New Den Chief Training Is Available Now

A den chief is a Boy Scout, Venturer or Sea Scout who assists a Cub Scout den…but this role is far more than meets the eye! Read on to learn more about this youth role and how to access training.

What Is a Den Chief?

• Serves as a Scouting role model for the Cub Scouts in the den, as well as the entire pack
• Promotes Scouting in general, the local troop in particular
• Encourages the transition of Webelos Scouts into Boy Scouting
• Holds a position of responsibility in a troop, crew or ship, thus fulfilling an advancement requirement in the unit

In addition, a trained den chief:

• Assists the den leader with planning and conducting den meetings
• Understands the Cub Scouting program and the differences between Cub Scouts and other Scouting programs
• Understands the den leader’s duties and confidently helps lead portions of the den meeting program
• Knows a variety of resources for age-appropriate activities for Cub Scouts in the den
• Brings a repertoire of activities that Cub Scouts enjoy

Den Chief Training

Den chief training is designed to build on each of these ideas using a framework that will allow the new den chief, or perhaps the experienced den chief looking for new ideas, to have fun and learn the role.

Den chief training is a meeting of den chiefs and prospective den chiefs on a council, district or pack basis. It is planned and operated by council or district trainers or adult leaders who are familiar with Cub Scouting. Den leaders are also encouraged to attend with their den chiefs, if already assigned, to begin learning how to work together effectively.

The new den chief syllabus can be found at https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/ and at https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/den-chief-training/. An online version will be available later this year.