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Basic Information

What is a Den Chief?

A Den Chief is a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer assisting a Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos Scout den. The Den Chief assists the den leader with meetings; helps lead activities, games, and ceremonies; helps Cub Scouts learn to be leaders; sets a good example; and encourages Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts and Webelos to become Boy Scouts.

The Den Chief has the following responsibilities:

  • Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Be the activities assistant at den meetings.
  • Set a good example in your attitude and uniform.
  • Take part in weekly den meetings.
  • Assist the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting program.
  • Be a friend to the boys in the den.
  • Know the importance of the monthly theme.
  • Meet as needed with the adult leaders of the den, pack, and troop.

Who can be a Den Chief?

Basic requirements:

  • Be a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer.
  • Be mature enough to handle the job (for Boy Scouts, usually at least First Class rank).

Why are Den Chiefs such a great idea?

Because everybody wins!

  • The Pack and Den get a helping hand. Den Chiefs can help teach the Scouting skills they’ve learned, and they can bring great enthusiasm and spirit to the job.
  • The Cub Scouts get a role model who can teach them skills and inspire them to keep following the Scouting trail.
  • The Den Chief can use this position for Boy Scout advancement or Crew recognition. More importantly, the Den Chief gains leadership experience, gains teaching skills, and builds confidence.
  • The Troop or Crew gets the perfect opportunity to recruit future members from the Cub Scout program.

How does the Den Chief program work?

  • The Pack and Troop/Crew work together to recruit Den Chiefs.
  • A Den Chief is selected by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster or by the Crew President and Advisor.
  • A Den Chief should be approved by the Cubmaster and Pack Committee, after which the Cubmaster will help match each Den Chief with a den.
  • Every Den Chief should get trained!
  • The Den Chief attends den and pack meetings and other den/pack activities. The Den Leader should give the Den Chief meaningful assignments to help run activities.
  • A Den Chief is recognized right away with the Den Chief patch and cord.
  • After a year of service, the Den Chief can earn the Den Chief Service Award.

Training Courses

Online Version

Every Den Chief should start by taking the BSA’s online training. It covers the roles and responsibilities of a Den Chief, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Live Training

It’s a lot more fun to take Den Chief training in person! This half-day course is a great chance to meet fellow Den Chiefs, share ideas, and “learn by doing.” Here’s what it covers:

  • The roles and responsibilities of a Den Chief
  • Tips for working with Cub Scouts
  • Games, songs, and other fun activities that you can bring back to your den

Adult leaders are also welcome to sit in and learn how a Den Chief can help your den or pack.

We have four courses on the calendar, all on Saturday mornings. Registration is open for three of them:

Other Resources

  • The Den Chief Handbook is available for purchase at the Scout Store (call ahead first to make sure it’s in stock). It’s also available whenever we offer a live Den Chief training course.
  • The Tiger Cub Handbook, Wolf Handbook, Bear Handbook, and Webelos Handbook are also useful tools.
  • Requirements for the Den Chief Service Award
  • Boy Scout Trail is one of many websites loaded with songs, skits, games, and other activities to do with Cub Scouts.
  • Macscouter.com has a useful guide for Den Leaders to help them work effectively with Den Chiefs.

The Den Chief Pledge

I promise to help the boys in my den to the best of my ability; to encourage, guide, and protect them in all den and pack activities; and to show them by my example what Boy Scouts of America stands for.

I will strive to be prompt and dependable, and to cooperate with the leaders in carrying out the den program.

As each boy becomes eligible to move along the Cub Scouting trail, I will encourage him and do all in my power to interest him in someday becoming a Boy Scout.

Purposes of Cub Scouting

  • Character development
  • Spiritual growth
  • Good citizenship
  • Sportsmanship and fitness
  • Family understanding
  • Respectful relationships
  • Personal achievement
  • Friendly service
  • Fun and adventure
  • Preparation for Boy Scouts

Den Chief’s Uniform

  • Troop or crew uniform
  • Den Chief patch on left sleeve
  • Cub Scout den chief cord or Webelos den chief cord on left shoulder
  • If you’ve taken Den Chief training, you can wear the Trained patch on the left sleeve below the Den Chief patch