Cub Scout Pack 51 – Clarendon Hills, Illinois

For Den Leaders

Thank you for leading a den. You’re the adult your scouts will remember most from Cub Scouts, and you won’t be doing it alone. Here’s what the job involves and how Pack 51 supports you.

What a den leader does

  • Plans and runs den meetings, usually about once a month.
  • Leads the den through its adventures for the year: the six required adventures for your rank, plus at least two electives your den chooses.
  • Brings the den to the monthly pack meeting, and sometimes helps plan a short part for the den to lead: a skit, a song, or a flag ceremony.
  • Keeps parents informed. Kids forget; parents need reminders in writing.
  • Records advancement so scouts get their awards on time.
  • Attends the monthly Parent/Committee meeting at Christ Lutheran Church when possible, where the pack plans upcoming events.
  • Helps the den move up together at the end of the year. For Arrow of Light leaders, that means helping scouts cross over to a Scouts BSA troop.

A simple shape for a den meeting

Meetings work best at about an hour. Many leaders use this flow:

  1. Before the meeting: set out materials, so you’re ready when the first scout arrives.
  2. Gathering: a quick activity for early arrivals. It’s a good time to take attendance.
  3. Opening: a flag salute or the Scout Oath, so everyone knows the meeting has started.
  4. Talk time: den business, plans for the pack meeting, and checking what scouts did at home.
  5. Activities: the main event, usually working on an adventure. Keep kids moving.
  6. Closing: a short wrap-up, and reminders for parents.
  7. After the meeting: jot down what worked and what’s next while it’s fresh.

Tips from experienced leaders

  • Plan ahead, and stop while it’s still fun. Well-planned, predictable meetings keep scouts coming back.
  • Make the den’s rules together at the first meeting. Kids follow rules they helped write.
  • Ask every family what they can offer. A parent who can’t lead a den can still teach a skill, host a visit, or bring snacks.
  • Measure each scout against their own best, not a strict standard. The Cub Scout motto is “Do Your Best.”
  • Keep it simple, and make it fun, for the scouts and for you.

Questions Den Leaders ask:

Loading…

Questions? Contact Cubmaster Curt Dettmann. See the Contact page.