Den Leader Appreciation: Matthew Kelly

Today, we conclude Mayflower Council’s Den Leader Appreciation Month for 2024.

Beyond focusing on the Scout Law and Oath, Lord Baden Powell said good leaders often see things from the Scout’s point of view, and that adage still holds

However, one local Cub Scout Den Leader from Pack 49 Norwood also takes BP’s old Scout motto to heart.

Matthew Kelly of Pack 49 Norwood

Cub Scout Pack 49 Norwood

“He’s flexible; takes on anything the Pack needs,” explained Norwood Committee Chair Rebecca Flynn of her nominee, Den Leader Matthew Kelly – our final Den Leader of the Week for 2024.

However, Flynn focused on Kelly’s ability to “be prepared” for her nomination.

“Although he is new to Scouting, he trains himself on what he will teach the children,” said Rebecca. “He’s a teacher by trade, so he connects with them well and illustrates the curriculum with real-life examples.”

Matthew with Cub Scouts.

Of course, a Scout is also cheerful, so Matthew keeps things light for his Cub Scouts.

“He’s funny!” added the committee chair. “He enjoys being with the kids and likes some of the same things they enjoy (like Star Wars and video games).

“He hasn’t forgotten what being a kid is like.”

Den Leader Appreciation Month

This month, the Mayflower Council celebrated extraordinary leaders and recognized our superlative Den Leaders via social media weekly in May. Check out our five superlative Den Leaders, each collected here.

Den Leaders Light the Way

Den Leader Appreciation: Rob DeMarino

As we continue Den Leader Appreciation Month, the nominations keep rolling in. This week’s top nominee comes from Maynard, Massachusetts, where Cubmaster Jarrod Kennedy singled out Rob DeMarino for special recognition as Den Leader of the Week.

Rob DeMarino of Pack 130 Maynard

Maynard Cub Scouts

“Rob has served as a den leader in Pack 130 for several years and most recently graduated eight eager Scouts from the Arrow of Lights into the local BSA Troop,” wrote Kennedy. “Rob provided an excellent environment, instilled the meaning of the Scout Law and Oath, and created many great memories for his cubs.

“After his Scouts crossed over, Rob has remained active in the pack and has volunteered to take on additional responsibilities. People like Rob are why packs and troops are successful.”

#Truth.

But those volunteers turn a successful unit into a superlative organization.

Case in point: Rob DeMarino.

Rob with Scouts for eclipse prep.

“Rob is always willing to help where needed and is happy to do so,” added Kennedy. “I’ve known Rob for almost two years and have not seen him without a smile.

“However, as an Air Force veteran, Rob is also great at grabbing the attention of the cubs when needed!”

That said, it’s not a straightforward veteran voice that keeps the kids’ attention.

“Rob consistently takes the aims of scouting and comes up with creative and fun ways to teach the Cubs,” said Jarrod. “Most recently, Rob put together activities for a solar eclipse pack meeting [as seen above], including glasses for the scouts, a model of the sun and moon, and crafts to create masks for their glasses.”

Congratulations, and thank you to Rob DeMarino of Maynard for all his efforts on behalf of his den, Pack 130, and the Mayflower Council.

Den Leader Appreciation Month

“Den Leaders Light the Way!” Scouters!

This month, we’re celebrating extraordinary leaders. Using your suggestions, the Mayflower Council will recognize our superlative Den Leaders via social media weekly in May. Meanwhile, each officially registered Den Leader in the Council will receive a limited edition commemorative patch! Nominate your best den leaders here.

Den Leader Appreciation: Todd Johnson

As you know, May is Den Leader Appreciation Month in the Mayflower Council.

Today, we recognize Todd Johnson of Pack 748 Medway as our third Den Leader of the Week for May 2024.

Todd Johnson of Pack 748 Medway

Pack 748 Medway

“Todd has the liveliest den in the pack,” wrote Cubmaster Chris McKnerney. “His Scouts like to run around and have a good time, and Todd knows how to plan for that.

“He keeps his meetings short and sweet, and the den meets outside year-round with many outings.

“Todd is incredibly patient and well prepared and contributes to pack planning and activities,” added McKnerney.

While “patience” isn’t part of the Scout Law (yet), Todd’s ability to look beyond the excitement and energy remains a crucial facet of his leadership.

Todd Johnson, Den Leader, Pack 748

“Todd’s planning and patience make him an excellent den leader,” added the pack’s leader. “His den meets more often than the others in the pack because he knows he has to hold the Scouts’ attention.

Meanwhile, and beyond the backyard, Johnson gets his den out and about.

“Todd is great at relating to his lively den, ” said Cubmaster McKnerney. “He takes them on many interesting outings, including trips to the town’s waste management facility, a supermarket, hikes, and even a fish hatchery.”

Congratulations and thank you to Todd Johnson of Medway for all his efforts on behalf of his den, Pack 748, and the Mayflower Council.

Den Leader Appreciation Month

“Den Leaders Light the Way!” Scouters!

And remember to RSVP to the Den Leader Appreciation Extravaganza near you!

Den Leader Appreciation: Matt Schickling

May is Den Leader Appreciation Month in the #MayflowerCouncil. Today, we recognize Matt Schickling of Pack 55 Northborough as our second Den Leader of the Week for May 2024.

Matt Schickling

“Matt’s leadership and investment in youth development is obvious in how he speaks to the scouts and guides them through the program. Word of his leadership has spread through the town, and his den is now almost twenty Cub Scouts strong!” explained Pack 55 Cubmaster Eric Young. “Matt also is a voice for inclusion in Cub Scouting and champions the power of Scouting to transform the lives of ALL youth.”

And with all that said, we hear Matt will be the next Cubmaster of the pack – congratulations!

“Den Leaders Light the Way!” Scouters! It’s time to celebrate some of your extraordinary leaders. Using your suggestions, the Mayflower Council will recognize our superlative Den Leaders via social media weekly in May. Meanwhile, each officially registered Den Leader in the Council will receive a limited edition commemorative patch! Nominate your best den leaders here.

Don’t forget to RSVP to the Den Leader AppreciationCheck Extravaganza near you!

Den Leader Appreciation: Christina Carlson

Mayflower Council celebrates the work of Pack 100 Westborough’s Lions Leader

Christina Carlson of Pack 100 Westborough

It’s Den Leader Appreciation Month in the Mayflower Council. Today, we recognize Christina Carlson of Pack 100 Westborough as our first Den Leader of the Week for May 2024.

“Christina is an AMAZING Den Leader! She is enthusiastic and incredibly organized, dedicating a lot of time and effort to organizing great meetings that our Lions love! She’s great with our youngest Cubs and is very kind and inclusive,” says the nomination from her den. “Christina shows her dedication to the Scouting mission by providing outstanding den meetings and always thinking of new activities that engage the Scouts.”

Meanwhile, each officially registered Den Leader in the Council will receive a limited edition commemorative patch!

Remember, nominate your best den leaders here. Congratulations, Christina, and thank you!

The Doctor Is In (The Spotlight)!

Dr. Sara Grady is the complete package, from land-loving Cub Scouts to shore-loving horseshoe crabs, this amazing volunteer has every living creature’s best interest in mind.

Tiger Den Leader for Pack 47 Plymouth, Sara is a watershed ecologist and — when she is not with her unit — can most often be found in the water, in the woods, on a trail; any place in nature, really.

Of course, those who take a “hike” with Dr. Sara know she will traverse 100 yards in 10 minutes and share more knowledge about plants and animals than they ever thought possible. All of which makes her a perfect person to lead a Den.

Moreover, as a SuperNOVA mentor, Dr. Grady has been an invaluable Mayflower Council resource the past few years, helping to run stations at Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (meanwhile earning BALOO, mind you), volunteering at the Klondike Derby, Webelos Woods, and the Wilderness Survival Camporee.

Currently, Sara works on her Wood Badge ticket by improving the “nature trail” at Camp Squanto.

However, everyone also knows Sara’s hidden talent: a beautiful singing voice often used acapella.

One wonders if both Tigers and and tiger sharks alike would respond equally well to her dulcet tones!

Thank you, Sara, for all your hard work on behalf of your council, district, and unit. Like so many den leaders, you truly shine bright for all of our Scouts.

Fabled Fabion

Adam Fabion paces Pack 56.

A proud Eagle Scout, Adam Fabion of Pack 56 in Holdbrook returned to Scouting when his son joined Cub Scouts as a Tiger.

Of course, Adam immediately became a den leader and started helping to plan the Pack events. Moreover, like many adults in Scouting, Mr. Fabion loves taking the kids hiking and exploring in the woods.

Now that his daughter is also a Cub Scout, Adam again became a den leader and continues to work hard to create unforgettable experiences for the Scouts of Pack 56.

However, Adam’s commitment to Scouting hasn’t stopped with the Cubs in his den and pack – he is also the Committee Chair for Troop 56 and an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 13 G.

Thank you for all your hard work, Adam! Den leaders like you light the way for the next generation of Scouts.

Mary Millette of Den 1 in Pack 3104 in Hudson

Mary the Mentor

Now in her third year in charge of Den 1 (her son Ben’s den; older brother Connor recently crossed over to Scouts BSA, Troop 77 in Hudson), Mary says this year’s highlights include volunteering with “Kylee’s Care Kits” and the “Feed A Neighbor” programs. “I like connecting scouting to our community and providing opportunities for the Scouts to make a difference,” she explained.

Next up was the “Super Science Adventure” and working toward the Up and Away Nova award. “It was great to see the parents and kids work together on science experiments,” added Mary. “This year, we did so much with science between this adventure and the Nova award. I am blown away by what my scouts know and the ideas they bring to the table.”

Finally, attending “Snore and Roar” at the Roger Williams Zoo was very high on Millette’s list.

“But getting to know my scouts and their families” remains the ultimate highlight for Mary.

“We have such a great group of kids,” she explained. “They are funny, eager to learn and help, and have such great ideas.”

Congratulations to Mary and her Pack 3104 Den 1 Bears!