A leadership opportunity for Boy Scouts at least 13 and a star or higher rank.

Den Chiefs: Assist Cub Scout Den/Webelos Leaders for one year. Usually assigned by the Troop Parent Committee. Training by District or Troop/Pack Leader is necessary to become a Den Chief.

The Troop policy on Den Chiefs is simple - first each Den Chief must be at least 13 and a star or higher in rank (he may work as a Den Chief while a First Class Scout but he needs to advance to Star Rank during his Den Chief assignment). Second, each Den Chief must be trained as a Den Chief during the Council's yearly Pow-Wow (usually in March). Third, no Den Chief can be working in a den which a younger brother is a member. The Den Chiefs are assigned in a reverse order as to the type of Den they will work with. They will be assigned to a Webelos Patrol first and then a Bear and so on. Each boy must understand that this is a yearlong commitment and should be honored as such. Each boy assigned as a Den Chief must also attend Troop meetings on a regular basis. The Troop Committee will approve all the assignments and all Den Chief assignments require Scoutmaster approval.

The Pack should be aware that although the Troop encourages Scouts to participate in the Den Chief program, it's not a requirement for the boys. It's an optional leadership opportunity (see service time below). Dens desiring a Den Chief should make their requests to the Troop early and assignments will be based on volunteers.

Serving as a Den Chief fulfills Troop leadership service time as follows:

• Star Rank - While a First Class Scout serve 4 months actively (Reqr. 5)
• Life Rank - While a Star Scout serve 6 months actively (Reqr. 5)
• Eagle Rank - While a Life Scout serve 6 months actively (Reqr. 4)

At training the scout receives a Den Chief Handbook and Trained Patch. The book is used to log the scout's time. The District training fee will be paid for by the pack (about $15). The pack will also provide the Scout with his braid while he is a Den Chief. The scout will wear a Blue & Gold Braid while serving as a Den Chief of a Cub Den or a Red, Blue & Gold Braid while serving as a Webelos Den Chief. The shoulder cords are less then $2.00.

The scout is presented with the Red, White & Blue Braid (Den Chief Service Award) when he fulfills his requirements. This award is also provided by the Pack and presented at a Troop Court of Honor.

The Den Chief Service Award
Summary of Requirements - Boy Scouts of America