1. Den Leader Specific Training - LDS
Thank you for coming!
Please find your den table and join / start the fun “activity” on the table.

2. Den Leader Specific Training - LDS
Magic Number “7”
Den Leader Specific Training - LDS
This course is designed for den leaders who have been called to serve in Cub Scouts packs chartered to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3. Part I - Before The Meeting Starts
In 1875, Brigham Young organized MIA(Mutual Improvement Association) to provide activities.
After hearing about scouting, the church investigated the program.
On November 29, 1911 the MIA scouts were officially recognized by the General Board of the YMMIA.
On May 21, 1913 the MIA Scouts were invited by BSA National Council to be a part of the Boy Scouts of America – the longest formal partnership with a national chartered organization.
Part I - Before The Meeting Starts
Why does the Church use Scouting to help develop its young men?
Youth Protection Policies of BSA.
Den Meeting Preparations.

4. Part I - Before The Meeting Starts
Scouting Supports the Priesthood and Families.
Part I - Before The Meeting Starts
Why does the Church use Scouting to help develop its young men?
Youth Protection Policies of BSA.
Den Meeting Preparations.

5. Part I - Before The Meeting Starts
“Scouting, along with the Faith in God program, lays a foundation which prepares a boy to keep his baptismal covenants. It builds confidence in boys by creating opportunities for service and character-developing experiences. Memories are created as boys gather for Scout meetings and events. There is a sense of unified respect for God and their country as they practice leadership skills and develop a moral compass for the future. “
“Scouting contributes to a boy’s preparation to hold the priesthood of God. Scout leaders have a sacred responsibility. They help boys learn Scouting principles that also help them live the gospel. We thank each leader as they foster faith in Christ and prepare boys to make temple covenants and become a missionary, husband, and father. “
- Primary General President Rosemary M. Wixom
Part I - Before The Meeting Starts
Why does the Church use Scouting to help develop its young men?
Youth Protection Policies of BSA.
Den Meeting Preparations.

6. Part 1 - Before The Meeting Starts
Youth Protection Training:
Protecting youth from abuse is a priority of the Boy Scouts of America and the First Presidency.
Each leader must take Youth Protection training to maintain registration with BSA.
A GOOD indication of how important YPT and safe scouting is to the Church is shown by the fact that BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting is the only resource on LDS.org that is not produced by the Church.
Church Handbook directs “All adult Scouting leaders must be properly registered and complete Youth Protection Training before beginning their service.”
resources.
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.
Part 1 - Before The Meeting Starts
Why does the Church use Scouting to help develop its young men?
Youth Protection Policies of BSA.
Den Meeting Preparations.

7. 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 does the Church use Scouting to help develop its young men?
Youth Protection Policies of BSA.
Den Meeting Preparations.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather
Business Time:
Check attendance
Final organization of den activity
Budget Information:
Each pack has a budget that is approved by the Bishop each year after the annual planning meeting. This budget must meet basic expenses of the pack, as the program is written.
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 ward from the cub scout budget.
Dens needs to have money budgeted each month for activities.
Part II – While Cub Scouts Gather
Activity
Business

11. 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.
Church uses an age-based program.
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

12. 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

13. Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign
Opening Ceremony:
Flag
Prayer
Formal Opening – Like in Sacrament Mtg / formal start.
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

14. 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

15. Opening Ceremonies Cub Behavior Uniforms Cub Scout Sign
Conduct:
Establishing good behavior is important –
GO FORWARD
AS YOU WANT IT TO BE
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

16. 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

17. Part IV – Business Items
Theme/Adventure:
Each month the Cub Scouting program emphasizes a theme or the Cub Scouting’s Adventures – use them to plan den / pack meetings.
Simplifies planning
Give dens a focus of work
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.
Cub Scouting Core Values
1. Citizenship Compassion 3. Cooperation Courage 5. Faith 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

18. 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

19. Part IV – Business Items
Pack Meeting:
Dens = Wolf, Bear & Webelos groups.
Pack = All dens together / unit.
Den Meetings = Weeks one thru three.
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

20. Down By The Station – Action Song
Down by the station / Early in the Morning
See the little pufferbellies / All in a Row
See the station master / Pull the Lttle Handle
Chug-Chug Puff-Puff – Off they Go!
Part V – Activities
1. Fun with a Purpose

21. 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

22. 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

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

24. 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 that led the Church to use it as an activity for our Young Men.
Den Planning Meetings with the other den leaders, similar to a presidency meeting.
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

25. 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
Faith in God Booklet
Scouting.org
Ldsbsa.org
Council, District, Local Scout leaders
Boys’ Life and Scouting Magazines
Roundtable
District and Council Training
Part VII – After the Meeting
Importance of planning den meetings and activities.
Resources

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

27. 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. The Church has been using Scouting experiences for nearly 100 years to help prepare young men for missions, leadership, parenthood, and life in general. 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.”
- LDS Den Leader Specific Training Manual
Part VII – After the Meeting
Importance of planning den meetings and activities.
Resources

28. 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