A den is a group of six to eight boys, within the pack, that meets several times a month between pack meetings. The boys in a den are usually all at the same grade level. The den structure allows boys to build relationships with leaders and other boys. The den provides opportunities for activities that would be difficult with a large group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys.
The Den Meeting Location
The location of den meetings will vary, depending on the resources of the Cubmaster or den leader. An ideal meeting place is the home of an adult leader, if there is enough room for everybody. Meetings can also be held in a basement, garage, backyard, park, town square, or the activity room of an apartment building. Some dens meet at the chartered organization's meeting place or at a local school.
The Den Meeting Agenda
All Cub Scout den meetings have the following parts:
- Before the Meeting. Before the Cub Scouts arrive, leaders gather to make preparations and handle last-minute details.
- Gathering Activity. As the Cub Scouts begin to arrive, they join in an informal activity or game, often conducted by the den chief to keep the boys interested and active until the entire group has arrived.
- Opening. The opening is the official start of the den meeting. It usually consists of a formal ceremony, such as a flag ceremony, a prayer or song, or a group recital of the Cub Scout Promise.
- Program. The program part of the meeting will vary by the age of the boys (see below), and may be broken into two or more parts. Generally, most of the meeting consists of craft projects, games, and activities that are all based on the monthly theme.
- Closing. The closing draws the meeting to an end. It's usually serious and quiet. Den leaders could present a thought for the day or give reminders about coming events.
- After the Meeting. The leaders review the events of the meeting, finalize plans for the next den meeting, and review their progress toward the upcoming pack meeting.
Den Meeting Activities
The range of activities that may fit into a den meeting is as wide as imagination itself. Many suggestions for activities can be found in the Cub Scout program literature, childrens' books and magazines, and many other sources.
Any activity you can imagine can be incorporated into a den meeting, so long as it is age-appropriate, safe, and—most of all—fun. Ideally, the activities included in a den meeting reinforce the values taught by Cub Scouting or match the monthly theme. But sometimes, "just for fun" is all the reason you need.
Here are some activities commonly included in Cub Scout den meetings.
Crafts, games, skits,storytelling,ceremonies,camping trips, derby races, halloween parties, guest speakers and most importantly FUN!