What is a Den Chief?
Den Leaders, if you don’t have a den chief or two to help with your den, contact your Scouts BSA Troop and see if they can provide one. This older Scout is an invaluable resource for working with Cub Scouts.
The Den Chief is a Scout who works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. They can lead games, participate in discussions, help with Scout skills, and more. They provide a link to Scouts BSA. When your Webelos cross over to the troop, they will feel like they already have a friend there.
When matching up Scouts to dens, we always take age into consideration. Ideally, he or she should be several years older than the Cub Scouts he is working with. If you have a younger Scout who wants to be a den chief, put him or her with a young den. Webelos would be better off with a teenager in this role.
The description and requirements below are an example. Adjust them as necessary to meet the needs of your troop. The printable copy also includes a self evaluation form for the position.
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Den Chief Description
This is an example. Adjust it to meet your own troop’s structure and needs.
Qualifications
- Appointed by Scoutmaster
- Second Class Rank or higher
Reports to
The Den Leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol in the troop.
Den Chief duties
- Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings.
- Communicate regularly with the Den Leader to review the den and pack meeting plans.
- If serving with a Webelos den, prepare boys to join Scouts BSA.
- Project a positive image of Scouts BSA.
- Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
- Encourage Cub Scouts to join a Scouts BSA Troop upon graduation.
- Help out at monthly pack meetings.
- Attends at least 2/3 of the den meetings/events during his service period.
- Be a friend to the boys in the den.
- Participate in outings. Attendance expectation 50%
- Attend troop meetings. Attendance expectation 50%
- Set a good example.
- Wear the field uniform (class A) correctly to all regular troop meetings, religious services, and den meetings.
- Wear the activity uniform (class B t-shirt) to all outings and other troop activities.
- Live by Scout Oath and Law.
- Show scout Spirit.
Resources and Related Achievements
Printable PDF copy of Description and Self Evaluation
Den Chief Service Award
This award recognizes Scouts and Venturers who serve a Cub Scout den for one year, are trained, and are active members of their Troop or Crew.
Den Chief Pledge
A pledge which a Scout can take when he or she starts in this position of responsibility.
Training
Training is recommended and can be taken online. A facilitator guide is also available if in person training is planned.
Program Ideas
Here are some resources for Scouts or Venturers who are helping with a Cub Scout den.
Gathering Activities for Meetings: Keep the Cub Scouts busy at the start of the meeting with games, puzzles, or crafts.
Magic Tricks and Stunts: Cub Scouts find these very entertaining. The are a good way to keep them occupied while the den leader is putting out materials for the next activity.
Games for Scouts: Play a game with the den while the den leader prepared the next activity.
Skits and Songs and Cheers, Run Ons, and Audience Participation: More silly stuff. All of these are great for pack meetings or campouts.
There is no rank requirement to be a den chief. That is an “old scoutmaster myth”.