Calming the Chaos David Larson

What experiences do you with chaotic Den meetings? Kids leaving the meeting area? Just can not get them focused? Poking each other? Unsafe behavior? Bullying? Showing off? Hiding inabilities?

What have you tried?

Evaluate your Den Think of this as a teaching Opportunity Kids want to feel good about them selves. Peer pressure is a tool

Scout Program Goals Learning to work as a group Teach leadership Building Scout skills Have fun

The Scout Program Boy Scouts is boy lead, Cub Scouts prepares boys for that. The goal is to have them define their own boundaries or a least make them think they have. How do you create leadership in this age group?

What can you do? Determine the Activities Establish a routine Set the limits for unacceptable behavior.

Creating Den Rules In a early meeting, ask the boys to define their own rules. The model for this is a brain storming session. You control the pen and can guide the boys in their rule creation. Boys push adult boundaries, but are very susceptible to peer pressure.

Enforcing the Rules State the rule, Their rule. Warn of the Consequences Enforce the consequence

Classic Methods Use the Cub scout sign. Use Ceremonies Wear you uniform. Use Props Have a pre game the wear the kids out. Reward good behavior Get a Den Chief

Classic Methods Code of conduct Candle Light a candle when the meeting start as part of the opening ceremonies. It burns while the meeting going well. Blow out the candle when the meeting goes chaotic. Kids get a treat when the candle burns down to nothing. Instead of a candle, use a jar of beads,

Prevention Have a well planned Den Meeting. Tell the Boys a head of time what you will be doing. Get parents involved. Keep authority

Planning a Den Meeting A well planned meeting is essential. Think of it as your job to engage the boys. Have an agenda, tell the boys what it is. End meeting with a quiet focused activity.

Do Not Do not make idle threats, you must follow through. Never shout Do not be negative, reward good behavior. “Oh man, I really like the way Kameron is sitting quietly! Kam, would you come a pick up a prize from the treasure box?”

Involve Parents They can take the bead / marble away from their child. They can lead an activity, while you the den leader can control the flow of the meeting.

Other Tricks Flaming sticks are dangerous. What do you do? Noise Trash Can.

Tricks Use Stations to break up into smaller controllable groups. Have activities that take concentration. Have a backup plan if something goes wrong.

Tool box Positive Attention Praise Rewards Pre-Teaching Ignoring Timeout Loss of Privilege Logical Consequence Natural Consequences

Remember It is all about the Boys Remember who they are Remember their abilities Remember it is not about you, the adult.

Follow these 5 rules of Den Leader Don’t kill the boys Don’t let the boys kill each other Don’t let the boys kill you Don’t lose them If you have them long enough you better feed them.