OT: Any one a Den Leader?

[ChrisAlli]

My son just started Cub Scouts, tiger. So all the boys are new. There's about 10 of them. Well they need a Den Leader. The only thing that is holding me back is I'm not too sure I can keep 10 boys behaved for a hour. Also I don't think I'm too creative.

They only meet once a month as a den and then once as a pack. Parents and siblings are at the meeting as well, it's held at school. Just after the first meeting I could see that the boys can get somewhat silly. Now I guess the first meeting wasn't your usual type of meeting either, they just played games and learned some new things as someone talked to the parents. But at one point some of the parents had to go get there kids undercontrol. I know a few boys and the others seem nice as well, it's just when one gets started it can spread.

Just looking for some input as we've never been apart of scouting.

 

[tnkr_bell]

My dh just agreed to be den leader for our ds tiger pack. From my understanding, parents are supposed to attend the meetings with their sons. This means that they are supposed to particpate with them. My dh also has a co-leader so he doesn't have to do everything himself. Good luck with your decision. If I can get some more info from him, I'll pass it on.

 

[lovebuzz]

My husband is a Den leader. We have meetings 2 times a month and 1 pack metting per month. We rotate meetings at each boys home. One has to host and one is the denner ( meaning he has to help host and then he is reponsible for the next meeting ) At this age it is impposible to do it on your own. They need their parents there to help them with the activities.

 

[amandaraye]

We only have four boys in our Tiger Cub den. We, also, do not have a leader. One mother was nice enough to step up and take come responsibility, BUT we insist she only take it as far as getting some schedule in order. We (the other parents) will then take turns leading an activity week-to-week or planning a Go-see-it (field trip). That way we ALL share the responsibility. It works weel because the Tiger Cubs' parents are supposed to be with them at all times. And aren't they just so darned cute in their uniforms??????

 

[tinkerlisa]

We signed my DS up to be a tiger cub last week. Unfortunatly, they are having a hard time getting any more boys to join(there are 3 so far). The leader said that if they don't get at least 1 more then there will be no group My son is so excited to do this and to have to tell him he may not get to do it this year is not going to be fun.
Our leader said that they meet 1 Thursday a month plus weekend activities. My DH works weekends so it will be me going with him to most of them! I hope they more kids soon.

 

[amandaraye]

Lisa, I'm SURE there is another Den nearby your DS could join, if for some reason his current den doens't flourish! My older DS goes to another town for Boy Scouts because when he was young there was no Cub Scouts in our town. Now there is so my two boys go to different towns. But any somewhat local Pack should welcome your son.

 

[Twingle]

My DH is a Den Leader - Cub Scouts, Wolf. The parents/adult helper are supposed to stay with their child during the meeting, to help them with the project and work with them. The Boy Scouts have a book and pamplets about how to plan the meetings, and they are very informative, usually DH has projects that will help the boys with their requirements for rank.

It usually takes him about two hours to get everything ready for a meeting - which he does the day before. If he can get it together - ANYONE can.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I am on my third year as a den leader. At the tiger level the parents are supposed to stay with the boys so that should help. Ten is actually a big number for one den. We usually try to keep them at 6-8.

Boy scouts provides a wealth of information for you. Our pack requires all the training which takes some time but does help. I am a former teacher so I like planning my own stuff based on the requirements to earn their rank. However, there are materials that tell you exactly what to do. Our den meets twice a month plus some field trips. We have a Pack meeting once a month, and then all leaders meet the fourth week. We are camping this weekend.

My son started in second grade so I was never a tiger leader, but I don't want to lie you, it is more work than they said it would be! That said, I think it is such a good program!

 

[Mickeypooh99]

I'm a den leader for the 2nd year. My oldest was a tiger last year, now my youngest is a tiger. Tigers should always have a parent at the meeting. It is up to the parents to help out. I have 13 tigers in my den this year We have had 2 meetings so far and 1 go see it. It is much different from last years den when we had 4 kids. It isn't the easiest job, but someone has to do it. The biggest problem with scouts and activities is everyone wants their kids to join, but no one wants to be a leader/coach etc. At least this is a problem in my town. Between my husband and I we have coached/led basketball, baseball, odyssey of the mind, and scouts. Please volunteer. The boys will love you for it. No pay as far as money, but the happiness of the kids is well worth it. If you have any specific questions, just ask. Its pretty easy to follow the book. I am not crafty at all BTW.

 

[tinkerlisa]

Lisa, I'm SURE there is another Den nearby your DS could join, if for some reason his current den doens't flourish! My older DS goes to another town for Boy Scouts because when he was young there was no Cub Scouts in our town. Now there is so my two boys go to different towns. But any somewhat local Pack should welcome your son.

Hey thank for that heads up! I will definitly lookinto another den if this one doesn't work out!