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Parents Guide 
Den Leader Resources
Training
Tiger Scout
Tiger Cubs generally meet at hour-long Den Meetings twice a month, attend the monthly Pack Meeting, and attend at least five Go-See-It field trips throughout the Scouting year. The Den Meetings are structured into eight sections: Before the Meeting, the Gathering, the Opening, Share, Discover, Search, Closing, and After the Meeting.
1. Before the meeting. The purpose of this part of the meeting is to give the den leader and the host adult partner time to make preparations, gather supplies, set out the U.S. flag, and take care of any last-minute details before the boys and their adult partners arrive.
2. The Gathering is an activity or game that keeps the boys interested and busy while everybody else arrives. Planning activities for when Tiger Cubs arrive will help avoid some of the behavior problems that can happen when boys don't have enough to do. The gathering time also gives the den leader time to take attendance, collect dues, and keep track of the achievements each boy has completed while the host adult partner is with the boys.
3. The Opening is the official start of the den meeting. Whereas the gathering time is an informal time, the opening is an organized activity that signals the beginning of the meeting. Here are some ideas:
Most den meetings begin with a flag ceremony. At this time, the boys can practice saying the Tiger Cub motto and the Cub Scout Promise.
* A brief prayer may be included, but always be sensitive to the diverse religious beliefs that may be represented in the den.
* The opening may also include boisterous action or a song.
* A roll call isn't necessary, but boys like to hear their names being said. If the meeting relates to a monthly theme, such as jungle animals, each boy could respond with the name of a jungle animal.
4. The Share part of the den meeting gives each boy an opportunity to share something that he has done since the last meeting. This activity gives boys time to share family experiences.
5. For the Discover time, the den leader may introduce the monthly theme and talk about what the den will be doing for the pack meeting. Then, the boys will play games, work on craft projects and puzzles, take part in outdoor activities, or work on advancement requirements. The den leader can initial requirements in each boy's handbook as the boy completes them. (You, the adult partner, also sign in the handbook; see more about advancement here.) Den activities that boys and their adult partners can do together are the best. They are a team, so they should participate and have fun as a team. Boys love to play games, so each meeting should include at least one game. It can be indoors or outdoors, quiet or active. The host Tiger Cub could lead the game. Once again, adult partners should be included. Sometimes, boys will do a craft project during a den meeting. For instance, around the holidays, boys could do holiday-related crafts or make something that is needed for the pack meeting. Some projects can be completed during one or two den meetings, but others might require that you and your Tiger Cub work together at home The den leader and host adult partner can explain the project and help the boys do it. (You and other adult partners can be very helpful during craft time.)
6. During the Search time of the meeting, the leaders will talk about plans for the Go See It. Boys love to get out and see new things. This activity could fulfill one of the achievement requirements or one of the elective requirements, and/or it could relate to the monthly theme.
7. The Closing period draws the meeting to an end and is usually more serious and quiet. Den leaders might present a thought for the day, have the boys say the Tiger Cub motto or the Cub Scout Promise together, and/or give everyone last-minute reminders about upcoming events. Leaders can also use this time to reinforce the 12 core values of Cub Scouting (you'll read about the 12 core values in the Tiger Cub Handbook).
8. After the Meeting, the den leader and host adult partner review the events of the meeting and finalize plans for the next meeting and the upcoming pack meeting. If this is the second den meeting of the month, the den leader may meet with the host adult partner for the next month to plan and/or preview that month's den activities.
Wolf & Bear Scout
The basic structure of a typical den meeting includes:
- Gathering activity—to keep boys occupied until everyone arrives.
- Opening ceremony—such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or Cub Scout Promise—to officially kick off the meeting.
- Activities—Learning a skill, playing a game, practicing a skit, and/or doing craft work. Some of these activities can contribute to the way your den will participate in the monthly pack meeting.
- Closing ceremony—to calm and inspire the boys before they leave.
One den meeting a month could be a field trip, outdoor activity, or service project.
Webelos Scout
The basic structure of a typical den meeting includes:
- Gathering game or activity—to keep boys occupied until everyone arrives.
- Opening ceremony—such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or Cub Scout Promise—to officially kick off the meeting.
- Skit or song--contribute to the way your den will participate in the monthly pack meeting.
- Activity badge discussion and demonstrations—Learning and practicing skills for advancement.
- Closing ceremony—to calm and inspire the boys before they leave.
The basic Cub Scout unit is the Pack. The Pack is comprised of several Dens. Each Den contains six to ten boys of like age and grade level. Each Den is assigned a Den Leader who may have an assistant. The Cubmaster coordinates the program across all Dens. The Pack Committee is responsible for the business functions of the Pack, and is led by the Pack Committee Chairman. Other Committee Members include the Secretary, Treasurer, and chairpersons for Activity, Event, Advancement and other functional areas as required. The Pack Trainer is responsible for assuring that all leaders are properly and adequately trained. Most importantly, the Parents play an integral role in the Pack.
The Pack is "owned" by its Chartered Organization, the sponsoring entity that allows the Pack to operate. The Chartered Organization Representative acts as a liaison between the sponsoring organization and the Pack leadership and provides facility for meetings and other support.
FAQ
Q: How do I know when the Den meetings will be held?
A: Most Packs will schedule Den Meetings according to the availability of facilities and the desires of the majority of the group. Talk to your Den parents at school night to determine which days work best for the group, and coordinate with the Den Leader and/or Cubmaster.
Q: Who determines what activities we will cover in the meetings?
A. All Den meetings have a consistent structure. The program uses a monthly theme to provide a variation in activities and experiences. Each Tiger Cub-parent team will share leadership by hosting at least one Den Meeting; depending on how many Tiger Cubs are in your den, you may host the program for a month.
Q. Does this mean that I have to have all the boys come to my house for the meetings I host?
A. Not at all. Your chartered organization should provide facilities for all the Pack's meetings. Most units are chartered either thru a school or church, and meetings typically will take place on premises.
| Training
Overview
"Every Boy Deserves A Trained Leader." We stand behind this statement. Trained leaders provide a better program for the boys and operate their programs in an informed compliance with BSA policy and safety guidelines. Units with trained leaders retain boys longer than units whose leaders are not trained.
The standard complement of training that is recommended for new leaders consists of Fast Start training, which is a short online presentation, Basic Leader Training, which consists of two parts: New Leader Essentials and Position-Specific training, and Youth Protection. Basic Leader Training is presented in a classroom environment and each course is a half-day in length. BSA Youth Protection is an online course. Supplemental training is held continuously throughout the year. Some offerings are online courses, others are instructor-led classes, and the monthly Cub Scout Roundtable is a place for leaders to gather and share ideas, experiences and develop new skills.
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| Fast Start
"Fast Start" training is available online, and takes about 15 minutes to complete. This is a very brief overview of the recommended Leader Training and covers each Cub Scout Leader position. As a brand new Tiger Cub Den Leader, you would want to run through the first three sections (Introduction, What Every Cub Scout Leader Should Know, and The New Tiger Cub Den Leader) at a minimum. The other sections will broaden your understanding of the Cub Scouting program, even though they are not specific to the job you will be holding.
Fast Start online training provides a solid overview of the Cub Scouting program so that when you attend the Basic Leader Training, you are already familiar with some of the concepts being presented. You can find Fast Start training on this website by following this link: http://scoutnet.scouting.org/elearning.
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| Basic Leader Training
Basic Leader Training consists of two half-day courses, generally presented back-to-back so you can become trained in one day, but you can attend the two sessions separately if your schedule does not permit a whole day. The morning session, New Leader Essentials, describes all BSA programs and provides insight into how the programs work and tie together. The afternoon session, Position-Specific training goes into greater detail about the specific job you will be doing, whether that be Tiger Cub Den Leader, Cubmaster or Pack Committee Member. Each position has specific responsibilities, and a trained leader knows what is expected of them and how to make their program a success. Ask any Scout Leader and they will tell you, Every Boy Deserves A Trained Leader. We maintain a training bulletin board to assist you in finding a training course that you need at a time when you can attend. Central Florida Council openly encourages its Districts to open training to all leaders, not just members of their own District. If training is being held, regardless of its location, you are welcome to attend. Find the bulletin board by following this link: http://training.cfcbsa.org/bulletin_board.html.
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| New Leader Essentials
New Leader Essentials is the introductory course required of all new leaders, regardless of which program they are in. Your training group in New Leader Essentials may be comprised of all Cub Scout leaders or a mix of Cub Scout, Boy Scout and/or Venturing leaders. This course is a partial requirement to be awarded the Trained strip to wear on the uniform.
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Position Specific Training
Position Specific Training takes you beyond the general overview of the Scouting program and delves into the nuts and bolts of your leadership position. In Position-Specific training, you will learn how to conduct meetings, uniform guidelines, how to deal with youth, parents, and other leaders, safety issues, where to get help, and how to earn the training award for your position. Being grouped with other new leaders being trained for the same position, you will benefit from others' questions as much as from the experience of the instructors.
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| Youth Protection
Paramount to all Scouting activities is the safety of the youth. All Scout leaders, regardless of their position, should be trained in BSA Youth Protection Guidelines. Non-registered parents are encouraged to take the training as well. BSA has established strict guidelines to ensure that no Scout is put into a compromising position and that privacy matters are held in the highest regard. This training is available online in both English and Spanish, takes about 45 minutes to complete, and is available here: http://training.cfcbsa.org/. Classroom-based Youth Protection training is also offered periodically throughout the year for those leaders without computer access. ALL registered leaders, regardless of position or responsibilities, should complete this training.
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| Supplemental Training
Numerous training opportunities exist throughout the year to further enhance your knowledge of the Scouting program beyond the basic leader training. Courses such as BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) are offered throughout the year. Each month, the District holds a Roundtable for all leaders - this is a monthly gathering of all leaders. Each level (Tiger Cub leaders, Den Leaders, Cubmasters, etc.) attends a breakout session where you can find information about the monthly theme that is coming up, practice a craft, learn a skit or song, and brainstorm with other leaders that have your same role. This interaction is invaluable, particular for new leaders just learning the ropes.
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| FAQ
Q: Is it mandatory for me to be trained?
A: Mandatory? No, BUT Every Boy Deserves A Trained Leader. It would be difficult to make a case for not needing to be trained as a leader. Even if you took training several years ago, it would be beneficial to you to take the current course so you can come up to speed on recent program changes. Remember, the Scouting program is constantly evolving to adapt to today's world.
The Adult Leader recognition awards (knots) all have a training component - to qualify for the award, you must be trained in your position. Some units require this commitment to becoming trained as a condition of being accepted as a leader.
Q: I work on Saturdays. If training is on a Saturday, how can I get trained?
A: Each District sets its own training schedules. All Districts training sessions are open to all leaders, regardless of their home District. If your District does not offer training at a time that is convenient, you are welcome to attend training in another District.
Q: How much does training cost?
A: That depends on the District that hosts the training and your unit. Some units cover the cost of training their leaders. Most training is provided for a nominal fee, usually just enough to offset the costs of printing and duplication of the handouts and materials that are provided.
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