660 likes | 1.19k Views
Den Chief Training. Andy Brennan Dawn Gent John McNamara November 7, 2010. Class Schedule. 9:00 – Greetings 9:05 – Schedule Review 9:15 – Cub Scouting – Brush up 9:40 – Role of Den Chief 10:30 – Break 10:40 – Understanding Cubs 11:10 - Den Meetings
E N D
Den Chief Training Andy Brennan Dawn Gent John McNamara November 7, 2010
Class Schedule • 9:00 – Greetings • 9:05 – Schedule Review • 9:15 – Cub Scouting – Brush up • 9:40 – Role of Den Chief • 10:30 – Break • 10:40 – Understanding Cubs • 11:10 - Den Meetings • 11:45 – Leading Activities • 11:50 – Closing and Cleanup • 12:00 – Done!
What will we learn today? • The role of the Den Chief • Aims, Purposes, Methods of Cub Scouts • How to work with Cub and Webelos Scouts and the den leaders • Abilities and character of Cub Scouts • All about the Den Meeting and your role • How to lead activities
Reminders • Plan on staying to the end of the session • It’s okay to ask questions • Stay in the building • A Scout is courteous • Please help clean-up after the session
Cub Scouting Brush-up Or “I forget…”
Aims of Scouting • 3 Aims of Cub Scouts • Character Development • Good Citizenship • Physical, Mental, and Moral fitness. • 3 Aims Boy Scouts • Character Development • Good Citizenship • Physical, Mental, and Moral fitness.
Methods of Scouting • Cub Scouts • Living the Ideals • Belonging to a Den • Advancement • Family Involvement • Activities • Home and Neighborhood and Community • Wearing the Uniform • Making Character Connections • Boy Scouts • Ideals • Patrols • Advancement • Adult Association • Outdoor Programs • Personal Growth • Uniform • Leadership Development
Cub Scout - Ideals • Cub Scout Promise I, (say your name), promiseto DO MY BESTTo do my DUTY to GODAnd my CountryTo HELP other people, andTo OBEY the LAW of the Pack • Law of the Pack The Cub Scout follows Akela.The Cub Scout helps the pack go.The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.The Cub Scout gives goodwill. • Cub Scout Motto DO YOUR BEST
Cub Scout - Symbols WEBELOS = “WE’llBELOyalScouts”
Cub Scouting Programs • Tiger Cubs • 1st grade • Parent Partners • Cub Scouts (Wolf & Bear) • 2nd & 3rd grade • Den Leaders • Less parental involvement • Webelos Scouts • 4th & 5th grade • Webelos Leaders • Beginning Patrol’s
Purposes of Cub Scouts Development • Character __________ • _____________ growth • Good _________________ • Sportsmanship and _____________ • ____________ understanding • Respectful _________________ • _______________ achievement • Friendly ___________________ • ______ and ____________________ • Preparation for _____ ____________ Spiritual Citizenship Fitness Family Relationships Personal Service Fun Adventure Boy Scouts
The Role of the Den Chief Or “What in the world did I get myself into, anyway?”
The Den Chief – (One Scouters Opinion) • One of the Toughest Leadership Roles • SPL • Den Chief • Patrol Leader • Troop Guide • One of the Most Rewarding Leadership Roles. • A chance to be a mentor • An opportunity to influence young scouts • A chance to foster adult association
What is a Den Chief? • Helps Cubs to learn to be good leaders • Encourage Cubs to be Webelos • Encourage Webelos to be Boy Scouts • A junior leader that helps fill an important role in the Cub Scout pack • Assists the den leader with the meeting • Helps lead (and sometimes plan) activities, games, ceremonies • Sets good examples
Characteristics of a GOOD DC • A Good Den Chief … • Remembers who he is serving as a DC • Practices compassion & understanding • Is an excellent listener • Is a friend to ALL scouts • Promotes Cub Scouting • Is an advertisement for Boy Scouts • Practice Patience to the EXTREME • Stays Calm and Speaks with Authority • Models appropriate behavior • Wears his uniform properly and proudly • Keeps in mind the Scout Oath and Law
A Den Chief is NOT… • the primary planner of the den meeting • in charge of correcting behavior • a substitute for an adult leader
Responsibilities of the Den Chief • Assist the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting program • Be a friend to the boys in the den • Know the importance of the monthly theme • Meet as needed with the adult leaders of the den, pack and troop • Know the purposes of Cub Scouting • Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting • Be the activities assistant in the den meeting • Set a good example by attitude and uniforming • Take part in weekly meetings
Keys to Success The role of the Den Chief helps fulfill a leadership position for rank advancement in Boy Scouting. Adult leaders in the pack are there to help you to become a successful and effective leader. List some ideas on how den chiefs and pack leaders can work together: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
Understanding Cubs Or “Mommy, Did I really act that way at that age?”
Are Cubs and Webelos really that different? DEFINITELY!
Boys have different “characteristics” depending on age • Dealing with boys from first thru fifth grade • Each are at a different level of maturity • All have different backgrounds, hobbies, likes and dislikes “Ages and Stages”
Behaviors 1st & 2nd Grade • Begin to reason and concentrate. • Worry, are self-critical, and may express a lack of confidence. • Demand more of their teacher's time. • Dislike being singled out, even for praise. • Wants to be the "best" and "first." • Has boundless energy. • May be oppositional, silly, brash, and critical. • Cries easily; shows a variety of tension-releasing behavior. • Is attached to the teacher. Has difficulty being flexible. • Often considers fantasy real.
Behaviors 3rd through 5th Grade • Possesses a “know-it-all” attitude • Is able to assume some responsibility for her actions. • Actively seeks praise. • May undertake more than she can handle successfully. • Is self-critical. • Recognizes the needs of others. • Wants to put some distance between themselves and adults. • May rebel against authority. • Need to be part of a group. • Seek independence. • Possess a high activity level. • Can express a wide range of emotions and verbalize easily. • Can empathize. • Can think independently and critically, but are tied to peer standards. • Begin to increase their sense of truthfulness. • Are typically not self-confident. • Tends to be obedient, good natured, and fun. • Possesses a surprising scope of interests. • Is becoming more truthful and dependable. • Tends to be improving her self-concept and acceptance of others. • Forms good personal relationships with teachers and counselors.
Den Chief – Key Considerations What does a boy need? • Define a need What is a boy able to do? • Identify an ability
Brainstorm! • W_____________ • E______________ • B______________ • E______________ • L______________ • O______________ • S______________ • C______________ • U______________ • B______________ • S______________ • C______________ • O______________ • U______________ • T______________
Summary • Every boy is different • Each has their own needs and characteristics • Differences can be cultural, ethnic, religious or educational • A good leader accepts each boy for who they are • Be a friend!
He is just a Cub Scout. He has many, many characteristics: He is energetic, curious, noisy, silly, eager and silly, But he is full of Cub Scout spirit. He is that little boy in my den. He is tomorrow. He is the future. And I am his den chief.
The Den Meeting Or “Organized Chaos” (with a lot of fun!)
So, What is a Den? • A group of boys, usually six to eight • All about the same age or grade • Typically meets once a week • Den meetings generally last 60 to 90 minutes • Several dens make the larger pack
Who’s in Charge? • Den Leader/Webelos Leader: • An adult in charge of the den, and plans the meeting activities • Assistant Den Leader: • An adult who helps the Den Leader and assists in planning • Denner or Assistant Denner: • Members of the den who have been elected to carry out assigned duties • Den Chief: • A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Venturer who helps the Den Leader conduct the den meeting, leads and helps plan activities with the Den Leader
Keep an Eye on the Goal • You NEED a copy of the latest handbook. The programs have probably changed since you were a Cub. READ THE MATERIAL!
Deciding What to Do. • Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide • New “Delivery Method” for 2010 • Detailed syllabus • Rank specific • Week specific • Intended to be done in order • Review regularly with your Den Leader
The Meeting Plan • Den Meeting Plans: • Meeting Week Number • Topic being covered • Requirements or Electives
The Meeting Plan Do… Home… • Requirements / Electives: • Do: Activities to be done during Den Meetings. • Home Assignments: Done with a scouts parents at home. • Verify: Confirmation at the Den Meeting that Homework has been completed.
Parts of the Den Meeting? • Before the meeting • Gathering • Opening • Business • Activities • Closing • After the Meeting
The Den Meeting - Preparation • Before you Begin • READ THE MATERIAL! • Review the Lesson Plan • Review the Handbook • Brush up on any skills involved or material you don’t recall. • Decide who will bring materials needed.
The Den Meeting - Gathering • Not everyone arrives at the same time • Not social time with the Cubs. • Keep the Cubs productively busy. • A non-physical game • Scout skill practice • A puzzle related to the evenings topic. • An unoccupied Cub will get into mischief • Gives the Den Leader time with parents and last minute preparation
The Den Meeting - Opening • It’s a sign • Lets Cubs know the Meeting is Starting • A chance for everyone to get focused • Reminder of a Scout’s Duty
The Den Meeting - Business • Meeting Mechanics • The time to review schedules • Check Home Activity • Practice a Skit / Song for the Pack Meeting • Time to advertise upcoming events • Pack / Den special events • Blue & Gold / Pinewood Derby / • Service project
The Den Meeting - Activities • The ‘Meat’ of the meeting • A time to teach • A time to listen & observe • A time to offer compliments • A time to play games • Make it FUN
The Den Meeting - Closing • Wrap it up • Recognize achievements • Celebrate Den successes • Meaningful closing Ceremony • Give out Home Assignments • Last minute reminders and hand-outs
The Den Meeting - Recap • Help Clean up • Don’t be the first scout out of the room • Now is the time to socialize with Cubs • Keep control of unstructured time after meetings • Your Den Leader is Responsible for the program’s execution. • Stop / Start / Continue • Review plans for next week with your Den leader after every meeting. • Agree together what YOUR responsibility will be for the next weeks program.
Den Meeting – Reflects on YOU You don’t go to a Patrol meeting unprepared. Don’tgo to a Den Meeting unprepared Know your material
So…who does what? • Most any division of labor is ok. • Potential Den Chief Roles. • Set up the Den Meeting space • Bring the gathering activity • Make sure all equipment is available for the activity • Do a demonstration. • Coordinate a den skit • Teach a Song • Practice using EDGE with a skill
So…who does what? • Be a mentor to your Denner • Help clean up after a meeting. • Make copies of handouts • Help track advancement • Encourage camping • Help Maintain control before/ during and after meetings • Talk about your scouting days • Cubs LOVE stories • SET THE EXAMPLE.
Special Activities for Webelos • Webelos need to participate in an overnight campout • Den Chiefs can help the boys make a list of items needed for their campout, as well as help them pack • Webelos also need to demonstrate an activity badge at a pack meeting • Den Chiefs can also help the boys practice for their demonstration
Den Issues - Real World • What sorts of situations might I encounter? • Examples: • You see a Den Leader not following the Program Guide. • What will you do? Should you do anything? • A Cub in your den tells you that a fellow Cub was rude to a parent. • What will you do? Should you do anything? • You’ve been working with a den for weeks but your Den Leader doesn’t seem to know what to have you do. • What will you do? Should you do anything? • Team Exercises
How to Lead Skits and Activities Or “Go big…or GO HOME!”
What kind of activities? • Ceremonies • Flag Ceremonies • Activities • Gathering • Skill Based • Games • Indoor/outdoor, fitness, quiet • Stunts and skits • Songs • Sports
Resources • The obvious… • http://www.scoutorama.com • http://www.boyscouttrail.com/ • Den Chief Handbook • Boy’s Life Magazine • Tiger/Wolf/Bear Scout Handbooks • Boy Scout Handbook • Cub Scout Leader How-to Book • Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs • Cub Scout Leader Book • Webelos Leaders Guide • Cub Scout Songbook • Group Meeting Sparklers