Den Page

What is a Cub Scout Den

A den is a group of six to eight boys or girls, within the pack, that meets several times a month between pack meetings. Youth are in a den are usually all at the same grade level. The den structure allows youth to build relationships with leaders and other boys and girls. The den provides opportunities for activities that would be difficult with a large group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys and girls.

The Den Meeting Location

The location of den meetings will vary, depending on the den leader. .

Den Meeting Attendance

The den leader and assistant den leader (or another adult) attend all den meetings with the Cub Scouts. (At least two adults must be present at all meetings.) Lion and Tiger Cub den meetings are also attended by each Tiger Cub's adult partner. Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den meetings are often attended by a den chief who assists the adult leaders. An activity badge counselor who has been asked to help with a specific badge may also attend a Webelos den meeting. Sometimes, a parent, guardian, or other family member might be asked to help at a specific meeting, but family members do not normally attend Wolf, Bear, or Webelos den meetings.

The Den Meeting Agenda

All Cub Scout den meetings have the following parts:

• Before the Meeting. Before the Cub Scouts arrive, leaders gather to make preparations and handle last-minute details.

• 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. It usually consists of a formal ceremony, such as a flag ceremony, a prayer or song, or a group recital of the Cub Scout Promise.

• 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. Generally, most of the meeting consists of craft projects, games, and activities that are all based on the monthly theme.

• 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.

• 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.