CSGS – 130 Utilizing Boy Leadership – When you delegate you build responsibility. There will be tips for utilizing den chiefs and denners in your meetings that will make your job easier. Introduction 1. Why do boys join Cub Scouts? 2. Why do parents want their sons in Cub Scouts? 3. What is BSA’s goal(s)? a. Mission Statement - The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. b. Aims – character; citizenship; physical, mental & emotional fitness 4. What are the benefits of delegation? 5. What are the problems of delegation? 6. For this class, we want to discuss how you can use delegation to den chiefs and denners to make your job easier and meet the goals of the Cub Scouts, the parents and the BSA. When done properly, it is not only possible, but actually easy. Done poorly, it is a train wreck. I. Know the proper roles involved; who is supposed to be doing what. A. Cub Scouts is an adult/child organization that is adult-led, adult run organization. So when we talk about delegation, we do not mean abdication. You are still the den leader; you are leading and running the den meeting. That does not mean you do everything yourself. B. What are the roles of the following? 1. Den Leader 2. Denner 3. Den Chief II. Form a mental vision of the perfect den meeting. Include in the vision the boys having fun, learning, the denner leading, the den chief leading. Write it down. You must be able to verbalize that perfect vision before you can communicate it to others. A. This vision will become your pattern. Your job will be easier when the boys learn a routine of activities and expected behaviors B. Use the Den Meeting Outline III. Delegate specific functions to the denner and/or the den chief. A. Share your vision. When delegating, always delegate the objective, parameters and end result. Don’t delegate how. 1. You do teach how when the person doesn’t know how. 2. Circle of Effective Teaching a) Evaluate the knowledge/competency level of the student b) Teach/demonstrate the information/skill c) Have the student practice the information/skill d) Let the student teach/demonstrate the information/skill e) Evaluate the knowledge/competency level of the student. B. I recommend you delegate a specific function to the denner and/or den chief to accomplish at every meeting. Examples: opening flag ceremony, “While Cub Scouts Gather” activities, closing, etc. 1. Ensure the first several times they succeed. 2. Have them practice before the meeting 3. Check with them before the meeting to be sure they are ready. 4. The den chief should be able to accomplish more than the denner. The den chief position is a leadership position in the Boy Scout troop. Let him lead the den. a) Leadership is learned skill b) Leadership is part knowledge and part practice in using that knowledge. c) Make sure he has, or has access to, a Den Chief Handbook. d) Personal recommendations for selecting a den chief (1) Not a sibling – convenient, but comes with baggage (2) Minimum of 2 years age difference. C. Get and give feedback from the denner and den chief; praise them in public, correct them in private. D. Know the boys’ capabilities and delegate accordingly. As they grow, increase their role. Avoid the Peter Principle of promoting beyond capability. IV. Delegate authority with the responsibility V. Be prepared to invest extra time in the beginning to get returns with interest later. Activity Plan a den meeting Discuss what portions can be delegated and how that would be accomplished. Sample Program Information: Cub Scout Wolf Den Meeting, December 2006 Week 1 BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS WHILE THE CUB SCOUTS GATHER OPENING BUSINESS ITEMS ACTIVITY CLOSING AFTER THE MEETING Have materials for Star Sun Catchers (8 DEC); adhesive bandages for gathering; 30-foot rope for closing; prepare Star Catch Game (8 DEC). The den chief reviews what to do for a small cut on the finger (Achievement 3c). Cub Scouts say the Cub Scout Promise. Den leader checks boys’ books for completed achievements and electives and records them on Den Advancement Charts. Boys record own advancement on den doodle, if den has one. Review the “Cub Scout Stars” theme. Talk about the importance of being healthy, and talk about boys making a health chart (Achievement 3a). Explain to boys that they should do this for the next two weeks. Make Star Sun Catchers. Play Star Catch. Boys make Shining Star Health Charts (8 DEC) to use at home. Review the theme and what it means to really shine as a Cub Scout. Send home permission slips for field trip during the third week. Denner supervises putting away equipment. Den leader, den chief, and denner review the meeting and check details for the next meeting. Den leader files local tour permit with council service center for third week field trip. Cub Scout Den Leader Responsibilities: The Cub Scout den leader's responsibilities are to • Give leadership in carrying out the pack program in the den. • Complete Cub Scout den leader Fast Start Training and position-specific Basic Leader Training. Attend monthly roundtables. • Lead the den in its participation at pack meetings. Serve as den host or hostess for den family members at pack meetings. • Work in harmony with other den and pack leaders. • Help the Cubmaster (or assistant Cubmaster) and pack committee recruit new boys throughout the year. • Help train the den chief and guide him in working with Cub Scouts. See that he receives recognition for his efforts at den and pack meetings. • Attend the monthly den chief planning meeting for den leaders, assistant den leaders, and den chiefs. • With the assistant den leader, meet with the den chief and let him help plan den meetings and den activities; allow him to serve as den activities assistant. • Provide meaningful jobs for the denner and assistant denner so that they can learn responsibility and gain satisfaction from their efforts. The main responsibilities of the Cub Scout den leader can be summarized as follows: • Work directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that their den is an active and successful part of the pack. • Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant den leader and den chief. • Attend the pack leaders' meetings. • Lead the den at the monthly pack activity. Webelos Den Leader Qualifications: If residing in this country but not a citizen of the United States, agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and Law, to respect and obey the laws of the United States of America, and to subscribe to the BSA statement of religious principle. Is at least 21 years of age and of good moral character. Should be interested in and enjoy working with boys and able to work with adults. May be a parent or guardian of one of the boys in the den. Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with parents or guardians of the Webelos Scouts involved, and approved by the pack committee and chartered organization. Registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Responsibilities: The Webelos den leader's responsibilities are to • Give leadership to planning and carrying out a year-round program of activities for the Webelos den to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. • Complete Webelos den leader Fast Start Training, position specific Basic Leader Training, and Webelos Den Leader Outdoor Training. Attend monthly roundtables. • Lead the den in its participation at the monthly pack meetings. • Help establish a close working relationship with the assistant Webelos den leader and Webelos den chief, functioning with them as a den leadership team. • Work in harmony with other den and pack leaders. • Help the Cubmaster and pack committee recruit new Webelos Scouts. • Help train the Webelos den chief and guide him in working with Webelos Scouts. Attend Den Chief Training with him. See that he receives recognition for his efforts at den and pack meetings. • Attend the monthly den chief planning meeting for den leaders. assistant den leaders, and den chiefs. • With the assistant Webelos den leader, meet with the Webelos den chief, and let him help plan Webelos den meetings and activities. Give him meaningful assignments. • Provide worthwhile tasks for the Webelos denner so that he can assume some responsibility and gain satisfaction from his efforts. • Use Boys' Life and Scouting magazines and the Webelos Leader Guide as resources for program ideas and information. • Instill Scouting's spirit and moral values through personal example, ceremonies, and meaningful activities such as service projects. • Promote the religious emblems program. • Collect den dues and turn them in to the pack treasurer at the pack leaders' meeting. Keep accurate records of den dues and attendance. • Encourage Webelos Scouts to advance. Maintain high advancement standards. Keep accurate advancement records and see that the boys are promptly recognized for their achievements. • With the help of the Cubmaster, pack committee, and unit commissioner, determine one or more neighborhood Boy Scout troops into which Webelos Scouts may be graduated, and establish a good working relationship with those troops. Try to graduate every Webelos Scout into a troop. • Work with the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster to plan and conduct meaningful joint activities. • Work with the Cubmaster to see that impressive graduation ceremonies are conducted in the pack. Invite the Scoutmaster and troop leaders to take part. • Ask qualified people, including adult family members, to serve as activity badge counselors. • Encourage parents or guardians of Webelos Scouts to help plan and carry out overnight campouts and other outdoor activities. Work with the troop assistant Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster to arrange for the loan of troop equipment for joint Webelos den-troop activities. • Help the den and the pack earn the National Summertime Pack Award. • Have a plan to ensure that a leader is available for all Webelos den meetings and activities. Call on the assistant Webelos den leader to fill in, as needed. • Participate in the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders' meetings. • Keep the Cubmaster and pack committee informed on the status and needs of the Webelos den. • Support the policies of the BSA. The responsibilities of the Webelos den leader can be summarized as follows: • Work directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack. • Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant and den chief. • Attend pack leaders' meetings. • Lead the den at the pack meetings and activities. The Virtual Cub Leader's Handbook 12/6/01 http://www.geocities.com/cybercubber/ CUB SCOUT DENNER The Cub Scout denner is a den member elected by the den for a short period, usually one or two months. His responsibilities are determined by the den leader and den chief. This might include helping to set up the den meeting place and cleanup; helping with games, ceremonies, tricks, and puzzles; leading a song; or acting as den cheerleader. He should be given meaningful responsibilities and recognition to help him learn how to be a leader, so all boys will look forward to their turn as denner. (The short term of office is to give all boys the opportunity to serve. The shoulder cord is worn on the left shoulder.) CUB SCOUT ASSISTANT DENNER The Cub Scout assistant denner is a den member elected by the den for a short term of office, coinciding with the denner's term. He assists the denner, and usually becomes denner for the next term. WEBELOS SCOUT DENNER The Webelos Scout denner is a Webelos Scout who has been elected by secret ballot by the Webelos den for a short term of office, usually three to six months. His responsibilities are determined by the Webelos den leader and Webelos den chief, and might include such things as leading ceremonies, preparing equipment, setting up the meeting room, greeting new boys and helping them get acquainted, assisting with tricks and puzzles, or other worthwhile tasks. WEBELOS SCOUT ASSISTANT DENNER The Webelos Scout assistant denner is a den member elected by the den for a short term of office, to coincide with the Webelos Scout denner's term. He assists the denner, and usually becomes Webelos Scout denner for the next term. http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/denner.html Cub Scout Den Chief Qualifications: Be an older, experienced Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer who has been a Boy Scout. Selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, or Venturing Advisor at the request of the Cubmaster or Webelos den leader. Preferably a former Cub Scout; ideally at least First Class rank. Approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the Webelos den leader. Registered as a youth member of a troop, team, or crew. Responsibilities: The Webelos den chief's responsibilities are to Know the purposes of Cub Scouting. Help Webelos Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Serve as the activities assistant at Webelos den meetings. Set a good example through attitude and uniforming. Be a friend to the boys in the Webelos den. Help lead weekly den meetings. Help the Webelos den in its part of the monthly pack meeting. Meet regularly with the Webelos den leader to review den meeting plans. Help Webelos den leaders as requested. Help Webelos Scouts in their work with activity badge counselors. Help the Webelos denner and assistant denner to be leaders. Receive training from the den leader (and Cubmaster or assistant Cubmaster) and attend Den Chief Training. Help with Webelos overnight campouts and other outdoor experiences. Help with joint Webelos Scout-Boy Scout activities. Keep in contact with the assistant Scoutmaster in the troop. Help the assistant Scoutmaster and Cubmaster plan graduation ceremonies for Webelos Scouts. http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/dc.html Webelos Den Chief Qualifications: Be an older, experienced Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer who has been a Boy Scout. Selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, or Venturing Advisor at the request of the Cubmaster or Webelos den leader. Preferably a former Cub Scout; ideally at least First Class rank. Approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the Webelos den leader. Registered as a youth member of a troop, team, or crew. Responsibilities: The Webelos den chief's responsibilities are to Know the purposes of Cub Scouting. Help Webelos Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Serve as the activities assistant at Webelos den meetings. Set a good example through attitude and uniforming. Be a friend to the boys in the Webelos den. Help lead weekly den meetings. Help the Webelos den in its part of the monthly pack meeting. Meet regularly with the Webelos den leader to review den meeting plans. Help Webelos den leaders as requested. Help Webelos Scouts in their work with activity badge counselors. Help the Webelos denner and assistant denner to be leaders. Receive training from the den leader (and Cubmaster or assistant Cubmaster) and attend Den Chief Training. Help with Webelos overnight campouts and other outdoor experiences. Help with joint Webelos Scout-Boy Scout activities. Keep in contact with the assistant Scoutmaster in the troop. Help the assistant Scoutmaster and Cubmaster plan graduation ceremonies for Webelos Scouts. http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/wdc.html http://www.scouting.org/forms/33826.pdf