Den Chief Training

2008

A Course for Den Chief

Upon completion of this course the Scout will be better prepared to function in the Den Chief position

Gary McKinley

Trail to First Class Coordinator

Troop 451

Tonkawa District, Longhorn Council

Course Introduction

• First Session - Introduction, The Den Chief’s Role
• Second Session - Understanding Boys in a Den
• Third Session - The Den Meeting
• Last Session - How to Lead Activities, Closing

The training will be given in four sessions:

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http://olc.scouting.org/courses/dc/base.html

The Den Chief’s Role

Learning Objectives:�

• Explain the differences between the Cub Scout program, the Webelos Scout program, and Boy Scouting.
• Describe the role of the den chief – in the pack and in the troop.
• List the responsibilities of a den chief.
• List and explain the purposes of Cub Scouting.

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The Den Chief’s Role

Differences In Scouts:

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The Den Chief's Role

The Role of the Den Chief:

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• In the den, the den chief assists the den leader with the meeting; helps lead activities, games, and ceremonies; helps Cub Scouts learn to be leaders; sets a good example.
• Encourages Cub Scouts to become Webelos and Webelos to become Boy Scouts.
• He is not the primary planner and he is NOT in charge of correcting behavior.
• The den chief looks to an assistant scoutmaster, as well as the den leader, for guidance.

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The Den Chief's Role

Resources for the Den Chief:

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Though the Den Chief's Handbook is your primary resource, there are others:

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The Den Chief's Role

Responsibilities of the Den Chief:

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• Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Be the activities assistant in den meetings.
• Set a good example by attitude and uniforming.
• Take part in den meetings.
• Assist the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
• Be a friend to the boys in the den.
• Know the importance of the monthly theme.
• Meet as needed with the adult leaders of the den, pack, and� troop.

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The Den Chief's Role

Purposes of Cub Scouting:

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• Character development
• Spiritual growth
• Good citizenship
• Sportsmanship and fitness
• Family understanding
• Respectful relationships
• Personal achievement
• Friendly service
• Fun and adventure
• Preparation for Boy Scouts

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The Den Chief's Role

The Den Chief and Cub Scout Leaders:

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Den Chief helps fulfill a leadership role in Boy Scouts.

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The den and pack leaders are there to help you be effective and successful.

�How can den chiefs and pack leaders work together?

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Learning Objectives:�

• List and explain the characteristics of Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts.
• List the different abilities of Cub Scout and Webelos Scout age boys.
• Explain the needs of Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts.
• List and explain the purposes of Cub Scouting.

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Characteristics:

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• Boys have different “characteristics” depending on age.
• Dealing with boys from second through fifth grade.
• Each are at a different level of maturity.
• All boys have different backgrounds, hobbies, likes and dislikes.
• Don’t confuse the size of the boy with maturity. Some boys grow faster than others. Some are just bigger.

What is the definition of “characteristics?”

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Characteristics of a Cub Scout

• Eager to get into activity, but tire or get bored quickly

• Clumsy and accident prone

• Clingy

• Worry about others not liking them

• Very sensitive to differences – gets mad when teased

• Love to win, hate to lose, and may accuse opponents of cheating

• Sensitive and concerned as to how they are doing

• Easily embarrassed and may cry easily

• Lots of imagination and daydreams

• Meets life head on and takes risks

• Accumulates things

• Short attention span – ready to move on to another activity quickly

• Can tell time, but little sense of what time means

• Likes being helpful, but on short projects

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Understanding Boys in a Den

• Has more stamina

• Has better control of their body

• More independent and takes on responsibility

• Devoted to their friends

• Beginning to understand differences; more tolerant of criticism and teasing

• Keen sense of rule, beginning to understand accidental and intentional rule breaking

• Likes praise, but does not want to be singled out

• A little more in control of their emotions

• Has planning skills; thinks through projects

• Becoming specialized in what they like to do

• Collecting becomes a hobby, but shifts from one thing to another, more focused

• Likes to be a part of planning projects, campouts; more organized

• Improved time management

• Likes being helpful; can take on longer and more challenging projects

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Characteristics of a Webelos Scout

Understanding Boys in a Den

Needs:

What is the definition of need?

… something we want or desire or something that is necessary to us …

(flip chart)

How can you as den chief help meet the needs of boys in your den?

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Abilities:

What is the definition of ability?

… something that we can do …

(flip chart)

How can you as den chief match activities with the abilities they identified?

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Exercise, Characteristics:

C

U

B

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S

C

O

U

T

clumsy, clever, curious

unskillful

big hearted, bashful, boisterous

silly, sloppy, shy, spirited

clingy, caring

on the move

unique

temperamental, tattler, talkers

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Exercise, Characteristics, Part 2:

W

E

B

E

L

O

S

witty, wishy-washy

energetic, entertaining

braggy, boisterous

excitable, egotistical

loud, laughs, lively

observant, overbearing, obnoxious

strong willed, spirited, sensitive

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Understanding Boys in a Den

Training Scenarios

Buzz Group!

Normally a den leader would deal with these scenarios, but today you will have to decide what you would do.

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Understanding Boys in a Den

While we have been generalizing about abilities, needs, and characters, remember each boy is different.

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A good leader accepts each boy as they are and tries to be a friend to each and every one.

Remember!

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The Den Meeting

Learning Objectives:�

• List the parts of a den meeting.
• Describe the den chief's duties in different parts of the meeting.
• List resources for use in each part of the meeting.

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The Den Meeting

Members of a Den:�

• Den Leader: An adult, the person in charge of the den; plans the meeting activities.
• Assistant Den Leader: An adult; helps the leader as required, including planning.
• Den Chief: A Boy Scout who helps the den leader conduct the activities at the den meeting, leads activities as agreed with the den leader, and helps plan activities.
• Denner and Assistant Denner: Members of the den who have been elected to carry out assigned duties.
• Other Den Members: Participate in the meetings.

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The Den Meeting

Parts of a Den Meeting:

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What are the parts of a den meeting?

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• Before the Meeting
• Gathering
• Opening
• Activities
• Preparing for Other Events
• Closing
• After the Meeting

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The Den Meeting

Before the Meeting:

Activities during this part of the meeting:

• Setting up the room
• Leaders, including the den chief, review the meeting plans to be sure everything is ready
• Materials

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What else might happen during this time?

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The Den Meeting

Gathering:

The gathering begins when the first boy arrives and runs until the actual meeting gets underway.

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Here are some activities that could happen:

�Collect dues, check achievements (Cub Scouts), play games, work on puzzles, uniform inspections, collect paperwork (permission slips, etc.).

What would a den chief’s job be during the gathering?

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The Den Meeting

Opening:

The opening marks the beginning of the meeting and signals a change to a more organized set of activities.

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Here are some activities that could happen:

�Roll call; uniform inspection; flag ceremony; Pledge of Allegiance; recite the Cub Scout Promise or Law of the Pack.

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What would a den chief’s job be during�the opening?

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The Den Meeting

Activities:

This is the part of meeting that will be different for Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts compared with Webelos Scouts.

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Cub Scouts: The activities will often be organized around a theme that the Pack will follow for the month.

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Webelos Scouts: The activities part of the meeting will generally focus on a monthly activity badge.

What is the den chief’s job during the activities part of the meeting?

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The Den Meeting

Activities, Activity Badges:

Can anybody name any of the Webelos Scout activity badges?

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The Den Meeting

Preparation for Other Events, Webelos

Webelos den meetings have a part called “preparation.” What might the preparation part of the meeting include?

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• Preparation for an activity, such as a Webelos overnight� campout.
• Preparation for an activity badge demonstration

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If the Webelos Scouts are preparing for one of these activities, what might your job as den chief be?

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The Den Meeting

Preparation for Other Events, Cub Scouts

Cub Scout dens have a part of the meeting where they prepare for skits, stunts, or songs. This part is called “Business Items.” This also includes routine business stuff.

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What are some of the things that might come up in this part of the meeting?

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Collect dues; record advancements; plan for a special den project or activity, such as field trips or outings.

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The Den Meeting

Closing:

The closing is a sign that the meeting is over, and it allows the den leader a chance to make announcements or remind the boys of important things.

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What would make an appropriate closing?

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Flag Ceremony

Cub Scout Promise or Law of the Pack

For the Webelos, the Boy Scout Oath or Law

A closing thought

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The Den Meeting

After the Meeting:

After the meeting a few other things need to be done:

• Talk to the den leader about how the meeting went, especially the good points and any problems.
• Talk to the den leader about the next meeting, either a den meeting or pack meeting.
• Help with clean up, especially by encouraging the denner and assistant denner.

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The Den Meeting

Summary:�

You should now know:

• The parts of a den meeting.
• The den chief's duties in different parts of the meeting.
• The resources available for use in each part of the meeting.

Remember!

You will play a key supporting role in the success of a den meeting.

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How to Lead Activities

Learning Objectives:�

• List the kinds of activities a den chief might be asked to do.
• List resources available to help with activities.
• Describe tips for leading activities.
• Demonstrate being a leader in a small group setting.

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How to Lead Activities

Kinds of Activities:�

Let’s have a brainstorming session. Let’s talk about the kinds of activities you might be asked to do.

• Games – indoor, outdoor, fitness, quiet
• Stunts and Skits
• Songs
• Sports

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How to Lead Activities

Tips on Leading Activities:

Resources

There are several resources available to you, most have been discussed earlier in this presentation. However, a KITS will be a valuable resource during den meetings.

“Karry It To Scouts”

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How to Lead Activities

Tips on Leading Activities:

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Songs

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Leading songs can be fun. You don’t have to be a great singer. Just show enthusiasm.

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• Be sure you know the tune and the words.
• Practice singing the song at home before leading it.
• If it is a new song to the group, teach two or three lines at a time.
• Put the words on a poster or chalkboard.
• Have fun!!!

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How to Lead Activities

Tips on Leading Activities:

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Games

Scouts love to play games, especially action games. But remember there are also indoor and quiet games as well as outdoor games.

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• Think about the space available when choosing the game.
• Explain the rules and stress playing fairly.
• Use games that help boys in advancement.
• Be the referee, not a player.

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How to Lead Activities

Tips on Leading Activities:�

Sports

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• Be sure you understand the sport.
• Know the rules.
• Help coach the players; don’t play with them.
• Watch for fairness, especially in choosing sides.

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How to Lead Activities

Ready, Set, Go Lead!

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Ready,

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Can anybody give me a definition of READY?

“To be prepared mentally and physically for some experience or action.”

Be prepared, have the supplies and equipment needed, practice before the den meeting.

What do you need TO DO to be ready?

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How to Lead Activities

Ready, Set, Go Lead!

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Ready, Set,

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To be set is to be prepared, to plan in advance, and put your plan into action.

Did we include: Instructions (how to; clear, but brief), ground rules, demonstration, if necessary.

Brainstorm: What to do to be ready?�(flip chart)

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How to Lead Activities

Ready, Set, Go Lead!

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Ready, Set, Go Lead

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The last set is to “just do it!” Go and Lead!

Did we include: Oversee the activity, maintain control,

and afterward, discuss how it went.

Brainstorm:�What are some steps to do in the activity?�(flip chart)

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How to Lead Activities

Ready, Set, Go Lead!

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Practice

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Leading a Game�(Handout)

What makes a good leader?

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Closing

Things to Think About

• Meet with your den leaders to help plan your part �in the den meeting program.
• Wear your uniform.
• Do something different each week.
• Be an example.
• Tell about your experiences as a Boy Scout.
• The den leader is the one most responsible for the den because they are an adult leader.
• Your participation will encourage these boys to be the next Webelos and Boy Scouts.

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Closing

Den Chief Service Award

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Requirements

• Preparation
• Period of Service
• Training
• Service Requirements
• Complete Four Projects

Pages 86 – 90 in your Den Chief Handbook

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Closing

Akela’s candle, symbol of the spirit of Scouting, will always burn brightly. Just as Akela is ready at all times to guide the footsteps of you den chiefs, you, as good Scouts, will be guiding the Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts of your den. The spirit of this candle will brighten the path of each of us. By doing your job well, you are strengthening your pack and helping Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts to grow and give goodwill. Through you, more boys will have the opportunity to enjoy Cub Scouting and, later, Boy Scouting.

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Thank you, and good Scouting.

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