If you are like me and volunteered to be a Den Leader and not knowing WHERE to start and NOT a CLUE I hope this answers many questions for you and helps you on your way! Cub Scouting 101 Organization: The Den and the den meeting All cub scouts belong to a den which is a group of boys the same age. The den typically has around 8-10 boys. The den is giving a den # to identify your group. My den is Den#3. As part of a den, your cub scout will attend meetings to work on completing requirements while learning about a monthly core value theme.The meetings can be once a week, bi-weekly or monthly. It all is determined by the den leader. My preference for meetings will to meet bi-weekly. I figure to get all the work done in achieving our badges, electives and awards for this school year, this is what it will take. One of the aims of Scouting is character development. In the Cub Scouting program, character development is emphasized through twelve core values. You can plan your den meetings to participate in activities to complete your requirements while also learning about the monthly core value theme. These 12 values are incorporated in the months of the year as follows : January: Positive Attitude February: Resourcefulness March: Compassion April: Faith May: Health and Fitness June: Perseverance July: Courage August: Honesty September: Cooperation October: Responsibility November: Citizenship December: Respect Dens also usually go on an "outing" either once a month but again this is determined by the den leader. For my den I have decided an outing once a month. So as I mentioned the den is determined by the boy's age: Tigers: First Grade or age 6 although in our area my youngest son Ian started out as a Tiger at age 5 in kindergarten. Before 1st grade however they "officially" can't earn badges but they can wear a uniform and participate in their den's activities. Once they become 1st graders they are a tiger cub that can start earning badges. Wolf: 2nd Grade boys Bear: 3rd Grade boys Webelos: 4th and 5th Graders THEN hooray Boy Scouts! Boy Scouts: Boys ages 11-17, or have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old There will be several dens in your local area or school and together all these dens in your local area belong to a PACK The Pack and the pack meeting Our Pack is 571. The pack meets once a month and families of the scout is very much encouraged to attend. Families will be apart of participating with their scout in activities and projects. The families will also be there to celebrate with their scout on awards they have earned that month. Pack meetings will also include songs, skits, ceremonies and to get informed on upcoming events. Having the scouts family attend with him really helps with receiving ongoing encouragement and support in pursuing his goals. The family is a key factor in helping the cub to become not only a successful Scout, but a successful man in the future. The Uniform The uniform is very important in helping the scout feel important and involved. All Scouts are asked to wear a cub scout navy shirt, neckerchief, navy pants either the official navy scout pants or other navy pants. Belt, scarf neckerchief slide and Scout cap. As far as the neckerchief the wolf wears a yellow neckerchief and the bear wears blue. The webelos wear a plaid one. Tiger Uniform looks like this: Wolf Uniform looks like this: Bear Uniform looks like this: Webelos Uniform looks like this: Basic patches to start off with on your uniform shirt: * unit number of your pack (in red number patches) *American Flag *Den# *Council shoulder patch (we are the Seattle Council) * World Crest Here is a diagram to show you how the badge placement is on the pocket and sleeve of the Cub shirt... also pictured is how you roll the neckerchief before wearing it. The 6" length of the angle neckerchief is worn in the back and the ties go in the front held by the scarf neckerchief slide. The neckerchief in front of Uniform will look like this positioned with the slide. Your cub after achieving his rank patch ( my younger will be working towards tiger and my older will be working for the bear patch achievements) then they have the opportunity to earn other patches, arrow points and patches for special awards such as "Leave No Trace Behind" and the "World Conservation Award" Where do you put all the additional patches earned? Our pack purchases a red vest (optional) to display them but it is up to the Scout's family how they want to display them. I have seen them on a blanket or hung on a wall display. Here is what our red vest looks like: The Handbook and Advancement Each den rank uses a separate handbook so there is a different handbook for each of the Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Weblos. The den uses this handbook to accomplish the requirements they need in order to earn their rank. The very first thing that a Cub Scout needs to do is to earn his Bobcat rank Award. This can be done at home with the scout's family. To earn it he must fulfill 8 requirements, which mainly consist of learning and memorizing the Cub Scout motto, promise, law, handshake, salute, and sign. The other major part is having a sit-down discussion with his parents about safety and abuse. The handbooks have a small, removable booklet to help you lead this discussion. Signing Off In your son's handbook, there are a lot of fun things he can do. At the bottom of each is a space for "Akela's OK," which is "parent's and den leader's signature." After your son has completed something to the best of his ability, the parent may sign their name to show that he has finished and then let you the den leader sign as well so you can record it in your records. What is an Akela? Akela is anyone who is a leader to the Scout whether that is his parent, den leader, cubmaster or a teacher. Year Events The pack, including families, also participates in other special events throughout the year, including: Pinewood derby®—You can build and race a model car with your son. Blue and gold banquet—Cub Scouting’s birthday party—for all pack members and their families—in February. Rain boat Regatta Water Bottle Rockets Camping—Overnight and day camp opportunities introduce your family to the camping experience. Service projects—Packs may participate in food drives, conservation projects, or other community activities. DO YOUR BEST =D and have FUN!!!