Wolf Den Leader Guide

Being a Wolf den leader is a rewarding experience. You get to help second graders grow, learn, and have fun. At this stage, Cub Scouts are full of energy and curiosity. They love hands-on activities, games, and adventures. Your role is to guide them as they explore new skills, build friendships, and develop character.

The Wolf program is designed for eight-year-olds. It includes required adventures that focus on character, safety, outdoor skills, and being a good citizen. Elective adventures let Scouts try different activities like STEM, sports, fishing, and camping. There is something for everyone, making it easy to keep the den engaged.

Den meetings should be active and structured. Scouts this age learn best by doing. Each meeting should include movement, teamwork, and fun. Keeping activities short and varied helps hold their attention. Your goal is to make learning enjoyable while reinforcing the values of Scouting.

As a den leader, you will work with parents and guardians to help Scouts complete their requirements. Some activities will be done at home, and families play an important role in their Scout’s success. Clear communication helps everyone stay on track.

This guide will help you plan meetings, understand the Wolf requirements, and keep your den engaged. Whether you are new or experienced, these tips and resources will support you in leading a successful den.

Good planning makes den meetings run smoothly. As a den leader, you are responsible for making sure Cub Scouts have fun while working on advancement. Planning ahead helps you stay organized and keeps the den on track.

Start by looking at the Wolf required adventures. These six adventures are needed for advancement. You also need to complete at least one elective adventure. Some electives work better in certain seasons, like Paws for Water in summer or Let’s Camp in the fall. Think about weather, available locations, and pack events when scheduling activities.

Try to spread out the required adventures over the year. If you rush through them too quickly, you may run out of things to do later. Mixing in electives keeps meetings interesting. Ask the Scouts what electives they are excited about. This helps them feel involved and makes meetings more fun.

Some adventures require special coordination. If your pack has a camping trip planned, you might be able to complete parts of Let’s Camp or Paws on the Path. If another den is doing a service project, your den could join in to complete Council Fire. Working with other leaders can make things easier.

Keep parents informed about what the den is working on. Some requirements need to be completed at home, especially the Duty to God adventures. Make sure families know what they need to do and how to report progress.

Not every Scout will make it to every meeting. If a Scout misses an activity, help them find a way to make it up. Encourage parents to check in and see what their child still needs to complete. Keeping good records makes this easier.

Recognition is important. Scouts should be recognized as soon as they complete an adventure. This keeps them motivated. Use advancement charts, stickers, or small ceremonies to celebrate progress. Make sure advancements are reported to the pack so Scouts get their awards at pack meetings.

A well-planned den year keeps everyone on track and makes meetings enjoyable. Be flexible when needed, but try to stick to a schedule. When Scouts are engaged and having fun, they learn better and stay excited about Cub Scouting.

Wolf Cub Scouts complete a mix of required and elective adventures to earn their rank. As a den leader, you will guide them through these activities, making sure they learn, grow, and have fun along the way. Adventures cover important topics like character, safety, outdoor skills, and being a good citizen. Each adventure is designed to be hands-on and engaging.

The first adventure every Wolf completes is Bobcat. This teaches them the basics of Cub Scouting, including the Scout Oath and Law, the Cub Scout sign, and the salute. Bobcat helps Scouts feel like part of the group and gives them a strong start to the year.

The six required adventures cover a variety of skills. Paws on the Path introduces outdoor skills and nature awareness. Running with the Pack focuses on health and fitness. Council Fire teaches about citizenship and community service. Footsteps explores family traditions and values. Safety in Numbers helps Scouts learn about personal safety. These adventures help build confidence and character.

Here is more information on the required adventures:

• Bobcat
• Council Fire
• Footsteps
• Paws on the Path
• Running with the Pack
• Safety in Numbers

Elective adventures give Scouts a chance to explore different interests. They can learn about science in Air of the Wolf, practice outdoor skills in Let’s Camp, or try fishing in A Wolf Goes Fishing. There are also adventures focused on sports, water activities, and history. As a den leader, you can choose electives that fit your den’s interests and available resources.

Learn more about the electives here:

• ‪A Wolf Goes Fishing
• Adventures in Coins
• Air of the Wolf
• Champions for Nature
• Code of the Wolf
• Computing Wolves
• Cubs Who Care
• Digging in the Past
• Finding Your Way
• Germs Alive!
• Let’s Camp
• Paws for Water
• Paws of Skill
• Pedal with the Pack
• Race Time
• Spirit of the Water
• Summertime Fun
• Archery
• BB Guns
• Slingshot

Some adventures can be done as part of a pack activity. Camping trips, service projects, and pack meetings can help complete requirements. Working with other dens can also make some adventures easier and more fun. Always look for opportunities to connect activities with what the pack is doing.

Each adventure brings new skills and experiences. Scouts feel a sense of accomplishment as they earn adventure loops and move closer to their Wolf rank. Keeping activities fun and interactive will make the journey exciting for everyone in the den.

Good den meeting plans make your job as a den leader much easier. They help you stay organized, keep meetings fun, and make sure Scouts complete their requirements. You can find detailed meeting plans for all the required Wolf adventures. These plans include activities, discussions, and games to help Scouts learn while having fun. You can also create your own den meeting plans.

Elective den meeting plans will be added later, so check back for those. In the meantime, you can choose electives that fit your den’s interests and create your own plans. Electives give you flexibility to explore new topics and keep things exciting. You can also let Scouts vote on which electives they want to try.

• Bobcat Den Meeting Plan
• Council Fire Den Meeting Plan
• Footsteps Den Meeting Plan
• Paws on the Path Den Meeting Plan
• Running with the Pack Den Meeting Plan
• Safety in Numbers Den Meeting Plan

Mixing in field trips is a great way to bring adventures to life. If your den works on Council Fire, you might visit a fire station or city hall. After completing Paws on the Path, you could take a nature hike at a local park. Field trips give Scouts real-world experiences that connect to what they learn in meetings.

Using den meeting plans and adding field trips will keep your den active and engaged. A well-planned year makes meetings run smoothly and helps Scouts stay excited about Cub Scouting. Keep checking back for more resources to help you along the way.

Second graders are full of energy. As a den leader, you need to keep them moving and engaged. Sitting still for too long will lead to boredom and distractions. Plan activities that involve hands-on learning, games, and teamwork. Short, active lessons work best at this age.

Giving clear instructions helps keep meetings on track. Explain what they need to do in simple steps. Show them rather than just telling them. If an activity is complicated, break it into smaller parts. Keeping things simple will help Scouts stay focused and succeed.

Positive reinforcement works better than scolding. Praise good behavior and effort. If a Scout is following directions, point it out. If they help a friend, recognize it. Encouraging good behavior makes them want to do their best. Simple rewards like stickers or getting to lead a game can be great motivators.

Establish a routine so Scouts know what to expect. Start with an opening activity, move to the main adventure, and finish with a fun game or closing. Having a regular structure helps with behavior and keeps Scouts from getting too restless. A well-planned meeting makes it easier for everyone to have fun and learn.

Being a den leader is a fun and rewarding job, but it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. A well-run den makes Cub Scouting more enjoyable for everyone—especially you. Here are some helpful hints to make your job easier and keep your den engaged.

Find a Mentor
Experienced leaders are a great resource. Your Cubmaster, assistant Cubmaster, or another den leader can answer questions and share ideas. If you know a leader who has been doing this for a while, ask for advice. Learning from someone else’s experience can save you time and effort.

Get Trained
BSA offers online training for den leaders. Taking the training will give you confidence and help you understand how the program works. Your local Scout council may also offer in-person training where you can meet other leaders and learn best practices. The more you know, the easier your job will be.

Keep It Simple, Make It Fun
Meetings don’t have to be complicated. Simple activities, games, and hands-on projects keep Scouts engaged. If something isn’t working, move on. If they’re having fun, they’re learning. Keep things moving and avoid long explanations.

Go to Cub Scout Roundtable
Many districts hold a monthly meeting called Roundtable. This is a chance for den leaders to meet, share ideas, and get updates on upcoming events. Roundtable is a great way to connect with other leaders and get new ideas for activities.

Engage the Parents
Parents are an important part of your den’s success. Let them know what their child is working on and how they can help. Some adventures need to be done at home, like the Duty to God adventure. Make sure parents know their role and encourage them to get involved.

Do Your Best
Scouts and leaders follow the same motto—do your best. You don’t have to be perfect. Some meetings will go smoothly, and some won’t. That’s okay. Keep a positive attitude and focus on making each meeting a good experience for the Scouts.

Utilizing Online Resources
There are many great online resources to help with planning. The BSA website, Scouting forums, and leader Facebook groups can provide ideas, worksheets, and activities. If you’re stuck, a quick search can often give you a fresh idea.

Plan Ahead
Surprises don’t always work well with a group of second graders. Test out new activities before the meeting to make sure they work. If something is too complicated or messy, adjust it ahead of time. A little preparation can save a lot of frustration.

Have Fun!
Most importantly, have fun. If you’re enjoying yourself, the Scouts will too. Cub Scouting is about adventure, learning, and making memories. Enjoy the time you spend with your den, and make it a great experience for everyone.

Wolf Badge for Cub Scouts

The Wolf rank is designed for second graders in Cub Scouts. It helps them learn new skills while having fun. Scouts complete six required adventures that cover outdoor skills, safety, citizenship, fitness, and character. They also complete at least two elective adventures based on their interests. As a den leader, you will guide them through hands-on activities that keep them engaged and excited about learning.

Elective adventures let Scouts explore topics like STEM, history, sports, and outdoor fun. They can go fishing, learn about water safety, or try archery. Each adventure helps build confidence and teamwork. As a den leader, you can choose activities that fit your den’s interests and keep meetings fun. By completing adventures, Scouts earn badges and gain skills that prepare them for more Scouting experiences.

See more information for the Wolf Badge for Cub Scouts here.

Welcome New Den Leaders

Scout Moms, Dads, and Leaders Facebook group

Ask Scouter Mom a question or share your ideas with others

Printable Wolf Cub Scout requirements

Printable checkoff sheet for the Wolf Badge (for den or individual use)

How often should my den meet?

Most dens meet once or twice a month. Some dens also have a monthly outing or field trip. Find a schedule that works for your families and keeps Scouts engaged.

How long should a den meeting last?

A good den meeting is about 60 minutes. This gives enough time for activities without losing the Scouts’ attention. Keep things moving so they stay focused.

What if a Scout misses a meeting?

Encourage parents to help their child make up any missed requirements at home. Keep track of what each Scout completes and communicate with families so they stay on track.

How do I handle behavior issues?

Set clear expectations from the start. Use positive reinforcement and praise good behavior. If a Scout is disruptive, calmly remind them of the rules. If needed, talk to their parents for support.

Can I ask parents to help?

Yes! Parents should be involved. Ask them to help with activities, lead a game, or bring supplies. Many hands make meetings easier and more fun.

Do I have to follow the den meeting plans exactly?

No. The plans are a guide, but you can adjust them to fit your den’s needs. Keep it fun and hands-on. If something isn’t working, change it.

How do I keep Scouts engaged?

Keep activities short and active. Use games, hands-on projects, and teamwork. Avoid long explanations. Move quickly from one activity to the next.

What if I don’t know all the Scouting rules?

That’s okay. Get trained, ask other leaders, and use online resources. You’ll learn as you go. Focus on making meetings fun, and the rest will come with time.

What is my role in advancement?

As the den leader, you guide Scouts through their adventures. Keep track of what they complete, report it to the pack, and recognize their progress. Parents also help with some requirements at home.

What if a Scout struggles with a requirement?

Encourage them to do their best. If they need extra help, find a way to make it work for them. Scouting is about learning and growing, not perfection.

How do I make meetings fun?

Mix in games, field trips, and hands-on activities. Let Scouts help make choices. Keep a positive attitude, and enjoy the experience. If you have fun, they will too!

Being a Wolf den leader is an adventure. You are helping young Scouts grow, learn, and have fun. You don’t have to be perfect. Just do your best, stay organized, and keep meetings fun. When Scouts are engaged, they learn valuable skills without even realizing it.

Planning ahead makes things easier. Use the den meeting plans, mix in field trips, and involve parents. Keep meetings active and hands-on. If something doesn’t go as planned, adjust and move forward. Flexibility is key when working with energetic second graders.

Remember, you are not alone. Other leaders, online resources, and roundtable meetings can provide support and ideas. Finding a mentor and asking for help will make your job easier. The more you connect with others, the more confident you’ll feel.

Most of all, have fun! Your enthusiasm will set the tone for the den. The best den leaders are the ones who enjoy the experience. You are making a difference in the lives of these Scouts, and they will remember the adventures you share. Keep it simple, make it fun, and enjoy the journey!