1. Lion Den Leader & Parent Orientation
08/23/2017
The Boy Scouts of America’s program
for kindergarten-age boys & girls.

2. Welcome
Welcome to the Lion orientation! If you are an experienced leader, relax—you will have this down in no time! If you are new to the program, come with us and enjoy learning about Lions!
Thank you for taking on the role of Den Leader (the title Lion guide has been retired!). Your role is very important!
You will help kindergarten boys and families enjoy their first experience in Scouting.
You will be helping to create memories that will last a lifetime and be helping to build stronger families as they discover the fun of Scouting.

3. Lion Pilot Successful
Unofficial year-end numbers for 2017 are 46,851 Lions in 245 councils.
Focus groups and surveys were conducted that indicate overall success of the program – youth and families are enjoying the program, indicating that they believe it provides value to their child.

4. 11/7/2018
The Lion Program
Created by the Boy Scouts of America to address the needs of kindergarten-age boys & girls.
Must be 5 years old or the year before first grade and not yet 7 years old to participate.
Designed as an introduction to Cub Scouting
Your evaluation is needed to provide feedback for program continuation or expansion. To support the feedback, it is important to deliver the program as designed.
Reproduction or distribution without written consent is not authorized.

5. 11/7/2018
Overview
The Lion program offers kindergarten-age boys and girls (and their adult partners) an experience that includes:
Fun while achieving Scouting’s desired outcomes
Active and fast-paced excitement
Hands-on exploration
Values-based and relevant content
Focused time together as a family

6. Scouting Is… Build character
Scouting is designed to provide a fun adventure for boys and girls that helps them “Be Prepared” for their future.
Scouting will:
Build character
Foster citizenship
Develop personal fitness
Develop leadership skills
Participate in outdoor activities
But the kids just want to have fun…
Of course they do! Lions will be too caught up in fun to realize how much they’re growing.

7. Getting Started Recruit Lion youth and leaders.
11/7/2018
Getting Started
Recruit Lion youth and leaders.
Adult partners complete an application or online registration for their Lion and submit youth fees to the pack.
Den Leader complete the adult application or online registration and submits fees to the pack (although many packs pay fees for den leaders).
Lion Den Leaders complete the
required Youth Protection training.
Youth Protection training is available free online at
Although Youth Protection training is required only for the
Den Leader and other registered leaders, it is suggested that
all adult partners complete the training.
On the youth application, just write in the word “Lion” at the top of the form.
Then when asked grade level write in “K’.
Because this is a pilot, the standard youth application will still be used. Changes to the form will not occur / nor will a reprint be done. Your normal application will work just fine.

8. What Do You Need to Start?
11/7/2018
You’ll need the program materials kit
(Lion Parent and Leader Guidebook &
the Lion Adventure Book for each Lion).
The youth Lion Adventure Book is
designed as a memory or keepsake book.
The uniform is a Lion T-shirt & Cub Scout belt.
Cap, neckerchief and slide are optional after
the Gizmos and Gadgets adventure. These
optional items will be available in late summer.
Adults are encouraged to wear either a
Cub Scout uniform, Lion polo shirt,
or Lion T-shirt. .

9. 11/7/2018
Basic Structure
Dens have six to eight boys or girls, plus adult partners. Dens are all-boy or all-girl.
Two den meetings per month
Den meeting
Usually lasts about 45 minutes
Outing
Field trips with the entire family
Participation in two to three pack meetings.
Each individual family may decide to attend more pack meetings as it works with their schedules.

10. Lion Leadership and Den Meetings

11. Lion Den Leaders Set the Example
Get started on the right foot.
Help families agree to a meeting location and time.
Plan and prepare for the initial den meeting.
Show the families a well-run den meeting.
Have each adult partner sign up for a turn leading a den meeting and outing during the year.
Help with communication and coordination of the Lion Den.

12. Shared Leadership Lion Den Leader
11/7/2018
Shared Leadership
Lion Den Leader
During the pilot, the Lion Guide was required to be an experienced Den Leader. Going forward, the Den Leader can be one of the Lion adult partners.
Fills out an adult application and takes Youth Protection training
Is trained by viewing this Powerpoint and the Lion Orientation Video
Oversees the den
Communicates with participating families
Leads initial den meetings and outings
Mentors adult partners as they lead den meetings and outings during the year
Integrates with the pack and pack leadership

13. Shared Leadership, continued
11/7/2018
Shared Leadership, continued
Adult partner
Is not required to fill out an adult application
Participates with Lion in all meetings, outings and pack activities.
Takes turns leading a den meeting and outing, which is important for several reasons:
1) It shows you leading, and your son will be proud of you.
2) Leadership is easier when everyone takes a small part.
3) It’s fun to be a part of contributing to the den’s success.

14. Why is Shared Leadership Important?
Engages the families and helps create ownership of
program by families.
Creates a stronger loyalty and connection to the
den, families, and Scouting.
Provides an opportunity to watch potential leaders in
action—as a unit or pack considers future leaders.
The boys love watching their “parents be the leader!”
Millennial parents want to try things out before
committing. They prefer to commit to small roles first.

15. Leading a Den Meeting
Everything an adult partner needs to take a turn leading the den meeting or outing is in the Lion Parent and Leader Guidebook.
Preparation
Gathering
Opening
Talk time
Activities
Closing
After the meeting
We’ve made it easy—it’s all here!
Just follow this guide and you’ll be fine. Your Lion Den Leader is there to mentor you.

16. Take a Look Inside the Guidebook
Everything you need is here.

17. Adventures Required Adventures Elective Adventures
11/7/2018
Adventures
Enjoy the program, have fun, and engage all families.
Required Adventures
Elective Adventures
Lion’s Honor (First meeting)
I’ll Do It Myself
Fun on the Run!
Pick My Path
Animal Kingdom
Gizmos and Gadgets
Mountain Lion
On Your Mark
King of the Jungle
Build It Up, Knock It Down
Rumble in the Jungle
Ready, Set, Grow
The timing for completing adventures is at the discretion of the den.

18. Remember Your Audience…
Kindergartners bring many great attributes to your den. They are eager to learn, with high energy and very short attention spans. It’s a time of wonder and curiosity.
In your den meetings and outings, remember that kindergartners haven’t yet mastered sitting still for long periods.
To help Lions focus for success, have active time ready to go at a moment’s notice. Have them do jumping jacks or stretches with their arms reaching up to the ceiling.
If they are having a hard time listening or engaging, STOP what you are doing and try one of these to get back on track.
Try some fun or active elements. Activity will help Lions refocus their energy and be ready to listen and participate.
Be creative, ask them questions, and have fun!
More information available in the Lion Parent and Leader Guidebook.

19. Recognition
11/7/2018
Lions are recognized for each completed adventure with a Lions Adventure Loop. (During the pilot, this was a sticker for their Lion Adventure Book)
No advancement report is required.
Adventure Loops go on the uniform belt.
Award Adventure Loops immediately.
The Lion badge is earned by completing five required adventures.
The badge may be attached to the Lion cap or T-shirt or put on a red vest or in a book.
Adventures are completed during the den meetings and outings.

20. Packs, Training, and Resources

21. Pack Participation Dens from other grades hold their own den meetings.
Once each month, all dens in a pack get together for a pack meeting led by the Cubmaster.
Lions are a part of the pack, at an introductory level.
Lions attend two to three pack meetings. Each individual family may decide to attend more pack meetings as it works with their schedules.
When selecting pack meetings, consider these ideas:
Pick a few really special or fun pack meetings, and make sure the Lions feel included.
You may want to consider a holiday pack meeting, blue and gold banquet, or end-of-year celebration.

22. Training Youth Protection training
11/7/2018
Training
Youth Protection training
Required for Lion Den Leaders
Available free online at
Lion Den Leader and Parent Orientation video (2 minutes)
Required for both Lion Den Leader and adult partners (currently being revised by national)
Lion Den Leader and Parent Orientation slide presentation (you are viewing it now)
Required for Lion Den Leader
Recommended and encouraged for each adult partner

23. Online Resource Lion web page: www.scouting.org/lion
Currently being updated.
Once revised, it will have one-stop shop for parent and leader resources
FAQs
Program overview
Lion Den Leader and Parent Orientation video
Lion Den Leader and Parent Orientation slide presentation
Recruiting materials—fliers, promotional video, photos, etc.
Need help?
Contact Member Care at or

24. Parent/Leader Resources
11/7/2018
Parent/Leader Resources
YPT—Youth Protection Training for Lion Guides
“Lion Den Leader and Parent Orientation” video and
Lion Den Leader and Parent
Orientation Powerpoint
Den meeting and outing plans—everything you need!
Program
overview

25. New Resources

26. Lion Adult Apparel
Available through NDC Customer Service by calling
Lion logo is embroidered on left sleeve of Ladies Polo
Adult Graphic Tee
Sizes S-3XL
SKUs #
$14.99
Adult Tee (Small Graphic)
Sizes S-3XL
SKUs #
$14.99
Ladies Polo
Sizes S-2XL
SKUs #
$29.99

27. Lion Changes for
Pack meeting and activities—Now Lion families may individually decide to participate in more (than the 2-3 required meetings) as desired. Packs should look for ways to actively involve the Lions and include them in program, skits, etc. Lions want more Pack involvement.
Pinewood Derby—This is now a Pack decision, it can be open to Lions if the Pack chooses. Three options are recommended.
1) Integrate Lions into Pack with Cub Scouts as Pack decides.
2) Use the wedge car from the Scout Shop to eliminate cutting.
3) Have Lions do a Veggie Car Derby—information on website.
Fundraising—This is now a family option. Fundraising and mandatory levels are not required. Some parents do want to have the individual option to fundraise. If popcorn is sold by Lions then Show and Sell with older boys and parents would be the preference, door to door selling needs the parents at the Lions’ side.
Spring Fundraising is the better selection.

28. Pinewood Derby It’s fun! Do a Veggie car race. Doesn’t take much prep.
Fun for All ages!
Lions can easily be included.
Can also be done as a Den meeting activity.
More at
Your pack may also integrate Lions into a regular Pinewood Derby too.
Buy wheels at
Scout Shops

29. Flier available at www.scouting.org/lion
Consider making this a Den Meeting activity for some special fun.
It would work well especially before they make their Pinewood Derby car and compete in the Pack event.
Helpful Hint: Many grocery stores throw out their almost old veggies often. This may be something you could ask if your Lions could have some and therefore save additional cost of buying it.
Make a racing ramp from a big piece of cardboard.
Remember have lots of FUN!!

30. Appendix

31. Lion vs. Tiger: Similarities
ADULTS:
LEADERSHIP:
RECOGNITION:
UNIFORM:
OATH and LAW:
CAMPING:
FUN:
LION
Adult partners required
Shared leadership
Adventure Loops & Lion badge
T-shirt , Cub Scout belt, &
optional cap, neckerchief
Scout Oath and Scout Law
Family camping with pack /
No den camping
ACTIVE and HANDS-ON!
TIGER
Adult partners required
Shared leadership
Adventure loops and Tiger badge
Cub Scout field uniform
Scout Oath and Scout Law
Family camping with pack /
No den camping
ACTIVE and HANDS-ON!

32. Lion vs. Tiger: Differences
BOBCAT:
DEN MEETINGS:
PACK MEETINGS:
FUNDRAISING:
DAY CAMP:
LION
Does not earn Bobcat
1–2 times per month
Attends at least (2–3)
Participation is optional
to each individual family
No day camp
(until Tiger)
TIGER
Earns Bobcat
3–4 times per month
Attends all
Participates in fundraising
Tiger/Cub Scout day camp

33. Lion Recruitment
Lions can be invited to recruitment events this spring. Their applications can be entered in Scoutnet in mid-June.
Packs that recruit in the spring must have an active summer program that can include Lions.
“Build an Adventure”–themed Lion recruitment materials are available on the website at
English, Spanish, and bilingual versions
Assets will include:
Fliers
Yard sign
blast templates
Social media artwork
Promotional video (sharable on social media channels)
Our council has flyers that feature all-boys or with photos of girl dens and boy dens.
Our council is asking every licensed child care center in our territory to share Lion information with parents whose children are entering Kindergarten this fall.

34. Highlights
61% of Lion parents indicate they have no other child in Scouting.
This means we are reaching our intended audience of recruiting new families to Scouting as well as serving siblings of our existing Scouts.
91% of parents say their Lion will be moving to Tigers and 82% of Lion Guides say most will become Tigers.
Satisfaction is very high 90%.
For the T-shirt, shared leadership, age appropriate activities, youth Adventure book and immediate recognition stickers. Also pleased with the meeting duration, frequency and content. Leader Guidebook was not intimidating and was simple and easy for new parents to follow for effective meetings. Adventures were engaging for the boys.
Parents say developing character is the #1 reason to join Scouting.

35. Membership Impact from Lions Pilot
Expansion in is even bigger
Existing councils expanding their units
New councils joining
Expecting more youth, units, and councils to join
204 Councils were Lion approved for !
Councils took a conservative approach usually
limiting the units that could do Lions.
Over 30,000 youth were Lions.
4,373 Packs had Lion Dens
out of the
Total BSA 37,757 Cub Packs

36. Feedback from Focus Groups and surveys
“The program content is really good. It’s the right length and hits the sweet spot of this age group very well.”
Parents appreciate the cost factor to be able to participate in Lions for lower cost of the T-shirt verses higher priced shirt.
“Overall, the Lion Cub program was a big hit with our Pack.  In my opinion, this is the best idea the BSA has come up with, next to allowing girls to join Venturing.”

37. Lessons Learned from the Pilot
Tailor pack meetings to engage Lions.
Continue what’s working—Many said they got the training, orientations and support they needed. They had support from council and district volunteers they needed to be successful.
A key consideration in our success was starting the recruiting in the summer, and not waiting until September, when the crush of 'new school' activities are upon the parents in their first year of school.  I found it extremely easy to recruit boys in the Spring.  It was also easier to recruit kindergartners in the spring, than it is to get Tigers to sign up in the fall.
We offered multiple times to join. The first few weeks of school is just overwhelming for many families. So we continued to recruit in September and October and later in the year with great success.
Many dens meet on the same night as pack meeting to establish the night as routine early on.

38. Benefits of Lion Implementation
Allows youth to join at an earlier age.
Allows for extended retention.
Helps reach goal of providing character and leadership to youth.
Creates a stronger feeder program for Tigers.
Some families fill their activity schedules by kindergarten and if Cub Scouting is not offered we may not engage them after this age.
Allows the ability to “preview” adults for future leadership.