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Just One Hour A Week

Running Den Meetings

Den Leader: Running Den Meetings

Section titled “Den Leader: Running Den Meetings”

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

The den meeting is where Cub Scouting happens week to week. A good den meeting is engaging, structured, and helps Scouts work toward their badge of rank. Meetings typically last about one hour.

Meeting Frequency

Section titled “Meeting Frequency”
  • Lions: Once a month
  • Tigers: Typically twice a month
  • Wolves, Bears, Webelos, Arrow of Light: Typically twice a month (frequency is up to the den leader and families)

Set a consistent day of the week and time — this prevents confusion and helps families plan.

Standard Den Meeting Structure

Section titled “Standard Den Meeting Structure”

For Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light

Section titled “For Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light”
  1. Before the Meeting — Den leader, assistant den leader, and den chief make final preparations
  2. Gathering — Scouts arrive and join a game or activity with help from the assistant den leader or den chief; den leader takes attendance and checks requirement completion
  3. Opening — Simple opening ceremony including Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Pledge of Allegiance
  4. Activities — Scouts complete activities related to the current Adventure’s requirements
  5. Closing — Den leader gives reminders and shares a closing thought; brief inspirational closing ceremony; denner leads Scouts to put the room back in order
  6. After the Meeting — Den leader, assistant, and den chief discuss plans for next meeting

For Lions and Tigers (Shared Leadership Model)

Section titled “For Lions and Tigers (Shared Leadership Model)”

Each month, a different family serves as the host team and takes a turn planning and running the den meeting activities. The den leader supports and coordinates, but does not do all the work alone.

  1. Gathering — Host adult partner helps with activity as Scouts arrive; den leader and assistant collect dues, take attendance, check requirements
  2. Opening — Song, yell, pledge, or uniform inspection
  3. Talk Time — Discuss den activities, plans, and announcements
  4. Activities — Cub Scouts complete activities for the current adventure (host family leads)
  5. Closing — Den leader gives reminders and closing thought; host adult partner helps Scouts restore the room

Meeting Planning

Section titled “Meeting Planning”

Use Scoutbook to access meeting plans for your rank. Scoutbook (at Scoutbook.com or the Scouting app) provides step-by-step instructions for each adventure and meeting. Log in with your my.Scouting.org credentials.

Tips for meeting preparation:

  • Review the adventure requirements ahead of time
  • Gather all supplies and materials before Scouts arrive
  • Prepare a simple gathering activity so early arrivals have something to do
  • Have the den chief help set up and assist during activities

Scoutbook Access

Section titled “Scoutbook Access”

After your adult application is approved, log in to Scoutbook.com as Den Leader:

  • Use the same username/password as my.Scouting.org
  • You’ll see your den’s Scouts and can access meeting plans and record advancement
  • Mark requirements as completed promptly after each meeting — don’t wait

Resources

Section titled “Resources”
  • den-advancement-tracking — how to track and report advancement
  • Scoutbook.com — meeting plans for your rank
  • docs/Training/Positions/Den Leader/New Lion or Tiger Den Leader Guide.md
  • docs/Training/Positions/Den Leader/New Wolf, Bear or Webelos Den Leader Guide.md
  • docs/Training/Positions/Den Leader/New Arrow of Light Den Leader Guide.md

Used In

Section titled “Used In”
Resource Used InType
Den LeaderRole