Programme Planning

Effective co-ordination of the programme is important. In rural areas distance may make it difficult for Leaders to come together for programme planning meetings. Telephone conference calls or 'three way calling' may be a more effective way of meeting. There is also the option of using the Internet to help, for example using Instant Messaging or something similar. To help Leaders with their planning, take a look at our Programme Planning Tool.

The Section Team Leader may take on the majority of the planning, both for the monthly meeting and the weekly den meetings, briefing the Assistant Leaders each month.
Make use of the monthly Section meetings to review the previous three weeks' den meetings and to outline/check on what has to be done during the next month. A monthly theme or project would allow for small group work with the den meetings and a ‘climax' activity at the monthly Section Meeting.

Monthly Section meetings could last two to three hours or longer to provide for a range of exciting activities. Involve those parents who bring children. If held on a Saturday in a market town parents may welcome the opportunity to go shopping. Arrange the time and place to suit all concerned. If this is not feasible, hold the monthly meeting in different locations each time.