Den Chief
Den Chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout Den Leader. They help Cub Scouts advance through the Cub Scout ranks, and encourage them to join a troop when they graduate.
Being a Den Chief is different from every other position in the troop, because you spend most of your time outside of it. You are the troop’s representative to a pack, and to a den of younger kids who will copy what you do. For many Cub Scouts, you are the first older Scout they get to know, and their idea of what Scouts BSA looks like is going to be whatever you show them.
Responsibilities
Section titled “Responsibilities”- Attend den meetings, and pack meetings when the Den Leader asks you to. Arrive early.
- Complete Den Chief Training and take the Den Chief Pledge.
- Help the Den Leader plan and run den meetings.
- Lead activities, games, songs, and ceremonies.
- Share your knowledge of the outdoors and of Scout skills.
- Help Cub Scouts work on their advancement.
- Help the den’s Denner and Assistant Denner learn to lead.
- Give extra attention to youth who need it, and be patient with all of them.
- Encourage Cub Scouts and Arrow of Light Scouts to move up to the next level of Scouting.
- Report back to the troop on how your den is doing.
- Set a good example as a role model.
- Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show Scout spirit.
Reports To
Section titled “Reports To”Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
You work day-to-day under the direction of your den leader, but you’re still a member of the troop’s youth leadership, and you’re accountable to the SPL and the Scoutmaster for how you do the job.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- Be appointed by the Scoutmaster, with input from the Senior Patrol Leader
- Be approved by the Cubmaster and the pack committee, who recommend you to a Den Leader
Getting Started
Section titled “Getting Started”- Get trained. Den Chief Training is available online, and our district often runs an in-person course as well. Ask the Training Coordinator what’s coming up, and check the CT Rivers Council calendar.
- Take the Den Chief Pledge, ideally in front of the pack so the Cub Scouts see it.
- Meet your Den Leader before your first meeting. Ask what they want from you, how they like to run their meetings, and how they’d like to be contacted.
- Get the Den’s meeting schedule onto your own calendar, and check it against the troop calendar so you can plan around conflicts.
- Wear your Scouts BSA uniform to den and pack meetings, with the Den Chief cord.
Working With Your Den Leader
Section titled “Working With Your Den Leader”The Den Leader is in charge. You’re there to make their job easier, not to run the den yourself. That said, a good Den Chief does much more than watch — the more you can take off the den leader’s plate, the more valuable you are.
- Ask for a specific job at each meeting rather than waiting to be told. “Do you want me to run the game?” gets you a lot more responsibility than standing at the back.
- Get the meeting plan ahead of time if you can, so you can prepare anything you need.
- Show up early to help set up, and stay to help clean up.
- If you’re going to miss a meeting, tell the Den Leader as far in advance as possible. They’re planning around you.
Running Activities
Section titled “Running Activities”Most of what a Den Leader will hand you is the active part of the meeting: the game, the skill demo, the ceremony, the song. A few things that make those go well:
- Cub Scouts are between kindergarten and fifth grade, and there’s an enormous difference between a Lion and an Arrow of Light Scout. Pitch your activity at the den you actually have.
- Keep instructions short. Demonstrate rather than explain.
- Keep everyone moving. A game where kids wait in a long line is a game where kids start wrestling.
- Have a backup activity in your pocket for when something finishes in half the time you expected.
- Learn a few things you can teach cold: a couple of knots, how to use a compass, how to pack for a hike, a handful of songs and run-ons.
Helping Cub Scouts Advance
Section titled “Helping Cub Scouts Advance”Cub Scout advancement mostly happens in den meetings and at home with families, and it’s the den leader who signs things off. Your part is to help the Cubs practice and to make the requirements fun. Read the den’s adventure plans ahead of time so you know what they’re working toward.
Cub Scout adventures and advancement
Bringing Cub Scouts Into the Troop
Section titled “Bringing Cub Scouts Into the Troop”The most important long-term reason the troop sends Den Chiefs to packs is to keep Scouting going. Arrow of Light Scouts who know an older Scout are far more likely to cross over into a troop, and often into ours.
- Talk about the troop naturally — where you camped last month, what you cooked, what you’re working on.
- Tell the SPL and Scoutmaster when your den is planning its crossover, and when there are pack events the troop could help with or attend.
- Invite your den to visit a troop meeting or a joint outing. Coordinate this through the Scoutmaster and your den leader, and get it onto the troop calendar through the Scribe.
The Den Chief Service Award
Section titled “The Den Chief Service Award”If you serve as a Den Chief for a full year, complete Den Chief Training, and meet the other requirements, you can earn the Den Chief Service Award, which is worn on the uniform. Track your service from your first day so you aren’t reconstructing it a year later.
Den Chief Service Award requirements