Forming a Den

If you are part of a new Cub Scout den, there are several activities necessary to getting started.

Choose a den leader.
This may not happen immediately. Someone may volunteer. Someone may be elected, or the position may be split between several people. The den leader will typically:

  1. Communicate with the pack leader.
  2. Call the den meetings to order and close them.
  3. Certify the Cub Scout's achievements and ensure recognition.
  4. Set and communicate the meeting schedule with the other parents.

Whoever accepts the position must complete a Boy Scouts of America Volunteer Application.

Pick a day and time to meet.
For many this may be the same weekday and time as the pack meetings for scheduling purposes.

Agree on a place to meet.
This can be a rotation through the Cubs homes, or this can be a constant location such as a church multipurpose room.

Set a schedule.
Tiger Cub dens meet one to two tines a month. Wolves, Bears, and Webelos meet 2-3 times each month. In addition, you may want to schedule outings and camping trips, too. Start with your pack schedule. Key pack meetings are:

Blue and Gold Banquet.
This is a key recognition event. It is good to schedule the den activities so that the Cubs earn their rank by this event. They can then earn their achievement awards over the remainder of the year.
Carnival Night. You will want to build your carnival booth in the den meeting prior to this.
Skit Night.
The den meeting prior to this should include creating and rehearsing your skit.
Moving Up.
This is the final recognition meeting. Try to ensure that all boys have completed their rank requirements by this time.
Pinewood Derby and Rocket Launch.
Many boys lack the tools or facilities for these projects. It can be invaluable for a parent to schedule the Saturday prior to these events to assist the boys in their workshop.
Do the General Tasks.
At some point early in the life of your den, you will want to make a den flag and a den activity box. The flag is used to rally around at pack meetings. The activity box contains scissors, paper, glue, crayons and other materials that pass from parent to parent as the meeting organizer.

Set responsibilities.
Usually a different parent plans and organizes meetings in rotation. Depending on the size of the den, one or two additional parents will assist. In larger dens, divide and conquer is a must: split the Cubs into smaller activity groups and rotate them to maintain order.

Schedule a meeting with your pack leader.
Your first den meeting is fine. He or she can assist you in fine tuning your schedule and activities. They can answer questions, a serve as a source of information on what other dens have done in the past.