Cub Scout Leader Guide: Den Leaders' First 8 Weeks

Before Your First Meeting

• Create a My.Scouting account and take Youth Protection Training.  
• Take position-specific training. 
• Get your rank-specific den leader guide at your nearest Scout Shop.
• Contact your Cubmaster to make sure that you have a good contact list with phone numbers, email and parents’ names. 
• Attend leaders’ meeting.
• Contact all members of your den.
• Inform all your Scouts about when and where your den meetings will be held and how long they will last.

Week 1

• Ensure all Scouts have popcorn order forms and set a den popcorn goal. 
• Recruit parents to assist with your future den meetings.
• Conduct first den meeting; your program should be a simple get to know you meeting and a simple game (see Den Leader Guide for ideas).

Week 2

• Conduct den meeting. 
• Make sure all Scouts have popcorn materials. 
• Review Bobcat requirements with the Cubs (see pages 6 and 8).
• Prepare, or purchase, a simple poster with the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Motto.
• Consider signing up for additional Cub Scout leader training in your district. 

Week 3

• Conduct den meeting.
• Turn in advancements to pack advancement chairman for pack meeting next week.

Week 4 - Pack Meeting Week

• Remind parents and Scouts of the pack meeting this week; ensure their attendance.
• Arrive and greet all parents and Scouts to the pack meeting.
• Conduct den’s part of the pack meeting.
• Remind parents of date and time of the next meeting. 

Week 5

• Attend leaders’ meeting.
• Ask Cubmaster about attending district roundtable meetings.
• Agree to den’s part of the upcoming pack meeting.
• Communicate any information from leaders’ meeting to parents (pack meeting date, district Cub Scout campout, popcorn sale, etc.).

Week 6

• Conduct den meeting.
• Follow up with popcorn sale.
• Ensure that Scouts understand Bobcat requirements.
• Keep communicating to parents about pack information.
• Remind parents of popcorn order turn in date.

Week 7

• Conduct den meeting.
• Make sure that advancements are turned in to the pack advancement chairman.
• Ensure that parents are aware that their Scout will be getting awards in the ceremony at the pack meeting.

Week 8 - Pack Meeting Week

• Arrive early at the pack meeting to make sure the den is ready for their part of the meeting.
• Greet all parents and Scouts at the meeting.
• Encourage all Scouts on their participation during the pack meeting.
• Turn in popcorn orders to the popcorn chairman/kernel.