WELCOME! NEW

WELCOME! NEW ARROW OF LIGHT DEN LEADER B SC O U U C T D R E E N D LE A


WELCOME! NEW ARROW OF LIGHT DEN LEADER SC B O U U C T D R E E N D LE A

WELCOME! NEW ARROW OF LIGHT DEN LEADER SC B O U U C T

D R E E N D LE A

Welcome to your new adventure! Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the information here will help you get off to the right start. With the proper training, resources, and enthusiasm, you have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of Cub Scouts. The Arrow of Light badge or rank is designed to prepare Cub 4. After your den leader application has been approved, Scouts to join a Scouts BSA troop. log in to Scoutbook.com as Den Leader. Use the same username and password as the my.Scouting.org account that A den is a small group of youth—an ideal size is eight, but you set up for training. Logging in to Scoutbook.com as Den you may have more or less. The ideal den is formed with Cub Leader will give you access to the administrative tools you need Scouts of the same school grade. Ideally, your Arrow of Light to run the den, including recording advancement. den is made up of only fifth graders who are preparing to join Scouts BSA. 5. Become acquainted with your Cubmaster and the pack committee. These leaders will see that you have As a den leader of a Arrow of Light den, you simply use den the information and materials you need to prepare for and meeting resources found in the Arrow of Light handbook and conduct den meetings and activities. on scouting.org. Den meeting resources provide fun activities to do at meetings that meet requirements for Adventures. 6. Wear the Cub Scout leader uniform. The uniform is a method of the Scouting program. Wearing the uniform Arrow of Light dens form Arrow of Light patrols as part of the properly is important in setting a good example. You can Bobcat Adventure. Adult leaders are still den leaders and the purchase a uniform through a local Scout shop or through Arrow of Light scouts are still formally a den. Patrols are used www.scoutshop.org. as a method in Scouts BSA.

Prepare for your first meeting. Use the den meeting Getting your Arrow of Light Scouts into a troop in January resources found in the Arrow of Light handbook. The QR or February allows them to attend a couple of overnight or codes in the handbook direct you to the resources to plan weekend campouts with the new troop and get accustomed activities for your meetings. to a troop setting; it also provides the opportunity to prepare financially for summer camp. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH BEFORE THE FIRST MEETING
Complete all of the online training modules for Den Leader training at my.Scouting.org.
Register your position with the pack. Fill out an adult
Get acquainted with the families in your den. Hold a application and attach your Youth Protection completion family orientation meeting that outlines the structure of den certificate. (See no. 2.) This form will register you with meetings and den outings, the time and location for meetings, Scouting America and give Scouting America permission to and your den’s role during the monthly pack meetings. It may initiate a background check for approving you as a leader. If not be required for parents to attend with their Scouts; but a you are already a registered leader in the pack, you still need wise den leader will continue to have parents participate and to complete this step so your position can be approved by the assist with den meetings and activities. pack committee and chartered organization representative.
Get acquainted with the children in your den. Establish
Complete Youth Protection training and print the a den code of conduct so that everyone will know what you certificate of completion. Youth Protection training, expect of them. See the den leader guide for details. found online at my.Scouting.org, will teach you Scouting America’s policies for safely and appropriately interacting 4. Ask your Cubmaster to help you secure a den chief. with youth. If you are already registered and have This den helper is a Scout from a troop, a Venturer, or completed Youth Protection training within the past two a Sea Scout, who will set a good example for your Cub years, you do not need to take the training again. Scouts. A den chief may serve either an all-boy den or an all-girl den regardless of their gender. Give your den chief
Complete the “Before Your First Meeting” online training meaningful responsibilities right away. modules for Den Leader training. The online training, found at my.Scouting.org, will begin building the foundation you need to become an effective and successful leader.
Attend the monthly pack committee meetings held by • Help train and guide the den chief in working with Cub your pack committee chair. These meetings, led by the Scouts and see that they receive recognition for their pack committee chair, are where pack plans are made. efforts at den and pack meetings.
Attend the monthly pack meeting with the members of • Provide meaningful responsibilities for the Arrow of Light your den and their families. In this meeting, Cub Scouts patrol leader so that they can learn responsibility and gain are recognized for the adventures they have completed satisfaction from their efforts. since the last meeting. They may be asked to participate • Plan and conduct, along with the Scoutmaster and by performing flag ceremonies, displaying projects assistant Scoutmaster, meaningful joint activities. completed with your den, or acting out skits or run-ons. • Plan and carry out overnight campouts and other
Stay informed. Attend monthly Roundtable meetings; outdoor activities. they might be conducted in person or virtually where you live. There are national Cub Scout Roundtable videos at Assistant Cub Scout Den Leaders www.scouting.org/commissioners/roundtable-support/ The assistant den leaders share the responsibilities of the roundtable-planning-resources/. And tune into Scouting Cub Scout den leader and may assist with record keeping magazine’s weekly Cub Chat Live! weekly. such as tracking advancement or handling other details of den
Get to know your local troops and Scoutmasters. By operation. Each den should have at least one assistant den attending roundtables, you will quickly learn about the leader and more if needed. troops in your community. The chartered organization Assistant den leaders must be 21 years of age or older, for your pack may have a troop, which is the preferred which helps ensure that there are two registered adult leaders transition, but it may not have one. If not, this may provide who are 21 years of age or older at every meeting or activity. an opportunity to start one with the families in your den. Additional assistant den leaders may be recruited to provide It only takes five Scouts to start a troop, so a den of five additional support as needed. or more fifth grade Arrow of Light Scouts can form a new troop. Individuals select the troops they join and, in some THE CUB SCOUT DEN MEETING cases, not all members of your den may join the same troop. Even if you have Scouts join a different troop, keep Den meetings are often twice a month, but the frequency is in touch with their parents to ensure they are enjoying up to the den leader and the families in the den. The meeting day, their troop. time, and location are set by the den leader and should be the Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many people same day of the week to prevent confusion. Den meetings last who want to help you provide the finest possible Cub Scout approximately one hour. Leadership responsibilities are shared by experience for the families in your den. As a Cub Scout leader, the den leader, assistant den leader, den chief, and Arrow of Light you also have access to the online Scouting magazine, which patrol leader. includes information to assist you as a leader. A good source The den meeting program includes the following parts: of information is www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/. By the time you have completed the steps outlined here, you 1. Before the Meeting. The den leader, assistant den leader, and will be well on your way to becoming a successful den leader. den chief make final preparations, while the Arrow of Light patrol leader helps set up the meeting place.
Gathering. As Cub Scouts arrive, they join in a game or YOU, THE DEN LEADER activity with help from the den chief or Arrow of Light patrol You were selected as a den leader and approved by the leader. The den leader and assistant den leader collect dues, pack committee because of your abilities and character. By take attendance, and check on completion of requirements. making the commitment to serve as a den leader, you have
Opening. The den participates in a simple opening ceremony accepted the following responsibilities: that includes the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and the Pledge of • Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the Allegiance. assistant den leader and den chief.
Activities. Cub Scouts do activities related to the completion • Attend the pack leaders’ meetings. of the den’s current Adventure. • Make contact with a Scouts BSA troop to visit as soon as 5. Closing. The den leader gives reminders and shares a possible. This is a requirement for the Bobcat Adventure. closing thought, and the den holds a brief inspirational closing ceremony. • Ensure Cub Scouts earn their Arrow of Light badge or rank and cross over into a Scouts BSA troop. 6. After the Meeting. The den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief discuss plans for next week’s meeting, while the Arrow of Light patrol leader leads the other Cub Scouts to put the room back in order.

THE CUB SCOUT UNIFORM WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN? The uniform is a method of the Cub Scouting program. It identifies youth and adults as part of a team and provides a • The opportunity to create the foundation for a strong sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and Scouting America. It lifelong bond with your child. also instills a sense of pride as the uniform is where awards and achievements are displayed. Most Cub Scout-age children love • Make new friends with families in your community. wearing their Cub Scout uniform. Uniforms should be worn to all • A monthly gathering of fun and fellowship with pack den meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities. families, sharing their pride in their child’s accomplishments. The Cub Scout uniform for Arrow of Light Scouts is preparing • The opportunity to meet your child’s peers and their them for joining a troop. Arrow of Light Scouts wear the tan parents to enable your child to form healthy friendships. Scouts BSA uniform shirt, green shorts, pants or skorts, Scout • A sense of pride as you watch the Cub Scouts receive belt, blue shoulder loops on their epaulettes and green Scout recognition for their accomplishments. socks. • An opportunity to share your ideas and experiences with other The Adventure colors, with their three colored ribbons, are adults who share your interest in and concern for youth. devices upon which the Arrow of Light Adventure pins earned by the Arrow of Light Scouts may be displayed. If they do not use the • Watching Cub Scouts grow and mature as they strive to Adventure colors, then they may display their Adventure pins on live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law. their cap. • The opportunity to help youth learn good citizenship and shape them into young adults who have strength of WHAT DO YOU INVEST IN CUB character and are sensitive to the needs of others. • The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide SCOUTING? organization and pride in being publicly identified as a part of this organization by wearing the uniform, which is a • One meeting each week for either a den meeting, pack visible means of showing that you believe in and stand for meeting, or pack committee meeting. its ideals and objectives. • One meeting each month for the Cub Scout roundtable. You will discover many other dividends that will enrich your life • Time spent in reviewing den meeting plans in the den as you dedicate your time, talent, and enthusiasm to Cub Scouting. leader guide and gathering materials. All leaders bring to Cub Scouting their own talents, skills, • Time spent communicating with families in your den. backgrounds, and interests. Your key to becoming an effective • Time spent in Cub Scout leader training. leader is to use your own abilities and interests, along with what • Cost of the Cub Scout leader uniform. you learn about Cub Scouting, to plan and conduct the best possible program for the families in your den. What happens in • Time spent preparing for den meetings. the life of each child during the formative years will determine • Registration fee. to a great extent the kind of adult they will become. What a This adds up to a small investment, compared to the tremendous opportunity and challenge for you, the den leader! dividends you will receive. And, of course, the more you invest, the more you and your Cub Scout can expect to receive in return. SCOUTING AMERICA 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box 152079 Irving, Texas 75015-2079 510-247 www.scouting.org 2024 Printing

Original PDF: New Arrow of Light Den Leader Guide.pdf