Introduction to Being a Den Chief
Qualifications:
The den chief is a second year or older, experienced registered Boy Scout, who is willing to lead, serve, and support the den and the pack. The den chief is approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. The den chief position can be used as a leadership role in the troop if properly coordinated with the troop leadership. If you are a Scout who is interested in becoming a den chief, you first should talk to your Scoutmaster, or Den Chief advancement advisor. Serving as a Den Chief fulfills Troop leadership service time as follows:
- Star Rank - While a First Class Scout serve 4 months actively (Reqr. 5)
- Life Rank - While a Star Scout serve 6 months actively (Reqr. 5)
- Eagle Rank - While a Life Scout serve 6 months actively (Reqr. 4)
These are the things you need to know and do as the den chief:
Report to:
· The Den Leader for your tasks to support den and pack activities
· Troop Leader and Den Chief Coordinator for advancement/leadership requirement counseling
· Cubmaster for Den Chief Service Award participation
Responsibilities: The Cub Scout den chief's responsibilities are to
- Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
- Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
- Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings.
- Set a good example through attitude and uniforming.
- Be a friend to the boys in the den.
- Help lead weekly den meetings.
- Help the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
- Know the importance of the monthly theme and pack meeting plans.
- Meet regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans. Meet as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop.
- Receive training from the Cubmaster and attend Den Chief Training at the November Pow Wow or complete the Fast Start online training at http://olc.scouting.org/courses/dc/base.html
- Encourage Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible.
- Help the denner and assistant denner to be leaders.
- Attend den meetings and monthly Pack meetings or events.
- Plan and lead two den meetings.
- Read the BSA Den Chief Training manual.
- Submit monthly reports describing how you served your den.
Insignia of Office
The Cub Scout Pack Cubmaster presents the den chief with the den chief cord, usually at a Pack Meeting in an appropriate ceremony. This insignia is worn after completing your Den Chief training.
Cub Scout
Den Chief
Scout wears this over his left shoulder only while he is a Cub Scout Den Chief
Webelos
Den Chief
Scout wears this over his left shoulder only while he is a Webelos Den Chief
Scout wears this special cord only if he earned it as Den Chief
When you accept the position of den chief, you agree to provide service and leadership to your den and pack, as well as remain active in your troop, crew or team. You are a member of a leadership team which include the den leader, assistant den leader, and the denner. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. Your duties will vary based on the den level.
What a Den Chief Does
Be the Activities Assistant
· Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings
o Lead Games
o Lead stunts and skits
o Lead songs
o Lead sports and physical fitness activities
· Attend Belzer Day Camp with your Den
Set a Good Example
· Set a good example through attitude
o Scouting Spirit
o Follow the Cub Scout Promise
o Follow the Law of the Pack
· Set a good example through proper wearing of the uniform
Take Part in Den Meetings
· Help lead weekly Cub Scout den meetings. (see plan outline)
o Gathering Period - Helps teach boys tricks, puzzles, games, while den leader is busy checking attendance and collecting dues, activities could be related to the monthly theme or activity badge
o Opening - Helps organize boys and get them ready for the more serious part of the den meeting and the opening ceremony, hold a uniform inspection
o Business - Contribute ideas for theme activities, service projects, trips, etc...
o Activities - Leading boys in games, songs, craft projects.
o Closing - Helps restore order and quiet for closing ceremony, help make announcements
o After Meeting - Planning for next meeting - obtain specific responsibilities and tasks from den leader
· Help the denner and assistant denner to be leaders
· Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting
Assist with the Pack Meeting Program
· Help the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting
o Help den leader set up displays
o Help get the boys organized and seated
o Help den leader during stunts or skit time
o Helps with applause stunts and audience participations
o Helps with den yell or song - or activity badge demonstration
o Helps den leader maintain good behavior from Cub Scouts
o Helps remove displays at end of pack meeting
o Helps return pack meeting room to order
Be a Friend
· The Den Chief is what every Cub Scout and Webelos Scout wants to be: a Boy Scout. You are the guy they’d like to follow and be like.
· Be a friend to the boys in the den
· Encourage Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible
Meet with Adult Leaders
· Meet regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans
· Meet as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop
Additional Webelos Den Chief duties:
Be the Activities Assistant
- Help with Webelos overnight campouts and other outdoor experiences
- Attend Webelos Adventure Camp with your Webelos Den.
Set a Good Example
· Help Webelos understand what it means to be a Boy Scout
o Boy Scout Oath or Promise
o 12 points of the Scout Law
o Scout motto, slogan, sign, salute, and handshake
Take Part in Webelos Den Meetings
· Help Webelos achieve the Webelos Award and Arrow of Light
· Help Webelos Scouts in their work with activity badge counselors
Be a Friend
· Encourage Webelos to become Boy Scouts when they are eligible
· Encourage Webelos to visit your troop
Meet with Adult Leaders
- Maintain contact with the Assistant Scoutmaster working with den chiefs
- Help the Cubmaster in planning graduation ceremonies for Webelos Scouts
Helpful Links
Den Chief Service Award
Den Chiefs that complete the following requirements shall earn the Den Chief Service Award. Den Chief Service Award Candidates must complete and have signed by your Den Leader or Cubmaster the requirements on pages 86-89 in the Den Chief Manual.
Requirements
- Serve the pack faithfully for one full year.
- Attend a den chief training (if available within year of service) OR be trained by the assistant Cubmaster and den leader.
- 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.
- Be a friend to the boys in the den.
- Take part in weekly meetings.
- Assist the den at the monthly pack program.
- Know the importance of the monthly theme.
- Meet as needed with the adult members of the den, pack, or troop.
- Complete four of these projects:
- Serve as a staff member of a Cub Scout special event, such as a Scouting show, bicycle rodeo, etc.
- Serve as a staff member of a Cub Scout day camp or resident camp.
- Advance one Boy Scout rank.
- Assist in recruiting three new Cub Scouts.
- Assist three Webelos Scouts to join a troop.
- Help to plan and carry out a joint pack-troop activity.
- Recommend to your Scoutmaster another Boy Scout to be a den chief.
See the Den Chief Handbook, No. 33211B, for detailed requirements.
Den Chief Service Award Detailed Requirement Checklist
The Purposes of Cub Scouting
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three traditional membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)
The 10 purposes of Cub Scouting are:1. Character Development
2. Spiritual Growth
3. Good Citizenship
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness
5. Family Understanding
6. Respectful Relationships
7. Personal Achievement
8. Friendly Service
9. Fun and Adventure
10. Preparation for Boy Scouts