Den Doodles

Den doodles are simple tools used in Cub Scout dens. They help track progress and achievements in a fun way. Each Scout can see their own progress on the doodle, which keeps them motivated. It also helps them feel part of the team.

Using a den doodle is a way to make meetings more engaging. Scouts like to see their achievements displayed. It can show attendance, completed activities, or other important milestones. Scouts can take pride in their work when they see it represented.

Den doodles can be a good visual aid for leaders too. It helps leaders keep track of the Scouts’ accomplishments in a clear and easy way. It also encourages friendly competition, as Scouts try to add more to the doodle.

In the Cub Scout program, den doodles are not required. But they can add extra fun and excitement to the program. Leaders can use them to help Scouts stay focused and excited about earning their achievements.

Den doodles have been part of Cub Scouting for a long time. They started as a simple way for leaders to keep track of Scouts’ accomplishments. Over time, den doodles became a tradition in many dens. They gave Scouts a visual way to see their progress and feel like part of the group.

The name “den doodle” comes from the idea of something small and creative. It didn’t need to be fancy, just a way to show what Scouts were working on. Early den doodles were often made from whatever materials were on hand, like sticks and string. They weren’t meant to be perfect, just useful.

Today, den doodles have grown into a fun tradition. They are used to track attendance, rank advancements, and other achievements. While they have changed over the years, their purpose has stayed the same. Den doodles help bring the group together, showing that each Scout is making progress toward their goals.

Materials Needed

• A sturdy wooden stick or dowel (about 3 feet long)
• String or twine
• Scissors
• A hole punch
• Beads, ribbons, or small items to represent achievements
• Construction paper or cardstock
• Markers or crayons
• Tape or glue
• Wall hooks or suction cups for hanging
• Optional: Paint, stickers, or decorations for customizing

Steps to Make a Den Doodle

1. Prepare the Stick: Use a sturdy stick or dowel as the base of the doodle. Paint or decorate the stick if you want to match your den’s theme or colors.
2. Cut and Attach Strings: Cut pieces of string or twine, one for each Scout in the den. Tie each string to the top of the stick, leaving space between them. The strings will hold beads or markers that show each Scout’s progress.
3. Create Name Tags: Cut construction paper or cardstock into small tags. Write each Scout’s name on a tag, and tape or glue it to the top of their string.
4. Prepare Achievement Markers: Gather beads, ribbons, or small items that will represent the achievements or tasks the Scouts complete. You can color-code these markers for different achievements.
5. Hang the Den Doodle: Attach wall hooks or suction cups at your meeting location. Hang the den doodle on these hooks where everyone can see it during meetings. Make sure it’s at a height where Scouts can easily reach to add their achievement markers.
6. Update the Doodle: After each meeting, let the Scouts add a bead, ribbon, or marker to their string. This will track their attendance, achievements, or other activities.

Additional Notes

• Customizing the Doodle: Decorate the stick, strings, or name tags with stickers or paint to make the den doodle more unique.
• Variations: If a stick isn’t available, a large piece of cardboard or foam board can be used to hang the strings. You can also use badges, stickers, or other small items to track achievements instead of beads.
• Safety Tip: Be sure to supervise Scouts when using scissors or hole punchers. Adult help is recommended for younger Scouts.

Involving your Cub Scouts in the den doodle is a great way to keep them engaged. Let them help create or decorate the doodle from the beginning. You can have them choose colors, design name tags, or even decide how to track achievements. When Scouts take part in making the doodle, they feel more connected to it. It becomes something they helped build, not just something they see at meetings.

You can also assign each Scout a small task to keep the den doodle updated. One Scout can be in charge of adding beads or markers each week. Another can check to make sure everything is in order. Giving Scouts jobs like these teaches responsibility and makes them feel important. It’s also a good way to share the work, so it doesn’t all fall on you.

As they work on the den doodle, Scouts learn teamwork. They need to help each other keep things organized. They can also encourage each other to stay on track with their own achievements. When they see their hard work up on the doodle, they feel proud of what they’ve done together.

Involving Scouts in the den doodle also teaches them responsibility in a fun way. They learn that they are part of a group and that their efforts matter. When they see their progress displayed, it shows them how small steps lead to bigger goals. This can be a great lesson in both Scouting and life.

Den doodles are a great way to track your Scouts’ achievements, attendance, and progress. Each Scout can have their own string or section of the doodle. You can add a new marker each time they complete a task, attend a meeting, or earn an award. This gives them a clear, visual way to see how they are doing. It also helps you as a leader to easily see their progress.

There are many fun ways to mark achievements on the den doodle. You can use beads to represent different tasks. For example, a red bead might mean they attended a meeting, and a blue bead could show they completed an activity. You can also use ribbons, stickers, or even small badges. The key is to make it simple and easy to track.

Seeing their progress on the den doodle can be a big motivator for Scouts. When they see the beads or ribbons adding up, they feel proud of their work. They also get excited to add more markers and see their string grow. This can encourage them to work harder and stay involved in activities. It’s a way for them to see how their effort pays off.

By tracking achievements on the den doodle, you can also set small goals for your Scouts. For example, they could earn a special marker when they reach a certain number of meetings or finish a rank requirement. This helps keep them focused and gives them something to look forward to. The den doodle turns their progress into something they can see and feel proud of.

To get the most out of your den doodle, it’s important to keep it organized and up-to-date. Make sure you add new markers regularly, so Scouts can see their progress right away. If too much time passes between updates, they may lose interest. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each meeting to add beads, ribbons, or other markers. This keeps the doodle current and shows Scouts that their work matters.

Where you display the den doodle during meetings is also important. Hang it in a spot where everyone can easily see it. It should be visible, but also easy for Scouts to reach when it’s time to add their markers. You could hang it on a wall or even on a stand. Keeping it in the center of activity helps remind Scouts to stay engaged and keeps their achievements front and center.

Celebrating milestones with the den doodle is a fun way to build excitement. When a Scout reaches a new rank or completes an important task, make a big deal out of adding the special marker. You can take a moment during the meeting to recognize their hard work. This helps the whole group see what they can achieve with effort. It also encourages others to keep working toward their own milestones.

Finally, make the den doodle something special for your den. Let the Scouts take part in maintaining it and updating it. This teaches them to take ownership of their progress and stay responsible for keeping it neat. A well-maintained den doodle is not just a tool for tracking achievements; it’s a great way to bring your den together and celebrate all the Scouts’ hard work.

Click here for a printable copy of the Instructions for a Simple, Easy Den Doodle

Crafts for Scouts

If you are looking for more ideas to engage your Scouts with creative activities like Den Doodles, check out my crafts page. You’ll find simple, fun projects that work well for Cub Scout meetings. These crafts can help build teamwork, teach new skills, and add a hands-on element to your program. Find a variety of craft ideas to keep your Scouts involved and learning. Visit my crafts page here: Crafts for Scouts.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What is a den doodle?

A den doodle is a tool used in Cub Scout dens to track Scouts’ progress. It shows achievements, attendance, and milestones. Scouts add beads, ribbons, or other markers to show what they’ve accomplished.

How do I make a den doodle?

Start with a sturdy stick or dowel. Attach strings for each Scout and use beads, ribbons, or other markers for their achievements. You can also add name tags to the strings.

What can I use to mark achievements?

Beads, ribbons, stickers, or small badges work well. You can choose different colors or styles to represent different tasks or activities.

Where should I display the den doodle?

Hang it where Scouts can easily see and reach it during meetings. A wall or stand near the center of activity is a good spot.

How often should we update the den doodle?

Update it after every meeting or event. This keeps Scouts excited about tracking their progress and helps you stay organized.

What can a den doodle track?

You can track attendance, rank advancements, completed activities, or any other accomplishments you want to highlight in your den.

Den doodles are a creative way to track progress in Cub Scout dens. They use simple materials, like sticks, strings, and beads, to show Scouts’ achievements. Each Scout has their own section of the doodle, where they can add markers to represent tasks they’ve completed. This makes it easy for Scouts to see their progress and feel proud of their work.

Using a den doodle helps keep meetings fun and organized. Scouts enjoy adding new beads or ribbons after each meeting, and it gives them something to work toward. Leaders can track attendance, achievements, and rank advancements in a visual way. Den doodles can also be customized to match your den’s theme, making them more personal and special for the group.

Involving Scouts in making and updating the den doodle teaches responsibility and teamwork. They help maintain it, which gives them ownership of their progress. Den doodles aren’t just about tracking achievements; they also build a sense of community in the den. It’s a tradition that makes every Scout feel included and motivated.