Meetings Boy Scouts of America Say (in your own words): In this module, we will go into more detail on how to run effective pack and den meetings. Do: Be sure that you exhibit energy and enthusiasm. Boy Scouts of America Rev. 6/6/12 1

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. Boy Scouts of America 2

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. Boy Scouts of America 3

Cub Scout Pack Meetings Overview Before the Meeting Gathering Opening Program Recognition Closing After the Meeting Say (in your own words): The Cubmaster is responsible for planning and conducting the pack meeting. Lots of fun, activity, and recognition are all part of a successful meeting. ** Do not discuss each bullet item when showing this chart. ** Do: Show the Pack Meeting Planning Sheet. Note that a written agenda is extremely important for success, and it is important that everyone knows who is responsible for each agenda item. Review and discuss the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide and its preplanned pack meeting. Tell participants that they will not be alone in conducting the pack meeting; other adults will be there as support. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book, Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide The Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide contains a model pack meeting plan for each month! Boy Scouts of America 4

Before the Meeting Room arrangements Materials and equipment Meeting agenda review Recognition review Put on a smile Get ready to have FUN! Say (in your own words): The Cubmaster and other participating leaders complete preparations just before the pack meeting. They make sure the room is in order and that all needed materials are ready, and they review the agenda together to be sure nothing has been forgotten. Do: Discuss the remaining points on the slide. Explain that the Cubmaster sets the tone for the meeting—that excitement and leadership in others come from the positive attitude the Cubmaster shows. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book Boy Scouts of America 5

Gathering Greeters Den exhibits Pre-opening activity Say (in your own words): A den should be assigned to greet the people attending each pack meeting; adult assistance will be necessary. A sign-in sheet can also be used to keep track of who is there for an attendance award. Do: Explain the importance of the pre-opening activity: It is to keep arriving boys busy. If you don’t find something for them to do, they will find it themselves—and it may not be what you want them to do! Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book Boy Scouts of America 6

Opening Opening ceremony/prayer Song (fun and active) Flag ceremony Pledge of Allegiance Song (fun and active) Welcome and introductions (short and sweet) Say (in your own words): A good opening ceremony marks the start of the meeting. A flag ceremony is often used. It can be followed by a non-denominational or interfaith prayer. Then the fun begins! Do: Emphasize that it’s important to include everyone: Select songs that everyone knows, use an opening ceremony that is appropriate to the event and the den conducting the ceremony, use a prayer that includes all faiths represented in the pack. Tell the participants that the Cubmaster welcomes Cub Scouts and families, and introduces any special guests, recognizes the committees for their efforts and success in setting up the meeting place, and keeps remarks brief to hold everyone’s attention. Show the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, the Cub Scout Songbook, and Group Meeting Sparklers as good resources for planning a pack meeting. Resources: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, Cub Scout Leader How- To Book, Cub Scout Songbook, and Group Meeting Sparklers Boy Scouts of America 7

Program Tiger Cub and Cub Scout den skits and stunts Webelos den demonstrations Games Include as many boys as possible! Involve parents and others, too Organization is necessary Be prepared Say (in your own words): In this part of the meeting, we give the boys a chance to shine. Various skits and stunts can be done. Cheers are always used to recognize the work the boys do! Do: Remind the participants that the boys need a chance to show what they are doing in the dens. This part of the program is for that purpose. Say that this helps inactive boys get active quickly. If you focus them on activities in this part of the program, they will be active in ways you want them to be. Tell the Cubmasters that they need to be prepared for things to go wrong or for dens that are not ready for their part of the program, and that it helps to have extra activities ready to use. Resource: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, Cub Scout Songbook, and Group Meeting Sparklers Boy Scouts of America 8

Recognition Boys Leaders Attendance awards Advancement Special awards Special thanks Leader award presentation Attendance awards Say (in your own words): The recognition part of the meeting is important to the boys, to their parents and other family members, and to the den leaders. Do: Remind participants that the advancement chair of the pack committee is responsible for obtaining the advancement badges and awards before the pack meeting. Before the pack meeting starts, the awards should be organized by den or by activity. Large packs need a lot of preparation in this area to keep the pack meeting flowing. An award should always be given to the adult family member, who then gives it to the boy. Don’t take for granted that family members will attend; make sure they have been alerted several days in advance. Attendance awards can be given to recognize dens with the highest percentage of members present. Resources: Cub Scout Leader Book Boy Scouts of America 9

Closing Announcements Closing ceremony Keep them short Important items only Handouts for the other items Closing ceremony Cubmaster’s Minute Flag ceremony, etc. Say (in your own words): The meeting is nearly over. It’s time to end. Do: Briefly discuss the points on the slide. Say that the closing ceremony might involve the flag or may be selected from many different sources. The main thing is to keep it simple. Describe a Cubmaster’s Minute. You may wish to provide an example. Resources: Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, Cub Scout Songbook, and Group Meeting Sparklers Boy Scouts of America 10

After the Meeting Serve refreshments Clean up Start getting ready for the next meeting Say (in your own words): Some packs provide refreshments after the meeting. Others may choose not to. Consider your facility in making the decision. After the meeting, get plenty of help in cleaning up the facility and leave it as you found it, or better. Do: Suggest that the pack’s relationship with the provider of the facilities must be considered when you hold a pack meeting. Be sure you leave the facility as clean as or cleaner than it was before the pack meeting. Put things back in place. Throughout the time any pack members are in the building, supervise the boys and their siblings to keep them out of areas where they are not authorized to be. Resource: Cub Scout Leader Book Boy Scouts of America 11

The Ideal Pack Meeting Well-planned Everyone participates Exhibits Proper uniforms Pack meeting program is followed Start and stop on time Keep moving and limit announcements Focus on advancement KISMIF Say (in your own words): Here’s what makes a pack meeting great. Do: Discuss the importance of each item. Explain that properly planned pack meetings move along at a good pace, keep everyone involved, include something for everyone, and have a limited amount of “adult stuff.” Introduce the term KISMIF: Keep It Simple, Make It FUN! Boy Scouts of America 12

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. Boy Scouts of America 13

Den Meetings Overview – Similar to Pack Meeting Structure 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 Boy Scouts of America 14

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. Boy Scouts of America 15

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. Boy Scouts of America 16

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. Boy Scouts of America 17

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. Boy Scouts of America 18

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 Boy Scouts of America 19

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 Boy Scouts of America 20

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. Boy Scouts of America 21

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. Boy Scouts of America 22

Sample Closing Ceremony The Living Circle (This is just one version of this ceremony.) Each person grasps the extended left thumb of the person to the left, thus making a complete living circle handclasp. Meanwhile, the right hand of each is held high above the head in the Cub Scout Sign. The living circle can be put into action by pumping the left hands up and down while all say: "Ah-kay-la! We'll do our best!", snapping into a circle of individual salutes at the word “best.” 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. Boy Scouts of America 23

Review and Questions Boy Scouts of America 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 after the wrap-up. Boy Scouts of America 24

Conclusion and Recognition Say (in your own words): We have reached the point in our pack meeting for recognition. Do: Create a simple recognition certificate, or bring a small token to present. If the group is large, have enough trainers present to avoid a long delay. At the end of the ceremony, have the participants give each other a “big hand.” (Of course, this is the Cub Scout version!) Boy Scouts of America

National Cub Scouting Resources Leader Book Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide Leader How-To Book Webelos Leader Guide Scouting magazine Boys’ Life Guide to Safe Scouting National Web sites www.myscouting.org www.scouting.org www.scoutingmagazine.org www.scoutstuff.org www.scoutparents.org Other books and pamphlets Say (in your own words): The BSA National Council prepares and updates all types of literature to help make Cub Scouting fun for you and for the boys. Do: Show each of the listed publications. Explain how they are helpful. Be sure to suggest that each person present at least get a copy of the Cub Scout Leader Book. References: Cub Scout Leader Book, Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, Scouting magazine Boy Scouts of America

Local Cub Scouting Resources Monmouth Council service center (Morganville) District and Unit Commissioner District Executive and other support staff Scout Executive Camping facilities (QHSR and FSR) Program support Fund-raising programs Activities Say (in your own words): Your local council also plays an important supporting role. Do: Explain the role of the Scout executive and the district executive. If possible, have the participants write the names and phone numbers of their district executives on their training materials. Emphasize the remaining points on the slide. Mention some of the council and district activities that are held for the Cub Scouts, such as Tiger Cub fun days, day camp, Webelos weekend or Webelos woods and Cub Scout shooting sports days. Resources: Local Resource Worksheet handout Boy Scouts of America

Local Information Sources Roundtable Monthly meeting For all leaders and interested parents Conducted by the district Program ideas and fun Council Web site, newsletters, others Commissioner service Say (in your own words): Roundtable is a monthly meeting for all Cub Scouting leaders conducted by the district’s commissioner staff. Commissioners are volunteers who have a responsibility to help your unit succeed. Roundtable provides information about the monthly Core Values, pack activities, training, and other events. It is also an opportunity to meet leaders from other packs in your district and to share tips and solve problems. Do: Provide information about the district roundtable schedule and location. Resources: Locally prepared roundtable flier www.monmouthbsa.org Boy Scouts of America

Local Information Sources Training Various online courses Instructor-Led courses Information posted on MCBSA website Say (in your own words): You can learn more about Cub Scouting through training. A trained leader is one who has completed Youth Protection Training and leader-specific training appropriate to his or her positions. Do: Describe BALOO, Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, Youth Protection, and Health and Safety training. Provide training dates if possible. Indicate who should attend each kind of training and how often it is necessary to refresh the training. Reference: Online Learning Center at MyScouting Boy Scouts of America

Local Information Sources Say (in your own words): Roundtable is a monthly meeting for all Cub Scouting leaders conducted by the district’s commissioner staff. Commissioners are volunteers who have a responsibility to help your unit succeed. Roundtable provides information about the monthly Core Values, pack activities, training, and other events. It is also an opportunity to meet leaders from other packs in your district and to share tips and solve problems. Do: Provide information about the district roundtable schedule and location. Resources: Locally prepared roundtable flier Boy Scouts of America

Unit Information Sources Pack trainer Other leaders Pack library Visit another den meeting Ask for advice Ask for help Say (in your own words): One of the best sources for information is your pack leadership. If you are in a pack with experienced leaders, they have been where you are and can provide a lot of good suggestions and tips on how to succeed. Visiting other den meetings or pack meetings is also a great way to get to “know the ropes.” Do: After this slide, conduct a morale feature. Boy Scouts of America

So… did you do this? Learn the fundamentals of Cub Scouting Learn what Cub Scout leaders do Learn how to make Cub Scouting work Learn how to have fun with my den and pack Learn how to have successful den and pack meetings and activities Boy Scouts of America

Summary and Punch-Line Cub Scouting is fun for everyone involved. The program is already designed for you. There is great value for the boys and adults. The program works if adults set the example. Every Scout deserves a trained leader! Boy Scouts of America

Congratulations! Boy Scouts of America Say (in your own words): Congratulations—you have completed den leader training. Now go make this stuff work 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. Boy Scouts of America