Den Chief Information

[Prepared]

So, I have a question about the Den Chief program. I know the council puts on normal Den Chief training that the Scouts have to attend to be considered trained and earn the Den Chief Award. However, I was told that normally when a Cub Scout pack takes on a Den Chief, they should put on training for the Scouts to ensure they have an understanding of the Cub Scout program and how the pack runs. Has anyone ever heard of this? I just want to make sure my pack does this all correctly so both the pack and the older Scouts are fully prepared for the program.

[Stosh]

There is DC Training that can be done on-line.  That's a good start for the boy.  Then the Pack and Den should do an orientation for the boy to make sure he is aware of all the expectations of responsibility he will need to do to help out in that specific den.  No DL should assume that a DC is going to walk in and perform miracles for his den.   It take a bit of time to get everyone on the same page and this is where training will really help out.  Even if the Pack doesn't have specific training, some sort of expectation orientation from the DL would be very helpful for the DC.

 

I don't know if it is still true or not, but there use to be different training for Cub Scout DC's and Webelos DC's.

 

Whatever effort one puts into getting the DC up and running is worth it.  Even with a couple of bumpy starts, all my DC's have done a really nice job for their Dens and often stay with the job for 2 and 3 years.

[Prepared]

@@Stosh, thank you makes sense. I decided as a Cubmaster that we need DC to help us prepare the Scouts for Boy Scouts and just want to make sure I do everything I can to ensure it is a successful program for my pack.

[CNYScouter]

Not only should the Scout take the Den Chief training but the Den Leader of the Den the Scout is working with take the training also.

A Cubmaster might want to take it too.

I have seen many times where a Cubmaster asks for Den Chefs and the Den leader has no idea what a Den Chef is there for or how to use them to enhance their Den program

Edited May 18, 2016 by CNYScouter

[Stosh]

Yeah, what @@CNYScouter said.  Adults need training on this as well!.

 

If one is using this as a prep for Boy Scout cross-over, one might want to consider having the DC move with the troop into the TG position of the NSP in the new troop  so that that bonding will help the new guys get adjusted to Boy Scout life.  They will come into the troop with someone they already know and look up to.   Any DC bringing in his Den to my troop was given this option if he wanted it.

[Prepared]

Ok, well I will be putting together "training" for the Den Chiefs that choose to join us. The training will be the basics of our pack organization and the new stuff about the Cub Scout program. I will be putting together guidance to my leadership as to what the Den Chiefs are used for and why it is beneficial. I really hope I can get at least 2 Den Chiefs...4 would be perfect. Thanks for the help everyone.

[Eagle94-A1]

Not only should the Scout take the Den Chief training but the Den Leader of the Den the Scout is working with take the training also.

A Cubmaster might want to take it too.

I have seen many times where a Cubmaster asks for Den Chefs and the Den leader has no idea what a Den Chef is there for or how to use them to enhance their Den program

 

CANNOT AGREE WITH THIS MORE AS IT IS110% SPOT ON! (Caps for emphasis!)

 

In the dark ages when I was a den chief, the worse problem I had was the first DL I was with did not know what to do with me and treated me as another Cub Scout. Thankfully I was able to switch to working with another den the next school year. 

 

My only problem I ever had with den chiefs is over enthusiasm.   Had him teach a class on introductory camping, and he brought all his backpacking toys for the class. Thankfully I had my gear as well (I asked everyone bring their stuff) and we worked together to teach the class. I showed basic from the house stuff. He showed off the toys   Had another DC doing knots, and he started doing all the basic Scout knots instead of the two they needed to learn.

 

A good den chief is worth their weight in platinum!