just the right game for your den meeting.

GAME BOX: Having a permanent place to keep game equipment is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a leader. Use a cardboard box the boys decorate, a big plastic tub, or a drawer in your home. Boys can create games in the blink-of-an-eye, just offer them a few items from your den game box! Items to start with:

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