How to Run an Epic First Cub Scout Den Meeting

Are you wondering what to do at your first Cub Scout den meeting? Whether this is a brand new den of Lions or a returning Arrow of Light den, these suggestions will help your first meeting run smoothly.

Even if you’ve been a den leader for a while, you may be a little nervous at your first Cub Scout den meeting of the year. This post will

How to Run a Cub Scout Den Meeting

There are seven parts of a Cub Scout den meeting:

1. Preparation & Materials
2. Gathering Activities
3. Opening
4. Talk Time
5. Activities
6. Closing
7. After the Meeting

Your first den meeting of the year will include all of these, but the parts may work a bit differently than they will when your year gets into full swing.

Preparation & Materials

Before that very first den meeting, make sure you spend some time planning it out. That way, you’ll know what you need and can have all your supplies ready.

Share this post about Cub Scout uniform badge placement with your parents.

It’s always a good idea to have one or two extra activity ideas in your back pocket. This is super helpful for those times when activities take less time than you anticipated. You definitely want to keep the Cub Scouts busy.

Gathering Activities

Gathering activities are designed to give the Scouts something fun to do before the meeting starts. You can read more about gathering activities here.

For this first meeting, you’ll want a simple gathering activity that your assistant den leader, den chief, or another parent can easily facilitate.

Try one of these three suggestions:

• Wolf, Wolf, Bear (like Duck, Duck, Goose)
• Pie Plate Toss
• Beans in a Can

Opening Ceremony

After everyone arrives, it’s time to get everyone’s attention for your opening ceremony. For your first meeting, a simple flag ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance is probably best.

As time goes on, your opening ceremony can become more elaborate.

Note: If you don’t have a flag available, you can always us the flag that’s on all of the Cub Scout uniforms except for Lions. Have one of the Cubs stand at the front of the group with his or her right arm turned to the audience.

Talk Time

This is the time for taking care of your den business. At the very first meeting, your Talk Time will be a little different, especially if this is a new den.

Remind the Scouts to wear their uniforms and to bring their handbooks to each meeting. (Don’t forget to wear your uniform too!)

You might want to create a Den Code of Conduct. This is a list of expectations that the Scouts come up with on their own, with your guidance, of course.

It shouldn’t be long– only a few points. Here’s an example for younger Cubs.

• Be kind to others
• Wait your turn
• Listen when the Scout Sign is up
• Do your best
• Have fun!

Bring a piece of poster board and a Sharpie so that you can write down the den rules as the Scouts come up with them.

Note: Don’t use “No” in your Code of Conduct. Instead of “no talking when others are talking,” use “wait your turn.” Another example is “keep your hands and feet to yourself” versus “no hitting.”

You may want to use some sort of positive reinforcement. One idea is to use a glass jar and marbles. Any time someone is exhibiting good behavior, drop a marble into the jar. When the marbles reach a certain level, the den gets a treat.

My younger son’s den used “Cub Bucks.” They got a Cub Buck for bringing their handbook and wearing their uniform. Throughout the meeting, their good behavior would be rewarded with another Cub Buck.

At the end of the meeting, they could redeem their bucks for treats. The den leader kept a bin with candy and small trinkets that they could “buy” with Cub Bucks.

Activities

This is the time that your den will do an activity related to advancement.

Lions working on Fun on the Run may play the Germ Magnet Game to practice handwashing.

Tigers may play a game while working on Team Tiger.

Wolves working on Council Fire may learn how to properly care for and fold the flag.

Bears could investigate soil while working on their Champions for Nature adventure.

Webelos may draw a picture as part of the Art Explosion adventure.

Arrows of Light who are working on First Aid may make their own first aid kit.

At your first meeting, you may not to jump right into an adventure. Instead, a get-to-know you activity like Beach Ball Buzz is a good option.

Beach Ball Buzz Get to Know You Game

Blow up an inexpensive beach ball, then use a sharpie to write several questions on the ball like favorite toy or favorite ice cream flavor.

Toss the ball to each Scout and have them share their favorite from the category that is under their left thumb when they catch the ball.

• Favorite TV show
• Favorite game
• Favorite cartoon character
• Favorite animal
• Favorite toy
• Favorite color
• Favorite food
• Favorite superhero
• Favorite ice cream flavor
• Favorite movie
• Favorite sport
• Favorite song

Complete the Bobcat Adventure

All Cub Scouts are encouraged to complete their Bobcat adventure first.

Personally, I like to have the Scouts complete it at the very first meeting because it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Use these activities to help them with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Closing

At the end of the meeting, you’ll want to have a simple closing. Share an inspirational thought with your den. I like this one about saying thank you.

Hold up a sign with the words THANK YOU written on it. Then say:

“The words ‘thank you’ are two simple but very important words. They tell people that you appreciate what they have done. We do good things for others, but do we remember to take the time to thank others who have done something for us? Remember to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Make any announcements that you have. You may want to share what the den will do at the next meeting. Give them information about any upcoming pack events.

After the Meeting

Before they leave, have the Cub Scouts help put your meeting room back in order.

Review how your meeting went with your assistant den leader, and discuss your plans for the next meeting.

Be sure and celebrate because you made it through your first den meeting!

What activities do you think you’ll do at your first den meeting?

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry