Den Leader Specific Training Thank you for coming!

Den Leader Specific Training Did you know there are 7 Steps to a Den Meeting?

Part I - Before The Meeting Starts The Purpose of The Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. Introduction – Den Leader Training Manual Boys join Cub Scouting for excitement, to be with friends, and to have fun!! From a leaders point of view – the having “fun” portion means helping a youth to feel accepted by a group regardless of race, class, religion, culture, or any other element. “Fun” should also mean helping them discover what they can do and also excel at performing challenging tasks. A Game or Fun with a Purpose – Lord Baden-Powell Part I - Before The Meeting Starts Why should youth of today participate in the Scouting Program? Youth Protection Policies of BSA. Den Meeting Preparations.

Part 1 - Before The Meeting Starts Youth Protection Training: Protecting youth from abuse is a priority of the Boy Scouts of America and all Charter Organizations. Each leader must take Youth Protection training to maintain registration with BSA. Adherence to BSA Youth Protection Policies not only strengthen the protection of our membership, but also ensures that the basic values of Scouting are preserved for all. YPT has Several Purposes: Protect our Young Men Help leaders avoid situations that can be considered abuse. Help leaders identify youth that are being abused and get help for them. Use those tools when working with the boys: Two-Deep Leadership ALWAYS, No One-on-One contact, Respect of Privacy, Separate Accommodations, Proper Preparation for Activities, No secret organizations, Appropriate Attire, Constructive Discipline, Hazing Prohibited. All Leaders are properly trained and registered with the BSA before taking leadership positions. Part 1 - Before The Meeting Starts Why should youth of today participate in the Scouting Program? Youth Protection Policies of BSA. Den Meeting Preparations.

Part I - Before The Meeting Starts Preparation and planning helps Cub Scout leaders make Cub Scouting more fun for both the boys and the leaders, and it will provide the most long-term benefits for our young men. BSA provides the materials to make planning simple – we just need to use them! Preparation Should Include - Monthly Roundtable Attendance BSA Training Opportunities – Baloo, PTC, etc. Monthly Committee Meeting Den Leader Planning Meeting Arriving early for den meeting / set up 20 to 30 minutes early Use of the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide Part I - Before The Meeting Starts Why should youth of today participate in the Scouting Program? Youth Protection Policies of BSA. Den Meeting Preparations.

Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Active Scouts can be happy scouts!! Before the meeting can be a frustration to leaders or a fun time to get to know your scouts better, forming lifelong friendships – both between leaders and scouts / scouts within the scout den. Good time to use the denner in a leadership position or the den chief. Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Activity Business

Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Gathering Time: A great gathering activity is: Can be started and stopped at any point. Can be joined at any time. Includes everyone. Ideas: Airplane Flying Contest Ring of Fire Variations Ah So Gi Game Crossword Puzzles Word Search Puzzles Matching Game Simple Craft Projects Picaria Game Anti-Gravity Tent Pole Balloon Juggling Check the internet and Scouting Magazine / Boys Life for ideas. Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather When the first cub scout arrives, get him started on a gathering-time project. Planned activities during this time will keep boys busy and eliminate some possible behavior problems. Some den leaders find this period a convenient time to check attendance, and note the boys’ achievements.

Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Business Time: Check attendance Final organization of den activity Budget Information: Each pack has a budget that is determined / approved by the Pack Committee each year during the annual planning meeting. This budget will meet basic expenses of the pack A portion of the pack budget includes expenses for den meeting materials. Some materials can be brought from home by the boys, but most if not all out-of-pocket expenses for den meetings should be reimbursed by the pack from the budget. Dens needs to have money budgeted each month for activities. Know your budget and stay within it’s guidelines. Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Activity Business

Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Advancement: Most advancement occurs in the den, but some at home with the family. Now is a good time to check with the boys to make sure that their “homework” is completed and record it. Encourage the families to NOT sign off in the book, but to send notes indicating additional requirements that were accomplished at home – Encourages conversation, memory, and responsibility with the scouts. Tiger Program. Bobcat – Teaches the basics of cub scouts. Only earned once. Individual Cub Scout Record Den Advancement Records / Wall Den Doodle Instant Recognition / Wolf – Bear “Do Your Best” – Remember that its the cub’s best, not a strict standard. Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather Activity Business

Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign Used when reciting the Cub Scout Promise. Used as signal “it is time to be quiet and pay attention” – Akela’s Ears. Purposes of Scouting Character Development Spiritual Growth Good Citizenship Sportsmanship and Fitness Family Understanding Respectful Relationships Personal Achievement Friendly Service Fun and Adventure Preparation for Boy Scouts Keep These In Mind During The Training Part III – Opening Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign

Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign Opening Ceremony: Flag Prayer if Appropriate Formal Opening – Makes Scouts an Official Meeting and Important! Opening ceremonies are a good time to meet the citizenship and spiritual growth parts of Scouting’s purpose. Uniform Inspection: Boys in uniform are generally better-behaved. Uniform is the best place to display patches and awards earned. Uniform provides identification with the organization and with other scouts. Uniform is an equalizer among the members of the den. Important that the leaders set a good example by wearing a proper uniform. Part III – Opening Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign

Proper Scout Uniform Webelos may remain in their blue uniform until their crossover to 11-yr-old scouts Uniform is: Clean In good repair Buttoned up Tucked in Neckerchief Cub hat is optional Cub Belt is optional

Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign Conduct: Establishing good behavior is important – GO FORWARD AS YOU WANT IT TO Set a Den Code and Stick to it. Remember that every boy is a unique individual. Also Remember that “the conduct of adult den leaders is also an important consideration. In addition to issues discussed in the Youth Protection, verbal abuse is to be avoided.” Part III – Opening Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign

Part IV – Business Items Den Business: After opening it is time to conduct Den Business Pack and Den meeting ideas. Plans for upcoming pack meeting. Plans for special den meetings. Denner Selection Creating a den yell / cheer, or play a game. Check Advancement. Part IV – Business Items Character Connection Ceremonies Relationship between Den and Pack Den’s Role in Pack Meeting

Part IV – Business Items Monthly Focus or Theme: Each month the Cub Scouting program emphasizes an adventure / one of the Cub Scouting’s Core Values – use them to plan den / pack meetings. Simplifies planning Give dens a focus of work Can bring all the dens together at pack meeting with activities related to the same theme. Teaches important values Talk about it throughout the activity and the month. Correlate during committee mtg the den activities, especially those requiring pack meeting for completion Cub Scouting Core Values 1. Citizenship 2. Compassion 3. Cooperation 4. Courage 5. Faith 6. Health / fitness 7. Honesty 8. Perseverance 9. Positive attitude 10. Resourcefulness 11. Respect 12. Responsibility Part IV – Business Items Character Connection Ceremonies Relationship between Den and Pack Den’s Role in Pack Meeting

Part IV – Business Items CHARACTER CONNECTIONS: 12 core values are important throughout Cub Scouting: As you work on achievements, ask your Cubs to consider the following: Knowledge: Character development includes developing moral knowledge /moral reasoning. Help them understand what the value means, and how it applies to daily situations. Commitment: Character development also includes attention to moral motivation. Help them be committed to doing what they feel is right in daily activities - CTR Practice: Character development also includes attention to the development of moral habits through guided practice. Help them practice how they will react or CTR in daily situations. Part IV – Business Items Character Connection Ceremonies Relationship between Den and Pack Den’s Role in Pack Meeting

Part IV – Business Items Pack Meeting Example Schedule: Dens = Tigers, Wolf, Bear & Webelos groups. Pack = All dens together / unit. Den Meetings = Weeks one thru three. (Tigers twice a month) Pack Meeting = Fourth week of the month. Pack meeting is lead by the cubmaster and should include all members of the Cub Scout’s family!! Activities include: Songs/Skits Group Activities Faith In God Demonstrations Ceremonies Recognition Each Den should have a part in the pack meeting Use monthly theme to plan pack meeting Part IV – Business Items Character Connection Ceremonies Relationship between Den and Pack Den’s Role in Pack Meeting

Favorite activities that went well?? FUN WITH A PURPOSE SO KISMIF Boys just want to have fun!!! Den meetings should be one of the most fun times Remember during the business items portion of the meeting plan fun activities to do at the pack meeting. This is not an extra assignment to fit in, but can be fulfilling a requirement. Remember the energy level of a cub and plan accordingly. Fun, simple, short activities, Teamwork, sportsmanship, personal fitness, earning awards, and “doing your best.” Favorite activities that went well?? Part V – Activities Fun with a Purpose

Closing Ceremony Upcoming Training Opportunities Closing Ceremonies: Just as opening ceremonies are important to start, closing are important to conclude. Reflection Recognize achievements Learn / practice a new skill, i.e. flag, conducting, prayer. Solemn, patriotic, inspirational, and of course – FUN! Remind the boys of upcoming events or “homework.” Part VI – Closing Follow the Flame Gathering is bright and quick Opening gradually gains energy Activity burns hot with lots of fun and energy Closing is calm with a stead flow of energy – a low level of light or energy. Closing Ceremony Upcoming Training Opportunities

Closing Ceremony Upcoming Training Opportunities Committee Meeting Roundtable – 2nd Thursday every month. Online BSA Training District Training Opportunities BALOO Training PTC Third Saturday in October (Council) BSA encourages us to continue to meet with other scout leaders at offered training throughout the year. You can never know too much! This is a good example to our scouts also of the importance of improving ourselves as we serve others. Part VI – Closing Closing Ceremony Upcoming Training Opportunities

Part VII – After the Meeting Planning: “I Don’t’ Plan My Meetings – The Boys Usually Just Figure Out Something to Do.” They will, but it will not be the things we necessarily want our boys to do or will help them in their future. Den Planning Meetings with the other den leaders. All successful businesses/corporations have a business plan and regular meeting that help them succeed! What is your Pack’s Corporate Plan? Successes? Annual Pack Meeting Planning, each August. Plan ahead quarterly or even a whole year. The week before… Keep in Mind when Planning: Have a written plan Involve Parents Less-active scout age boys Frequency Time and Location Length of Meeting Purposes of Scouting Age Appropriate Fun, Fun, Fun Part VII – After the Meeting Importance of planning den meetings and activities. Resources

Part VII – After the Meeting Calendaring: Pack Meetings, special community, pack events, and other council activities are to be put on the calendar so everyone can plan for them. Resources: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide Scouting.org Council, District, Local Scout leaders Boys’ Life and Scouting Magazines Roundtable District and Council Training Online….. Part VII – After the Meeting Importance of planning den meetings and activities. Resources

Review Seven Parts of a Den Meeting: Before the Meeting Starts While the Scouts Gather Opening Business Items Activities Closing After the Meeting Review

Part VII – After the Meeting “As a den leader, you are one of about 500,000 Cub Scout leaders, serving about 2 million Cub Scouts in around 50,000 Cub Scout packs. But to the boys in your den, you are the most important of those leaders. Through you, a young man will have experiences that he will remember his entire life. We challenge you to make sure that those experiences are safe, well-planned, and fun – for you and for your Cub Scouts. “ “We encourage you to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to you as a den leader. We thank you for your time today and for all the time you contribute to your Cub Scouts.” - Den Leader Specific Training Manual Part VII – After the Meeting Importance of planning den meetings and activities. Resources

Closing Cub Scout Vespers As the night comes to this land, On my promise I will stand, I will help the pack to go, As our pack helps me to grow. Yes, I'll always give goodwill, I'll follow my Akela still. And before I stop to rest, I will do my very best. As the night comes to this land, On my promise I will stand. I will help the Pack to go, As our Pack helps me to grow. Yes, I'll always give goodwill, I'll follow my Akela still. And before I stop to rest, I will do my very best. Closing