Den Leader Training Say (in your own words): Welcome to den leader training. My name is _______. The other trainers are _______. We are here to help you learn about your role in the den and how that will affect the lives of boys. My/our experience with the Cub Scout program is _______. In this module, we will build on what you learned in This Is Scouting and Fast Start training. Then we will go into more detail on some of the skills you will use in your role as a Cub Scout den leader. Do: Be sure that you exhibit energy and enthusiasm as you introduce yourself and the other trainers.

Objectives To discuss the purposes of the program To learn what a den leader does To plan and conduct a den meeting To plan a field trip (Go See It for Tiger Cubs) To learn about advancement and record keeping To discuss behavior issues To have fun Say (in your own words): This session will show you what it takes to be a den leader. Do: Briefly discuss each objective. Reassure participants that when they have completed this training, they will be ready to plan and conduct a den meeting. Show the Cub Scout Leader Book and tell the participants that most of their questions are answered in the book. Tell them where to find the appropriate information in the book.

Purpose of the Program Beginning and continuing steps in Cub Scouting Age-based activities Family-centered activities Den-centered leadership Introduction to and developing with the fun of Scouting Higher level of self-reliance (for Webelos Scouts) Getting ready for Boy Scouts (for Webelos Scouts) Say (in your own words): Scouts do things that are made just for them. Tiger Cubs are beginning their Cub Scouting experience. Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts are continuing to learn. Webelos Scouts are experiencing things that prepare them for Boy Scouting. Do: Explain that activities should be based on age and grade. Parents are important resources for each level of Cub Scouting. In Tiger Cubs, relationships between the boys and adult partners will be in a setting with other adults and boys. The boys can develop new and different relationships within the Tiger Cub den. Parents of Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts support leaders by helping with meetings, supervision, and transportation.

The Den Leader Gives leadership to den program planning Works with adult partners (Tiger Cubs) or an assistant and den chief Helps or makes sure that the boys advance Maintains den records Works with other pack leaders Participates in pack program planning Attends monthly roundtables Approves advancement (Webelos) Say (in your own words): Here is what a den leader does. Do: Discuss the role of the Cub Scout den leader. Use the Den Leader Responsibilities handout in the back of this book and position responsibilities from the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide and Cub Scout Leader Book.

The Assistant Den Leader Provides support to the den leader Serves as a backup leader Attends pack meetings Assists in program planning Say (in your own words): Here is what an assistant den leader does. Do: Discuss the role of the assistant den leader. Use the appropriate position description from the Cub Scout Leader Book as a guide.

Leadership Skills Shared leadership Teamwork Cooperation Communication Working with boys Attitude Setting the example Say (in your own words): As a den leader, you will need to use these leadership skills. Do: Depending on the group, you may want to ask different people what these skills mean to them. Otherwise, briefly discuss each.

Uniforming Sense of belonging Attention Identification with Scouting Webelos Scouts may wear the blue or tan uniform. Say (in your own words): Depending on the group, the uniform is or may be the first uniform a boy has ever worn. It identifies him as part of the Boy Scouts of America. Do: Use a Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet to point out each badge and badge location on the uniform. Encourage the leaders to be uniformed as well. Webelos Scouts may wear the blue Cub Scout shirt and trousers, or the den may choose to wear the tan and green uniform. Boys are now growing and want to look older. Switching to the Boy Scout–style uniform can give them a sense of that growth and may be practical, since the Webelos Scouts are getting ready for Boy Scouts. Note that the Webelos belt buckle will fit either the blue or olive belt, but the belt loop recognitions for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program fit only on the blue web belt.

Summary Grade-based and progressive Adult partners are the key. Leaders support it. Leaders set uniforming example. Adults assist as activity badge counselors (Webelos). Say (in your own words): We have briefly discussed what you will be doing as a den leader. Do: Reinforce the points on the slide. Point out that without leaders and helpful parents, the program cannot exist. You may want to use a morale feature here, such as a yell that a den might use.

Planning for the Pack and Den Annual program planning conference Monthly pack leaders’ meeting Den meeting planning and preparation Plan in small segments to be successful. Say (in your own words): In dens, planning is essential to the success of your activities and to ensuring that the boys have fun. Do: Discuss that leading a den requires planning and coordination. For Tiger Cubs, the adults’ meeting is very important. It allows them to get to know each other and to set the ground rules for the den. Remind participants about the monthly Core Value and pack activity, the pack leaders’ meeting, and the annual program planning meeting. Meanwhile, the Webelos Scout den’s program is different from the Cub Scout den’s program. Webelos Scouts complete activity badges for advancement. Remind the participants of the monthly Core Value and pack activity, the pack leaders’ meeting, the annual program planning meeting, and the remainder of the points on the slide. Resources: Cub Scout Leader Book, Webelos Leader Guide

Nine Elements of Planning 1. Objective 2. Fun 3. Variety 4. Action 5. Boy Appeal 6. Family Appeal 7. Achievement 8. Resources 9. Flexibility Say (in your own words): When planning the Cub Scouting program, include the following elements: 1. Objective. Program activities should meet the purposes of Cub Scouting and provide opportunities for physical, spiritual, mental/emotional, and social growth. 2. Fun. Cub Scouting must be fun, not only for the boys, but for the whole family. If the program is fun, boys will continue to attend. 3. Variety. A variety of activities is used to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Include games, crafts, skits, songs, stunts, ceremonies, trips, and outdoor activities for a well-rounded program. 4. Action. Activities that require action and participation help boys enjoy the experience. Boys need to do, not just watch. Action does not necessarily mean running around (although boys love to do that). It means being engaged in an activity versus passively receiving information. 5. Boy Appeal. Plan activities that are appropriate for Cub Scout–age boys, such as those that include action, experimenting, mystery, and excitement. 6. Family Appeal. Cub Scouting is a family program, with families working and playing together. Activities should help strengthen and enrich families. 7. Achievement. Boys need recognition so that they will feel a sense of achievement while they are having fun. 8. Resources. Make good use of all people, facilities, materials, and equipment available. Use the talents and skills of leaders, families, boys, and neighborhood friends. 9. Flexibility. Have a backup plan for unexpected changes or surprises. Be prepared to change the program for special circumstances that affect the local community or area.

Program Planning Steps 1. Annual pack program planning conference 2. Monthly pack leaders’ planning meetings Say (in your own words): Planning a Cub Scout program can seem daunting at first, but don’t be intimated. By working as a team and breaking planning down into steps, leaders can create a great program for Cub Scouts. Cub Scout program planning involves two main steps: Conducting an annual pack program planning conference. 2. Conducting monthly pack leaders’ planning meetings.

Annual Pack Program Planning Conference Led by the pack chair. Supported by the pack committee and Cubmaster. Den leaders and interested parents attend and participate. Say (in your own words): The annual pack planning conference is probably the most important Scouting meeting each year as it sets the direction and calendar for the year. And parents are waiting for the calendar. Do: Reinforce that the meeting is led by the committee chair but is the joint responsibility of the committee and the Cubmaster. Tell leaders about the pack program planning chart and how it can be used build the pack’s program for the year. Let attendees know that the annual meeting will cover program, financial, and membership goals and plans.

Monthly Pack Planning Meeting Led by the pack chair. Supported by the pack committee and Cubmaster. Den leaders and interested parents attend and participate. Follows a regular order: Part 1: Evaluating the previous month Part 2: Finalizing the current month Part 3: Planning ahead Part 4: Unit Leadership Enhancements Part 5: Social time and fellowship Say (in your own words): Part 1: Evaluating the previous month The pack committee chair calls the meeting to order. The Cubmaster reviews the previous month’s den and pack meeting activities and asks for comments and suggestions. This evaluation will help with planning for the upcoming month. Part 2: Finalizing the current month The Cubmaster confirms assignments for the current month’s pack meeting. Special committees report on plans for the current month’s pack meeting or special event. Den leaders turn in den advancement reports to the person responsible for obtaining awards for the next pack meeting. Den leaders turn over den dues to the pack treasurer and receive a receipt. Part 3: Planning ahead The pack committee chair leads a general discussion about the upcoming month’s den and pack meetings. The Cubmaster comments on next month’s den and pack meetings and confirms assignments concerning den participation in next month’s pack meeting. Special committees report on plans for the upcoming pack meeting or special events for the upcoming month. Den leaders report on their den meeting plans for the upcoming month. Activity badge counselors report on projects planned for next month’s activity badges. The pack committee chair reports on pack needs, problems, and progress. The pack committee completes plans such as the organization of new dens, pack-troop relations, financial matters, improving family participation, etc. Part 4: Unit Leadership Enhancements As part of the regular new business items at monthly pack leaders’ meetings, the pack trainer should include one of the Unit Leadership Enhancement topics. Part 5: Social time and fellowship

The Scouting Month Two or more den meetings with leaders and/or adult partners One outing, activity, or camping experience (or Go See It for Tiger Cubs) Participation in the pack meeting Say (in your own words): Our goal is to get Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts to see and do as many interesting things as possible. Do: For Tiger Cubs, point out that: 1. Each boy and adult partner pair will conduct two den meetings in one month. 2. The den leader will help plan them. 3. The Go See It is a third part of the monthly program 4. The Tiger Cubs go to the pack meeting to get their awards and to share in the fun. Discuss the importance of the Go See It. It gets the boys out of the house and lets them learn about things around them that they might not otherwise see. It also helps the parents get to know one another and builds stronger den bonds. For other Cubs Scouts, point out that: 1. The den leader plans the den meetings. 2. The Cub Scout den may meet up to four times a month. That may include two den meetings, an outing, and the monthly pack meeting. 3. The Cub Scouts go to the pack meeting to get their awards and to share in the fun.

Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide Most important resource for den leaders One-stop shop for planning den meetings Introduction to Cub Scouting and den leader responsibilities Den meeting plans for all ranks Pack meeting plans References and resources Say (in your own words): The Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide is the most important tool in the den leader’s toolbox. It, and the plans inside, are the key to your boys advancing smoothly in the Cub Scout program. They are also the key to planning and running your den meetings smoothly and with confidence. Do: Describe and show each portion of the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Take time to review the table of contents and each section.

Using the Den Plans Two types of den meeting plans are provided. A school year’s worth of plans: Focused on path to advancement. Should be followed in order. Assumes a September start and May transition with continued summer activities. Assumes two den meetings are held per month. Additional for dens needing more meetings: Used in any order. Focused on electives. Say (in your own words): There are two sets of plans in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. The first set might be thought of as the basics; they are the plans that, if followed, will lead a boy to advancement in rank. These plans must be followed in numerical order because some activities build off others. The second set of plans, called Additional, are provided for dens that meet more than two times per month as a den or that meet year-round. These plans are more involved with electives and other activities.

Den Meetings Before the Meeting Gathering Opening Business Items Activities Closing After the Meeting Say (in your own words): To make planning a den meeting easier, it is divided into seven parts. All dens follow the same structure, regardless of rank. Do: Discuss that having defined parts of the meeting makes it easier to plan: You plan each part and then put them together. Say that most meetings last about an hour, but some may be longer or shorter. If you have experienced den leaders in your training, acknowledge that Tiger Cubs and Webelos historically followed a different den meeting structure but that now all dens follow the same one. Distribute a den meeting plan from the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide for next month and use it to illustrate how a den meeting is planned and conducted. Provide a copy of this pre-planned meeting to each participant. Review each part of the meeting and show how the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide contains helpful information. Resource: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide

Before the Meeting Review and make final preparations. Consult the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Review materials and preparation needed early and often. Say (in your own words): Planning for a meeting should begin well before the day of the meeting. Materials and preparation are required, and already spelled out in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. They are listed in “After the Meeting” of the prior den meeting plan so that planning may begin early. Before the meeting, the den leader and others assisting should get together for a last-minute check to make sure that everything is ready. Do: Show where to find this information in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Tell the participants that this step may be done in person or using some other method. Say that (for Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts) the denner and den chief may also be part of the preparation. Organize seating, flags, advancement charts, handouts, etc.

Gathering Have something for them to do: Game Puzzle Magic Outdoor activity Supervision is important! Say (in your own words): The boys will probably not all get to the meeting at the same time. Some may be early. Have something for them to do so they don’t have to find something to do themselves (perhaps something they shouldn’t be doing)! Do: Explain that the purpose of the gathering activity is to have something for the boys to do so they don’t have to find something else to do—in other words, you want them to be busy with something you have planned. While others are supervising, you can do things such as collect dues, record attendance, or record achievements and electives completed during the week.

Opening Opening ceremony of some type: Flag ceremony (always) Cub Scout motto Song Den yell Prayer Say (in your own words): The purpose of the opening is to separate the gathering activity from the meeting. Do: Mention that all den meetings should start with a flag ceremony. In addition, any of the ideas listed on the slide are useful. Depending on the group, have the participants repeat the Cub Scout motto, Do Your Best, as their opening to the meeting—or repeat the Cub Scout Oath. If necessary, remind participants that the Webelos Scouts will be working toward a transition to Boy Scouting and that the opening part of the meeting is a good time for them to review some of the things they will need to know to fulfill their Arrow of Light requirements. Other ideas for opening ceremonies can be found in Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs.

Business Items Character Connection for monthly Core Values Pack meeting preparation Prepare for special den activities Verify home assignment completion Say (in your own words): This section of the meeting helps you get some of the hard work done first. It is a good time to discuss the monthly Core Value. This time may also be used for the den to prepare for its role in the pack meeting. Use this time to review the boys’ handbooks to confirm that home assignments have been completed. Do: Discuss the points on the slide. Follow formats and content from the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide and Webelos Leader Guide.

Activities Advancement and electives Defined in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Say (in your own words): The activities portion of the meeting is the fun part that the boys really like. These activities may take place in your den meeting location or an outing somewhere in the community. Do: Highlight the items on the slide, and have example activities prepared for the group. For Tiger Cubs, explain that more than one requirement or elective typically would be worked on in each activity session and that all activities are designed to be accomplished by the boy and his partner together, not the boy alone. For Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, show the Wolf Trail (Achievements) and Bear Trail (Achievements) chapters and both Arrow Point Trail (Electives) chapters in the Wolf Handbook and the Bear Handbook. For Webelos Scouts, select an activity badge that boys will be working on for the next few meetings. Resources: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, Webelos Leader Guide

Closing Awards and recognition Reminders (upcoming events and home assignments) Den leader’s minute Brief closing ceremony Cleanup Say (in your own words): There are many ways to close a meeting. Award or recognize any advancement completed at this meeting. Thank any assistants, guests, and parent helpers. Make sure you remind the boys (and their parents) of any home assignments they need to complete before the next den meeting. Keep announcements brief and to the point. Providing a family information letter will keep reminders to a minimum and keep parents informed. You may have an inspirational thought to share and then conduct a closing ceremony. Vary your closings to make them memorable. Everyone can help clean up. Do: Conduct a simple closing ceremony. Show the participants the resource that you used. Share a sample family information letter. Resources: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs

After the Meeting Review this meeting. Plan/review the next meeting. Clean up. Relax. Say (in your own words): After the meeting, get together with the hosting adult partner/assistant den leader/ den chief (depending on the group) and identify positive aspects of your meeting and what can be improved. Discuss the materials and meeting plan for the next week. Review the preparation requirements for the next meeting in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Do: Discuss that after the meeting is really the beginning of the next den activity.

Great Den Meetings . . . Are planned well in advance Operate with shared leadership Use the boys’ handbooks and Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide as the primary guides Follow the den meeting plans from the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide Anticipate any behavior problems Are FUN! Say (in your own words): Remember, planning makes meetings great! Do: Discuss the points on the slide. Explain that good den meetings and den activities are more than just learning activities. They need to be fun because the boys are looking for activities that are fun and exciting. Add things to your den program that give them a chance to be creative.

Webelos and Arrow of Light Den

Planning a Webelos Den Meeting Be guided by the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. Cover all parts of the meeting. Focus on how the advancement activities will be handled. Are no more than one hour long. Say (in your own words): As we complete this session, it will be your turn to plan a good den meeting. Do: Intorduce an activity badge that is coming up in the next month and give a copy of the Webelos den meetings from the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide that features the activity badge. Show the resources that they have available to help them. Have them share information on how they might approach the den meeting and have them plan a meeting around the activity badge. Resources: Webelos Handbook, Webelos Leader Guide, Cub Scout Leader How- To Book, Cub Scout Songbook, Group Meeting Sparklers, Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide

Webelos Scouts Are Boys Fourth- and fifth-grader (age 10) behavior. Inquisitive but growing School is now routine; boys are looking for new challenges. Some are new to Scouting, some are previous Cub Scouts. Build trust. They have a new leader—you! Say (in your own words): These boys are older and becoming more mature. They will rely on you as their leader. Set the example! Do: Discuss these points with the participants. Ask for examples, if time permits.

Webelos Scouts Are Boys Parental involvement is needed. They need hands-on projects. More independence should be expected of the boys. Follow a code of conduct in meetings and other locations. Teach individual responsibility. Say (in your own words): Parents are still important. Do: Discuss these points with the participants. Ask for examples, if time permits. Discuss the use of a code of conduct in a den setting. Show the Cub Scout Leader Book as a reference. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book

Webelos Scouts Are Boys As Webelos, allow the boys to set and determine the boundaries of their own behavior – let them write their Code of Conduct as a group. Allow the Den to decide if they want to be recognized as a Den or as a Patrol. Promote and foster the idea of activities separate from the Pack. Shift focus of advancement to each boy as opposed to the group. Say (in your own words): These boys are older and becoming more mature. They will rely on you as their leader. Set the example! Do: Discuss these points with the participants. Ask for examples, if time permits.

Webelos Advancement Encouragement and recognition of achievement Grade-related and age-appropriate Webelos den leader encourages, ensures, and approves advancement. Say (in your own words): Boys love to learn things and they also like to be recognized for what they do. In younger dens, parents help with advancement activities. In Webelos dens, the den leaders are responsible for all advancement activities. Do: Note that you have mentioned activity badges, the Webelos badge, and the Arrow of Light, and that this is when participants will learn the details.

Webelos Advancement Bobcat badge Webelos activity badges Webelos badge Compass points emblem Arrow of Light Say (in your own words): The first step in Webelos Scout advancement is earning the Bobcat badge. If they already have the Bobcat badge they do not need to earn it again. Do: Remind participants that boys cannot earn badges that are for younger boys: Webelos Scouts, who are in the fourth or fifth grade, cannot earn the Wolf or Bear badge. Explain that the “standard of performance” for achievements and electives is for the boys to “do their best.” If they did their best, they completed the requirement. Tell participants that the boys will earn Webelos activity badges to fulfill requirements for earning the Webelos badge. Explain that Webelos and the Arrow of Light are two separate ranks, with Arrow of Light being the highest a Cub Scout can earn and the only one that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. Explain that the compass points emblem and compass points are a way to recognize elective achievement and not a rank. Explain that the pack meeting is the place where you will publicly recognize each Webelos Scout’s completion of the Bobcat badge, activity badges, Webelos badge, and Arrow of Light.

Webelos Activity Badges Physical Skills Aquanaut Athlete Fitness Sportsman Outdoor Activity Forester Geologist Naturalist Outdoorsman Community Citizen Communicator Family Member Readyman Mental Skills Artist Scholar Showman Traveler Technology Craftsman Engineer Handyman Scientist Say (in your own words): There are 20 activity badges in five different categories. Do: Explain that the activity badges are in areas of interest to boys of this age and that they teach important life lessons and provide skills needed for the transition into Boy Scouting. Using the Webelos Handbook, review the requirements for the activity badge participants used in planning the den meeting. Make sure that the leaders understand that most activity badges have some mandatory and some optional requirements. Assure the leaders that if they are not experts in an activity badge topic, it is best to find people who are and who can help boys with the badge. Resource: Webelos Handbook

Activity Badge Counselor Helps Webelos Scouts earn activity badges Provides instruction at Webelos den meetings The service is temporary and is not a registered BSA position Say (in your own words): Webelos den leaders can use the Parent Talent Survey forms in their recruitment of activity badge counselors. The activity badge counselor helps Webelos Scouts earn activity badges. This person may be an adult family member of a Webelos Scout, a pack leader, a teacher, a coach, or another adult qualified to teach skills of an activity badge to Webelos Scouts. Do: The counselor provides activity badge instruction at Webelos den meetings, as requested by the Webelos den leader. For instance, this could include providing resources, leading field trips, or providing instruction, depending on the activity badge requirements. The service is temporary, usually extends over three or four den meetings for each badge, and is a not a registered BSA position.

Earning the Webelos Badge Eight total requirements Complete three activity badges Fitness (Physical Skills) Citizen (Community) One from any of the three other groups: Outdoor Activities Mental Skills Technology Boy Scout preparation and knowledge Say (in your own words): The requirements for the Webelos badge are found in the Webelos Handbook and the Webelos Leader Guide. Do: Show the requirements in the Webelos Handbook. Also show the location of the requirements in the Webelos Leader Guide. Using the Webelos Handbook, discuss the requirements for the Webelos badge. Show how the den meeting plans outlined in the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide utilize the activity badges to complete the Webelos requirements. Resources: Webelos Handbook, Webelos Leader Guide, Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide

Earning the Arrow of Light Six months in the den Preparation to join a Boy Scout troop Eight activity badges, including the three for the Webelos badge Troop visit Campout Say (in your own words): Earning the Arrow of Light is the top accomplishment in Cub Scouting. An Arrow of Light Award earned as a Webelos Scout can be worn later on Boy Scout and adult uniforms. Do: Show the requirements for Arrow of Light in the Webelos Handbook. Using the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, discuss the requirements for the Arrow of Light and how the outlined den meeting plans lean to achieving the Arrow of Light rank. Reinforce that the Arrow of Light is a significant accomplishment and should be awarded in a special ceremony. Resources: Webelos Handbook, Webelos Leader Guide, Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide

Recognition Immediate At pack meeting Belt loops and pins Webelos colors At pack meeting Activity badges Compass points emblem Belt loops and pins Academics and Sports Say (in your own words): We reward the completion of activity badges by placing activity badge pins on the Webelos colors. As Webelos Scouts earn activity badges, the pack may also choose to award them the compass point emblem and compass point pins. The boys may also have completed the requirements for an Academics or Sports belt loop or pin. All of these are awarded at the pack meeting. Do: Show the Webelos colors and sample activity badge pins. Using the Webelos Leader Guide, discuss the requirements for the compass points emblem found in the “Webelos Planning Guide” section. Briefly explain how the Academics and Sports loop program works. Mention how the Academics part of the program makes learning fun and how the Sports part keeps our kids active. Webelos activity badge pins are awarded at a pack meeting. Resource: Webelos Leader Guide

The Field Trip A monthly field trip Opportunity for boys to discover new things Will be related to handbook advancement or the monthly Core Value In the immediate locale Remember the age group (10- to 11-year-olds) Have fun! Say (in your own words): The field trip is often the most exciting part of the Cub Scout program. Do: Discuss the points of the slide. Show the participants field trip planning points in the Cub Scout Leader Book and Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide.

Planning Webelos Field Trips Prior planning is a must. Share the planning and execution. Involve your field trip location contact. Use a Tour Planning Checklist. Say (in your own words): What would make for an exciting field trip? Do: Have the group provide suggestions about where to go in the community. List any safety precautions, and discuss information possibly related to electives. Talk about the importance of filing a Tour Planning Checklist and how to do that.

Record Keeping Say (in your own words): To make sure that the Webelos receive the recognition they have earned, we have to do some record keeping. Do: Show the record keeping section in the back of the Webelos Handbook and say that this is the first step in record keeping. Show the Webelos Den Record and other forms. Explain that the information from the boys’ handbooks is transferred to the forms during the den meetings. Explain that when a boy has earned the Bobcat badge, activity badges, the Webelos badge, or Arrow of Light, the den leader must inform the pack advancement chair. The advancement chair will then get the badge and have it for the boy at the next pack meeting. If possible, notify the chair at least two weeks before the pack meeting so that the badge can be obtained in time. Please do not disappoint the boy! Resources: Webelos Den Record, Webelos Handbook

Webelos Activities Pack meeting participation Activity-badge-related outings Camping! Pack overnighters Family camping Webelos den camping Boy Scout troop joint campouts Day camps Resident camp Good Turn Say (in your own words): Den and pack meetings start the fun for the boys, but there are many other things to enjoy in Cub Scouting. Do: Discuss the items on the slide. Explain that camping as Webelos Scouts prepares the boys for Boy Scouting. Tell them that Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders is an excellent course to help the leader prepare for camping. Webelos dens are encouraged to participate in joint den-troop campouts, particularly in the fifth-grade year. Webelos Scouts should be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. These campouts should be conducted with an individual troop for the purpose of strengthening ties between the pack and troop. Discuss the need for a Tour Planning Checklist. Resources: Cub Scout Leader Book, Webelos Leader Guide, Tour Planning Checklist, Webelos Scout Overnight Checklist

Webelos-to-Scout Progression Start early. Visit multiple troop meetings. Organize joint Webelos/Troop campouts. Visit troop activities and camporees.* Discuss options with adults and boys. Explain that not all boys will go to the same troop. Encourage completing the Arrow of Light. Encourage movement to Boy Scouts of Webelos Scouts and parents. * Webelos Scouts may not participate in activities or stay overnight. Say (in your own words): Prepare early for helping the Webelos Scouts become Boy Scouts. Do: Discuss these points with the participants. Point out the “Webelos-to-Scout Progression” section in the Webelos Leader Guide. Review the material with the participants. Refer the leaders to the Cub Scout Leader Book for more information. Resources: Webelos Leader Guide, Cub Scout Leader Book

Webelos-to-Scout Progression When visiting Boy Scout Troops, look for the following: Who leads the Troop – it should be a Boy Led Troop How do the members of the Troop wear the uniform Is the meeting organized – and does it run as scheduled Is the Patrol Method clearly in place and being used How many uniformed adults are present Say (in your own words): Prepare early for helping the Webelos Scouts become Boy Scouts. Do: Discuss these points with the participants. Point out the “Webelos-to-Scout Progression” section in the Webelos Leader Guide. Review the material with the participants. Refer the leaders to the Cub Scout Leader Book for more information. Resources: Webelos Leader Guide, Cub Scout Leader Book

The Denner and Assistant Denner Boy leadership Help the den leader. May lead activities. Denner service teaches responsibility. Say (in your own words): We can teach responsibility by having the boys participate in the den’s leadership. The denner and assistant denner positions should be rotated among den members so all boys will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Do: Explain the roles of the denner and assistant denner. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book

The Den Chief Boy Scout or Venturer leadership position Older boy influence Helps the den leader. Leads activities. Positive attitude Leads by example. Say (in your own words): The den chief may also be of help. Do: Explain the role of the den chief. (See the position description and additional materials in the Cub Scout Leader Book.) Add that the den chief will be a better resource for the den if he or she has completed den chief training. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book

Six Great Webelos Den Leader Secrets Be tolerant regarding boys’ increasingly busy schedules. Boys need a fast-moving program. Alternate energetic activities with quiet ones. Hands-on activities are better than lectures. Boys will learn self-control when given guidelines. Guide boys to Boy Scouts. Say (in your own words): Let’s review what makes a Webelos den leader great. Do: Explain that at this point in the life of a boy, he has a lot of things going on. He may not make it to all meetings and activities, but it is important to keep all boys in the program and to tolerate their early choices in life, showing them you believe that each boy is important. Discuss how these points make being a Webelos den leader most rewarding.

Planning a Webelos Meeting Leader Resources: Cub Scouts 2010 program Webelos handbook Academic & Sports program Cub Scout Leader book Other resources Say (in your own words): Now it’s your turn to plan a good den meeting. Do: Separate the group into Webelos “dens,” with no more than four people in each group. Choose an activity badge that is coming up in the next month and give a copy of the Webelos den meetings from the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide that features the activity badge. Show the resources that they have available to help them. Have them share information on how they might approach the den meeting and have them plan a meeting around the activity badge. Allow 20 minutes for their planning session. Have one or two groups discuss what they have planned. Resources: Webelos Handbook, Webelos Leader Guide, Cub Scout Leader How- To Book, Cub Scout Songbook, Group Meeting Sparklers, Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide

Webelos Den Leader Recognition Tenure Complete one year as a registered Webelos den leader. Training Complete Webelos Den Leader Fast Start training, Youth Protection training, Webelos Den Leader Position-Specific Training, and This Is Scouting. Complete Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders course. Attend a Cub Scout leader pow wow or University of Scouting, or at least four roundtables. Say (in your own words): So you want some recognition too? As you complete your time as a Webelos den leader, Scouting has not forgotten you. Completing the requirements for the Webelos Den Leader Award is the best way for you to excel as a leader and learn more about the things you want to accomplish. Do: Refer to the Cub Scout Leader Book for information on the Webelos Den Leader Award. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book

Review and Questions Say (in your own words): Do you have any questions? Do: Answer questions, if any. If the questions require complex answers, ask to defer them until later or arrange for another trainer to handle the questions after training.

Congratulations! Say (in your own words): Congratulations—you have completed Webelos Leader training. Now go and have fun with your Cub Scouts! Do: Award the participants their training completion cards. You may also wish to present a completion certificate. Make sure that all participants are furnished with the dates, times, and locations of their district roundtable before they leave. Encourage them to attend roundtable regularly. Confirm completion of all elements of the Trained Leader requirements before authorizing the “Trained” status.