Den Leaders

Den meetings typically have the following parts:

• Before the Meeting. Leaders gather to make preparations and handle last-minute details. Denners and Assitant Denner set up.

• Gathering Activity. As the Cub Scouts begin to arrive, they join in an informal activity or game, often conducted by the den chief to keep the boys interested and active until the entire group has arrived.

• Opening. The opening is the official start of the den meeting. The Denner and Assistant Denner lead the flag ceremony, Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and perhaps a prayer or song.

• Program. The program part of the meeting will vary by the age of the boys (see below), and may be broken into two or more parts. Most of the meeting consists of activities based on the Fast tracks plan and the monthly themes.

• Closing. The closing draws the meeting to an end. It's usually serious and quiet. Den leaders could present a thought for the day or give reminders about coming events followed by a closing flag ceremony preented by the Denner and Assistant Denner.

• After the Meeting. The leaders review the events of the meeting, finalize plans for the next den meeting, and review their progress toward the upcoming pack meeting. The Denner and Assistant Denner and their adult partners lead the cleanup.

Den Meeting Activities

The Fast Tracks and Monthly Themes provide sample programs for meetings. The range of activities are as wide as imagination itself. Any activity you can imagine can be incorporated into a den meeting, so long as it is age-appropriate, safe, and - most of all - fun. Ideally, the activities included in a den meeting reinforce the values taught by Cub Scouting or match the monthly theme. But sometimes, "just for fun" is all the reason you need.

Den Meetings are also when you prepare the den's part in the next pack meeting. You may work on projects that they will exhibit, or practice flag ceremonies, skits, songs, and other activities that they will conduct. The den meeting is a good time to plan and prepare for other activities, such as service projects and outdoor events.

Cub Scout Program Helps and the Webelos Leader Guide also provide four monthly den meeting outlines based on the monthly theme. Most leaders use these outlines as guides for planning their own den meetings, but they are also free to incorporate their own ideas in the den meeting plan.

Remember that sometimes a den trip or other special activity might take the place of a regular den meeting. If the den meeting program is well-planned, interesting, and fun, the boys will be more likely to attend.

Encouraging Good Behavior at Den Meetings

One useful tool for encouraging good behavior is a Set of Den Rules, or "Code of Conduct". Rather than having an adult dictate rules to the cubs, In the first Den Meeting, the Den Leader should talk to the boys, and ask them what are good rules for to follow, and lead the conversation in a good direction.

Some Sample Rules are:

1. Raise Your hand to talk

2. Clean up when you are done

3. No Running inside

4. Be Nice to others