"Denner? What's that? What else do I have to do or know or be?"
I was reading in the Cub Scout Leaders book when I came across the "denner" position. I was already feeling overwhelmed with all the new vocabulary and didn't want to deal with something that I decided was optional.
Weeks later I read in the Bear book Achievement 24 that the boys get to PASS SOMETHING OFF if they serve as Denner or Assistant Denner. What? Well, why didn't the Cub Scout Leader book say that? I really like doing things that pass something off.
I pulled out the Cub Scout Leader Book again and really read the section on Denners. Here's the scoop. The Bears get to vote for a boy to serve as their assistant and as their denner. These 2 boys get to do all kinds of special jobs as delegated by the Den Leaders. Talk about a Win-Win situation. Den Leaders get extra help setting up, gathering up, cleaning up and setting a good example. The Bears get to experience the election process on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and get to experience leadership. Nice.
We ask the boys to nominate someone (other than themselves) to serve. We list the nominees on the board. (Usually 3-4). Then the boys close their eyes (no peeking!!!) and we ask them to silently raise their hand to vote for Denner. We tally the votes, erase the names of those who didn't get a majority and let the boys open their eyes to see who will serve as the next Denner and Assistant.
The only trick is after the boys are elected, you HAVE to remember to give them special jobs to do.
There are special shoulder cords the boys can wear while they serve as Denner and Assistant but we haven't told our kids about them yet.
Monday, January 26, 2009
How to Hold a Den Meeting
Where: You can meet in your home or in another building, usually provided by your chartering organization. We met in our church because our group is WAY too big to fit in my living room.
When: Meet at the same time each week and the same location so it's easy for parents and scouts to remember.
What: Start with an opening activity so the early boys have something to do while you wait for the 5-minute late boys. We like to use simple games or word puzzles. Use the Denner and Assistent Denner to help you set up the flag and other items needed for Den meeting. We set out our Tracking Posters so the kids have a chance to come look and see how close they are to their Wolf or Bear award.
Ask a boy to lead the group in the Pledge. Sometimes we have a full-fledged flag ceremony. Sometimes we all just stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Then we recite the Scout Oath or whatever other scout thing we are working on memorizing.
Then we split into Wolf and Bear Groups, since we are large enough and lucky enough to have enough leaders. We work on achievements that the oldest boys need to earn their award. As we complete achievements or electives we have the boys open their books to the page we've completed so its an easy matter to sign off all the books at once.
With the remaining 15 minutes or so we like to combine again and play a whole group game or craft. We love to use ideas in the cub scout books, like Charades in the Bear book. We also like to let them get exercise so we'll do 16 Building Muscles from the Bear book or 1 Feats of Skill from the Wolf Book.
With 5 minutes left we go over the Positive Points earned for the day. We ask the boys to clean up the room and fold up the chairs. If they need us to sign off stuff they've worked on at home we ask them to stack their books by the door. They gather their books and coats and papers and we line up at the door. One of the leaders then leads them through the building and hands them a small treat as they leave the building. (We used to just let them leave but didn't like the idea of a small horde of boys running and yelling through the halls of our church.)
After scouts one of us takes home the books and the tracking notebook and updates our records and returns the books to the boys. (We try to update during scouts but it doesn't always happen.)
Whew! Then we go home, put our feet up and eat some chocolate. Or we wish that's what we were doing. But since our scouts is held from 4-5pm, we really go home and make dinner.
When: Meet at the same time each week and the same location so it's easy for parents and scouts to remember.
What: Start with an opening activity so the early boys have something to do while you wait for the 5-minute late boys. We like to use simple games or word puzzles. Use the Denner and Assistent Denner to help you set up the flag and other items needed for Den meeting. We set out our Tracking Posters so the kids have a chance to come look and see how close they are to their Wolf or Bear award.
Ask a boy to lead the group in the Pledge. Sometimes we have a full-fledged flag ceremony. Sometimes we all just stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Then we recite the Scout Oath or whatever other scout thing we are working on memorizing.
Then we split into Wolf and Bear Groups, since we are large enough and lucky enough to have enough leaders. We work on achievements that the oldest boys need to earn their award. As we complete achievements or electives we have the boys open their books to the page we've completed so its an easy matter to sign off all the books at once.
With the remaining 15 minutes or so we like to combine again and play a whole group game or craft. We love to use ideas in the cub scout books, like Charades in the Bear book. We also like to let them get exercise so we'll do 16 Building Muscles from the Bear book or 1 Feats of Skill from the Wolf Book.
With 5 minutes left we go over the Positive Points earned for the day. We ask the boys to clean up the room and fold up the chairs. If they need us to sign off stuff they've worked on at home we ask them to stack their books by the door. They gather their books and coats and papers and we line up at the door. One of the leaders then leads them through the building and hands them a small treat as they leave the building. (We used to just let them leave but didn't like the idea of a small horde of boys running and yelling through the halls of our church.)
After scouts one of us takes home the books and the tracking notebook and updates our records and returns the books to the boys. (We try to update during scouts but it doesn't always happen.)
Whew! Then we go home, put our feet up and eat some chocolate. Or we wish that's what we were doing. But since our scouts is held from 4-5pm, we really go home and make dinner.
Our Den Rules
By the time our den had 16 boys in it...yikes! 16 very enthusiastic boys.... our previous den discipline needed readjusting. Back in the beginning, before being a Cub Scout got super cool in our neighborhood, we only had 4 boys and that was by combining boys with another ward (congregation) in our area.
Due to Cub Scouts moving in and other scouts joining and a very excited Executive Scout Commitee Chair (who walked the neighborhood recruiting any boy he could see) we eventually had to go it alone. It was very comfortable having scouts with the other ward (congregation) because the den leader was 1) my friend, 2) very confident, 3) very good at planning and 4)unflappable. But we could see that our overzealous boys were making her 2 calmer scouts a bit uncomfortable. Not to mention our group was really REALLY big.
So we parted ways.
My assistant and I, both quite new to Cub Scouting, looked at each other and sighed. We didn't know what to do with our boys. We knew that individually they were really great boys, unique children of God with wonderful talents and abilities. We also knew that together they had become disrespectful, unorderly and unruly. We knew that boys would be boys but we also knew that what they were learning at scouts could and should change their lives for the better. We were afraid that what they were really learning at scouts was changing their lives for the worse. We had a classic case of gang mentality.
After studying the matter over for a few days we came up with a plan. We decided to level with the boys. We told them that over the summer scouts had really loosened up and that was ok for the summer but now that school was starting up again it was time for scouts to become more disciplined too. We introduced our Positive Points plan and poster. *see another discipline post for details.
We then whipped out a fresh piece of poster board and together came up with the rules for our den. The boys thought of the rules. I wrote them on the poster and then they each came up and signed the bottom of the poster saying that they understood the rules and would follow them.
We crossed our fingers.
AND IT WORKED! The boys knew what was expected and what they could expect and scouts transformed into a group that worked. We could get stuff done, have a good time and go home happy. (Unlike before where we'd go home and need a nap and some ibuprophen.)
We still have to remind one or two of them once a week or so and sometimes we have to minus off a positive point but hey- they are kids.
Our Den Rules
1. Follow Directions Immediately
2. Keep Hands and Feet and Objects to Ourselves
3. Follow the Scout Law
4. Have Fun
Due to Cub Scouts moving in and other scouts joining and a very excited Executive Scout Commitee Chair (who walked the neighborhood recruiting any boy he could see) we eventually had to go it alone. It was very comfortable having scouts with the other ward (congregation) because the den leader was 1) my friend, 2) very confident, 3) very good at planning and 4)unflappable. But we could see that our overzealous boys were making her 2 calmer scouts a bit uncomfortable. Not to mention our group was really REALLY big.
So we parted ways.
My assistant and I, both quite new to Cub Scouting, looked at each other and sighed. We didn't know what to do with our boys. We knew that individually they were really great boys, unique children of God with wonderful talents and abilities. We also knew that together they had become disrespectful, unorderly and unruly. We knew that boys would be boys but we also knew that what they were learning at scouts could and should change their lives for the better. We were afraid that what they were really learning at scouts was changing their lives for the worse. We had a classic case of gang mentality.
After studying the matter over for a few days we came up with a plan. We decided to level with the boys. We told them that over the summer scouts had really loosened up and that was ok for the summer but now that school was starting up again it was time for scouts to become more disciplined too. We introduced our Positive Points plan and poster. *see another discipline post for details.
We then whipped out a fresh piece of poster board and together came up with the rules for our den. The boys thought of the rules. I wrote them on the poster and then they each came up and signed the bottom of the poster saying that they understood the rules and would follow them.
We crossed our fingers.
AND IT WORKED! The boys knew what was expected and what they could expect and scouts transformed into a group that worked. We could get stuff done, have a good time and go home happy. (Unlike before where we'd go home and need a nap and some ibuprophen.)
We still have to remind one or two of them once a week or so and sometimes we have to minus off a positive point but hey- they are kids.
Our Den Rules
1. Follow Directions Immediately
2. Keep Hands and Feet and Objects to Ourselves
3. Follow the Scout Law
4. Have Fun
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Positive Points
Pulling your hair out over discipline issues? We certainly were! We have 16 very energetic boys ages 8-10 and several have ADHD and/or other issues. So, where do you go when you need advice on controlling big groups of kids? Yep, your local elementary school. We borrowed this great idea from a 5th grade teacher.
Positive Points
25 Points: Game Day
50 points: Rootbeer Floats
75 Points: Game Day
100 Points: Roller Skating
We made a chart on cardstock with a little picture of each reward and laminated it. Each time the boys follow our den rules or do their best we add a point with a dry erase marker. If they don't listen or otherwise break the den rules we have to erase a point or two. Sad huh? It's very motivating. We love to give points if they can respond quickly to the cub scout sign by quieting down after an activity. Usually we award 3-4 points each den meeting.
The boys really loved the Game Day. We didn't plan any scout activity for the day and told them to each bring a favorite game to play. We set all the games out on a table and just let them play together, making sure no one was left out. It was very fun!
We are 3 points away from the Rootbeer Floats and they are so excited. For the Roller Skating award we are taking them to our local Classic Fun Center (check yours for weekday specials) where they will earn the Roller Skating Belt loop too!
Win-win!
Positive Points
25 Points: Game Day
50 points: Rootbeer Floats
75 Points: Game Day
100 Points: Roller Skating
We made a chart on cardstock with a little picture of each reward and laminated it. Each time the boys follow our den rules or do their best we add a point with a dry erase marker. If they don't listen or otherwise break the den rules we have to erase a point or two. Sad huh? It's very motivating. We love to give points if they can respond quickly to the cub scout sign by quieting down after an activity. Usually we award 3-4 points each den meeting.
The boys really loved the Game Day. We didn't plan any scout activity for the day and told them to each bring a favorite game to play. We set all the games out on a table and just let them play together, making sure no one was left out. It was very fun!
We are 3 points away from the Rootbeer Floats and they are so excited. For the Roller Skating award we are taking them to our local Classic Fun Center (check yours for weekday specials) where they will earn the Roller Skating Belt loop too!
Win-win!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Faith in God Requirement: Joseph Smith Family Home Evening Packet
This is part of the religious award for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The requirements can be located here at the official site for the LDS church.
We made Family Home Evening Packets. First I conducted a sample Family Home Evening to show the boys how to do it. I told them to pay close attention so they'd know what to say when they did it with their families. For a link to a great sharing time with flannel board figures click here. After they listened to me, they colored and cut out their own figures. We put them in a ziplock bag with a copy of the lesson.
We used the flannel board figures from the above link and tweaked the sharing time a bit to fulfill the Faith in God Requirements better.
Family Home Evening
Heavenly Father Answers Our Sincere Prayers
Opening Song: I am a Child of God (see attached sheet for music)
Opening Prayer
Scripture: Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Lesson
Instructions: Pass out the figures to family members. Have them hold the figures up when they are mentioned in the lesson.
Did you know that you can pray anytime and anywhere and Heavenly Father will hear you and answer you? Sometimes you will receive an answer right away and sometimes it will take a while, but He always hears your prayer and will help you. He loves you and knows what is best for you.
Today we are going to talk about a person who had a big question and needed an answer. He really wanted to know the answer to his question so he studied it out, thought about it a lot and then prayed sincerely.
Joseph Smith lived with his large family on a farm. He worked very hard helping his father and brothers clear trees from the land, care for their animals, and plant crops. Because his help was needed on the farm, he rarely was able to attend school.
When he was fourteen years old, there was great excitement in his community about religion. Every preacher and member of the different churches were trying to get as many people as possible to join their churches. There were many churches, and each one thought it had the truth. Joseph thought and thought about the different churches. He attended many meetings of several different churches but still couldn’t decide which church to join. He was very disturbed because he could not decide.
He loved Heavenly Father and wanted to do what was right. He wanted to choose the right church to join. He said, "What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?"
One day while he was studying the Bible, he read, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Joseph felt the power of this scripture enter into his heart. He decided if anyone lacked wisdom it was him. He decided to ask Heavenly Father which church was right and which he should join.
On a beautiful spring morning, he went to a grove of trees and knelt to pray. As he began to pray, a frightening, evil power came over him. He felt that he was going to be destroyed. As he called out to Heavenly Father to save him, a pillar of light came from heaven and rested upon him. The evil feeling vanished, and he saw two bright and glorious Beings standing above him in the air. One of Them spoke to Joseph, calling him by name, and said, pointing to the other, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (JS——H 1:17).
Joseph saw Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ; he listened carefully as Jesus told him not to join any of the churches.
Joseph wanted to choose the right. Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with his desire and helped him understand what was right. Because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew that Joseph Smith would always strive to choose the right and be obedient to whatever They asked him to do, They chose him to restore the true church to the earth.
Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. He will answer your sincere prayers. If you want to know if something is true you can pray about it. If you have a concern or a question or a problem you can pray about it. Study the question out in your mind. Think about it. Read the scriptures for answers. Then pray. Heavenly Father will help you feel peace, or give you thoughts or ideas to help solve the problem or strengthen you so that you can deal with the problem better.
Heavenly Father loves all of his children and wants us all to be happy and return to live with Him again.
Closing Prayer
Refreshments
We made Family Home Evening Packets. First I conducted a sample Family Home Evening to show the boys how to do it. I told them to pay close attention so they'd know what to say when they did it with their families. For a link to a great sharing time with flannel board figures click here. After they listened to me, they colored and cut out their own figures. We put them in a ziplock bag with a copy of the lesson.
We used the flannel board figures from the above link and tweaked the sharing time a bit to fulfill the Faith in God Requirements better.
Family Home Evening
Heavenly Father Answers Our Sincere Prayers
Opening Song: I am a Child of God (see attached sheet for music)
Opening Prayer
Scripture: Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Lesson
Instructions: Pass out the figures to family members. Have them hold the figures up when they are mentioned in the lesson.
Did you know that you can pray anytime and anywhere and Heavenly Father will hear you and answer you? Sometimes you will receive an answer right away and sometimes it will take a while, but He always hears your prayer and will help you. He loves you and knows what is best for you.
Today we are going to talk about a person who had a big question and needed an answer. He really wanted to know the answer to his question so he studied it out, thought about it a lot and then prayed sincerely.
Joseph Smith lived with his large family on a farm. He worked very hard helping his father and brothers clear trees from the land, care for their animals, and plant crops. Because his help was needed on the farm, he rarely was able to attend school.
When he was fourteen years old, there was great excitement in his community about religion. Every preacher and member of the different churches were trying to get as many people as possible to join their churches. There were many churches, and each one thought it had the truth. Joseph thought and thought about the different churches. He attended many meetings of several different churches but still couldn’t decide which church to join. He was very disturbed because he could not decide.
He loved Heavenly Father and wanted to do what was right. He wanted to choose the right church to join. He said, "What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?"
One day while he was studying the Bible, he read, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Joseph felt the power of this scripture enter into his heart. He decided if anyone lacked wisdom it was him. He decided to ask Heavenly Father which church was right and which he should join.
On a beautiful spring morning, he went to a grove of trees and knelt to pray. As he began to pray, a frightening, evil power came over him. He felt that he was going to be destroyed. As he called out to Heavenly Father to save him, a pillar of light came from heaven and rested upon him. The evil feeling vanished, and he saw two bright and glorious Beings standing above him in the air. One of Them spoke to Joseph, calling him by name, and said, pointing to the other, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (JS——H 1:17).
Joseph saw Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ; he listened carefully as Jesus told him not to join any of the churches.
Joseph wanted to choose the right. Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with his desire and helped him understand what was right. Because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew that Joseph Smith would always strive to choose the right and be obedient to whatever They asked him to do, They chose him to restore the true church to the earth.
Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. He will answer your sincere prayers. If you want to know if something is true you can pray about it. If you have a concern or a question or a problem you can pray about it. Study the question out in your mind. Think about it. Read the scriptures for answers. Then pray. Heavenly Father will help you feel peace, or give you thoughts or ideas to help solve the problem or strengthen you so that you can deal with the problem better.
Heavenly Father loves all of his children and wants us all to be happy and return to live with Him again.
Closing Prayer
Refreshments
Cub Scout Charades
Prep Work:
Write charade words on slips of paper.
The Game:
Take turns acting out the cub scout words using only actions.
This fulfills Bear Requirement 17b (play a game of Charades with your den).
Word Ideas:
Cub Scout
Basketball
Soccer
Bear
Wolf
Rake Leaves
Skate board
Playing a game
Ice Cream Cone
Saying the Pledge
Archery
BB guns
Marbles
Ultimate Frisbee
Think of things you've done together in cub scouts or things the boys are interested in.
Write charade words on slips of paper.
The Game:
Take turns acting out the cub scout words using only actions.
This fulfills Bear Requirement 17b (play a game of Charades with your den).
Word Ideas:
Cub Scout
Basketball
Soccer
Bear
Wolf
Rake Leaves
Skate board
Playing a game
Ice Cream Cone
Saying the Pledge
Archery
BB guns
Marbles
Ultimate Frisbee
Think of things you've done together in cub scouts or things the boys are interested in.
Find the Icicles
Prep Work:
Cut yarn into differing lengths.
Hide it around the room.
The Game:
Tell the boys to find the "icicles".
After they are all found, have the boys line them up end to end to see who found the most.
(Hint: use uncut yarn to measure the boys' strands.)
It sounds incredibly simple and it is. But the boys really enjoyed it!
Cut yarn into differing lengths.
Hide it around the room.
The Game:
Tell the boys to find the "icicles".
After they are all found, have the boys line them up end to end to see who found the most.
(Hint: use uncut yarn to measure the boys' strands.)
It sounds incredibly simple and it is. But the boys really enjoyed it!
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