Den Leaders are not very special people. They're really just like you and me. Oh, just like the rest of us, some may have some special little talents. One may be a whiz at racquetball and another may bake the best bread, but for the most part, Den Leaders are just plain folks.
These people have, however, given a very special gift to our children. This gift is of our most valuable commodity--time. They give of their time to attend training, plan den meetings, meet with other Pack Leaders, do on field trips, look for and try out new ideas, plan picnics and banquets, call parents and play with our boys. Their time well-spent with our sons help to mold Cub Scouts into the type of men we wish them to become--strong in mind and character, responsible, giving men who strive for perfection and possess a desire for continued growth.
We all want the best for our children. Tonight we wish to thank those who have given their best. Would the following people please come forward? (Call the names of the Den Leaders and present them with appropriate items of recognition.)
Cub Scouts are taught that Akela means a good leader. They are instructed to honor Akela by listening to him and following him. Our Akela is our Cubmaster and much can be learned by listening to this man's ideas and following his example of service. He is enthusiastic but tempers his enthusiasm by using as his guideline, the thought, "What is best for the boys?". He is idealistic-believing in reverence and patriotism and tries to set the example for these ideals with the Cubs in our Pack. He gives much of his time and of his energy to ensure the Pack's program appeals to young boys, satisfies their needs, and follows the time-tested policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
We want to honor our Akela tonight and thank him for his guidance and inspiration. (Present appropriate item of recognition to Cubmaster and assistants.)