Den Leaders
Den Leader
Section titled “Den Leader”Role Summary
Section titled “Role Summary”Den leaders are the most direct program leaders in Cub Scouting. They work face-to-face with Scouts and their families week to week, delivering the Cub Scout program in the den. A well-run den — with regular meetings, engaged families, and meaningful activities — is the foundation of a great pack. Den leaders are supported by assistant den leaders, den chiefs (Scouts BSA youth helpers), and the Cubmaster.
Dens are gender-specific (all boys or all girls). When serving female youth, at least one female registered adult leader must be present at all meetings and activities.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- Age: 21 years or older (Assistant Den Leader may be 18+)
- Registration: Registered as an adult leader of BSA; current with Youth Protection Training
- Selection: Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with den families; approved by pack committee and charter organization
- Required Training:
- Youth Protection Training (YPT) — renew every 2 years
- Den Leader Position-Specific Training (CS19) — online at my.Scouting.org
- Recommended Training: BALOO (for any overnight or camping activities)
- Access: No bank account access; Scoutbook access as Den Leader for your den
Core Responsibilities
Section titled “Core Responsibilities”- Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings (with assistant den leader and den chief)
- Lead the den at monthly pack meetings; serve as den host for den families
- Attend monthly pack leaders’ meetings
- Maintain advancement records in Scoutbook; report advancement to Advancement Chair promptly so awards are ready at the next pack meeting
- Ensure every Scout earns their badge of rank — a Scout’s absence should be the only reason for not advancing
- Inform the Cubmaster if the den needs to perform an advancement activity at a pack meeting or outing
- Develop and maintain good relationships with den families; hold den family meetings as needed
- Ensure a leader is always available for den meetings; call on the assistant den leader when needed
- Take part in the annual pack program planning conference
- Keep the Cubmaster and committee informed on the status and needs of the den
- Secure a meeting place for the den
- Ensure transition of Scouts to the next rank’s den at end of year (or to a troop for AOL Scouts)
- Help train and guide the den chief; give them meaningful responsibilities
For Lions and Tigers: Coordinate shared leadership among adult partners — each family takes a turn as the host team, planning and executing the den meeting for that month.
For Webelos and Arrow of Light: Plan and carry out overnight campouts and other outdoor activities (at least one adult must have BALOO). Plan meaningful joint activities with local Scouts BSA troops.
Reports To / Works With
Section titled “Reports To / Works With”| Relationship | Role |
|---|---|
| Reports to | Cubmaster |
| Partners with | Assistant Den Leader, Den Chief |
| Supports | Scouts and their families in the den |
| Reports advancement to | Advancement Chair |
| Coordinates transition to | Scouts BSA troop Scoutmaster (for AOL dens) |
Dens by Rank
Section titled “Dens by Rank”| Rank | Grade |
|---|---|
| Lions | Kindergarten |
| Tigers | 1st Grade |
| Wolves | 2nd Grade |
| Bears | 3rd Grade |
| Webelos | 4th Grade |
| Arrow of Light | 5th Grade |
Assistant Den Leader
Section titled “Assistant Den Leader”Every den should have an Assistant Den Leader who supports the den leader and can run meetings when the den leader is absent. See assistant-den-leader/ for the full role description.
Key Resources
Section titled “Key Resources”Key Tasks
Section titled “Key Tasks”| Task | Category |
|---|---|
| Den Meetings | Program |
| Scout Rank Transitions in Scoutbook | Administrative |
| Scoutbook Advancement Updates | Administrative |
Supports
Section titled “Supports”| Task | Category |
|---|---|
| Monthly Advancement Processing | Recognition |
| Annual Program Planning Conference | Program |
| Arrow of Light Crossover Ceremony | Recognition |
| Arrow of Light Crossover: Troop Coordination | Recognition |
| District Roundtable | Training |
| End-of-Year Pack Meeting | Program |
| Final Advancement Push | Recognition |
| Holiday Pack Meeting | Program |
| Memorial Day Parade | Service |
| New Family Retention Check-In | Recruitment |
| New Scout Mid-Year Onboarding | Recruitment |
| Pack Meeting | Program |
| End-of-Year Retention Outreach | Recruitment |
| School-Night Recruitment Event | Recruitment |
| Spring Hike | Outdoor |
| Spring Service Project | Service |
| Winter Cabin Camping | Outdoor |