Cub Scouting Secret Sauce
1. Keep it safe
2. Follow the Cub Scouting program
3. Make it meaningful
Registration
Register as an Adult Volunteer through my.scouting.org via this link. Select adult volunteer. All adult registration fees will be reimbursed by the Pack Treasurer. Kindly contact Cherry Zhu and forward receipt of paid invoice.
Training
Youth Protection Training (YPT) : This is mandatory for all leaders. Log in to my.scouting.org and click on "My Training" from the dashboard. Select "YPT and Training Center" and complete the mandatory YPT training. Detailed instructions can be found HERE.
Position Specific Training : Based on your newly appointed position, you will be presented with position specific training suggestions in your "My Training" -> "Requirements" section at my.scouting.org. Although not mandatory, it is highly encouraged for all leaders, particularly if new to Scouting America, to complete the training as suggested. By completing all position specific training, you will also earn your adult volunteer leader "Trained" badge. More information can be found HERE.
Cub Scout Leader Book : This Leader Book is designed to help you make the most of your time as a Cub Scout parent or volunteer leader. Whether you are a den leader, a Cubmaster, a committee member, or you take on some other leadership role, you'll find the resources here to make your Cub Scouting experience the best it can be. The leader book can be found HERE. (*2024 New version)
Scout Safety
Guide to Safe Scouting - All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources.
S.A.F.E. Checklist - Scouts and their parents expect all Boy Scouts of America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program
(*New) Age Appropriate Guidelines - Age- and rank-appropriate guidelines have been developed based on many factors. When planning activities outside of program materials or handbooks, as this question: Is the activity appropriate for the age and for Scouting? Not every activity needs to be conducted.
Den Leader Tools and Resources
(*New) Scoutbook and Scoutbook Plus - From the first knot tied to final hours of service performed, the Scouting experience is a journey like none other. And Scoutbook is your go-to tool to ensure not a moment is missed - tracking advancement, milestone achievements and all the fun along the way. (Scoutbook is gradually being migrated to Scoutbook Plus)
(*New) my.scouting.org - Portal for adults and leaders providing access to their Scouting America account data, online training, and more. It is run separately by the national Scouting America organization, and not by our pack. If any issues, please contact the Committee.
BSA Website Den Leader Resources - The Den Meeting is the most important part of Cub Scouting. It is where Cub Scouts build friendships, work together to learn new things, and progress towards earning their common badge of rank. Serving as a Den Leader is providing an opportunity to make a positive life long impact on your child and others in the den. Den Leader Resources can be found HERE.
(*New) Michigan Crossroads Council Cub Scout Leader Resources - Very well-organized repository of resources for Cub Scout leaders shared by the Michigan Crossroads Council, with particular focus on the new 2024-2025 program.
Cub Scout Handbooks, Adventures, Adult & Den Leader Guides, and Requirement Tracking
Lion
2024-2025 Adventures
2024-2025 Den Leader Guide
2024-2025 Den Requirement Tracking
(*New) 2024-2025 Lion Adult Partner Handbook
(*New) 2024-2025 Lion Cubscout Handbook
Tiger
2024-2025 Adventures
2024-2025 Den Leader Guide
2024-2025 Den Requirement Tracking
(*New) 2024-2025 Tiger Adult Partner Handbook
(*New) 2024-2025 Tiger Cubscout Handbook
Wolf
2024-2025 Adventures
2024-2025 Den Leader Guide
2024-2025 Den Requirement Tracking
(*New) Wolf Cubscout Handbook
Bear
2024-2025 Adventures
2024-2025 Den Leader Guide
2024-2025 Den Requirement Tracking
(*New) Bear Cubscout Handbook
Webelos
2024-2025 Adventures
2024-2025 Den Leader Guide
2024-2025 Den Requirement Tracking
(*New) Webelos Cubscout Handbook
Arrow of Light
2024-2025 Adventures
2024-2025 Den Leader Guide
2024-2025 Den Requirement Tracking
(*New) Arrow of Light Cubscout Handbook
Adventures Across the Ranks in a Glance
View #1
View #2
View #3
Additional Useful Den Leader Resources
(*New) Scouting Magazine (YouTube) - The official YouTube channel of Scouting magazine, a Scouting America publication. Loads of information, explanations, and tips by various leadership at the national, district, and council levels across all topics and updates around scouting. I would start here first and search by topic of interest.
(*New) r/cubscouts - Reddit forum for Cubscouts. A community of enthusiastic cub scout akelas; to include parents, den chiefs, den leaders, cub masters and committee members, both current and former. This is intended as a place to share ideas for meetings and activities, all things scouting, receive answers to your questions, or even just to show off photos of cub scouts doing their best!
The MacScouter's Big Book of Skits - Need some ideas for Den skits? Look no further
Ideas for Field Trips - Ideas for Den outings around Hong Kong to satisfy rank adventures
Aaron on Scouting - Formerly known as Bryan on Scouting, Aaron on Scouting is the official site of Scouting magazine for all families and BSA volunteers.
Cub Scout Ideas - Tips for Cub Scout Leaders & Parents. Need funny Cub Scout jokes or activity ideas for your den or pack meeting?
Scout Smarts - Site updated and maintained by an Eagle Scout who shares his vast amount of experience and knowledge picked up throughout his journey in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Pack Meeting and Events Resources
(*New) Master Pack Planner 2024-2025 - Planning details for all 2024-2025 pack level meetings and activities. Here you can find the Den Duties Roster, pack meeting Ideas List, and each Pack Level event broken out by date, with information on logistics (dates/times), coordinators/volunteers, scout themes/requirements to be covered, and detailed program rundown. This should be used as the "script" for planning and executing each Pack Level activity. Each Pack Level activity should be planned at least 1 month in advance.
(*New) Opening and Closing Flag Ceremony - Script and procedures for performing the opening and closing flag ceremony.
(*New) Flag Ceremony Example - (work in progress uploading sample video. if anyone has some good footage of a past ceremony, please do share!)
Den Leader Tips and Guidelines
1. Safety, safety, and safety! Parents are entrusting the safety of their children to you during the duration of the Scouting activity. Prioritize safety above all else when planning and executing. Also, ensure all activities are age appropriate.
2. Regularly meet at least once a month as a Den. Do not wholly rely on Pack level events to satisfy Scout requirements. The experience gained when participating in small Den groups has many benefits, and offers a different dynamic promoting Scout participation and learning. Scouts will also appreciate the fellowship and camaraderie gained through the small group Den experience.
3. Get the parents actively involved early and keep them continually engaged. Have families take turns in hosting den meetings, prepare supplies/refreshments, volunteer for den/pack level events. Active parent and family involvement is a core part of the Cub Scouting culture. Keep a lively WhatsApp group by posting regular reminders of upcoming events, soliciting ideas/feedback, posting photos, and congratulating Scouts as they complete achievements!
4. "Be Prepared". Set aside at least 30min-1hr of planning time well in advance of a Den or Pack meeting/activity to review the Den Leader guide for the particular adventure to be completed. The guides are very helpful and essentially provide clear instructions on what to do. For some adventures, you will need to arrange appropriate venue and/or prepare supplies. Again, get the parents involved to assist with the preparation, but give them notice well in advance. It is guaranteed the quality of the event and the Scouts' experience will suffer if there is no advance preparation. Try to avoid "winging it" on the spot.
5. Lead by example. Scouts look up to their Den leaders. Be extra mindful and make best efforts in exhibiting the Scouting methods of "living the ideals". Encourage punctuality and start meetings/events on time in respect of others. If any refreshments/food is offered, provide healthy and nutritious options (no/low sugar snacks and drinks). Of course, pizza can be reserved for special occasions!
6. Teamwork and inclusion. Have a vested interest in all the Scouts (and not just your child) succeed in advancement together as a den. Try to avoid the creation of "cliques" within the Den, especially if a tight knit group of friends joined together. Some Scouts may not be HKIS students and are meeting new faces for the first time. For activities, make deliberate attempts to encourage partnering and pairing across a mix of Scouts, giving ample opportunities for Scouts to get better acquainted with one another. Keep all Scouts updated in Scout Book so they are recognized for their achievements in a timely fashion. Follow up with parents if you're noticing Scouts frequently missing or not engaging at events.
7. Communications. Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders should touch base with each other frequently to discuss planning and logistics (i.e. when you'll be away for business travel). Create a system that works (i.e. take turns preparing for/leading Den activities). In addition to Den level events, ensure at least one leader is in attendance for each Pack event. If for any reason, neither will be available, let the Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster know well in advance to plan accordingly. Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders within the same rank (i.e. Tiger Den 1 and Tiger Den 2) should also share schedules and adventure plans so that Scouts can have options in case they miss and need to "make up" any adventures outside of their primary Den.
8. You're not alone! Stay engaged with the Pack leadership, attend Den Leader/committee meetings, and be responsive to Pack level announcements. Understand what programming is being offered at the Pack level so that you can leverage and then supplement at the Den level for your Scouts to complete their achievements. Make use of the resources available to you, whether it be other Pack 1 leaders, online training, YouTube videos, council round-tables, and internet blogs. Feel free to reach out to the Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster and/or Pack Committee Chair at anytime with any questions or concerns. We're here to support you.
9. BSA doesn't stand for "Baby Sitting of America". Make it clear to parents it is still highly expected of them to ensure their children are well mannered and acting appropriately at all Scouting events. Den Leaders can give Scouts occasional "time outs" when needed during an activity, but feel free to set certain rules from the start (i.e. Den Code of Conduct) and pull the parents in as needed. The Cub Scout Leader book and various guides provide tips and techniques on how to encourage good behavior and engagement. At this age, young scouts need a good rotation of physical activities to burn off energy as well as sit down and listening time. Do not letter the latter prolong for too long (i.e. more than 5 minutes).
10. Remember to just "Do Your Best" and Have Fun! None of us would be volunteering if we did not find real value and satisfaction in sharing our time and efforts with our children. Don't overthink or get too stressed out. However, if you do feel the role is not working out or a right fit for you, please reach out sooner rather than later to discuss solutions with the Pack leadership.
Other Resources for Leaders
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Forms and Files
Dear Leader, please use the form below to submit your procurement order's for your den. You can place it when you need to requests awards, uniforms and such.
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