Den Chief
Role Summary
The Den Chief is a youth leadership position filled by an older Scout from a Scouts BSA troop (or Venturer/Sea Scout). Den chiefs serve as helpers, role models, and friends to Cub Scouts in the den. This is a win-win relationship: Cub Scouts benefit from having a relatable older youth who is enthusiastic about Scouting, and the den chief earns valuable leadership experience.
Requirements
- Youth position: Must be a registered youth member of a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew, or Sea Scout ship
- Rank: Ideally First Class or above
- Selection: Selected by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster at the request of the Cubmaster; approved by Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the den leader
- Training: Must complete Den Chief Training (ideally alongside the den leader)
- Note: This is NOT an adult leader position — den chiefs are youth
Core Responsibilities
- Attend Den Chief Training (with the den leader if possible)
- Know and help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting
- Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings
- Set a good example through attitude, behavior, and proper uniforming
- Meet regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans
- Help den leaders as requested
For Wolf, Bear, Webelos dens:
- Help train and guide the denner and assistant denner
- Receive recognition for their efforts at den and pack meetings
For Arrow of Light dens:
- Help train and guide the patrol leader
- Plan and conduct, along with the den leader and Scoutmaster, meaningful joint activities
- Help plan and carry out overnight campouts and outdoor activities
How Den Chiefs Are Recruited
The Cubmaster (often through the Assistant Cubmaster) requests den chiefs from local Scouts BSA troops — specifically, Pack 232 works with local troops to supply den chiefs. The request goes to the Scoutmaster, who selects an appropriate Scout (typically First Class or above).
Current troop relationship: Pack 232 works with local Scouts BSA troops in the Fort Orange District.
Den Chief Recognition
Den chiefs should be recognized at both den meetings and pack meetings. The Cubmaster acknowledges den chiefs’ contributions at pack meetings. Den chiefs may also use their den chief service toward Scouts BSA advancement requirements (e.g., merit badges, Eagle Scout service).
Reports To / Works With
| Relationship | Role |
|---|---|
| Assigned by | Cubmaster / Assistant Cubmaster |
| Works directly with | Den Leader |
| Supervised by | Assistant Cubmaster (who coordinates den chief planning meetings) |
| Troop connection | Scoutmaster of their Scouts BSA troop |
Key Resources
| Resource | Location |
|---|---|
| Agent support | agent/README.md |
| Den Chief Guide (BSA) | docs/Training/Positions/Den Chief/Den Chief Guide.md |
| Den Leader (role they support) | ../den-leader/README.md |
| Assistant Cubmaster (their pack supervisor) | ../assistant-cubmaster/README.md |
Your Annual Tasks
Tasks and events from the Pack 232 annual task list that involve this role. Owner = primary responsibility; Involved = supporting role.
| Task | Type | When | Your Role | |—|—|—|—|
| Den Meetings | program | Every month | Involved |