Den Chief
In Fred’s words
Den chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout den leader or Webelos den leader. They are selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, and approved by the cubmaster and the pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. Den chiefs help Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourage Cub Scouts to join a troop upon graduation.
- Be reliable, such as being at the den and pack meetings early
- Take Den Chief Training online or conducted by your district or council
- Take the Den Chief Pledge
- Maintain patience and a positive attitude
- Understand the needs of Cub Scouts in the den, such as being sensitive to the needs of all members of your den based on their characteristics
- Provide encouragement to the Scout in your den
- Give instruction to youth who require special attention
- Understand the Methods of Cub Scouting: Living the ideals, Belonging to a den, Advancement, Family Involvement, Activities, Serving the Neighborhood, and Uniform
- Help the den leader with den meetings.
- Help lead activities, games, and ceremonies.
- Help the members learn to be leaders.
- Reflect the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
- Set a good example as a role model.
- Share knowledge of the outdoors.
- Encourage Cub Scouts and Arrow of Light Scouts to move on to the next Scouting level.
- Support the Denner/Assistant Denner
Does it count for rank?
Positions that count for Star and Life: patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, OA troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster and outdoor ethics guide.
Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Scouting America, December 2025) · Scout troop positions, Star and LifeCollected and written by Fred W. Kimball, Troop 7 Scoutmaster from 1987 to 2003, who kept the troop's website for many years. Brought here with his blessing, in his words. Rank, advancement and position-of-responsibility rules are named here in our own short words; the wording is Scouting America’s, and each one links to where it says it.