How to Be a Cub Scout Den Leader

You have been called upon to become a Cub Scout den leader, and now you don't know where to start. Just follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Visit the Boy Scouts of America website and watch their training video for beginning Cub Scout den leaders. It explains the basics of what you need to know to conduct den meetings.

2. Find out who is in your den. Email or telephone each of their parents to find out the best day and time for their scout to attend den meetings. Try to set a consistent day and time of the week for den meetings so it will be easy for everyone to remember. Set a day and time that will be best for most of, if not all of the Cub Scouts.

3. Buy a Cub Scout leader guide from your local Boy Scout shop or borrow one. Get the guide that pertains to the rank you will be leading. For example, if you are a Webelos den leader, buy the Webelos Leader Guide.

4. Consider wearing uniform although it is not required. However, your Cub Scouts will appreciate seeing you in uniform like them. You can purchase one at your local Boy Scout shop or from the Boy Scouts of America retail catalog.

5. Find out from your Cub Scout Pack Leader if your Cub Scout Pack follows the monthly themes that are set up in the leader guide books, or if they follow their own themes. Plan to incorporate the proper theme into your weekly meetings if possible.

6. Ask your Pack Leader or your representative from the local Boy Scouts of America Council for information about additional training seminars that you can attend.

7. Study your leader guide and plan your first den meeting. Don't be afraid to divert from the guide if you need to. You can work on more than one badge at a den meeting.

8. Consider the weather when planning your meetings. For example, work on a swimming badge during the warm months and an Astronomy badge when the skies are clear.