DON’T FORGET THE DENNER
◆ The Denner is probably the most neglected and forgotten leader in Cub Scouting. Yet he is one of the most important links between other Cub Scout leaders and the Cub Scouts themselves.
The Denner is elected by the boys. While their standards may be different from the standards of adults, you can probably trust them to select the boy whose leadership they are most ready to accept.
If there is any influencing of the election, probably the best point to bring out is that the older boy with more experience is usually the best.
Usually the term of office is not long. However, there is no specific limit. If the term is not too long, more boys will have an opportunity to practice leadership. On the other hand, if it is too short, no Denner serves long enough to become a really helpful leader.
HIS RESPONSIBILITIES
The Denner is the right-hand man of the Den Chief. Here are a few of the responsibilities which the Denner in most Dens can and should assume:
1. Arrive early to prepare meeting place.
2. Meet with Den Chief and Den Mother to go over last minute plans for the meeting.
3. There are times when he can lead games or songs. This will require coaching from the Den Chief, and also some backing during the activity.
4. He often keeps and reads the Den diary although in some Dens another member of the Den carries on this responsibility.
5. He can also help with simpler ceremonies. For example, he should lead the Grand Howl and Living Circle. When the Den repeats the Den Promise and the Law of the Pack, he is the logical leader.
HIS BADGE OF OFFICE
The Denner wears his Denner’s Stripe six inches below his left shoulder seam. An Assistant Denner wears a single stripe in the same position.
The Denner relinquishes the badge of office when he no longer holds that office. Only one boy in the Den wears the Denner’s stripes at any one time. Explain to the Den that Denner’s Stripes are not an award for service but a badge to designate the boy who holds the office. It should be presented to the boy at a ceremony either at a Den Meeting or a regular Pack Meeting.
SOME GENERAL TIPS
1. If the office is to seem important and worthwhile, the Denner must have an active part in the leadership of Den activities.
2. Sometimes a boy becomes a little overbearing. You may have to tone him down a bit, and make clear to him that one mark of a good leader is to lead in such a way that folks like to follow.
3. Make the election of a Denner an important matter. Discuss it thoroughly. Make clear to the boys that the boy they elect will definitely be their leader once he is elected and they are then expected to follow him.
4. Recognize the Denner. A bit of recognition will make his leadership more helpful.
5. The Den Chief and the Den Mother should see that the Denner has a happy experience. If the boys do not follow his leadership, it will tend to discourage him from further leadership efforts.